Radar Detectors
No, I am making my decision based on what FIVE people said. They didn't all write a review, they just threw out their vote.
Yes I did read your links, but I trust the people that are ALL telling me to go with V1.
^ he even says that the V1 beats his passports. I listen to people in the real world more often than reviewers. I have just had the best luck with things that my friends suggest, even if the reviews say the item sucks.
Only 2 people in this thread have voted for passport: tuffluk, and bad_408_vert. So yea, if I was basing my decision off of what two people voted for I would be going with a passport.
Yes I did read your links, but I trust the people that are ALL telling me to go with V1.
^ he even says that the V1 beats his passports. I listen to people in the real world more often than reviewers. I have just had the best luck with things that my friends suggest, even if the reviews say the item sucks.
Only 2 people in this thread have voted for passport: tuffluk, and bad_408_vert. So yea, if I was basing my decision off of what two people voted for I would be going with a passport.
you clearly didn't read those expert reviews i posted either. experts actually go out in the field and test the units and come up with statistics like which detector picked up the signal the furthest away, which gives the driver enough time to react, which one has the fewest false alarms, etc. the passport won in all those categories. who cares what FIVE people you ask say when the real statistics that matter are something an end-user like me or them will never know.
i don't have any personal investment with what radar detector you purchase, the v1 is still good even, it was just a really silly and naive way to come to your conclusion--because the majority says and all that "expert" stuff is just BS.
Last edited by tuffluck; May 25, 2010 at 01:34 PM.
I have a Cobra , and it basically keeps me alert. Ive owned for a few years now and with the regular K bands it does a good job and I slow down in time, But now in my area the state police all have the Lasers which ( like the others ) makes a noise like something is about to self destruct. This year I have gotten pulled over twice, one warning and one speeding. Both by laser.
I dont even use my detector anymore since it useless against them and Ive just been driving smarter than relying on it and Ive been good since. If you are going on a long road trip, Do what I do and have your passenger use binoculars to scoop out the road ahead, slow down over bridges and long blind corners. It helps more than you would think. Also Trapster.com and a police scanner are good to have. Makes the trip more fun and youll get there faster. My average drive to school was about 4 hours or so just driving alone and I made it in a little over 3 hours with a passenger with binoculars a scanner and trapster running in the background on my phone.
The next radar I will be getting is a K40 with diffusers to block radar/laser. But it comes with the pricetag.
I dont even use my detector anymore since it useless against them and Ive just been driving smarter than relying on it and Ive been good since. If you are going on a long road trip, Do what I do and have your passenger use binoculars to scoop out the road ahead, slow down over bridges and long blind corners. It helps more than you would think. Also Trapster.com and a police scanner are good to have. Makes the trip more fun and youll get there faster. My average drive to school was about 4 hours or so just driving alone and I made it in a little over 3 hours with a passenger with binoculars a scanner and trapster running in the background on my phone.
The next radar I will be getting is a K40 with diffusers to block radar/laser. But it comes with the pricetag.
Thanks for all of the helpful replies. I will be looking for a used V1 based on what has been said about them. I already knew that this was probably what I would be told, but I thought I would check to see if there were other better suggestions. Too bad they are so expensive new (and used). LoL I guess since they are that good they can be that expensive though.
actually the guy said his friend's v1 beats his own passport. that's two different people and two different cars, how the hell does he know it beats his passport?
you clearly didn't read those expert reviews i posted either. experts actually go out in the field and test the units and come up with statistics like which detector picked up the signal the furthest away, which gives the driver enough time to react, which one has the fewest false alarms, etc. the passport won in all those categories. who cares what FIVE people you ask say when the real statistics that matter are something an end-user like me or them will never know.
i don't have any personal investment with what radar detector you purchase, the v1 is still good even, it was just a really silly and naive way to come to your conclusion--because the majority says and all that "expert" stuff is just BS.
you clearly didn't read those expert reviews i posted either. experts actually go out in the field and test the units and come up with statistics like which detector picked up the signal the furthest away, which gives the driver enough time to react, which one has the fewest false alarms, etc. the passport won in all those categories. who cares what FIVE people you ask say when the real statistics that matter are something an end-user like me or them will never know.
i don't have any personal investment with what radar detector you purchase, the v1 is still good even, it was just a really silly and naive way to come to your conclusion--because the majority says and all that "expert" stuff is just BS.
