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I am on my own here, but I use the K-40 and have never had a ticket with it (years of use). My friend was getting tickets left and right in his Porsche, I talked him into getting the K-40 and he has not had another one.
As far as detection I think they are too close to make any real difference. I think it depends on your driving style and what info you like to know about. If you like knowing where the red light cameras are in unfamiliar territory or the ability to memorize and filter signals in familiar territory, then the 9500 is the detector for you. If you prefer knowing what directions the signals are and which is the most hazardous, then the V1 is the detector for you.
Most of my driving is on the highway or country roads and I like knowing what direction the most hazardous signal is. I tend to be conservative in town and don’t push the yellow lights or speed limits. I turn the volume down in town and rely on the visual info.
I was a diehard escort user for over 20 years and still think it’s a great product. I bought every new model when it came out. When I bought my corvette it seems there were a lot of positive reviews on the V1 so, I thought I should give it a try. For my driving style and conditions I prefer the information the V1 provides.
V1 here. Once you get used to the bogey counter (and how it can save your bacon) and the arrows, you will never go back.
I must respectfully disagree with a previous poster.
I prefer function over form and don't care how a radar detector performs in a beauty contest.
And Yes, these two features are worth the extra $100
The reason I don't see the $100 value of the 'arrows' is that when the detector goes off, I'm on the brakes -- period. I don't care WHERE the radar source is... the V1's directional distinction abilities are not 100% accurate, so its not worth the risk for me to ASSUME I know where the signal's source is, and disregard the warning. If the detector is alerting me, the 'safe' play is to assume I am being (or am about to be) clocked, and check my speed, regardless of the radar source direction.
Its personal choice about aesthetics... but when given a choice between two products that work equally well at their primary task, I'll choose the better looking one -- ESPECIALLY when its something I have to look at every time I get in the car. (and personally, I find the Escorts signal strength display larger and thus easier to read at a glance, but that's just my personal preference)
Cheers,
Kent
PS: I'm just stating my personal opinions on what I find useful... I'm definitely NOT saying the people who prefer the V1 are wrong. I appreciate that we can all keep our discussions about this on a civil tone.
Radar detectors are all about situational awareness. By far the best on the market at providing the most information is the V1. From the strength meter, bogey counter, arrows and front and rear antennas it does not get any better. The arrows have been dead on acurate in my experience. It allows you to react properly to the threat instead of just hitting the brakes.
FYI, don't ignore K band. Last month I noticed the Oregon State Patrol using it again.
Radar detectors are all about situational awareness. By far the best on the market at providing the most information is the V1. From the strength meter, bogey counter, arrows and front and rear antennas it does not get any better. The arrows have been dead on acurate in my experience. It allows you to react properly to the threat instead of just hitting the brakes.
FYI, don't ignore K band. Last month I noticed the Oregon State Patrol using it again.
Mr. Myers:
You must be a Boeing guy. Is that a 787 is your avitar? When is the release date? I am not a pilot or in the industry - I am a long haul frequent flyer. I use Singapore Air 90% of my miles.