Need one for the C32. I am thinking it is probally best to buy new than used if I do not know the person selling it?

Just was wondering if there was a place that everyone used that had decent prices?

Thanks

 

the valentine1 website is your best bet.

 

And ask them if they have any returned ones. You'll get 10% off if you get those.

 

Best service in the world. Mike does NOT sell em on any other sites and does not authorize resales either (under his name at least). You can e Bay one BUT who knows what you're getting? Plus, he tracks the serial nums and if its stolen, HE will NOT accept it, work on it or warranty it. BUY a new one and get the warranty and upgrades. He just fixed mine (loose solder joint inside) and its a first class company. There may be better out there BUT I haven't found one yet!! I bought one of his original ones and before that the the ESCORT which was 20 years ahead of its time back in the late 70s, early 80s. An old Escort is as good as some NEW detectors they are putting out now. The V-1 (again, this is MY opinion) is still the best unit out there.

I hear that something is in the works for the V-1, but they are being mum as to what? Any thoughts??? This came right from V-1.

OH, and they will upgrade it too for a small fee if the technology changes (and it will) for K, Ka, X and Laser. Laser dont do much BUT tell you you're getting a love letter from officer friendly, BUT if someone is in front of you, it can help. For that you need Laser-defender.


Glenn

 

dont want to high jack your thread but have you looked into Beltronics RX-65? I have one and it is by far the best detector I've ever owned. Not to metion it out did the V1 in K-band and Ka-band detection. http://www.valentine1.com/ Valentines site is a good place to start if your dead-set on getting one.

 

Like I said and to reinterate, "my opinion." If you like the BEL, get the BEL. Although, I never hear of cars getting broken into for a BEL. With a V-1, you're a moving and sitting target for the burglars.


Glenn

 

Ever owned a V-1?? Ever use one??? Inquiring minds want to know??? He asked about a V-1, no where did I see BEL??? Go to Valentine1.com and you can see it at work. Arrows are the best, you know where they are coming from. In Chicago, they hit a LOT from the back (coming up behind ya) and the arrow will tell you thats where the blast is.

 

Dude know one asked about an escort but you sure gave us a history lesson on that detector. Hit You tube and watch the RX65 out shine the V1. I was going to get a V1, but based on two months of reading the Bel had the best reviews buy far. But if you want a V1 get it its a great detector.

As far as I know in my last post I was not talking to you. And I I want to offer friendly advice or opinion to a fellow member I will do so. I tend to like it if a member makes sure i'm covering all bases when i'm making a decision to buy.

 

Thanks everyone. I will check out there site. Sounds like I need laser jammer to really complete the package as laser is used a lot.

 

Relax Glenn! Hooleyboy was just giving out some good info. No reason to treat a forum member with disrespect.

 

I wasnt planning on it, but since we got on the topic of how amazing the V1 is (which it is pretty good) you need to check out the K40. Even the portable version comes with a 1 year speeding ticket gaurantee. And its cheaper than the V1.

 

Word. Ebay sells them for more than the official site. 400bucks vs 450bucks

 

Speeding ticket guarantees are just a marketing scam

 

Being from the New England area for most of my life Ive done my fair share of driving In NH (where your from) And Last I remember going back 5 years NH Troopers used K-band alot The V1 did in all the tests ive read have better laser detection than the competition. Not sure where you are in NH but on RT93 those Troopers who hide in the trees used K-band. Not sure what they use now. Here in AZ they use Ka-band alot. In any event the V1 gets great reviews from people who have them. If you go with a V1 you will get exceptional Laser detection that should keep you in the clear.

 

Guys please feel free to mention all competing detectors...I am thinking on the V1 but man $400 is not cheap!

 

I meant no disrespect to Hooley. Its just that the V-1 has been the standard for years. In fact , if you are looking at a Bel, the best one is probably the RX65. It is a very good unit. I only prefer the V-1 because it tells me WHERE they are at. The arrows are useful since they tell you if hes ahead, to the side or behind (situational awareness). I particularly like to know hes on my 6 since I dont normally drive with one eye on the rearview. My daily commute consists mostly of Ka band and now laser too. They never move with laser (manufacturers are working on that too) but once they got you, you are pretty much toast.