And before you try and jump on my case again, I said I prefer the V1 over my old passport. I had several issues with my passport, which someone else also mentioned. Also V1 offers upgrades whenever there is a new technology, so you don't have to spend money on a completely new detector.
Also your argument about animals jumping in the road...now who is adding variables?! I merely mentioned that it is best to draw the least amount of attention to yourself if you are already in a car that cops tend to pick out of the crowd....does it work all the time...NO. Have I gotten tickets before? yes, but definitely alot fewer than I would have (both detectors have saved me from them). That being said, I don't really care what some magazine/review says when I have my own personal experience with the two brands.
I've seen all over the place when people on car forums argue about 0-60 and 1/4 mile times that car magazines publish...does that mean they have to be right since it got published? No, but on that day, on that test, that was the result. And they are just as much experts in their field as your experts from your reviews you posted.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
You guys may be missing an important point. All of the top-tier radar detectors provide more than enough warning for day to day use. Under decent conditions, they will all provide warning of a radar gun long before you can even see the LEO. So it often comes down to features and price when choosing a particular brand. I would not include Cobra in this group and many of the Uniden and Beltronics detectors are cheap and ineffective as well.
Many V1 owners swear by the arrows as the best feature. They are unique and they provide a comforting indication of the direction of a threat. But they are unnecessary if you are experienced with radar detectors and you need other features that the V1 doesn't provide. With experience, you can easily determine the direction of a radar source by listening to the alerts. For example, if the alert rapidly gets stronger, you can tell that the source is in front of you. Conversely, if the alert is intermittent but consistent strength, the source is in a car behind you.
Some people really like the GPS feature of Passport detectors because it is very effective at filtering out false alerts. Some people like the option of connecting laser jammers. Personally, I wanted a remote detector that mounts outside the vehicle with only a small head unit hidden inside (effective and very unlikely to get stolen or to prompt people to follow you assuming protection). That's why I had a K40 and later upgraded to a SR7.
I have used each of the brands I mentioned at one time or another and I haven't had a ticket in more than 30 years. The detectors helped but driving smart is the most important thing.
Many V1 owners swear by the arrows as the best feature. They are unique and they provide a comforting indication of the direction of a threat. But they are unnecessary if you are experienced with radar detectors and you need other features that the V1 doesn't provide. With experience, you can easily determine the direction of a radar source by listening to the alerts. For example, if the alert rapidly gets stronger, you can tell that the source is in front of you. Conversely, if the alert is intermittent but consistent strength, the source is in a car behind you.
Some people really like the GPS feature of Passport detectors because it is very effective at filtering out false alerts. Some people like the option of connecting laser jammers. Personally, I wanted a remote detector that mounts outside the vehicle with only a small head unit hidden inside (effective and very unlikely to get stolen or to prompt people to follow you assuming protection). That's why I had a K40 and later upgraded to a SR7.
I have used each of the brands I mentioned at one time or another and I haven't had a ticket in more than 30 years. The detectors helped but driving smart is the most important thing.
i just wish i hadn't wasted my time giving the OP legit responses if he was just going to choose based on majority--he should have just done a poll. that's the point i was making. there is no reason to ask for opinions if you really just want to pick the most popular. :shrug:
That is one of the primary reasons I bought a V1. It is the ONLY detector I have ever owned, and very possibly the only one I will ever own. How many other detectors on the market can people say that about?
