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Best radar detector?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 323
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From: NYC Tri State Area
2013 w204 C350
Originally Posted by elboricua
Once againg im asking advice from the guys i trust the most in e55 equipment, whats the best radar detector out there? im looking at a v1 for $350 is it worth it?.
Fazooley
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 123
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From: Boston, MA
2001 BMW M5
V1 no questions asked. The first time it saves you from getting stopped, it pays for itself with regards to ticket fees and insurances surcharges. The arrows and bogey counter are very informative and help avoid speed traps.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 130
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From: Sarasota, FL
2000 E430 Sport
I paid $400 a few years back for my V1, and it has been worth every penny. It has saved me countless numbers of times, particularly on the interstate. I've had three speeding tickets (one when I had an Escort detector), but I have had no tickets since owning the V1.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: NW Ohio
2008 335 vert, 2004 MDX
The arrows on my V1 never seem to work right. I've been clocked from the front with the arrows insisting something's behind me. That said, it's sensitive but not too bothersome in urban areas. No tickets in three years and I usually drive 80+ in 55mph zones.
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 491
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2005 Brilliant Silver E55
I have V1 installed in my car...they put the sensors in the front and 2 in the rear. Also added Prowler (or something like that) Laser Jammer. The V1 remote is installed inside the ash tray...I'll take pics tomorrow.
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 80
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From: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
2004 CLK 320 Convertible
Originally Posted by fazooley
Well I have the K40 hidden radar front and rear in my 02 Audi A6 and have the V1 unit in my w211 e500 and I think that the V1 is much much better. Probably the best detector I used until last week when I was clocked at 62 in a 40 and the Valentine didnt even bother to go off. Not sure if theres some new radar band that the V1 cannot pickup or something, but other than that experience it's been my best friend since my original w140
Fazooley
Fazooley
BTW, new V1's are coming with POP mode detection, although there is nothing about this on Valentine's site.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 15
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From: Northwest New Jersey USA
'03 BMW M5
IMO the V1 is the best. However, after reading a review about the new Escort X50 on a website that seemed not to be biased against the V1 and for the X50, I bought one to try it. It is supposed to be better than the V1 on POP, hiding from the radar detector detectors, and Ka. On some recent trips from New Jersey to Florida and vice versa I had an opportunity to compare the two side by side. First, the display on the V1 is much easier to see. The X50 is much smaller to see and for me I need to put my reading glasses on to se the display. Recommend Escort forget the sleek design and double/triple the size of the display. On Ka I found that on several times the X50 did not alarm until it would have been too late. On those occassions the V1 picked-up the Ka before the police car was visable. Not so with the X50. Cannot comment on POP as mine was not a scientific test. Same for driving thru Virginia where they are supposed to use the detector detectors (I just take mine off the dash and put them on the console). The big difference is the direction arrows, the easy to read signal strength indicator on the V1, and the easy to see "boogie" counter. The arrows are a life saver and really do make a difference. I continue to compare the two, but for me the V1 is the choice. Now if V1 offers improved POP coverage than that will make it even better. I also like that V1 has an upgrade program (basically a trade in program) to upgrade your software (yes it costs money but it is cheaper than buying a new one.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 346
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From: Arizona
2015 C63 AMG 507
I am using an old Cobra mounted on the windshield. Waiting for it to die, sound is on the fritz as it is. Are you guys using the V1 on the windshield? I have gotten estimates for the K40 with laser diffuser remotely mounted, but they seem a little high at $1850. If you dont mind me asking, what would a good price be for a remote install, or should I just go for the V1 on the dash?
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
Whichever one is available (1 of 5)
Getting Passport SRX installed next week. So I will have radar + laser detector, and laser shifter. I will have units mounted on both front and rear. So I will let you guys how it turns out.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 791
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From: Monroe, Louisiana
SL 65 AMG and E63s AMG
I've been using Valantine 1s since they were invented after Mike V left Escort. Don't listen to all the garbage on the internet about which ones are the best. The most sensitive is the best! The V1 is the most sensitive. You get what you pay for. V1 are worth every cent that you pay for them.
My wife, kids, and my extra car (Vette) all have them hardwired. I won't drive without one. One ticket will usually pay for it. I haven't gotten a ticket in years and I drive em like a stole em.....always. :v
My wife, kids, and my extra car (Vette) all have them hardwired. I won't drive without one. One ticket will usually pay for it. I haven't gotten a ticket in years and I drive em like a stole em.....always. :v
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 588
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From: Gwinnett County, GA
2005 E55 AMG
Valentine V1 user here since 1995, never a ticket when driving in a car with the V1. My original unit has been "upgraded" (actually completely replaced) with he latest version - a nice touch by Valentine. I've used it both in hard-wired apps with remote display, as well as simple windshield mounts with power plug-ins - both work equally well.
I'll probably go the hard-wire route again when the new car gets here.
My dealer put a serious sales pitch on the k40, combined with Lidatek front front & rear jammers. At a cost approaching $2K installed, think I'd prefer to go with something that's proven itself in personal experience.
I'll probably go the hard-wire route again when the new car gets here.
My dealer put a serious sales pitch on the k40, combined with Lidatek front front & rear jammers. At a cost approaching $2K installed, think I'd prefer to go with something that's proven itself in personal experience.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 167
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From: Dallas, Texas
too many to list
I've had two V1's and I swear by them. and in my experience, tinted windows doesnt kill performance, in fact, I have had it with and without tinted windows and the results are the same.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Alba
Most likely POP mode. You can read up on it at Valentine's site.
BTW, new V1's are coming with POP mode detection, although there is nothing about this on Valentine's site.
BTW, new V1's are coming with POP mode detection, although there is nothing about this on Valentine's site.
"Some tint films also have metallized layers. Car and Driver supplied samples from Wal-Mart (Axius brand) and AutoZone (Gila brand). The Gila package claims its films have metallized layers, and our tests of Gila films produced the significant radar loses we associate with metallized films. WARNING: V1's Radar Locator depends on the rear antenna having an unobstructed view back through the interior of your car. Metallized films on side and rear windows will confuse the Radar Locator."
But then it says that they don't!:
Car and Driver supplied four tint-film samples, which we tested on clear window glass. Clear glass cuts laser range by about 25 percent, and all of the samples cut laser range by an additional 25-35 percent. Metallized films had about the same effect as ordinary tint films."
Whats the deal here? Am I going to waste $400 if I buy a V1?
Any response is greatly appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,299
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Nevermind about the POP mode, I don't think anybody should worry about it. Even if I get a ticket, I'll just read this to the judge and I'm sure he'll drop the charge at once:
http://www.valentine1.com/pop/
http://www.valentine1.com/pop/
