I am looking to get a radar for my car, not that i speed all the time but sometimes when there is room to go i like to move. Anyone have any experience with the Valentine One? From my research that is what I have been told is the way to go, esp. because they are upgradeable. What are your opinions?

 

Valentine One.
The best system on the market.

 

I love Escort/Beltronics products. I have a Bletronics RX65 and would recommend that or the GX65 for the GPS capabilities. I hear so many people with the V1 I wanted to try something different. I don't 100% buy the V1 fanboyness, it is probably pretty good but they seem to have a following and I don't like to follow others just because. I did some research and leaned towards the RX65, it's not perfect but has saved my butt quite a few times and has alerted well before the basic cobras and other cheaper units. I don't want to arbitrarily take anything away from the V1 but honestly I also think it's butt ugly too.

 

I would also say the V1 is the best, however I like the Beltronics RX65 better, and have been using it for a while. I have been driving with Radar for over 30 years now, but to be honest i think the days of using it are coming to an end, there are alot of things coming out that will make it obsolete, another reason why you may think twice about the V1 even through they can upgrade it. Look around at different things, more so if you have an Iphone.

 

Hi. I vote for V1. First week it saved me from a CHP radar. It is more sensitive at longer ranges than other units, can be upgraded for software at no cost for life, and repairs if damaged are thourogh, very low cost and quick on the turn-around. Try the rest than try the best i.m.o.

 

I faithfully use a Beltronic rx65. I believe it is an excellent detector for the price ($299). Escort/Beltronic (same company) also pioneered the GPS Radar detector technology. This warns you of any red light or fixed radar traps.
They have recently come out with a GPS radar detector that offers all in one GPS mapping. This means it takes the place of your Garmin or Tom Tom.
Valentine hangs it hat on offering direction arrows that tell you where the radar is coming from. To my knowledge, they have not addressed fixed/red light camera threats or combining multiple technologies.

 

I've been using a Valentine One for several years. It is upgradeable and also shows the type, direction and number of bogeys pointing radar at you at any one time including laser. I've had situations where troopers were hiding in a couple of different locations on the highway hoping you'd relax after passing the first only to be snagged by one just up the road. The V1 showed both and the directions of each.

Although the V1 will pick up Lidar (laser), if it's displaying on the receiver, it's already too late. Laser systems are essentially instantaneous since they are static point-shoot-and-read in that they only take milliseconds to register your speed. The Lidar user does have to be stationary though so can't shoot you on the move from a patrol car. The only systems I've seen that are effective against laser is the Blinder M27/M47 laser detector/jammers. A few members on the Corvette forum I frequent have these and have successfully tested them in actual conditions.

 

I love my escort passport 8500 x50

Payed for itself within a week of ownership twice over. The only reason i didn't go with the valentine is because its FUGLY imo.

I have been extremely pleased with it and catches EVERYTHING. i do have my eye on the new 9500xi with the GPS, going passed shopping centers is annoying.

 

Escort Passport 9500ix is the best for me, I travel quiet a bit and has saved me many times, that and the convinience of the GPS make it extremely useful

 

As long as it is one of the better units they will all pay for themselves eventually. I know of countless times it has saved me.

 

Beltronics user for 5 years here. I got one of the lower end models where the range is not as great as the higher end ones but it works well on the highway but useless in the city. I need to look into one of those GPS red light camera enabled ones. I got a red light camera ticket this month for not coming to a complete stop before doing a right turn.... bummer!

 

Hey do any of you guys know if purchasing a detector while being in Germany would be a good idea?

 

I have the 8500 x50 hardwired to the moonroof power panel at the base of the mirror. I've had Escorts since the early 90's and they work great.
But you still have to pay attention to the road as LIDAR is short range and
they like to sit with their windows open and lazer you at about 200 ft.
Remember Lazer does not work in the rain & snow and be aware of what looks like a parked or broken down car with a guy standing at the open hood or door_BAM and your clocked. They can't get a good reading on a car with a Colgan bra as it absorbes & scatters the returning lazer beam too much..
My 3 Ecsort radar detector are worth >$10,000 as I drove 40K miles for 27 years as a marketing manager.

 

8500 x50. I have had it for 5 years now. It was the best investment ever. Never had a problem with the unit. It self calibrates every once in a while, which is great. Always picked up a signal where there was a cop and it isnt too sensitive in major cities where store radar can set these off.

 

Valentine used to be the best, no question. But not necessarily any more. Read the reviews at http://www.radardetector.org/ and http://radardetectorreviews.net/

I use an Escort.

 

http://www.valentinetwo.com (seriously check it out and read all the reviews, that's good hardcore unbiased semi-scientific info)

I have used Cobras, Whistlers, Escorts and Valentines; I don't condone speeding but I understand the want of situational awareness and the need for an occasional reminder, and in that case I'd recommend the Valentine or the Escort Redline for the best performance, and the Escort 9500ix for the most convenience; If you're on a budget check out the Factory refurbished Escort 8500s and the Beltronics V9xx series (higher the number the better there). The Redline and STi Driver have some features for those wanting RF stealth and the 9500ci tromps the Qi45 with a night and day difference, if you can find a good working STi-R consider it to be gold.

I personally rely on a V1 day to day and occasionaly supplement it to achieve "Arrows with Spec mode" and yes I'm to the point where the frequency of the radar is important, also I'm a fan of layering and supplement with Trapster and a CB as well as read up on the tactics used in various locales.

 

I've been a Valentine One user for the past 7 years and I can't speak highly enough about them. It's saved my @ss on countless occasions and the bogey counter and arrows are invaluable. Their customer services is top notch and the ability to upgrade/update when a revision comes out is also great. V1 FTW .

 

Why is it that these detectors are becoming obsolete? What is replacing them?
(looking for a radar detector too...but want to be "current")
Thanks