Need some info on radar detectors

[ZR-1 Mack]

I sure I'm not the only one that could use a brand new top of the line, state of the art radar detector.

Recommendations would be appreciated. Cost is secondary when trying to avoid the inevitable.

Thanks

[Aurora40]

I like my V1 a lot. It provides information in a useful way to help me make decisions about how to react. Mine is from the '90s and still serves me well. I've thought about upgrading it, but it works fine.

[Z Factor]

It seems like most Corvette owners have either the Valentine 1, or the top of the line Escort. I believe the latest tests show the V1 to be slightly better in a few areas, but the Escort is not far off. The V1 cost more, but they are both pricey. If you would like I can look up the article I have on the comparative tests and maybe even find a link for you.

:cheers:

[ZR-1 Mack]

It seems like most Corvette owners have either the Valentine 1, or the top of the line Escort. I believe the latest tests show the V1 to be slightly better in a few areas, but the Escort is not far off. The V1 cost more, but they are both pricey. If you would like I can look up the article I have on the comparative tests and maybe even find a link for you.

:cheers:
Z Factor if you have a link or just the magazine article it would be a help...
I've got some time just want it before next spring.

I took a bunch of gambles last year and in NY it gets expensive real fast.
Thanks

[Z Factor]

Z Factor if you have a link or just the magazine article it would be a help...
I've got some time just want it before next spring.

I took a bunch of gambles last year and in NY it gets expensive real fast.
Thanks

The article I had read was going a few years back and Valentine was slightly ahead in several key areas. However, when I tried to find the old link it brought me to a more recent article showing that the V1 had slipped behind the Escort and Bel RX65 (owned by Escort as well) in all areas except laser detection.

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090

I don't imagine you can go wrong with any of these 3 top detectors, and your decision will probably come down to price and features.

:cheers:

[bobbyhi]

I have the Bel RX65 and not had any problems. Has many features for different situations. So far no tickets.......

[Z Factor]

I have the Bel RX65 and not had any problems. Has many features for different situations. So far no tickets.......

It seems to be a top performer according to several different sources.

http://www.radarbusters.com/support/product-tests/radar-detector-recommendations.asp

:cheers:

[91King]

I have an escort Passport 8500 X50. It has performed very well and I would buy it again. But I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the top of the line dectors. Matter of personal preference.

[Nick]

Get the V1; you won't be disappointed. Expensive, but so are tickets and insurance premiums. :cheers:

[WB9MCW]

I have always used Escort! I can honestly say I would have had so many tickets without it it is mind numbing to think how many times it has paid for itself. Btw Bell and Escort are the same co.now! and next to Escort I would pick a Bell or a V1. I think they are all real close and the tests do show such. I prefer the one that has the very best long range Ka because in Illinois that is the one that will get ya the most when they run instint on. I notice that my bird dog will sniff some stray radiation off oncoming traffic or in the air and give me a single brap...this is when I slow down(to legal)...because abt every tenth time or so this happens they are out there..down the pike a bit...My unit can sniff em out over a mile away..sometimes this is a pain(to be so sensitive) but it is indeed just what u want as much advance warning as possible... every now and then I get a laser sig.(usually fools me like a cell phone..cause its rare) but by far k and ka first then some x(not to many around now cept for rinky dinky towns) and last laser(but on the increase 4 sure)...the escort does see laser from the rear and is so sensitive the rest(cept laser) you get 360 degree coverage, advant. to v1 for the direction indication but I usually dont have time to study in thick traffic (the display) so the audio is everything(don't forget when u have ur tunes cranked)...that is when i keep an eye on the indicator flashin!!! Been an escort client since 1975 and have had abt 6 units thru the years as they advance!!! B4 escort i had the orig "fuzzbuster" what a big honker unit and only x band as comp. to 2days units!!! lol remember u get what u pay for like most things in life...just like our ZR-1's vs the reg vette... LT-1 vs LT-5!!!

[actuary67]

I have an escort Passport 8500 X50. It has performed very well and I would buy it again. But I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the top of the line dectors. Matter of personal preference.

I also have the Escort Passport 8500 X50, and agree with you ... it has saved me in Vermont on I-89 (K Band) and in New York on I-90 (Ka Band) ... worth every penny I payed for it ! :)

[WB9MCW]

WOW ..... RESURECTION OF AN OLD POST....