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Verdad Gallardo Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
There's nothing wrong with that as long as you're satisfied with what you have but it's hardly a recommendation.
All that says to me is that you haven't done comparisons. It's like somebody saying "I've never bought anything but a Chevy and I never will"... head in the sand philosophy.
There's nothing wrong with that as long as you're satisfied with what you have but it's hardly a recommendation.
There's nothing wrong with that as long as you're satisfied with what you have but it's hardly a recommendation.
well, i see it as this.. the detector will help a little.. but, during my road trip from GA to NJ and back..I saw about 50 cars get pulled over from unmarked cars.. i would be cruising along and bam.. KA 5 or whatever... or bam laser!!! from a normal looking charger even a blacked out mustang!! i can't afford BS tickets... so i just go like 9mph over the posted limit.. but i do use a cobra..
"Many V1 owners swear by the arrows as the best feature. They are unique and they provide a comforting indication of the direction of a threat. But they are unnecessary if you are experienced with radar detectors and you need other features that the V1 doesn't provide. With experience, you can easily determine the direction of a radar source by listening to the alerts. For example, if the alert rapidly gets stronger, you can tell that the source is in front of you. Conversely, if the alert is intermittent but consistent strength, the source is in a car behind you."
"All that says to me is that you haven't done comparisons. It's like somebody saying "I've never bought anything but a Chevy and I never will"... head in the sand philosophy."
There's nothing wrong with that as long as you're satisfied with what you have but it's hardly a recommendation.
There's nothing wrong with that as long as you're satisfied with what you have but it's hardly a recommendation.
Red light cameras?
You might want to try owning a V1 White, as it too has a signal strength bar and also has the solid or beeping tones as the signal increases/decreases. However its a feature that most detectors to come standard with. Its not exactly rocket science to figure out the tone or signal strength. It's not exactly accurate but its a good theory that can be applied at times. There is a thread in the Tx section where this was brought up and was noted in the manual of the passport to figure out the direction use tone and signal strength to determin.
A. your driving,
B. like we need more people with more destractions on the road,
C. you can hear it but again your now looking around now for the threat.
D. arrows just help to eliminate all that, its just a nice feature.
Over all the years V1 has either come out on top or 2nd. The case is out dated and there have been rumors of a V2 coming, how accurate that is who knows. What I do know is that I will be in line to purchase it on its release.
As far as the comments on the ka and k bands & scatter. It can be programed (v1 in this case) you can reduce the amount of false positives you get or disable/enable them completely. Enter your programming mode and set it to the settings desired, plenty of threads here on tech on how to do it. I know I posted it some years back.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
I'm not knocking the V1 - it's a good detector with a unique feature (the arrows) that many people like. What I'm saying is that its actual performance, along with that of most of the top tier detectors, is more than the average user needs so those comparison sites and magazine write-ups really come down to what features you want.
If you want the arrows and the available upgrade service (and can stand the ugly case) then the V1 is the detector for you. If you want the GPS database and learning mode that eliminates many false alarms then the 9500 is the best choice (it also has upgrade/tuning service available). If you want an external remote system with small inside head unit then something like a Passport SR7 would be best (this was my choice). Other options to consider might be laser jammer compatibility, Ku band coverage, band defeat option, VG2 protection, available hard-wire kit, and even display color.
My point is that you will get good performance as long as you stick with any of the best name-brand products so you can make your purchase decision based on other factors that are important to you.
If you want the arrows and the available upgrade service (and can stand the ugly case) then the V1 is the detector for you. If you want the GPS database and learning mode that eliminates many false alarms then the 9500 is the best choice (it also has upgrade/tuning service available). If you want an external remote system with small inside head unit then something like a Passport SR7 would be best (this was my choice). Other options to consider might be laser jammer compatibility, Ku band coverage, band defeat option, VG2 protection, available hard-wire kit, and even display color.
My point is that you will get good performance as long as you stick with any of the best name-brand products so you can make your purchase decision based on other factors that are important to you.
