I've just started working in a rural area. I use interstates in 3 different directions 45 miles one way. I see a lot of cops.

I think I need a good radar detector.

Valentine? Your thoughts please.

Where to buy?

Install needed?

Thanks,

T

hey i got the V1 and it saves me all the time. i took a trip with the fam to ohio this week to visit some relitives. it works amazing. just google there website. its 400 but well worth it.install is easy plug it in to the cigarette lighter and put it on the windshield. im getting mine hardwired when i get back which i think is the way to go

I have the V1 in the Jeep and Escort 9500ix in the Audi, Love them both, I would go with the ix, less false alarms better on the Interstate, IMO the V1 is better local because of the arrows, I can tell where the alert is coming from, i.e. side streets. The cops in my area tend to drive around with the radar at all times, So with the Arrows Im not turing my head trying to figure out where they are. That being said, they are both great. the ix had GPS false alarm lock out & the redlight camera Database, which is a nice feature.
I ordered the v1 from the v1 website, escort from the escort site.

GL T, Im sure others will chime in since this is always a debate.

I've just started working in a rural area. I use interstates in 3 different directions 45 miles one way. I see a lot of cops.

I think I need a good radar detector.

Valentine? Your thoughts please.

Where to buy?

Install needed?

Thanks,

T

Do a search you hack! This has been asked many times before. Don't make me do it for you. LOL

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29875&highlight=radar+detector
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26956&highlight=escort
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23503&highlight=escort
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19653&highlight=escort
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26931&highlight=Valentine

are we really asking this AGAIN???? V1 for sure!

i have the X50 8500 red, hard wired with a alarm on my dash... i was on a budget and it seems to be jsut as good as the rest...

According to this research HERE (http://www.1stradardetectors.com/best-radar-detector/index.php), the best is the Bel STI driver, but I like the V1 for it's rear and side detections.

Do a search you hack! This has been asked many times before. Don't make me do it for you. LOL

I never said "I wasn't lazy". That search button is overrated, IMHO! Ha!!

T

V1. No questions asked. Every friend I have recommended to always has thanked me.

Thanks everyone, Sorry for the requestion....

I just ordered the V1 to be overnighted, Nice!

And I ordered the invisicord.com hardwire so I can plug it into the rear view, Nice!

Thanks

T

Thanks everyone, Sorry for the requestion....

I just ordered the V1 to be overnighted, Nice!

And I ordered the invisicord.com hardwire so I can plug it into the rear view, Nice!

Thanks

T


You know I was just giving you C R A P.

I heard that the beltronics STI radar detector was great and has never let anyone down..

V1 - www.valentine1.com, consider the thread closed ;)

Bell STI It's more money, and worth it. You get the anti radar detector. Steath. V1 does not have this. That means the the cops have a detector to see if you have a detector. Up here they are illegal. Go with the Bell.

Good choice T! Once you live with the arrows you never go back!

How to program a Valentine One detector
________________________________________
It allows you to customize many of the features you never knew you had on the V1. Parts b, c, d and f let you mute the sound for those annoying radar door openers until they hit 4 or 6 lights. Really nice feature!

How to reprogram V1...
If you really want to.
You can change V1’s programming to meet special operating requirements, but should you? Police and the military strive for "situation awareness". If you know what’s going on all around you, you’re unlikely to be surprised by an ambush. Situation awareness is also the philosophy behind V1. The front and rear antennas, the Radar Locator and the Bogey Counter all work together to keep you informed of What is around you, How Many, and Where.

Considering V1’s broad capability, it’s easy to operate. All visual warnings are automatically corrected for outside brightness, so you never have to fiddle with a dimmer. Moreover, V1 already has three computer modes ready to adapt the Warning System to your particular needs. A lot of thought went into these various features to make them work as a system. I personally think V1 works appropriately for almost any situation I can imagine. Still, you can reprogram it to change its responses. We’ve been building in that flexibility for some years now. The risk is that you’ll diminish your situation awareness. Worse yet, you might inadvertently disable a protection you really need. So think carefully before changing the factory settings.

