new radar detector ? - Page 5

X5 Meister · #41 02-10-2010, 12:44 AM

You raise some very valid points. In the end no one detector is perfect for everyone. While a V1 with Stealth One is a great great setup, it doesn't protect you from laser at all. So to really be protected you need a laser jammer. As far as a radar detector, the way most people see it, is that if you drive mostly in city areas then you're best served by having a unit with a GPS capability. Which the V1 doesn't have. If you drive mostly on the open road then what you really need is the best range possible, and in that case there are detectors that beat the V1 on range. Think about range issue this way. If you are driving on an open highway by yourself and the nearest car to you is 3 miles away and he gets clocked, then if you have a detector that can detect a signal that far, then even though you are traveling all alone your detector saved your bacon. If your detector can only range to say a mile (I'm just throwing out numbers here) then you're dead. So long range, on the open road (not in a city mind you) is your greatest protection against traditional radar (X, K, Ka band).

Again, a V1 isn't a bad choice. In fact, it's a very good choice, but according to more recent technology and tests, it's no longer the best choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by realchef

FWIW

Years without a detector. Did pretty darn well. Finally went with the V1 combined with the S1 to put the display on the OBC display, fantastic.

COUNT is critical. Many static speed signs in town. The cops will now hang out in the vicinity taking radar. The V1 lets you know how many signals it is detecting. Saved me a few times.

Direction is key as well. Have had multiple signals at once. When one patrol car passes on the the other side of the freeway, it still shows that car passing and highlights the strongest signal and DIRECTION to keep you from driving into a another patrol car's trap. Also, some patrol officers (Texas) like to sneak up on cars as they work their way through traffic. It's nice to see the signal is from behind and react appropriately. Usually, they turn it on intermittently as they spy a possible offender. The V1 has saved me from this.

As far as distance sensitivity.... the V1 covers a massive amt. of ground. (The mounting height is crucial to any detector operating at high capacity.) It would seem that if another RD can go out farther, what's the point. I pick up signals on the Highway constantly, at low level, and wait, watching it grow to critical.

It would seem logical that at the highest end of the RD market, you get down to splitting hairs and personal preferences. If you guys can honestly use a V1 and think it is useless, then WOW!

The V1 is continually upgradable.

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realchef · #42 02-10-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Yes they did, but according to more recent tests your 2nd statement isn't accurate.

Meister!!
Can you link to the tests. Would be nice to read.

X5 Meister · #43 02-10-2010, 01:06 PM

I have to look, but here is one great site.

Radar Detectors Buyer Guide and Comparison; Radar Roy

brian5 · #44 02-10-2010, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

I have to look, but here is one great site.

Radar Detectors Buyer Guide and Comparison; Radar Roy

X5 Meister,

Normally, you post accurate info. Unfortunately, you are NOT correct in saying that there are better radar detectors than the V1. There are some that test as well as but, IMO, because of the arrows, that still leaves V1 as the best.

I looked at Radar Roy's tests because I wanted to make sure that I wasn't missing something:

1. Long Range Test. X, K and Ka tests. Some tied but nothing was better than V1.
2. Over The Hill Test. X, K and Ka tests. Some tied but nothing was better than V1.
3. POP mode. Ka Pop and K Pop tests. Some tied but nothing was better than V1.
4. Laser Detection. Windshield and Plate tests. Some tied but nothing was better than V1.
5. VG-2 Radar Detector Detector Test. Some tied but nothing was better than V1.
6. Spectre Radar Detector Detector Test. Some were better than V1.
7. Instant On. One mile X band, One mile K band and One mile Ka band. Some tied but there was nothing was better than V1.

So there's no reason for a V1 owner to switch unless they need GPS feature (and are prepared to give up the arrows to get that).

X5 Meister · #45 02-10-2010, 04:56 PM

I can't recall where, but I've seen tests on the Escort Redline that beat the V1 in areas and as it's relatively new it hasn't been fully field tested by everyone. I didn't want to mention any specific product, because I'm not out to endorse anything. In any case here's an account of it and some other useful resources:

New Speed Counter Measure Technologies – SEMA 2009

Best radar detector: Best radar detectors top 5 radar detector from 1stRadarDetectors.com

winners

It's been a while since I read over Roy's website and off hand I can't tell you how up to date the info is (many guys have out of date info...even Guys of Lidar, whose last big test is almost a year old). Heck Valentine 1 was advertising for over 5 years with the same quotes from an ancient Car & Driver test! I'm not really in the market for a system so I haven't done any thorough analysis, I was just chiming in with some additional information. When people make blanket statements that something is "the best" it irritates me because what is "the best" is different for each person. What should be consider first above all else is where you will be driving and what the authorities use in that area.

