Best Radar/Laser Detectors?
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 137
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
'17 MB G63 AMG
I have had my 2 Escort Passport 8500's for a couple of years now and I love them. I live about 10 minutes from Escort's office here in Cincinnati so I take them in once a year and have them updated with new software if it's available.
I got rid of my V1 due to the fact the damn thing beeped constantly with false radar readings.
I got rid of my V1 due to the fact the damn thing beeped constantly with false radar readings.
Tks, BB
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Everywhere
C63 AMG
They have never charged me. I am fairly sure that if you pay postage they will do it for free for you. This thread actually reminded it's been about a year since I last stopped by there. Might just have to do that today during lunch.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,438
Likes: 388
From: Relocated
2010 Irridium Silver MB C63 AMG Sedan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,438
Likes: 388
From: Relocated
2010 Irridium Silver MB C63 AMG Sedan
Yea, you too bro. I bought both cars BRAND NEW mid 2010. Both cars fully loaded, even though the xterra wouldn't really be considered a "loaded car". All it is is grunt power with a durable chassis with lots of room. I figured I have a beater for the harsh roads and winters, and a beefy M156 for when I need to go to Mexico...
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Everywhere
C63 AMG
Yea, you too bro. I bought both cars BRAND NEW mid 2010. Both cars fully loaded, even though the xterra wouldn't really be considered a "loaded car". All it is is grunt power with a durable chassis with lots of room. I figured I have a beater for the harsh roads and winters, and a beefy M156 for when I need to go to Mexico...
We have been really happy with it thus far. Minus the fact that it gets as bad of gas mileage as the C63 lol
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 12
From: MA
E63S
I have owned the 9500i, 9500ix, and at least 5 V1's.
I currently have 2 latest V1's and just listed one in the mobile electronics classifieds. The 9500 is a nice unit but can't live without the arrows after having them.
I currently have 2 latest V1's and just listed one in the mobile electronics classifieds. The 9500 is a nice unit but can't live without the arrows after having them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,438
Likes: 388
From: Relocated
2010 Irridium Silver MB C63 AMG Sedan
Yeah I had the seats reupholstered with leather Katskinz. Also did a 2.5" Lift and 33"s. My fiance drives it 95% of the time and when she is not driving that she is driving my Duramax
We have been really happy with it thus far. Minus the fact that it gets as bad of gas mileage as the C63 lol
We have been really happy with it thus far. Minus the fact that it gets as bad of gas mileage as the C63 lol
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,438
Likes: 388
From: Relocated
2010 Irridium Silver MB C63 AMG Sedan
Doesn't the V1 need a front grill mount? Would you say that both units are great, just personal preference?
I think it makes sense to think that from whatever direction the unit starts sounding from, the driver will slow down regardless, whether the arrow is showing a direction or you have no arrow. At this point I am looking for accuracy and ease of use...
I think it makes sense to think that from whatever direction the unit starts sounding from, the driver will slow down regardless, whether the arrow is showing a direction or you have no arrow. At this point I am looking for accuracy and ease of use...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 12
From: MA
E63S
Doesn't the V1 need a front grill mount? Would you say that both units are great, just personal preference?
I think it makes sense to think that from whatever direction the unit starts sounding from, the driver will slow down regardless, whether the arrow is showing a direction or you have no arrow. At this point I am looking for accuracy and ease of use...
I think it makes sense to think that from whatever direction the unit starts sounding from, the driver will slow down regardless, whether the arrow is showing a direction or you have no arrow. At this point I am looking for accuracy and ease of use...
Both units are great indeed, hence people are paying half a grand for them.
Honestly, at this point in time my primary concern has become laser, as neither unit has any protection from it and cops know. Depends on where you live, but in a large city like Boston, I cannot recall the last time a cop used a radar on the highway. They are very useful at in suburbs at night though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 10
From: San Diego/San Francisco
AMG GLC63. Audi R8
Vic,
Nice stable of cars. Found the V-1 programming instructions here http://www.valentine1.com/Lab/techreport3.asp
Nice stable of cars. Found the V-1 programming instructions here http://www.valentine1.com/Lab/techreport3.asp
Last edited by DuaneC63; May 6, 2011 at 03:59 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,675
Likes: 11
From: NA
Yes
When I hear the detector go off, I look at 3 things - 1st the arrows to tell me what direction to look with my eyes, 2nd the signal strength (which I can tell audibly if its increasing or steady or decreasing) and 3rd how many bogeys it's spotting.
