funny think is when the leader gets pulled over... he who has the last laugh, laughs the best.

My theory is if you can't be alert enough to notice speed patrols, you shouldn't be speeding to start with. Or if you speed much in a place where visibility ahead is too low, then you deserve to get pulled over for very risky driving. I have generally found radar detectors to lull one into not paying enough attention and rarely use one. So I probably shouldn't have posted on a radar detector debate to begin with. I just thought the mirror option was very cool.

I have used a V1 since 1997 when they first introduced laser detection. I have recieved one upgrade and had the unit repaired once when it fell off the motorcycle. The same internals from day one.

I love the programmibility as X-band is still widely used around the state, but can shut it off while in the city. I also increased the sensitivity of Ka. Unfortunately the tests don't report Ka in it's most sensitive setting.

jcanabal has good luck with Passport and laser shift.

Norm
Bordeau/Merlot

How do you increase Ka band sensitivity on a V-1? Do you mean this?



If so, I interpret the chart as saying that the detector's sensitivity isn't enhanced, just that the bar graph level is displayed higher for the correspodingly same radar signal level.

was "stealth" from the perspective of being picked up by the newest Police Radar Detector Detectors..

If one wants stealth from "view" I would run an audio signal to a microspeaker imbedded in the upper part of the drivers seat or near the sun visor area.

Thanks again

So far there are opinions that seem to split between V1 and Escort. Concerning radar detection I have used V1's from their original availability on the market. I currently have three (one for each car as I am too lazy to move one between cars) V1's and I would not be without them. The detection sensitivity is excellent and the arrows are really useful (such as when a cop car goes by and then shoots his radar from the rear of his car -- the arrows tell you just what is going on and where). I have found that even with a radar detector you must still be alert to what is going on around you. You do not have to even be speeding for a cop to pull you over for speeding - it is his/her word against yours usually in a small town with the local judge. Also, if you are the only vehicle on the road, if you are speeding you can be caught by the instant on radar. If there is traffic on the road, you can detect the instant on as it is used on other cars. According to the V1 website, they are aware that there is a new radar detector detector on the market and are working to get one so the V1 can be updated.
Although my V1 has laser detection, I do not rely on it. I have joined the group buy on the M5board for the Lidatek LE-30 Lased detector/jammer. It jams for five seconds and then shuts off. Enough time to hit the brakes if you are not trying to set a land speed record. Also in those states where there are state laws about laser jammers, the theory is that 5 seconds is just enough not to arouse suspicion. Full time jammers allow enough time for the cop to realize he/she is being jammed and come after you.
And then there is photo radar for red lights and speeding. I haven't tried any of the sprays or covers for the license plates yet, but that is the next step.

cschow, programibility of the V1 is on their website.

www.valentineone.com

Norm
Bordeau/Merlot

Dr V is da mann!!!!

I own two 8500's currently and they are great in terms of range, false alarm weeding and protection it offers. I have one hardwired (which is pretty easy DIY) at the top of my windshield. On the highway, great range when the troopers are sitting on the breakdown lane shooting Ka from their rear window...even around curves I've caught troopers sitting there so that it's too late to brake when you've gone around the curve.

I have not tried the V1, but I'm tempted to do so this summer when I get my job started (which pays very well so I can afford one, hehe). But I do hear from my friend who has a V1 that false alarms go off more in the exact same area where my 8500 wouldn't false (such as grocery store, traffic lights, etc).

Anyone with a V1 care to share how well the V1 does against false alarms?

Thanks

tell you buddy to turn off x-band ..the v1 is totally adjustable

For Radar detection I would go with the V1 for it is known to be the best on the market for radar detection.

For laser shifting, I would go with the Escort ZR-3 laser shifter which has front and rear laser shifters. It has been given very good reviews and is very effective. Check with local laws before purchasing this for laser shifting is not legal in every state. In southern California Laser is the new deal and many areas have purchased a slew of laser guns. Santa Monica and Malibu are crawling with laser guns so I think it is time to start wiring up the cars. More work to do I guess.

Good luck! Best way to be safe...is dry the speed limit... but who does that in an AMG powered car?