The Bel unit can in fact pick up Ka band better than the V-1. It just doesnt tell you where it coming from. I guess its a matter of preference, BUT the large majority of users in this AMG forum use the V-1.

In the interest of fariness, I also own the latest Escort and still prefer my V-1. The GPS is cool, but that only tells you where they normally hide with "marked" areas. Good for someone who does not travel in your area a lot to remind them of the hidden spots. Escort had promised the ability to download other areas you travel but that never came to fruition? My unit is 2 years old and I dont know if it even needs an upgrade. I do know that the V-1 is easily upgradeable and Mike V will tell you when its needed. I've had mine done twice for less than $100.

 

Did you know you can turn up the Ka detection on the Valentine. You can and you should. You can program a Valentine the way you want.

http://www.valentine1.com/lab/MikesLabRpt3.asp

I have turned off the X band, turned up Ka responsive.

Once you do this youwill have the best Ka dectector on the market plus those magic arrows. It has saved me thousands of dollars in tickets, loss of license and insurance rates. Well worth $400.

 

I just called V-1. They spoke to Mike. Adjusting the Ka on this ONLY increases the signal strength meter and DOES NOT (repeat : Does NOT) increase the sensitivity of the Ka

Glenn

 

I am in S. NH right near 93. They are still heading in the trees and my case about a month ago on an exit ramp behind the tool booth. Found out $300 bucks later.

 

1+

i had a beltronics rx65 for the last 5yrs. Its paid for itself the more times over. I agree its comparable to the valentine one but at almost half the price. Escort actually bought out beltronics and all the escort 8500's are just rebadged beltronics rx65's.


I suggest looking at the beltronics rx65 or escort 8500. Both can be found for around $200-300.

I believe there new valentine competitor is the beltronics sti.

In california

CHP uses KA
local police uses KA

motorcycle chp and cops use K ...newer ones use Laser

sheiff uses K

The radar signs they post some times uses K as well.

 

At the Chitown meet yesterday a CLS63(Yuforia) showed us his Beltronic system and had nothing but rave reviews about his so now I am more into the Valentine1 as well as the Beltronic and now the escort 8500.

 

I admit I'm a V1 *****, but I require more than just radar detection performance from my detector. I *need* to know if the radar is in front of or behind me. This is extremely important on the highyway, because it lets me figure out if I already passed the source, or am still approaching it. This is important because half the time the cop is traveling the opposite direction as you. This is very useful when you get a faint Ka blip here and there, and want to know if there's a cop a long way ahead using instant on radar, or if the cop is way behind you, and therefore doesn't matter anymore. Without that, I'd be slowing down for a speed trap that just isn't there.


Also, to the above posts about laser detection -- it's virtually useless. There's little value in knowing that you just got tagged by laser since they already have your speed at that point. They could be tagging cars all around you and it's unlikely that you'd know until they shot you.

 

I value alot what you say JGSX and I would change my mind in a heartbeat based on your choices since I read the many threads that you tested a variety of equipment from modding to interior, etc....tell me the choice you prefer??

 

Hey Joe

Are you back in town? Maybe you can tell me over lunch or something I got you...

 

For radar detection/location, I'd go for the V1. If you want a stealth install, go for the K40 (WITHOUT the k40 laser jammers, they are awful). The K40 provides the directional information, but just isn't as good at is as the V1. I don't think there are any good choices beyond that. I feel that location information (which tells if you if the radar is in front of or behind you) is more important than a small increase in radar detection performance. The V1 is excellent at all of it.

For laser, you need GOOD jammers. Most jammers are complete crap and just don't work well. I suggested three models in the other radar thread. Illinois still uses old laser guns, and even subpar jammers seem to work well with them, but I'm sure new guns will show up soon (and you won't know until it's too late). Also, don't forget that laser jammers are illegal in Illinois.

With a good detector/locater and laser protection, Illinois is a friendly state to drive in. Sure beats CA . . .