RKCRLR

I have a V1 and use the YaV1 app. There it is a little bit of a learning curve for the app but it opens up a lot of enhancements. You loose a few features if the V1 is not connected to the phone via Bluetooth (GPS lockouts, some muting features, SAVVY speed feature if you don't buy the separate SAVVY unit, etc.). However, the YaV1 app can run in the background so you don't loose any phone features when it is connected. The Uniden R3 is getting good reviews but it doesn't have the directional arrows (as far as I know - haven't really looked at it). I really like directional arrows for situational awareness.

Alienspecies

If you want the best radar detector on the market that does exactly what it says it does, always has and always will. Then get a Valentine 1.

Each person will tell you the one they use is the best and I went through all of this when I did my shopping. If you want flashy smart phone app things with gps and updates and UFO responsive software or shiny lights with stuff no one understands like Ka/Ghz and other nonsense on it that can go wrong, then go buy whatever..

You will, I promise you, get caught up in "updates" software issues, and god knows what else with companies continuously playing catch up, and often failing, against a company who is the industry leader. They all try and sell you with bells and whistles and so much crap you don't need. Why do you think they try so hard to make a better product by adding all that BS? Why do you think Valentine1 doesn't bother and try to add all that other crap?

I won't trash any other RD by name, but I will say I've seen sooooooooo many people waste money to buy x RD just to trash it later to buy a Valentine1. (If I had a nickel)

Rickmd

Also check out Whistler Pro-3600. Available from Amazon for $235. Modular system so you can add features such as rear facing radar or location of red lite speed readers. No cables show. I located display screen above rear view mirror. Radar/lazer sensor can be located in left brake cooling duct. Unit is programable for lazer pulse rate and radar frequency sensitivity. When it says 34.7 (police radar frequency) you had better take note!! It hasn't missed yet.

vbdenny

I've had several over the years and the Valentine 1 is the best. It's the arrows. As someone else said V1 and WAZE and NFP and you are very safe. I was up in Baltimore and as I went over the Bay Bridge, a white Suburban passed me moving at a brisk clip. He had one of the cop stickers on the back window so I tucked in behind him and rolled all the way to Salisbury on US 50 making excellent time. Huge vehicle ahead complete with cop sticker is an excellent rabbit.

bigsapper

360 doesn't require an app but it does have one and it's a good tool to use also.

Alienspecies

Thanks Dad.

MikeyTX

So true !

TOMZ07

Sounds like me, hide in the right and pass in the left.

TOMZ07

Very true. I am always scaning the road when i drive. Knock on wood i guess that is why i have not had a ticket in over 20 years. Choose your time carefully when to speed and when to back off

wonka12_98

I have an Escort 9100 and it has served me well over the last few years. I could care a less what direction the signal is coming from. When I hear the alert I SLOW DOWN to the legal speed limit. The GPS helps with the false alarms and works well. It's also warns me about red light cameras. I don't make it a point to run stop lights but it's good to know when you are approaching one so you don't take any chances.

TOMZ07

Thanks for clearing that up. I was concerned about loosing phone features.

MikeyTX

Uh Huh .......... Coming back from Spring Mtn. the other week, I dropped in behind two SUV's running at high speed across I-40 in AZ. Let them get a good 1/4 mile out front. Just east of Holbrook the lead got popped. Me, I had plenty of warning and was running just a tick over the speed limit when I passed passed the second trooper sitting with his lights out in the median.

MikeyTX

I use my Escort mainly for the two lanes. In so many of the western states the speed limit will drop in a heart beat from 75 to 55 to 35 approaching the small farming/ranching communities.

Vortex Radar

It used to be true that you needed an Android phone, back when YaV1 was the only option. However, since then, V1Driver has come out too which adds the same functionality to iPhone users. The apps do a great job of adding the extra functionality to the V1 and working in the background as well. It takes a little more work to get it to always reconnect in the background automatically with Android, but iOS is smoother in this regard.

tv_dir

I had the Valentine 1 for years in my c6. But for the c7 I went 100% ***** to the wall. I have the top of the line Escort. It is both a radar detector and a Laser Jammer which is neatly tucked away under the hood mounted on the engine block. The two Jammers are placed under the grill on Each side... Just below the lights. To make the install complete, I had the cigarette lighter removed, and they Placed the two small displays inside.. And yes, when I close the lighter door NOTHING can be seen or heard heard.

Now the downside... The whole thing cost me $2000 bucks!But if got the cashola... It's well worth it.

DrDyno

Here is my $.02 on the subject (only cause you asked, Tom).

I have been using Escort 8500 X50's for 16 or 17 years. While they don't have the latest USB or phone App technologies, they are user friendly, excellent radar detectors and you can still find them new for under $300.00.

The problem with all radar detectors is most driver's put too much faith in them. As "rbartick" was the first to point out in Post #26... you need to keep your head in the game. Additionally, if you hear the Laser warning from your radar/laser detector, it's already too late. Radar is a wide angle, non-specific signal. Laser has to be aimed like a gun. If you're tagged by Laser, it means you were specifically aimed at and hit.

So, if you REALLY want to protect yourself, a good, old 8500 X50 radar detector along with a set of Blinder Extreme Laser Jammers (which are legal and have saved my sorry *** many times!) will keep you safe 99% of the time. Neither will protect you from the chase car you missed or (as we have in Florida) the occasional overhead aircraft timing you through a measured distance.

I tried a V1 and found its many options and annoying arrows to be ridiculously confusing. I sent it back within 10 days and plugged my trusty 8500 X50 back in. I still use it in my C7 and will be installing the Blinder Extreme setup from my old Solara coupe.

Tom, I haven't had a speeding ticket in 32 years (including almost ten years on crotch rockets). And, if I take rbartick's advice and keep my head in the game, I don't expect any in the future. Bottom line... keep it simple, Tom!

TOMZ07

Sounds awesome. My friends call me inspector gadget. Now you got my wheels turning. lol

TOMZ07

Good info

patb23

I had the 9500ci with front and rear laser shifters on my M5. That system saved me from getting a few tickets. I since traded in that car for my current z06 and recently got the passport max 360. its normally $650 but found it last wk on amazon for $550. Havent taken it on an extensive road trip yet but I do like all the features it has when you use the app. I also use waze app when I go on my road trips.

FYI... I just checked amazon and looks like they still have it for $550.

Walt White Coupe

I could care a less what direction the signal is coming from. When I hear the alert I SLOW DOWN to the legal speed limit.