How To Change V1 Programming



I. How to enter the Programming Mode.
• Starting with the Control Knob in the "off" position, Press and hold-in Knob and at the same time turn the Knob “on;” continue holding in the Knob until all front-panel lights are on (takes about 5 seconds).
• Release the Control Knob.
II. How to determine your software version.
• Press and immediately release the Control Knob to display software version. The software-version number is four digits that display one digit at a time in the Bogey Counter-example: 2.869.
• Note your software number, then see the table below for features that are programmable in your unit.
• Press and immediately release the Control Knob to exit software-version display.
III. How to program your desired features.
• The feature character is indicated in the "Bogey Counter" (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, A, b, C, d, E, F, G, H, J, or u).
• To select the next Feature Character in the sequence, press and immediately release the Control Knob.
• The Feature State is indicated by direction arrows on the Radar Locator.
• The Feature State is changed by pressing and holding the Control Knob until the arrow switches to the opposite direction (takes about 3 seconds).
NOTE: If you need to return to an earlier Character in the sequence above, we recommend you switch off the power momentarily, then restart at step I above.
IV. How to exit the Programming Mode.
• Switch power off, or unplug. The changes you programmed will be retained in memory.
V. How to tell if V1 has been changed from factory settings.
• If the unit has been changed, P will appear briefly in the Bogey Counter soon after V1 is switched on (after the lamps-on test, but before the Mode indicator appears.)
• On V1s with serial numbers ending in 0600 or higher, a flashing red LED just to the right of the Bogey Counter during the sequence above indicates that Ku coverage has been activated.

Bell STI It's more money, and worth it. You get the anti radar detector. Steath. V1 does not have this. That means the the cops have a detector to see if you have a detector. Up here they are illegal. Go with the Bell.

That is what I have heard, although, I thought the V1 was untraceable as well? They are illegal here to, in VA. Everything is here :eek:

They have the V1 HERE (https://store.valentine1.com/store/) for $399.

passport srx with the laser shifters - expensive but worth every hard earned cent.

^
oops - well I hope you enjoy your V1 and your ass kicking Beast!

I've had 3 Passport 8500 X50 and they work great and for the price you cannot beat them BUT each of them has had problems after owning them for a while that requires you to send them back for repair, apparently (and I hope they fixed this in the new 9500) one of the sensors that picks up laser goes bad and will pick up false alarms when you hit the gas pedal sometimes at WOT or even part throttle not sure how the 2 work together but each one did the same thing after a while, besides that they pick up radar from side streets you are coming up to not just from front or behind you.

I've had 3 Passport 8500 X50 and they work great and for the price you cannot beat them BUT each of them has had problems after owning them for a while that requires you to send them back for repair.

I had an 8500 x50 that went back for repairs a few times and I decided to trade it in on the 9500 ix. I seriously considered going back to the V1 but am very happy I went with the 9500 ix.

I had an 8500 x50 that went back for repairs a few times and I decided to trade it in on the 9500 ix. I seriously considered going back to the V1 but am very happy I went with the 9500 ix.

I pre-orderd this today I think it will outdo the Bel

http://www.escortradar.com/redline-details.php

I just got the new escort GPS detector and LOVE IT. You can lock out any false signals so they never alert again. I live in Ohio where the State Troopers are everywhere. False signals make my drive miserable. This detector eliminates all false signals on my commute to work so i know if the detector alerts, its for real.

since you went with the V1, you should order the C6 corvette visor bracket that happens to fit the jeep perfectly with alittle tweaking. i installed mine last week and it looks excellent. i can get pics later if you're interested

http://69.89.25.185/~trexsoft/t-rexsoftware.com/greatlakes/corvette.htm

does anyone have any experience with the Passport 9500CI? it seems most people only have windshield mounted detectors...kinda interesting.

I pre-orderd this today I think it will outdo the Bel

http://www.escortradar.com/redline-details.php

How do you like this...I am debating between this and the Bel Sti for use in VA

i have the X50 8500 red, hard wired with a alarm on my dash... i was on a budget and it seems to be jsut as good as the rest...

I agree, i think the 8500 x50 is your best bang for your buck

I've had a 8500 X50 for years now. Replaced an STI that didn't work nearly as well for me. The Escort has always worked perfectly and never let me down. But with any of them you need to learn how to use them. Not the controls necessarily, but the rules of the road and how cops use RADAR. Otherwise you'll still get tickets... :eek:

One of the shootouts linked above said the STI was the best, not my experience. Nevertheless it said "best in Virginia". Maybe that's what was wrong with mine. I wasn't in VA. ;)

wink

Im still debating between the V1 and Escort 9500ix. I live in Mississippi but dont know which to get.

When I read through the Escort forums, it seems some people there like to have both running at the same time. If I understand correctly they like the 9500ix mainly for its performance and the V1 for the fact it has arrows pointing to the direction of the signal. I think i read a few posts saying the ix would give you a signal and it would still be a few moments later before the V1 gave the direction.