I have avoided tickets for awhile now and gotten pretty lucky, but have been wanting to get a detector before that luck changes! I am planning on the V1 based on what ive read and friends that own them. Good luck with your decision, Im pretty sure any top of the line brands will be ok like everyone was saying, but since they cost an *** load you might as well take the time to make sure its everything you want. 
i have the passport 9500i and love it! it already saved me from a handful of tickets! so the radar detector already paid itself off... it saved me from $300 plus tickets! when the cop shoots that laser on you, the detector goes crazy and says "laser alert"!
but now they have the 9500ix and its suppose to be even better! good luck with your choice.. and there are reviews on the internet about the top end radar detectors... that is how i made my decision... check youtube... the 9500i would pick up the the radar before the v1 everytime!
but now they have the 9500ix and its suppose to be even better! good luck with your choice.. and there are reviews on the internet about the top end radar detectors... that is how i made my decision... check youtube... the 9500i would pick up the the radar before the v1 everytime!
I currently own 2 Passport X50's and a V1. The V1 is a better detector hands down.
Right now one of my X50's is on it's way back from escort since it was showing a constant service required message. This seems to be pretty common for these detectors and ends up costing around $70.00 after shipping to be repaired.
My brother in-law has sent his X50 in twice to be repaired as well.
As fas as performance goes, the V1 picks up every thing. If you drive the same routes most of the time you can pretty much know whats junk and whats a threat. This may bother most people but having the arrows make up for that 100 times over. (and yes i was a doubter before I got the V1)
The arrows are indispensible and allow you approximate the position of the signal. If you never owned a V1 you will always find yourself defending your passport until you experience a V1 for yourself, trust me been there.
Are the escorts good yes, they have alot of very nice features and I seriously thought about doing the trade in with one of my X50's, but without the arrows it is a deal breaker. The newer Escorts are also much more expensive than the V1.
I do think the V1 is showing it's age but until a newer model comes out, it is serving me just fine.
Right now one of my X50's is on it's way back from escort since it was showing a constant service required message. This seems to be pretty common for these detectors and ends up costing around $70.00 after shipping to be repaired.
My brother in-law has sent his X50 in twice to be repaired as well.
As fas as performance goes, the V1 picks up every thing. If you drive the same routes most of the time you can pretty much know whats junk and whats a threat. This may bother most people but having the arrows make up for that 100 times over. (and yes i was a doubter before I got the V1)
The arrows are indispensible and allow you approximate the position of the signal. If you never owned a V1 you will always find yourself defending your passport until you experience a V1 for yourself, trust me been there.
Are the escorts good yes, they have alot of very nice features and I seriously thought about doing the trade in with one of my X50's, but without the arrows it is a deal breaker. The newer Escorts are also much more expensive than the V1.
I do think the V1 is showing it's age but until a newer model comes out, it is serving me just fine.
I've had experience with the V1 and the top of the line BEL's and both are great. I would vote for the V1 simply because every single one of my BEL's ended up with a speaker-related issue (eventually they would fail and I would lose sound).
The arrows on the V1 are a nice feature.
That being said, the most effective way to avoid tickets is to understand that there is no such thing as a radar detector that will save you from all speeding tickets. Unfortunately, there's nothing (within what the law allows) you can do to combat laser -- once you get the laser warning it's simply too late.
The arrows on the V1 are a nice feature.
That being said, the most effective way to avoid tickets is to understand that there is no such thing as a radar detector that will save you from all speeding tickets. Unfortunately, there's nothing (within what the law allows) you can do to combat laser -- once you get the laser warning it's simply too late.
Right now one of my X50's is on it's way back from escort since it was showing a constant service required message. This seems to be pretty common for these detectors and ends up costing around $70.00 after shipping to be repaired.
My brother in-law has sent his X50 in twice to be repaired as well.
My brother in-law has sent his X50 in twice to be repaired as well.