Online at Motor Trend...

click here for the top rated units -- Valentine 1 lost out by a tenth of a point FWIW

http://www.motortrend.com/features/c...ar/index7.html

Pete

 

I don't have a detector, but I'm considering picking one up, so this review is very timely and useful.

The thing I've always disliked about these detectors is they are so big and obnoxious looking... stuck there on your dash (or visor or wherever). Plus, unless you take it down each time, its yet another reason for a thief to break into your car.

I've heard that some people have detectors whereby the unit has been broken up such that the detection unit resides somewhere in the grill (or somewhere on the outside) with a little main unit tucked underneath dash boards etc.

Do any of the rennlist'ers have a setup similar to this?
Are there units that are sold like this or is this a custom job?

 

here are a couple of cool installs - one in the mirror (big buck$) and one in the tach...

https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...ght=valentine1

 

Keep in mind the ratings take value into consideration in addition to performance. All I care about is performance.

 

I have a K40. Expensive but works well and is built in. Doesn't have all the arrows that the V1 does but doesn't get stolen either.

 

Hmmm...Escort sponsored the test and won by a tenth...! I still like the Valentine with the remot dispay.

 

Take out the BS and just look at the performance numbers - the V1 kicks butt.

 

I too have a V1 and, not to sound like a print ad but, the arrows are great. I also like everything else about the unit so far (had it only about 4 months).

 

I have had my V1 for over 5 years. It is well worth the cost, IMHO. I especially like that it reads both forward and to the rear. I mounted mine just above the dash and hard-wired it. That is a very convenient location for tapping the button to acknowledge units detected, and is easily visible. Frankly, I don't worry about theft. I also take the unit on trips and use it in the rental car with the lighter plug.

 

What Pete said.

 

Here are some other things to consider:
1. Mr Valentine is a Rennlister.
2. Valentine 1 has saved my a$$ about 20 times,
so far, since I got my 993 in Sept Most spetacluar was
I was driving with a friend in his cab I was in my TT. We were below
a hill , my V1 went off. I slowed down I rose over the hill and down
there was a CHP getting on the road to pull someone else over
The V1 somehow
got it by some reflection in a way I have never seen a detector work
before
3. The V1 kicks butt!
4. Once you buy your V1 you will get free software updates.
5. According to the article MT did not like some of the ergonomics
of the V1 or size of the package. BFD!! I want it to protect me, I've set
it once and now I only adjust the volume( I live in the boonies.)
6. I have a K40 built into my car as well- Its great at finding cell phone
towers. not very good at finding radars.
7. the V1 Kicks some MAJOR butt!
8. And this is the best reason for the V1- I would be grounded from my TT
by now if it werent for the V1.

And of course the usual stuff I dont know mr Valentine, nor am I affliated
with the Valentine company blah blah blah

 

What Robert & Pete said. Grin.

My V1 has probably saved me 100 times in the 2 years I've had it. And I'm not a speed demon. (Witness my membership in HWFMR!).

cheers,

sean

 

Will go along with the others; Valentine has served me very well for countless years. Got mine mounted like Pete Lech did and don't notice it while driving.

 

I have to agree that the V1 is hands down the best. Prior to it I had the Passport. I would venture a guess that the performance numbers are very close, but you just cannot beat the arrows!

 

Would have to agree with all..I love mine!! It has saved my butt many many times. I have my hidden display inside my tach, I think it is one of the best DIYs I have done so far. I was doing at about the same time Robin was doing his writeup, would have been nice to have a little help from P-car....