02WS6Bird

iTrader: (2)

I say we start one. Main reason being, I kno that many members on this site like to go fast, and it is something that we enjoy. There are so many options for Radar detectors out there, so many comparisons, all of which contradict each other. How about we get personal experience posts and if you MUST...post up some online comparisons. I hope to see ranging from Whistler all the way to as advanced as K40!

Break it into categories-such as:

Standard Detectors-You know the typical ones that can be had (windsheild mounted)
Concealed Detectors-Dash mounted, Gauge mounted, etc.

Give any information possible, range, protection angles/degrees/circle, close calls, where they've saved you, any crap from cops, comparisons, price for item, price for install (if concealed), place of purchase?

I hope this can be made a sticky, and also, Post as much information in your ONE post, take a few if needed to answer questions. If this passes for a sticky, I'd hope it stays clean formal and informative-it's gotta remain useful.

Thank You,
Adam

(Mod's please consider-this is something many people wonder, yes there are other threads on this but alot of them have not been viewed for some time, and some newer things have come out since then etc. you get the idea)

P.S. Please be sure to give information on personal experience not just what is tested the best, or said to be the best. Give reasons

LS1_SS

iTrader: (127)

By far its the Valentine 1, theyre done test with all of them. Rocky Mountain Radar sucks a big one, Cobra is alright, Escort is 2nd. But nothing is better than Valentine 1.

UB2SLO

iTrader: (13)

I have a Valentine 1, version 1.8 and it's great. The arrows are a big help when you can't see the fuzz, and you can hear the beeps over your stereo syst.

Proof: One the 1st of Jan, I drove to Waco, (Tex National Guard parade). A friend was ahead of me when my V1 went off pointing ahead, I slowed down, started flashing my lights at my friend... But it was too late. The fuzz got him, His Detector didn't go off until it was in the line of site.

The cop was up ahead, Around a corner. The V1 went off with plenty of time to slow down.

02WS6Bird

iTrader: (2)

Very well written post, if any other info please just edit your post. I hope there are other things such as price and what type of protection the company claims to provide. (please provide if possible if not im sure some1 else will) Keep 'em coming guys
Thanks,
Adam

PS PLEASE MODS make this a sticky or atleast when there's soem more informative posts please-thanks

MrXerox

V1 all the way...I really did not think it made much difference untill I borrowed a friends V1 for a trip, Now I gotta say anything else is just a box with lights....It is incredible how well it works.

matts22

iTrader: (2)

V1 here as well. Only had it a couple months and it has already saved me more times than I care to write about. And I just recently direct wired it in to the rearview mirror light circuit, so no cord hanging down! I have seen other radar detectors, and NOTHING compares to the V1.

02WS6Bird

iTrader: (2)

What have you, if anything compared the V1 too? please provide information, and does any one of you have info, statistics, ratings, reported protection etc.

burnout04

The new Escort 8500 X50 i supposed to have more range than the V1. However it does not have the arrows. BOTH detectors are AWESOME units, but arrows are pimp. If you can drop another 100, the V1 is well worth it. Already stretching it? the 8500 X50 is just as good if not better (minus the arrows). ON a recent trip to Tennesse I was able to use my detector since I was no longer in VA and it went off, but I looked around and couldn't see anything. It was then I was like yeah, arrows would be pretty sweet. But at the same time, regardless, as soon as the beep goes off, regardless of strength, most people slow down anyways. With either unit though, you still have to watch out for laser, and you would be smart to buy a laser shifter. Besides these two units, and maybe a few of the super high end bumper mounted kits, there is nothing else. If you are going to get a detector, I would get nothing but the best.

