valentine v1 or passport9500xi
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From: Taipei Taiwan
'10 E63 Obsidiant Black; '06 R350 Alabaster White; 05 C55 Obsidiant Black (sold)
They're both good units with nice detecting range. If you drive in cities a lot i would suggest the passport. Never tried it, but I've heard the GPS unit works really well. Way too much false alarts with the V1 in urban area, but you can always turn the volumn down. Once you're on highway the arrows are unbeatable.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: USA
2011 GLK 350, 2013 GT-R, & 2013 RAM 1500
Below is my first hand impression after owing the 9500i and V1 units on multiple cars. The ix gives you the RLC/Speed Cam bonus, but the below comparison should help.
Here is my post/photos showcasing my 9500i hardwire. -> https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w204/334308-hardwired-escort-9500i-radar-detector-photos.html
Here's a recap of my experience. 
First off, the V1 is a fantastic and ultra-sensitive detector. I've had three of them in the past 10-years. The range is fantastic and it saved me countless times. It does have the arrows, which are great and all, but I found myself not really needing to know where the threat was coming from. What I really wanted was to 1) know the threat was real and 2) slow down to the posted speed limit if it was. The V1 never delivered on the “Is it real part?”. It was always barking at me, proud to point me to various non-threatening radar-sources in the city or along the highway. Yes, it saved my *** a lot, but the noisy commute was getting to me.
I purchased a 9500i after reading some favorable reviews online. After one week, I knew this style of detector was right for me. The sensitivity was very equitable to the V1, but it shined because of its built-in GPS feature. I pass by six K-based RADAR Speed Limit signs each way on my commute. With GPS marking, I could easily lock out those specific non-threatening signals. The next time I would pass by, the system would be silent. When approaching one of these "marked" locations, the GPS icon on the display would start to rotate. This was essentially the 9500i saying, "I'm picking up the radar signal, but I'm not "bleeping" because you told me this exact location is not a threat". Simply awesome! The unit is quiet until an unknown threat is detected. When it detects something, it alerts me and I slow down. A few seconds later, I’m usually smiling as I drive by a LEO at the posted speed limit.
Note: The V1’s Bogey Counter is very similar to the 9500-series’ ExpertMeter. The ExpertMeter simultaneously tracks up to 8 radar signals and provides detailed information on up to 2 Ka-band, 2 K-band, and 4 X-band signals.
This is my real-life experience. Hope it helps.
First off, the V1 is a fantastic and ultra-sensitive detector. I've had three of them in the past 10-years. The range is fantastic and it saved me countless times. It does have the arrows, which are great and all, but I found myself not really needing to know where the threat was coming from. What I really wanted was to 1) know the threat was real and 2) slow down to the posted speed limit if it was. The V1 never delivered on the “Is it real part?”. It was always barking at me, proud to point me to various non-threatening radar-sources in the city or along the highway. Yes, it saved my *** a lot, but the noisy commute was getting to me.
I purchased a 9500i after reading some favorable reviews online. After one week, I knew this style of detector was right for me. The sensitivity was very equitable to the V1, but it shined because of its built-in GPS feature. I pass by six K-based RADAR Speed Limit signs each way on my commute. With GPS marking, I could easily lock out those specific non-threatening signals. The next time I would pass by, the system would be silent. When approaching one of these "marked" locations, the GPS icon on the display would start to rotate. This was essentially the 9500i saying, "I'm picking up the radar signal, but I'm not "bleeping" because you told me this exact location is not a threat". Simply awesome! The unit is quiet until an unknown threat is detected. When it detects something, it alerts me and I slow down. A few seconds later, I’m usually smiling as I drive by a LEO at the posted speed limit.
Note: The V1’s Bogey Counter is very similar to the 9500-series’ ExpertMeter. The ExpertMeter simultaneously tracks up to 8 radar signals and provides detailed information on up to 2 Ka-band, 2 K-band, and 4 X-band signals.
