In the market for a Radar Detector.
Any suggestions on features to look for or make model recommendations?

 

One vote for Valentine One. I've been using my V1 since 1997 and it still saves me from tickets on a monthly/weekly basis. You can't beat the directional indicators and radar source counter.

 

Ditto on the V1. It will save your butt over and over.

 

V1 is good, but also consider the Passport 8500 and Bel 980. The V1 is $400. The Passport is about $250 IF you buy it from Performance Products b/c your PCA membership entitles you to a 15% off discount.

All three of these detectors test well. Personally, I will be buying the Passport soon b/c it's WAY cheaper and, IMO, a comparable performer.

 

I have used the Bel 980 since purchasing my 90 C2 Targa about a year ago. It has saved me on numerous occasions and raises very few false alarms, even in the crowded No. VA area. You may want to consult the radartest.com site before deciding.

 

One of the reasons the V1 is more expensive is that it offers some unique features: it tells you how many radar sources it detects, and it tells you the direction that the radar is coming from. This information can be invaluable, and one of the reasons that people wholeheartedly endorse it despite its high price.

Unless I'm mistaken, the other radar detectors do not give this information. (Haven't looked at the newer passport or bel.)

-- Melissa

 

I looked at the radar.com site. They say the Bel 980 is the best detector they have ever tested but their scoring system indicates the Passport 8500 is best. They writers were not very high on the V1.

 

Bruce,

Yep, the radartest.com site is not very high on the V1. I don't recall the details, but it seems that the site's author has a personal axe to grind with Valentine.

I think the Rennlist archives (mailing list or these forums) might have better info on this "feud."

Personally, I use a cheapie Uniden. I don't think it's been a big help, but whenever I see it light up, I check my speed and take a good hard look at the cars around me, the cars alongside the road, etc. Seems to me there's lots of false alarms from the Uniden.

I bought my C5 Corvette driving roommate a Valentine for her big 4-0 b-day, and she loves it. She thinks it's saved her a couple of tickets. (I won't say how long she's had it, just in case she meanders over to the Porsche sites. )

Take care, and good luck in your decision!

-- Melissa

 

V-1. Best of the lot IMHO. I have mine hard wired into the car, set low on top of the dash peeking out between the windshield wipers. That way, if the suction cups come off the thing drops an inch or two (it's like a brick), rather than a foot or two, possibly damaging itself or me. Don't buy into to the "conventional wisdom" to mount it high, for maximum range. That is nonsense.

 

I use the Passport 8500. Saved me numerous occasions. Comes with nice case and two sets of mounting cups - makes it easy to move from car to car.

$300 US

Jon