Radar Detectors...is the Valentine 1 a waste of money?
#1
Radar Detectors...is the Valentine 1 a waste of money?
I'm looking to install a radar detector in my '03 TT X50. Is the Valentine 1 a decent choice or is it a complete waste of money? Does anyone have any thoughts or can you recommend a better way to go? Also, would you hard wire or not?
Thanks -
Brad
Seattle, WA
Thanks -
Brad
Seattle, WA
#2
Instructor
Originally Posted by Rams86
I'm looking to install a radar detector in my '03 TT X50. Is the Valentine 1 a decent choice or is it a complete waste of money? Does anyone have any thoughts or can you recommend a better way to go? Also, would you hard wire or not?
Thanks -
Brad
Seattle, WA
Thanks -
Brad
Seattle, WA
#5
Rennlist Member
I have the V1 is 2 cars. Worth every cent. Hardwire it so it goes on with the ignition. It will drain your battery in 2 days if you just plug it in and forget to turn it off. AS
#6
Super Moderator
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
I also have V1's hardwired in 2 vehicles. Wouldn't consider any other kind of detector, product and service/ugrades are just that good.
(BTW, you could always ask Mike Valentine himself; he is a rennlist member and currently has a Signal Yellow Carrera GT (only one in that color in the world) and a Lapis Blue 996TT Cab)...
(BTW, you could always ask Mike Valentine himself; he is a rennlist member and currently has a Signal Yellow Carrera GT (only one in that color in the world) and a Lapis Blue 996TT Cab)...
Trending Topics
#9
Rennlist Member
I agree with everyone, my V1 has saved me several times. Take the time to hardwire it in, it looks better and you can still use it with the coil cord and suction cups in other cars.
There are a few links that will help you. Go to the rennlist search and look for "hardwired Valentine". You'll get more information than you care to read.
Remember, even a V1 isn't a great defense against "instant on" radar.
There are a few links that will help you. Go to the rennlist search and look for "hardwired Valentine". You'll get more information than you care to read.
Remember, even a V1 isn't a great defense against "instant on" radar.
#10
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
The V1 is a great detector - the bogey counter and directional arrows are what really set it apart from the other brands.
The key to using a radar detector is to remember that it's just one of many tools you can use to help you have as much situational awareness as possible - it won't save you all of the time. In a single-car encounter against an officer properly using instant-on radar or laser, the detector is useful only in telling you that the officer has measured your speed.
I don't have my V1 hardwired - I have it on suction cups mounted as low as I can in the center of the windshield, and plug it into the lighter for power.
The key to using a radar detector is to remember that it's just one of many tools you can use to help you have as much situational awareness as possible - it won't save you all of the time. In a single-car encounter against an officer properly using instant-on radar or laser, the detector is useful only in telling you that the officer has measured your speed.
I don't have my V1 hardwired - I have it on suction cups mounted as low as I can in the center of the windshield, and plug it into the lighter for power.
#13
Rennlist Member
I think the Passport 8500 is worth a look too. I've had mine for a couple of years and it was been very good.
Of course I have points for an instant on capture! As someone has already stated, nothing will prevent that.
Ref the location. I always understood that it was better to put it low in the windshield as it is better aligned with the signal that it's trying to pick-up. That always made sense to me?
Of course I have points for an instant on capture! As someone has already stated, nothing will prevent that.
Ref the location. I always understood that it was better to put it low in the windshield as it is better aligned with the signal that it's trying to pick-up. That always made sense to me?
#14
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by joolsbourne
Ref the location. I always understood that it was better to put it low in the windshield as it is better aligned with the signal that it's trying to pick-up.
With radar, there really isn't any advantage to having the detector low on the windshield. Police radars have a 3 degree beamwidth, and at 0.5 miles the radar's beamwidth covers a circular area that's over 140 feet in diameter. If your detector is anywhere inside that area, it will alert.