This is my real-life experience. Hope it helps.
Last edited by superlubricity; Feb 25, 2010 at 09:16 PM.
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From: USA
2011 GLK 350, 2013 GT-R, & 2013 RAM 1500
You are not going to get laser protection from a detector. You may get a laser alert, but that's just a signal for you to pull over. 
You'll need to pick up a good jammer like the Laser Interceptor or Blinder M27/M47 to protect you there. I'm going with the M47 in the Spring.
Check out radardetector.net for lots of great info.
You'll need to pick up a good jammer like the Laser Interceptor or Blinder M27/M47 to protect you there. I'm going with the M47 in the Spring.
Check out radardetector.net for lots of great info.
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From: PNW
'15 VW GTI
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 1
From: Taipei Taiwan
'10 E63 Obsidiant Black; '06 R350 Alabaster White; 05 C55 Obsidiant Black (sold)
With laser, cops already has your speed when your detector goes off. The only time "laser detection" will help you is if the cop is tagging the car in front of you.
Try to do your own research and find out what you really want/need. There are many head to head tests online, and they're not hard to find.
Also there are posts in radardetector.net showing the types of device (k, ka, x and laser) use in areas in north america.
Try to do your own research and find out what you really want/need. There are many head to head tests online, and they're not hard to find.
Also there are posts in radardetector.net showing the types of device (k, ka, x and laser) use in areas in north america.
Last edited by RW C55; Feb 25, 2010 at 02:03 PM.
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Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: USA
2011 GLK 350, 2013 GT-R, & 2013 RAM 1500
In the burbs/city I get a lot of radar saves.
On I-90 (my commute) it's about 50/50 from the side of the road.
I had two Ka-band radar saves on my last trip from Issaquah to Kirkland. I-90 W to I-405 N. Both instances the LEO was in the center median with constant on KA-band radar.
As the weather clears up, more start to use laser. That's why I'll have better countermeasures come Spring time.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: FL
'09 C63 AMG
V1 is #1...gotta love the arrows and multiple signal threat detection. I have an older Passport 8500 in my wife's GL450. Both are great, but I find the V1 to be a bit better. For those ppl who say the V1 is almost "too sensitive," I ask if they've turned off the X band and/or K band radar detection. 
Here in FL, I know that 98% of the signals from police are either Ka or Laser, so I've turned off the X-band detection, and I usually don't worry too much about the straight K-band signals (which are usually the speed detection/display units on the side or median).
I would like to eventually get a Laser Jammer though; I think that could be a good tool as well.
For those ppl who say the V1 is almost "too sensitive," I ask if they've turned off the X band and/or K band radar detection. Here in FL, I know that 98% of the signals from police are either Ka or Laser, so I've turned off the X-band detection, and I usually don't worry too much about the straight K-band signals (which are usually the speed detection/display units on the side or median).
I would like to eventually get a Laser Jammer though; I think that could be a good tool as well.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 258
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From: Bellevue, WA
'10 C63 AMG P31, '88 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe, '78 Toyota FJ40, '10 Audi Q7 TDi
Ignore the cost difference, but what about the 9500ix vs. the 9500ci (installed version)?
I've always been a V1 fan and still have one in my 911, but....
I've always been a V1 fan and still have one in my 911, but....
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: USA
2011 GLK 350, 2013 GT-R, & 2013 RAM 1500
I ran one on my '06 M5. It had it professionally installed by Benchmark Motoring in Bellevue. I loved the radar performance and custom/stealth install. It was nice not constantly removing the unit from the windshield every time I would park downtown or in a not-so-secure location. I didn't want to attract any unwanted attention by having a black box suction-cupped to the windshield of my M5. In the C63, there is a nice hiding space above the rear-view mirror for a windshield mounted detector.