My brain can process all that information in a second and, with 99.9% accuracy, determine if I need to slow down, or its nothing to worry about.
Without the arrows, I'm missing a key piece of information ,and I do NOT want to slow down and wonder every time my detector goes off.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 27
From: North NJ
2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
BTW, Laser Interceptor offers a $30 switch that when you flip it, converts your Laser Interceptor into a functional Parking Aid. However, I haven't tested this "excuse" on any POs yet. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,165
Likes: 4
PLAID
That'll change. Apparently Mike Valentine's patent runs out this year (2011) and unless he gets an extension, which I doubt, others can start to use the technology for their own units, primarily BEL and Escort (same company). I have a Redline & SC55 unit for cameras combined which is a great unit, probably a lil better than the V-1 on the ever-so-important Ka band , BUT not as good on laser. There is also quick-trigger and also POP which are very difficult to detect. I'll bet you'll see some real innovation this year from BOTH V-1 and also BelsCort.
Except for a LI (Laser Interceptor), few units will save you from Lidar, except for the use of Veil Coating which has been shown to reduce Lidar reflectivity by quite a bit, giving you at least a change to put on the clamps.
Current word on all the radar forums is that the newest STI-R + is the best detecting ever made, better than the 9500Ci for less cost?? Its about $1,100
Last edited by Newzchspy; May 6, 2011 at 07:12 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 12
From: MA
E63S
[/u][/i][/b]
That'll change. Apparently Mike Valentine's patent runs out this year (2011) and unless he gets an extension, which I doubt, others can start to use the technology for their own units, primarily BEL and Escort (same company). I have a Redline & SC55 unit for cameras combined which is a great unit, probably a lil better than the V-1 on the ever-so-important Ka band , BUT not as good on laser. There is also quick-trigger and also POP which are very difficult to detect. I'll bet you'll see some real innovation this year from BOTH V-1 and also BelsCort.
Except for a LI (Laser Interceptor), few units will save you from Lidar, except for the use of Veil Coating which has been shown to reduce Lidar reflectivity by quite a bit, giving you at least a change to put on the clamps.
Current word on all the radar forums is that the newest STI-R + is the best detecting ever made, better than the 9500Ci for less cost?? Its about $1,100
That'll change. Apparently Mike Valentine's patent runs out this year (2011) and unless he gets an extension, which I doubt, others can start to use the technology for their own units, primarily BEL and Escort (same company). I have a Redline & SC55 unit for cameras combined which is a great unit, probably a lil better than the V-1 on the ever-so-important Ka band , BUT not as good on laser. There is also quick-trigger and also POP which are very difficult to detect. I'll bet you'll see some real innovation this year from BOTH V-1 and also BelsCort.
Except for a LI (Laser Interceptor), few units will save you from Lidar, except for the use of Veil Coating which has been shown to reduce Lidar reflectivity by quite a bit, giving you at least a change to put on the clamps.
Current word on all the radar forums is that the newest STI-R + is the best detecting ever made, better than the 9500Ci for less cost?? Its about $1,100
It'd be about time!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 10
From: San Diego/San Francisco
AMG GLC63. Audi R8
[/u][/i][/b]
That'll change. Apparently Mike Valentine's patent runs out this year (2011) and unless he gets an extension, which I doubt, others can start to use the technology for their own units, primarily BEL and Escort (same company). I have a Redline & SC55 unit for cameras combined which is a great unit, probably a lil better than the V-1 on the ever-so-important Ka band , BUT not as good on laser. There is also quick-trigger and also POP which are very difficult to detect. I'll bet you'll see some real innovation this year from BOTH V-1 and also BelsCort.
Except for a LI (Laser Interceptor), few units will save you from Lidar, except for the use of Veil Coating which has been shown to reduce Lidar reflectivity by quite a bit, giving you at least a change to put on the clamps.