The Professor

iTrader: (3)

i'm originally from va and never used a radar until i moved to ga. now when i go back to va, i leave it on. do police have radar-detector-dectectors?

and another vote for the 8500

ynkssws6

iTrader: (1)

Yes police do have detector detectors.....and another vote for passport here.

howierd42

Valentine 1

qwikz28

iTrader: (12)

another passport 8500 vote here. i have the old model, and i never got a speeding ticket with a cop using radar with it. the damn POP killed me though

02WS6Bird

iTrader: (2)

TTT people thers def. more people on here

Zymosis

iTrader: (7)

I have Bel RX65. Id say range is quite good. There isn't much you can do when cops instant on you while driving. Same place on this hiway, I will be driving, and it will instantly max out. Usually it picks it up fairly quickly. It really depends if they are doing it to the cars infront of you, or if you are the first 'victim' because you drive a sports car.

I had a problem with it in the summer overheating and 'locking up' while keeping it on the dash. Kind of pointless 'toy' when it doesn't work. If you buy off the net, Beltronics wont warrenty it, just FYI.

Overall it's pretty good about anti-falsing if you put it on city mode, auto isn't bad either for intown. There are a few different ways you can have the display. For example you can have it show like X, Ka bands at the same time, and the % of the signal strength for each.

Some other usefull things, auto mute, dimming settings, and voice alerts. The voice isn't bad, but sometimes it can get a bit annoying.

BTW, it retails for about $330.

In my opinion, to each his own. I'd say the Bel, Escort, or Valentine are all quality investments. I always have to tell myself not to rely on them totally. No matter what you pick, you wont be dissapointed, it really just depends on the features you want, and the price you are willing to pay.

for a basic comparison of specs: http://www.1radardetector.com/
some of the best in depth detector reviews I have read: http://www.radar-detectors.com/suppo...ts/Default.asp

goshawk23

this is a great thread. i have often wondered which one was actually worth spending the money on. my good one was stolen and now all i have is a 10 year old detector. as if it really does anything.

Richiec77

iTrader: (3)

In almost all Radar detector tests for the last 6-7 years the Valentine 1 is the Best Radar Detector you can Buy. The Escorts have come close, but the Valentine is either a behind by like 1 point (Hell anything can mess up by a point or 2. An electronic Hickup.) or has plane o'l ran away with the comparison.

Now a Good comparison would be all the others. The V1 is around $500. That's pricy, but you pay fot the best. I'd say a list of what has or Hasn't worked or a list of the Brands most people run.

Personnally I don't have $500. I went with the BEL brand. Escort Upper level is great, but Low line is weak. Bel is strong in the low line through and consistantly makes inovations and improvements. Cobra makes some really good ones also.


Lets Start a Thread for Who has what Brand and Model. Can Probably search Motor Trend for a comparo.

Richiec77

iTrader: (3)

VG2 Detector. That is great Feature of both the Escort and V1. They Shift the Oscillator Frequency so they CAN STILL BE ON IN VG2 DETECTION MODE. Most others just simply shut off leaving you blind.

howierd42

Dude, who are you trying to fool. First, read the thread before you post or don't post. Second, you can buy a Valentine for less than 400 brand new from their own site or even less on ebay. Third, has Valentine ever come in second? Fourth, Bel and Cobra? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Don't even waste your money. And fifth, every radar detector (especially Valentine who will do firmware and hardware upgrades for you) does r&d after they release products so they can improve.

Richiec77

iTrader: (3)

Sorry I'm not up to date on Radar Detectors Prices. MY BAD. I'm not foolling anyone. I have seen 2 Reports were Range was the Deciding factor between the V1 and The Escort. The Escort Barely won. I will dig up the mag with it. Recently the V1 never seems to loose because of the features. the Escort does have slightly better range, but it is just a tiny bit.

Maybe my pocket book can't handle a $400 or even $300 radar detector. I had $150 to spend And I got a BEL. Maybe YOu should check up on the latest in the lower line models. Not everyone has the money for the BEST.

Also check out who has the most Radar Detecting Patents. It goes BEL, COBRA 1-2. They used to be the Benchmark for years until the V1 came along.

And Did I say that the other brands don't do R+D?? No.

TripleBlackRamAirT/A

iTrader: (3)

I have the solo s2. Can anyone tell me how good it is. I bought it because it was the most expensive at best buy so I figured it was the best.lol