MY FAV SITE ON RADAR...

http://www.radartest.com/ :cheers:

[John Boothby]

The last post here was 10/06, so any changed opinions at this point in time?

It appears that the BEL and Escort are on top now according to tests by RadarTest.com. It seems that the big problem with V1's are all the false hits. Are you V1 users troubled by this? Escort's new Redline looks great for detecting radar w/o the GPS capability and the 9500xi just behind but with the GPS. Any opinions on these?

I was going to buy a V1 until I started reading the tests. You can now buy an Escort 8500 x50 from the factory for $299. Not bad considering. The top line 9500 and Redline's are $499.

[xlr8nflorida]

The last post here was 10/06, so any changed opinions at this point in time?

It appears that the BEL and Escort are on top now according to tests by RadarTest.com. It seems that the big problem with V1's are all the false hits. Are you V1 users troubled by this? Escort's new Redline looks great for detecting radar w/o the GPS capability and the 9500xi just behind but with the GPS. Any opinions on these?

I was going to buy a V1 until I started reading the tests. You can now buy an Escort 8500 x50 from the factory for $299. Not bad considering. The top line 9500 and Redline's are $499.

I have read all the reviews. The redline is cool but is more of a "highway runner" Unless you need GPS, red camera alerts etc. I still swear by my v1 with the arrows. The v1 still gets great results and its resale is awesome.
I've had my v1 for 10 years and it has not let me down yet.

I am however waiting for the new V1 to come out. They won't say but you know it has to be around the bend, its been about 10 years.

I don't have a problem with the false's - I don't think there are that many.

If I needed a detector today, I'd probably go Escort but In reality as soon as the v1 came out, I'd switch back. I love how the V1 is truly upgradable and I love the situational awareness of the arrows.

[John Boothby]

Regarding the GPS functions, do our windshields have an effect on this?

[Gunny]

I use the V1 & believe it to be one of the best.

My Garmin GPS works fine anywhere in the cabin ... does not need to be located next to the windshield cut-out.

[Chris_32212]

I swear by V1!!! I do get a lot of false hits but it is VERY easy to tell when they are fake vs when they are real. The false hits are always weak in strength and usually only beep once or twice (which helps keep me on my toes and keeps me honest). The real hits make that V1 lite up like a Christmas tree and you know when your being hit by a cop! Also, the false hits don't happen unless your in town. I suppose I would agree that I wish the V1 didn't report the false hits but at the same time, its easy to tell the real ones from the fake ones. Besides, the direction of the radar is so important for me that I don't mind a false hit once in while. It is so nice to know if the radar source is in front or behind you. Also, I don't know if the other radar detectors count the different number of radar sources like the V1 does. I love knowing how many radar sources are in the area because if you go by a sign that tells you your speed, the V1 not only tells you that there is "a" radar source, but it tells you how many. If there is a cop on the other side waiting to catch people with radar detectors who get accustomed to not slowing down when the radar sign makes their detector go off, the V1 will tell you that there is 2 radar sources today when there should only be one. Thats damn nice information to have.

[GOLDCYLON]

Like my V1 :hello:

[Ccmano]

Been there, done that. Last Bel I owned was a 996. A very good detector. I now own 2 V1's and yes they are a little more sensative to false signals and they don't have the handy mute button on the lighter plug.

But once you try a V1 you'll be hooked. Outstanding range and most important it tells you where the threat is, in front, behind or to the side. The directional aspect does it for me. When it goes off I immediately know where to look.

Haven't heard about a new model from them. If there's info on the net please post it.
H
:cheers:

[flyin ryan]

I have the Bel RX65 and not had any problems. Has many features for different situations. So far no tickets.......Hope it's as good as you say...I just bought one for my (Delayed) trip to Chicago :o.

[GOLDCYLON]

I now own 2 V1's and yes they are a little more sensative to false signals and they don't have the handy mute button on the lighter plug.:cheers:

No but they have a Mute on the Concealed display Which is a nice option to get when you order the V1. Mine is low so no bottom feeders can feed off from behind. :cheers:

[xlr8nflorida]

No but they have a Mute on the Concealed display Which is a nice option to get when you order the V1. Mine is low so no bottom feeders can feed off from behind. :cheers:

Agreed, I have several concealed displays in each of the corvettes.

In my c5, its in the ashtray. On the c4 if you are creative, you can place it inside your center air vent. I don't like it down by the radio because you have to take your eyes off the road to view it.