Is Valentine 1 still the best radar detector today?
 

I currently have 2 Valentine 1 radar detectors, about 15 yrs & 10 yrs old.
Works great so far.
But before I hardwire it to my C7, was wondering if there's a better detector avail today, at a better price.
I can send the 10 yr old unit in to get an upgraded circuitry for $200.
Or better to buy a brand new unit, or another brand?
I see others (ex: Escort Passport for $180...) selling for less.

Advice...?
Thanks,

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-detector.html

Will get you some good info. The short answer was "no".

I'm partial to Escort Passport detectors. If you do reuse your old V1 unit I would definitely have it updated before relying on it too heavily...it's just so 80's and ugly looking though :ack:

:iagree:u

I've used the k40 for 20 yrs first in my 95M3,09CTS V and know in my 2015 Z51 cost some what more but it's undetected and comes with remote,also has a laser Deflector

It is still one of the best, along with the Escort Redline and the Beltronics STi-R+. The Escort Max and Max2 are up there but do have some inconsistencies in their performance. You still cannot go wrong getting a Valentine One. However, I would trade your detectors in for the newest versions that have the best performance and can use the bluetooth communication devices to use with applications on smartphones (V1 connection and V1 connection LE). BTW, even with the extras, the V1 is still the cheapest of this bunch.


Cheers.

Lot's of good reports on the V1. But when it comes to Instant On, VASCAR, speed cameras, etc, even the most sensitive detector won't do you much good... speeding -> beep! -> you're caught :cool: -> pay fine. That's why I think detectors which [also] have a dedicated Network, like the Passport Max and Max2 have an edge. Just my opinion of course.

i have a V1 that has the latest updates, the flase k signal from junk signal or car frontal warning systems ( or whatever there called)now being used is annoying, i also have a Passport 9500ix that with it's gps pretty much eliminates those falses. Still think the arrows on the V1 are invaluable.

Bogey counters are hard to beat.

I couldn't have said it better. The warning systems on newer cars drives the V1 crazy. The only reason I keep the V1 is because of the arrows.

get it updated. if you sold the older one, you could possibly pay for part of the update to the other one.

The Traffic Monitor Filter feature of the V1 can help a lot. Try it out.


Cheers.

Very interesting info; haven't been to the V1 site in quite awhile. Apparently, they want my $199, too. :yesnod: :lol:

So should I pay $199 for the upgrade?
Or give old V1 to my son & pay $180 for new Passport Escort...?

Thanks i will check it out.

I would buy the regular 9500ix Escort and then add the escort live.
Works with your phone and tells you of the cops on the road that
are sitting that have either been marked by another user.
OR using radar on an another escort with live.
You just need to hit a button and all live users on that road know
right now he is there.

Even points a arrow at him when you go by. Tells you how many feet away the threat is. lot of users around here
helps your chances of being warned big time.



Beyond the radar detector alone your using.

9500 ix has 1-2 mile range which is plenty more is a waste and unneeded
alarm. Also has every RED light camera and speed camera warning
build in. Forget the old V1!

Just because it says "Escort" doesn't mean it's better. The Passport is the lowest performance model in their lineup and your 10 year old V1 will out perform it. Don't waste your money on a Passport.

If money is a concern then upgrade your V1, it's the lowest cost solution and will get you performance that will exceed what you need to defeat most radar situations. The difference between the top tier units is very small and although everyone wants "The Best", sometimes using something you are familiar with can save your butt quicker than having "The Best" only to be confused by the way it responds......

I've been a V1 fan since they came out and Escort was sold to Cobra/Belltronics. Escort has upped their game and the new units are very capable but I stick with what I know. Those who casually use their V1's need to take a look at the programming section. Most of the false alarms from vehicle collision systems can be programmed out without seriously impacting performance. There's nothing magical about the way Escort handles this issue, they just do a better job of explaining it.

As I said above, I'd pay the $199. But, if you really just have to get something new, at least Costco is cooperating. They have an Esc.Passp. 9500ix bundle, on-line only, 11/27-12/1, $380. Maybe you can find it less somewhere, but Costco stands behind its electronics with returns imo.

Im seeing it online for $429.99 you have a coupon or something?

http://tgiblackfriday.com/Costco/Esc...or-Bundle-deal