Again, the V1 is a fine detector, but things like GPS are increasingly important since it is much cheaper to implement a fully automated (even mobile) system of traffic cameras these days than to payroll police just to catch speeders. GPS functionality is key in such areas (and will be in the future). For those people living in Virginia or DC, if their V1 gets sniffed out, they are screwed. So for those areas, IMHO the V1 isn't even an option. If you live elsewhere say Hawaii, then who care if the sucker can be seen from space, I sure wouldn't. If you live in Oregon, Nevada or Iowa the you should care about POP results, otherwise it's a meaningless test and the range could be 50 times the next competitor, if the cops in my state don't use it then I don't care. I remember a while back the V1 used to blow everyone away on X band. Well, today that's great if you live in NJ which is the only place in the country that uses it, but if you don't then other bands are far more important, with laser being the single most important and for that you need a jammer. YMMV

realchef · #46 02-10-2010, 07:50 PM

RDs are kinda like Voo Doo, you gotta have faith to start!

This is an objective subject. I prefer the V1, it's my decision.

This AM, I was approaching a gradual hill on a daily driven backroad, get hit on Ka while still on the incline side. It increases to 2 then 3 before I hit the crest. (should have snapped a pic, it was beautiful and scary) There were 3 troopers at the next intersection quite a ways away. They were all facing forward and left their radars on as they wrote the requisite tickets. V1 still picked up the waves.

I pulled up behind a WRXsti, noticing he had a V1 as well. As we accelerated the count went to 4 and the arrow was forward. (now the initial 3 were side and rear) Around a corner ahead of us, turned a city cop, radar blaring K band. The unit was able to seperate the 4 and locate their positions as we drove away.

That's why I personally prefer the unit. There doesn't seem to be anything out there with simlar capabilities. Pairing it with the Stealth One Unit in BMW is required. That thing is fantastic.

X5 Meister · #47 02-10-2010, 08:17 PM

I agree, it's a remarkable setup. Another option for those that don't have or can't use the StealthOne is the Stealth Mirror. Stealth Mirror - Integerated Solutions for Valentine V1 Radar Detectors

realchef · #48 02-10-2010, 09:31 PM

Meister,
Just read the tests you link to. I read the results differently. Take a look at the numbers. It appears the V1 beats/ties the RD listed as winners. (They do not explain the actual results they used to note the winners, btw.)
You can see the results and draw a different conclusion easily. sorry

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

I can't recall where, but I've seen tests on the Escort Redline that beat the V1 in areas and as it's relatively new it hasn't been fully field tested by everyone. I didn't want to mention any specific product, because I'm not out to endorse anything. In any case here's an account of it and some other useful resources:

New Speed Counter Measure Technologies – SEMA 2009

Best radar detector: Best radar detectors top 5 radar detector from 1stRadarDetectors.com

winners

It's been a while since I read over Roy's website and off hand I can't tell you how up to date the info is (many guys have out of date info...even Guys of Lidar, whose last big test is almost a year old). Heck Valentine 1 was advertising for over 5 years with the same quotes from an ancient Car & Driver test! I'm not really in the market for a system so I haven't done any thorough analysis, I was just chiming in with some additional information. When people make blanket statements that something is "the best" it irritates me because what is "the best" is different for each person. What should be consider first above all else is where you will be driving and what the authorities use in that area.

Again, the V1 is a fine detector, but things like GPS are increasingly important since it is much cheaper to implement a fully automated (even mobile) system of traffic cameras these days than to payroll police just to catch speeders. GPS functionality is key in such areas (and will be in the future). For those people living in Virginia or DC, if their V1 gets sniffed out, they are screwed. So for those areas, IMHO the V1 isn't even an option. If you live elsewhere say Hawaii, then who care if the sucker can be seen from space, I sure wouldn't. If you live in Oregon, Nevada or Iowa the you should care about POP results, otherwise it's a meaningless test and the range could be 50 times the next competitor, if the cops in my state don't use it then I don't care. I remember a while back the V1 used to blow everyone away on X band. Well, today that's great if you live in NJ which is the only place in the country that uses it, but if you don't then other bands are far more important, with laser being the single most important and for that you need a jammer. YMMV

Dannyell · #49 02-11-2010, 10:58 AM

that is one sweet setup...

Keeps you in line to fix dead pixels in case they show up....like in most X5s...

C's Bimmer · #50 02-11-2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by realchef

RDs are kinda like Voo Doo, you gotta have faith to start!

This is an objective subject. I prefer the V1, it's my decision.

This AM, I was approaching a gradual hill on a daily driven backroad, get hit on Ka while still on the incline side. It increases to 2 then 3 before I hit the crest. (should have snapped a pic, it was beautiful and scary) There were 3 troopers at the next intersection quite a ways away. They were all facing forward and left their radars on as they wrote the requisite tickets. V1 still picked up the waves.

I pulled up behind a WRXsti, noticing he had a V1 as well. As we accelerated the count went to 4 and the arrow was forward. (now the initial 3 were side and rear) Around a corner ahead of us, turned a city cop, radar blaring K band. The unit was able to seperate the 4 and locate their positions as we drove away.

That's why I personally prefer the unit. There doesn't seem to be anything out there with simlar capabilities. Pairing it with the Stealth One Unit in BMW is required. That thing is fantastic.

I've had many similar situations. Aside from the number of radar's being detected, the arrows are definitely a huge plus, when speed traps are in place.

Great story. Glad you made it through, without incident. Those that got pulled over probably had Escorts.

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