Anyhow, the drawback to the 9500ci is the ZR4 laser shifters. They are "decent" performers against some types of LIDAR guns, but not as good as top-of-the line Laser Interceptors or the new Blinder M27/47. There are a ton of resources/reviews on line and many include detailed performance figures. Do your homework with regards to what LIDAR guns are used in your area to help determine what system is best for you. Like I mentioned up top, radardetector.net is the best resource hands down.
Last edited by superlubricity; Feb 25, 2010 at 09:27 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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2000 MR-S daily driver, 1997 SL600 weekend fun, 1999 ML430 tow vehicle
I run a V1 in every one of my cars along with a blinder m40. I don't have a ticket on record in the last 5 years.
that should tell you something. I don't obey the speed limit either
that should tell you something. I don't obey the speed limit either
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Desert
02 CLK 55 AMG,09 C63 loaded with P30
Also if people didnt speed troopers will be out of a job!
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Joined: Oct 2006
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2000 MR-S daily driver, 1997 SL600 weekend fun, 1999 ML430 tow vehicle
just saying, speed intelligently, get a laser jammer (if state law doesnt say its a felony) and get a V1, you'll be finealthough, that being said, my CL65 has a metallic windshield and no detector does a very good job though it so that one has a valance mounted unit.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 258
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From: Bellevue, WA
'10 C63 AMG P31, '88 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe, '78 Toyota FJ40, '10 Audi Q7 TDi
The 9500ci has a better radar antenna compared to the 9500i/ix. It is based off of the Beltronics/Escort M3-platform and is considered the top detector by many enthusiasts.
I ran one on my '06 M5. It had it professionally installed by Benchmark Motoring in Bellevue. I loved the radar performance and custom/stealth install. It was nice not constantly removing the unit from the windshield every time I would park downtown or in a not-so-secure location. I didn't want to attract any unwanted attention by having a black box suction-cupped to the windshield of my M5. In the C63, there is a nice hiding space above the rear-view mirror for a windshield mounted detector.
Anyhow, the drawback to the 9500ci is the ZR4 laser shifters. They are "decent" performers against some types of LIDAR guns, but not as good as top-of-the line Laser Interceptors or the new Blinder M27/47. There are a ton of resources/reviews on line and many include detailed performance figures. Do your homework with regards to what LIDAR guns are used in your area to help determine what system is best for you. Like I mentioned up top, radardetector.net is the best resource hands down.
I ran one on my '06 M5. It had it professionally installed by Benchmark Motoring in Bellevue. I loved the radar performance and custom/stealth install. It was nice not constantly removing the unit from the windshield every time I would park downtown or in a not-so-secure location. I didn't want to attract any unwanted attention by having a black box suction-cupped to the windshield of my M5. In the C63, there is a nice hiding space above the rear-view mirror for a windshield mounted detector.
Anyhow, the drawback to the 9500ci is the ZR4 laser shifters. They are "decent" performers against some types of LIDAR guns, but not as good as top-of-the line Laser Interceptors or the new Blinder M27/47. There are a ton of resources/reviews on line and many include detailed performance figures. Do your homework with regards to what LIDAR guns are used in your area to help determine what system is best for you. Like I mentioned up top, radardetector.net is the best resource hands down.
1) What LIDAR i used in our area (Seattle/Eastside).
2) What is the legality of these Laser "countermeasures" in our area?
I'd really appreciate it.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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CL500
On a serious note, I have a V1 and it is amazing, saved me multiple times. Go online and do some research to find out what bands are mainly used in your area and disable the rest.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: eastcoast
2010c63
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: CANADA
C63
hey guys can anybody help me or show me pictures how you mount and tuck away the annoying telephone cord? right now im just plugging it straight from the passport to the cig. lighter
any recommendations?
thx
any recommendations?
thx
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Joined: Oct 2006
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2000 MR-S daily driver, 1997 SL600 weekend fun, 1999 ML430 tow vehicle
20=40
30=60
45=70
55=80
65=95
70=100+
thats usually what it ends up as for me, haha.
