Deepblack911

Valentine 1 gets my vote. Here is the scenario: On one of my frequent drive from LA to SF, I was just 60 miles north of LA when my Valentine started to beep and the signal strength LEDs starts to climb in the number of lit LEDs warning me that the source is getting closer and FAST! I back off from low altitude flying to the standard normal 55+. Sure enough just about a mile and a half up the freeway, a CHP (California Highway Patrol) black and white just pull over another unprotected motorist.
Once I passed the CHP B&W, I was about to throttle up to my normal super cruse speed, I noticed my Valentine is still beeping. The counter is now indicating “2” which tells me there are now two radar sources within detection range, and the direction arrows on the display indicated one arrow pointing forward and the other pointing backward. That tells me one source is ahead of me and the other is behind me (the CHP I just passed a few minutes ago!) Sure enough, a second CHP was parked on the side just a quarter mile ahead waiting for any sucker with a radar detector that could not tell the owner of how many radar sources are within range and in what directions they are located!
Needless to say, another two hundred dollars plus ticket was adverted thanks to my Valentine! This is not the first or the last time my Valentine is going to save me. All the highway patrol knows there are numerous drivers with radar detectors out on the road, so they have also figure out exactly how to fool the drivers as well. You need not only know they are out there, but you should also know how many and in what directions they are at. That is the reason I am staying with Valentine 1. Have fun motoring!

Wayne Smith

I'm with Deepblack911 on the V1 arrows. They seemed like a gimmick as does the number, but as I've used it I have been saved on account of it. It's all about data. The more data, the better you understand (are aware of) your situation.

Obviously there are only two options per this Forum ... V1 or Escort (9500 or Max2). It's kind of the MT vs PDK in a way. Or if you prefer, Motul vs Mobil 1. There isn't a right one, just the one you pledge allegiance to at the end of the day. Get one or the other (built in if you've got the budget IMHO). And if you ask me, add Waze to fill the gaps. As someone mentioned, Waze is a great Navigator as well, especially for warning and re-routing around traffic. It has saved me several times negotiating through LA and even taught me some interesting bypass routes!!!

Note: On my 997.2 PCM, I have my Samsung Note 2 docked on a Proclip charging mount at the center vents. I have an Aux cable routed (with the charging cable) through the glove box. The power plugs into the footwell while the aux cable routes under the center console to the input in the center glove box. I set the PCM for Aux input, listen to Pandora, and Waze over rides the system so warnings and nav are via the car speakers while bluetooth for the phone over rides everything. It works for me unless I'm on the West Marin twisties (out of network range oddly enough) where I don't want to be disturbed anyway (not enough Waze users so radar comes into play). Full disclosure ... no affiliation with Waze, Pandora, or Proclip, just like them all.

BIG smoke

I used to have the latest and greatest. Too many false alarms.
Useless in the city. And illegal in Ontario to use.
Waze? I find some use.
To me the best system? Know your route, heads up, pay attention, and don't be the fastest car. Here 50km's over is racing, impound your car, take you license, do not pass go, do note collect $2oo.
Get fined on the snowmobile too. Top speed on my sled? 197kph. Trail limit 5o KPH.

Wayne Smith

197 kph on a sled ... nice ride!!!! Back 45 years ago we had to work our butts off to get near 150, and that was scary (18" belts). At least we didn't have speed limits unless we were on the road (motorcycle license required). :-)

So back on topic, which radar detector do you prefer when you're out on the snow??? And can you hide the install with the Escort?

sandwedge

Couldn't you have drawn the same conclusion without arrows by watching the signal strength increasing again as you moved away from the first one?

Deepblack911

Very true, in that given situation I may have concluded the increasing signal strength is from another radar source up ahead. However, I have also experienced being approached by fast moving unmarked radar patrol car from behind as well. Having the directional indicator tells the driver to be on the look out for either an frontal ambush or a tail chase. It takes the guess work out of the equation and a more relaxed driving experience.

Wayne Smith nailed it when he says get one or the other. No one detector does all, it does come down to personal preference. Just saying Valentine 1 got my vote.

NAM VET

Redline. I only use it on interstate and back roads. No advantage to running a detector in city traffic. No tickets since 1966. But then I don't drive stupid

All the best.....

niner niner seven

passport and waze, but i really want a V1

upier

I looked at installing Waze but I've never seen an app requiring so many permissions. Wants access to contacts, calendar, etc. Don't think I will use it.

Bruce In Philly

I use Waze virtually 100% of the time on a highway and I HATE it. Just hate the app. Why do I use it? ROZ spotting... that is it. It's interface is awful if you need reading glasses and the alerts for car on side of road makes you want to kill yourself. It is an app built for kids. But..... I get an idea of where the ROZs are.....

Google Maps is a bit more sane and they updated the re-routing around traffic so it still is a good app.... both owned by Google.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

StormRune

You don't need to give it all of the permissions it asks for, you only need to allow location services. You can deny the requests for contacts, camera, notifications, etc. as those lead to optional features that some people like and many others never use.

upier

Thanks it is good to know that you can block some if the craziness. I may give it a try.

hot nikon

This, in a nutshell. FL is basically flat/open.


I don't speed in town.

Last trip to Fayettenam, the Redline saved me 3 times. I'm pretty sure the V1 would have done the same.

Always have a rabbit. If you are the only car on the road, instant-on will get you napping, don't care what unit you have or your past military/civilian occupation.

V1s aren't fool proof. My buddy's went off, showed both a forward/rearward threat, it wasn't, he picked up radar that was actually behind, but bouncing off a huge road sign as we approached it.

V1s seem to be top tier, but to me, so is the Redline/Max II unit. No joke, picked up FHP like 14 miles out one day. Conditions were perfect: flat, straight, no obstructions.

This topic is a lot like Aimpoint v. Eotech.

The take way should be to get a detector, Passport or V1.

If it saves you 1 time, it paid for itself.

Daohaus

V1 have had it in all my cars and have paid for itself countless times. Now in conjunction with WAZE it's really good

9114Scab

Can you hide the Valentine or does it have to go on the dash or on the visor? And what would that take to do that?