I have the Escort hardwired in, and it works perfect. It has saved my a** multiple times. Definately highly recommend any model of the Escort, even the 8500 is solid.

The way i see it, i dont really need to know where the signal is coming from cuz once i get a hit ima slow down real quick. I dont really see any benefit to having the arrows like the V1 has . but ofcourse im def taking in everyone advice before i make a final decision .

I have the K-40 as it was installed from the previous owner. The dealership where I got the Jeep knew nothing of it. I had to purchase a new blue tooth fob and the brain seem to be messed up also. All in all I am out $200 so far. The back sensor is also messed up and I will need to get that also. The front works fine but to get all around protection Ill need to fork over another $250 for the rear sensor. This thing is supposed to jam lasers and detect from front back. It was hardwired installed and has two small LED's on the instrument cluster letting me know if its front or back. MY question is this, would I be better off spending the $200-$450 towards another detector or leave this thing in. My friend owns the local custom shop here and he said this K-40 can get be anywhere from $1500-$2000 installed!

The way i see it, i dont really need to know where the signal is coming from cuz once i get a hit ima slow down real quick. I dont really see any benefit to having the arrows like the V1 has . but ofcourse im def taking in everyone advice before i make a final decision .

I've had all the radar detectors and I like my current one the best which is the V1. There is something about the arrows that makes it sweet! If you have a cop that is 4 miles up the road and the detector is going off you want to know that it is in front. If it is in the rear you can just keep on speeding. If you have an escort you just have to drive looking around for miles until the beeping stops not knowing anything. Get the V1. Everyone on corvette forum has one and I have not heard of anyone disjointed. Well other than the people that bought the escort and try to rationalize it better lol

Hmm well i didnt think of it that way. i could def see it as a pain if it went off and continued to stay on for a little until i saw anything. But what if i return to NEWYORK where the big city is and where they have tons of street cams and other types of radars/laser that cities typically use? Isnt the escort the best for city? not to mention its GPS and ability to cancel out false signals like from stores entrances and so on?

Hmm well i didnt think of it that way. i could def see it as a pain if it went off and continued to stay on for a little until i saw anything. But what if i return to NEWYORK where the big city is and where they have tons of street cams and other types of radars/laser that cities typically use? Isnt the escort the best for city? not to mention its GPS and ability to cancel out false signals like from stores entrances and so on?

yeah that is a good point! I still don't trust gps technology. I'm not sold on that. I think it can still make mistakes. Kind of like the golf GPS's. They are not 100% accurate. That is why I use a range finder on the course. I know it is correct. I like the V1 because you know it is flat out picking up everything. I know it can get annoying with false alerts but it's nice to know it works great and it will pick up the cops. Out of all the radar detectors I have owned, I have never seen one with the range that the V1 has. It is truly incredible. My dad even scrapped his Escort for one last year and hasn't looked back either. He has owned Escorts his entire life.

I've been happy with the Passport 9500ix. The red light cam database is nice since there are a ton of them around here. I've never had it go off for a while w/o seeing a cop or knowing where he was. Generally with my driving around here......it goes off and there is either a cop coming at me or one parked somewhere ahead radaring traffic.
Saved me from a ticket plenty of times.

And with all the stores around here that give off signals that it will pick up, the fact that it blocks false signals is nice. The auto mute feature is very nice and I also have the smartcord hardwire kit for it so my mute button is down by the cig lighter plug and easy to quickly mute.

yes, the auto mute on the escort is it's best feature! I miss that. If V1 would just get that on their detector it would be great!

Where are you living that the police still use radar on the interstate? It's all laser around NE Ohio.

Where are you living that the police still use radar on the interstate? It's all laser around NE Ohio.


Majority of times that I've ran across IL State Troopers they are shooting radar.
Only once did I pick one up that was parked and shooting laser.


All local PD shoots radar, which I normally run across them daily. The majority of them drive around with their radar on pointing at oncoming traffic.

http://www.radarbusters.com/

is a great website... most people will stay true to there V1. there great i use to have one... more of a Escort fan tho, since they came out with the 9500ix.

The V1 is now very outdated next to the Escort Redline. see for yourself.

Just bought a 9500ix for my VA Cop friends.....

Just bought a 9500ix for my VA Cop friends.....

do you take it down going onto base? or do they not care?

I've been very happy with my V1. Picked up a county sheriff last night pulling radar a little less than a mile away from where I was.

do you take it down going onto base? or do they not care?

They don't care cause they don't see it, ususally. I have it up by the visor and they really can't see it. My plan is to install this new one right below the rear view mirror.

