VALENTINE 1 Radar Question?????
 

Hey Everyone,

I had a quick question for all the Valentine 1 and radar detector users w/non laser jammers.

How many of you out there that has been actually saved by the device or when warned it was too late?

Any input is greatly appreciated, Thanks!

Over the years I have been saved many times by the Valentine One, in terms of radar, particularly on the secondary highways and smaller towns where many of the local county sheriffs are a bit lazy and have their radar on constantly, giving you a very early warning. The radar detector works best when you have police with constant on radar, or when you have some traffic ahead of you -- many is the time I got the instant on radar warning when a car a quarter of a mile or more in front of me was scanned. If you have no traffic ahead of you in sight and the police are using instant-on radar, it will be of little use.

I have no experience with the Laser though, never having gotten a ticket and only a couple of laser detector warnings over the years. Most people have the same opinion as I do regarding radar/laser detectors:

(1) A Radar detector does not gurantee you won't get a radar speeding ticket, but it decreases the odds significantly, particularly if your speeding is not grossly over the speed limit,

(2) A Laser detector is of limited use due to the way laser speed equipment is used, e.g., targeting a specific vehicle.

I have no experience with laser jammers.

Oh, and of course nothing really works when they are using airplanes, as some states do, primarily on the Interstate Highways.

It has saved me a countless number of times. You still have to use your judgment when using it however. Many people fall into a pattern of using a detector and feeling that they are immune to falling into a speed trap. I used to be in that group, but quickly learned (the hard way) that having a detector still leaves you vulnerable to speed traps, more specifically instant-on traps.

You'll learn very quickly what types of situations can make you suspect of a possible upcoming speed trap. The more you use it and are aware of the possibilities and are open to learning about it, the better you'll be against getting caught. I will never go on a road trip without my V1. Even if I don't plan on going nuts, it's safe to say that I would like to know what situations are ahead of me.

I still plan on getting a laser jammer for the X5. But for now, I'm happy with only having the V1, as the jammer is not easily transferable. Now to figure out which jammer to get ........

Penguin & HaroldC: Thank you for the quick and informative feedback, greatly appreciated!

For the installation, did you just use the cigarette adapter or did you run power straight fromt the vehicle?

Thank you in advance.

whats a good deal when looking for a Valentine 1 radar?

toohotdoc: From my research, prices are pretty much the same if not higher on other retailers. I will be purchasing mine directly from V1, at least you know you are purchasing the latest model. If anyone does know where to purchase it cheaper, please do let us know. Thanks!

I would purchase right from Valentine. It not worth taking a chance for a few bucks and warranry issues if they arise..

Denalio: I agree.

dbinc - I hardwired the V1 using KEF's DIY found here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...?highlight=KEF

-It's not that difficult, although it can be intimidating prying down the sunroof switch panel.
-Just remember to use a small flathead screwdriver towards the front of the car, on the sides of the panel, not the ends.
-You have to pry it apart far enough to release the metal tabs, it'll seem like you're going to break it but you're not. If you do, it's not the end of the world, it's a relatively inexpensive plastic part anyway......

Good Luck!

HaroldC: Thank you very much, you have been more than helpful!

KEF: +1 for the informative write-up, thanks!