John.

I just thought I would share my experiece with my new Valentine 1 radar detector. Up to now, I had been using a SOLO battery powered detector. It never had good range and it always seemed like I was on top of the source of the radar before it went off.

So, I took a drive over to Valentine 1 here in Cincinnati to pick up my new detector. It is really cool. You pull in to what is nothing more than an office in a strip mall with a small decal on the window that says Valentine Research. No BS, no fancy anything, just a small builidng where they assmble these wonderful devices. I have to respect that, Mr. Valentine just wants to make a great product, and that it is.

I have been using the unit now for a few days and I can tell you without a doubt that this is the BEST detector I have ever used or seen. Yes, it was expensive, but worth every penny in my estimation.

The range on this thing is absolutely incredible and the ability to sense radar in various directions and relay this information back is very useful.

If you are considering a new detector or getting one for the first time, I STRONGLY recommend the Valentine 1. It is about twice as much as the others out there, but the performance can't be beat.

I can't wait to see if it picks up cruiser No. 7 who is always hiding on the back road up to my house...I think it will. This is the guy who wrote my up for 51 in a 35 (6 point ticket) when he could have written me up for 50 in a 35 (3 point ticket).

SteveG

As an x-Ohioan, who got stung in PA I have relate this. There is a site on speed traps which is of some use, but who would know they were going to be on SR 247 in NE PA. Anyway, I was in a beat up and I mean beat up (times were leaner) Civic on Nov 22, 6 years ago. It was dark, no moon, going home from work and the dick nailed me with VASCAR 62 in a 35; it is a country road with clear view intersection. Yes, I'm guilty but the timing was way off and no visible lines on the road. Completely arbitrary. Judge reduces it and promises no points. The DAY after the period to appeal expires, I get DMV notice of 3 points. Moral -- don't trust judges, appeal.

Dozman

You should go to the courts and get a transcript of your docket.

John D.

Ron_H

I just got my new Valentine1 and temporarily put it in my Rabbit to drive around town listening to its reaction. Amazing !! If you think you're not being watched, forget it. Smokey's everywhere you want to be I concluded that it was really photo radar at all the traffic signals, judging from the display on the Valentine. Today it goes into the Porsche for the highway which should prove revealing. Simple product to install and use. It chirps alot. I like it. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

Ron_H

Just returned from a 200 mile highway drive and must say that John is right about the Valentine. Great range, and the directional arrows are informative to know where Smokey is hiding. Glad I got a Valentine1 !! <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

N.Masco

Glad to hear it Ron! Just remember that you still have to watch out for laser and aircraft. The valentine is good, but it still does not protect you from everything! (don't ask how I know)

Jay Wellwood

Personally, I have the SR-1 installed in my 87.

I love it - no false signals - although no direction indication, I have been blipped from behind and have known it.

The SR-1 is incredible from a valid signal/no false indications standpoint.

Just my $0.02 worth.

MBMB

I am thinking about switching off the X-band detection on my V1. Any thoughts? When was the last time X-band was used for speed detection?

Incidentally, in 12 months / 21,000 miles of fast driving with a V1, I have received three tickets.

The first was by a state trooper with instant-on radar. I was briskly southbound when a NB trooper clocked me. I kept on going, and his buddy was lying in wait for me. He clocked me at 101 in a 70, but seemed to think (when he caught up to me 15 minutes later) that I had been going a lot faster. He was tenacious.

The second was by a state trooper EB with instant-on radar on the fly when I was WB on an open stretch of highway in west Texas. I lifted my foot off the gas when I recognized the lights on top of his car, and he switched on the radar at the same moment. That one was for 80 (if I recall correctly) in a 70 -- a silly ticket, but DPS sends its rookies out to Alpine TX to learn how to write tickets.

The third was by a local cop with lidar. 72 in a 55 -- a BS ticket in a zone that had been 65 mph 3 months before. I was on the way to the children's museum with my 2-year-old. I told the officer he was wasting his time writing me the ticket. Turns out he was only wasting my time, since he didn't bother to show up for court.