david

It has been a while since I've visited this wonderful forum. In fact, I was surprised to see that my lifetime membership was still honored! Is John still around?!?!?!

I'm still babysitting the 1980 911sc Targa (Silver Metallic) which recently hit 210,000 on the odometer and still puts the stupid smile on my face...jeez, I suspect that after 17+ years she and I are old friends.

Anywho, I'm in the market for a radar detector. I live in the SF Bay Area and my commute is a short jaunt from Mill Valley to Emeryville (CHP sits under overpasses on I580 with door open and gun pointed out of the rising sun...very difficult to see them!) and extended travel equates to North Bay (West Marin!) and regional jaunts as well as exercises up to Mt. Shasta and over Tioga Pass to the Eastern Sierra. Daughter #1 will be attending UCSB next year so US101 will also see more of the Targa.

I've searched the archives but nothing jumped out except that Valentine, Escort and Belltronics are still well-respected and should be the focus of my research.

Does anyone care to provide me with more specific recommendations based on your experience and (perhaps) a similar motoring scenario???

As always, I appreciate the feedback in advance!!!

Cheers,
David
'80 911sc Targa

rusnak

I noticed that chp on 101 always have k band on, so they're easier to detect. The difficult scenario is one that any radar detector would not help you in: instant-on ka band with an ambush or in oncoming traffic on a two lane highway. Just slow down in rural highways such as 46, 41 etc.

For 4 lane highways, V1 has saved me many times, and so long as you use traffic spacing to shield you, I doubt you will get a ticket with one.

Edgy01

Between a V1 and good intel (SA) you will be fine. I can't empathize enough upo n the latter

syzygy

I suppose they're like pickups: the Chev, Dodge or Ford will all get the job done just fine if you use them as designed. V1, Escort and Bel will all work just fine. They have some different features that the others dont but all the radar aspects work very well. However, my current favorite is the V1 but I'm a Chev guy and some aren't...

david

Thanks all for the feedback; at least I've properly narrowed down the three brands for which to focus and now I'll have to do some more research.

Nice to be back on Rennlist and I hope that I can give as much as has been given to me over these many years!

ked

I'm a Situational Awareness type, so for me it's the V1 w/ its (patented, or everyone else would have it) frt & rear-aiming antennas, enabling one to track the quantity & vectors of the bogies.

Radcap

I am another fan of the V1, excellent unit, saved me numerous times, my wife even wants one now....looks like a great Christmas gift....hahaha, cheaper than diamonds!!

Rod,

ron mcatee

V1 for sure. The feature I like is that it can be updated. You don't have to buy a new one if technology is available.

rgoodrich

I have had both A V1 and, now, an Escort 9500 ix. They are both great units. The sheriffs around here use constant on radar, and I can pick them up 2-3 miles away. That's enough of a margin for me. The Escort screening limits false alarms by 90%. It's nice to know that when it goes off, the threat is probably real. I could be happy with either one. If I win the electronics lottery it will be an Escort 9500 ci for me. Happy shopping!

dshepp806

I like the voltage reading capabiliy of mine,...let's me know what the alt/VR is doing!

david

I'm leaning towards the Escort 9500ix because I was under the impression that the Valentine 1 is unable to acquire new firmware or software updates; perhaps I'll have to re-read the documentation.

I still can't believe the cost for the Escort 9500ci...electronics lottery or not, it is very unlikely the SC will traveling with one of those units!

Thanks again for the feedback!

HkPlinker

I have the Passport 8500 X50 and like it very much. I shut off the X band and POP. Seemd to work just fine for me. I call Escort every six months to check if there are any new updates.

UberXY

Anyone had any experience with the Escort iQ radar/GPS unit? It would be particularly stealthy for those of us who live in states that ban radar detectors.

https://www.escortradar.com/iq/

ricster

Here at my dealership we sell about 4 escort 9500ci units per week. We charge $2500 installed for the device and have been told they do jam effectively lazer. In fact I just sold another one of these units 10 minutes ago for an in-bound cayenne.

Phil Ehlen

I live in the Southeast and any officer out of the car pointing a speed detection device is using laser. My experience is that laser detection is futile. I've heard good things about the higher end laser shifters (aka jammers).