I wonder why Valentine doesn't upgrade his detector? I'm sure the guy is loaded. I mean to add automute and GPS to it can't be that big of a deal for him. Plus, I think it's time he made it into something that doesn't resemble a brick. lol

so is this redline better than both the 9500ix and V1?

I have the V1 and hate it because it goes off every time I drive by a fast food joint, so I had to disable the X and K bands, I was sick of the false alarms I was getting every 2-3 minutes, I like the arrows to show where the signal comes from, works well.
When I get my GCSRT8 I'll get the ZR4 laser jammer (https://www.escortradar.com/store/laser-shifter-zr4.html) / 9500ix (https://www.escortradar.com/store/passport-9500ix.html) combo.
The laser jammer is a must IMO, most cops will clock you with laser and it's instant, so by the time you get the alert it's too late, and the 9500ix is great with the GPS awareness, because when you drive by junk signals (Fast food joints...) a couple of times, it will store the location in the database as a junk signal and disregard it in the future, exactly what I need since I mostly drive the same routes every day.

so is this redline better than both the 9500ix and V1?

My belief is that the redline is better for the backwoods areas where there are no burger joints or CVS' to set it off. It is super sensitive and has an incredible 12 mile range. The 9500xi is better to daily driving due to the GPS features. Both are great.

Cannot comment on the V1

so is this redline better than both the 9500ix and V1?

does not have the gps features the 9500ix does..

but better range, and undetectable.

The best radar detector is the one at the end of your leg.....your foot, dont speed...RickG

Well my vote is for Escort. I've owned both for quite a while 9500i and 9500ix
and they are alredy paid by themselves. When i was looking for radar detector i was wondering wich one was better, but decided to get the escort because you can get it from BB and the v1 you have to order from online.

does not have the gps features the 9500ix does..

but better range, and undetectable.

Both are undetectable.

Both are undetectable.

really? didn't see were it said that on the passport site...if they both are 9500ix all day.

Correction...only the Redline is completely undetectable....I just had to switch my order!

How do you like this...I am debating between this and the Bel Sti for use in VA

It has saved me a few times. I bought it used from ebay; although, it came like new :)

Correction...only the Redline is completely undetectable....I just had to switch my order!

worrrd. think i will be also going this way.

VA guys, yall watch the news??

Radar Detectors may be legal soon!! About time, last state to do so.

Johnny does this mean were gonna be riding dirty when you pick us up from the airport...ewww scandelous I like that.

Johnny does this mean were gonna be riding dirty when you pick us up from the airport...ewww scandelous I like that.

I've always got my radar on :D Cop's can't read it!

I don't know how crazy I can drive. I got another ticket Sunday in the Stang. One more, and bye bye license. Must go a year and 3 months without a ticket... I can do it. I hope.


BUT, you or the girl friend is more than welcome to drive!

Whooooaaa slow down there me and the GF not wife...

Whooooaaa slow down there me and the GF not wife...

I told you I move fast..... !!

I'll revise my post ;)

Dont be trying to jinx stuff been there done that weve been together over 6 years and it working just fine the way it is.

Dont be trying to jinx stuff been there done that weve been together over 6 years and it working just fine the way it is.

Oh I'm not a 'jinxer' by any means! [which is not a word but we will go with it]

Although, I am looking forward to meeting you both.

Make sure you get up early tomorrow and go get her some Ugg's :p

Now she wants new luggage as well

Now she wants new luggage as well

Well plenty of room in the back :D

Although, it is only 2 nights/3 days! :rolleyes:

Anyone with experience with the Cobra XRS 9970G?

Looks interesting, to say the least.

VA guys, yall watch the news??

Radar Detectors may be legal soon!! About time, last state to do so.

Probably so they can up the fines!

I'm going with a BEL V995. Tested as one of the better detectors on the market and can now be had ~$200. Doesn't do GPS, but for 2 bills you can't get your cake & eat it too.

Escort 9500XI

I'm going with a BEL V995. Tested as one of the better detectors on the market and can now be had ~$200. Doesn't do GPS, but for 2 bills you can't get your cake & eat it too.
The GPS feature is worth every penny. Don't be cheap. You spent $ on the Jeep

Escort REDLINE. I know some of you are fans of the "arrows" on the V1 so you know where they're coming from---but It isn't able to pick up ANY signal NEAR as far as the redline can.
My 9500IX was good, but it getting stolen 2 weeks ago may have been a good thing. The REDLINE is awesome!
No GPS though kinda sucks. But there are no redlight cameras around here anyways so its NBD, I've never had any use for it anyways

The GPS blockout feature actually make using a radar detector in the city reasonable since it is only going off based on new signals.