Current word on all the radar forums is that the newest STI-R + is the best detecting ever made, better than the 9500Ci for less cost?? Its about $1,100
That'll change. Apparently Mike Valentine's patent runs out this year (2011) and unless he gets an extension, which I doubt, others can start to use the technology for their own units, primarily BEL and Escort (same company). I have a Redline & SC55 unit for cameras combined which is a great unit, probably a lil better than the V-1 on the ever-so-important Ka band , BUT not as good on laser. There is also quick-trigger and also POP which are very difficult to detect. I'll bet you'll see some real innovation this year from BOTH V-1 and also BelsCort.
Except for a LI (Laser Interceptor), few units will save you from Lidar, except for the use of Veil Coating which has been shown to reduce Lidar reflectivity by quite a bit, giving you at least a change to put on the clamps.
Current word on all the radar forums is that the newest STI-R + is the best detecting ever made, better than the 9500Ci for less cost?? Its about $1,100
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 399
From: Houston, TX
2014 E63 AMGs, 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2010 Porsche C4S
As I indicated in an earlier post, I've used the V1 for many years, but Valentine has not innovated. I even checked my current unit for upgrade and even though it's over five years old, there's no meaningful upgrade available.
You would think that since Mike Valentine's patent is expiring, that he would have already developed a product that incorporates the best of the V1 with that of the competition. In any event, I'm waiting for delivery of a 9500ix because the only threat that concerns me is the red light/speed cameras that I sometimes forget about.
We'll see how it goes.
You would think that since Mike Valentine's patent is expiring, that he would have already developed a product that incorporates the best of the V1 with that of the competition. In any event, I'm waiting for delivery of a 9500ix because the only threat that concerns me is the red light/speed cameras that I sometimes forget about.
We'll see how it goes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,438
Likes: 388
From: Relocated
2010 Irridium Silver MB C63 AMG Sedan
As I indicated in an earlier post, I've used the V1 for many years, but Valentine has not innovated. I even checked my current unit for upgrade and even though it's over five years old, there's no meaningful upgrade available.
You would think that since Mike Valentine's patent is expiring, that he would have already developed a product that incorporates the best of the V1 with that of the competition. In any event, I'm waiting for delivery of a 9500ix because the only threat that concerns me is the red light/speed cameras that I sometimes forget about.
We'll see how it goes.
You would think that since Mike Valentine's patent is expiring, that he would have already developed a product that incorporates the best of the V1 with that of the competition. In any event, I'm waiting for delivery of a 9500ix because the only threat that concerns me is the red light/speed cameras that I sometimes forget about.
We'll see how it goes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 10
From: San Diego/San Francisco
AMG GLC63. Audi R8
Looks like they are illegal in some states. Most of them put a out a JTG (jam to gun) which the cop can see. LI claims it does not cause a JTG reading, just no reading. All the laser jammers automatically turn off once they warn you that you've been hit, so it seems they must be worried about getting caught with a jammer. I had hoped the economic conditions would have slowed down the purchase of laser guns but it appears your friendly insurance company (as well as certain non-taxable organizations MADD) takes part of your premiums to buy laser guns for state and local police enforcement.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: 954
01 CLK 55 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 27
From: North NJ
2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
Laser Interceptors are just icing on the cake.Looks like they are illegal in some states. Most of them put a out a JTG (jam to gun) which the cop can see. LI claims it does not cause a JTG reading, just no reading. All the laser jammers automatically turn off once they warn you that you've been hit, so it seems they must be worried about getting caught with a jammer. I had hoped the economic conditions would have slowed down the purchase of laser guns but it appears your friendly insurance company (as well as certain non-taxable organizations MADD) takes part of your premiums to buy laser guns for state and local police enforcement.
The laser from the gun is pointed at the car and a reading is taken. Another reading is taken after a short perioid of time. The time difference between the two signals reflecting back from your car to the gun are then used to figure out how much distance you traveled and therefore your speed. Regardless of JTG or not, it is a good idea to turn the unit off in case the cop wants to take another reading (after you have already slowed down) to make it look like there was "some glitch" with the gun. Regarding the LI to V1 interface, it is only used to display the laser alerts and status.