VA guys, yall watch the news??

Radar Detectors may be legal soon!! About time, last state to do so.

:mad::mad::mad:

Bid to end Virginia's radar detector ban fails in House



http://hamptonroads.com/2010/02/bid-end-virginias-radar-detector-ban-fails-house

I've always got my radar on :D Cop's can't read it!



Correction...only the Redline is completely undetectable....I just had to switch my order!


Where is it mounted? I am looking at a:

http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/ConnectorForRadarDetector.htm

I have had a Bel STi for a few years, but like the auto mute of the Redline.

I had the V1 hardwired on my 07 Overland, but I can't find the right wire in the overhead lighting to tap in my 2010. Can anyone let me know?

Where is it mounted? I am looking at a:

http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/ConnectorForRadarDetector.htm

I have had a Bel STi for a few years, but like the auto mute of the Redline.

My dad used one of the above for a couple days. Tore it down due to the constant vibrating.

I've got the bracket that came with the detector mounted through the cover of the rain sensor housing. You'll find that if you take the cover off (2 small screws at the top), there is a nice big chunk of aluminum behind it. I drilled through the aluminum and then bolted the detector bracket through the cover and then through the aluminum. To finish it off, I capped the bolt heads with some black snap caps I found at the Home Depot.

http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad141/YYCSRT8/001.jpg

http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad141/YYCSRT8/002.jpg

Where is it mounted? I am looking at a:

http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/ConnectorForRadarDetector.htm

I have had a Bel STi for a few years, but like the auto mute of the Redline.

I have the Bel STI too.. I meant they can't read it, not "can't see it."
I have been given a ticket for it, I think it was $40.

I have it all the way up top to the right of my mirror and part of my windshield banner covers the suction things.

Better a small ticket for a radar detector (which doesn't take points off your license), than a big speeding ticket.

My dad used one of the above for a couple days. Tore it down due to the constant vibrating.

I've got the bracket that came with the detector mounted through the cover of the rain sensor housing. You'll find that if you take the cover off (2 small screws at the top), there is a nice big chunk of aluminum behind it. I drilled through the aluminum and then bolted the detector bracket through the cover and then through the aluminum. To finish it off, I capped the bolt heads with some black snap caps I found at the Home Depot.

http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad141/YYCSRT8/001.jpg

http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad141/YYCSRT8/002.jpg

Very nice setup, i see you have the invisicord. I just got mine and dont know which to plug the little ends into on the back of the mirror, Which spots did you plug it into? got pics?

I've actually got mine hardwired right into the fuse box - ran the cord up the pillar and across the headliner. Not sure how the invisicord works, but I'm sure someone will know.

Better a small ticket for a radar detector (which doesn't take points off your license), than a big speeding ticket.

That is true.. Thing is I was speeding, about 16 over, and the cop had asked if I had something in my windshield and told him there was a radar detector but I didn't have it on, which is why I had never slowed down; was completely honest with him so that was what he gave me a ticket for and no front tags.

I need to get mine wired so it comes out by the mirror. I really like what YYC did..

Very nice setup, i see you have the invisicord. I just got mine and dont know which to plug the little ends into on the back of the mirror, Which spots did you plug it into? got pics?

I ordered one and was going to try

http://www.invisicord.com/vehicleapp/vehicleimg/chrysleruconnect.jpg

This is from invisicords web site:

Customer Additional Notes: OK, there is a 2nd version. On the 08's with uConnect and smart beam headlamps, there is a camera above the rear view mirror- it is wired into the mirror as well. I did get it to work. The harness is positioned vertically with two columns of wires running north-south. There is a cover that snaps open to reveal the harness. Looking at the harness from the front of the vehicle, the black wire from the detector goes to the bottom left black wire of the harness. The yellow wire goes into the 2nd wire from the bottom on the right column- wire is white and pink I think. I might have color wrong.

Do it Johnny!

Escort REDLINE. I know some of you are fans of the "arrows" on the V1 so you know where they're coming from---but It isn't able to pick up ANY signal NEAR as far as the redline can.
My 9500IX was good, but it getting stolen 2 weeks ago may have been a good thing. The REDLINE is awesome!
No GPS though kinda sucks. But there are no redlight cameras around here anyways so its NBD, I've never had any use for it anyways

Howd it get stolen? I never leave mine out if i know my car is going to be out there awhile

Do it Johnny!

I just might have too!! It looks like it was meant to be there. haha