poorschemann

I'm looking to purchase a detector and curious what others are using? I have pretty good luck spotting the LEOs and am a pretty skilled speeder but just in case, I've been thinking of picking up a detector.

So, thoughts? I'm leaning towards either the Escort Passport 8500 or Bel Vector 985.

Thanks,
Carl

doclaw64

there is plenty of stuff if you search but I like the valentine 1. The arrows are very useful and it also shows the #of signals.

cliang

Radar detectors are great, but many jurisdictions are using laser. If your laser detector goes off, you're already toast.
I have afriend who is a traffic cop who claims that she's nailed people at 2800 ft.

Ray S

Valentine 1 is the best (in my opinion). Search the archives, lots of different opinions on this subject.

Charlie C

V1 here also. I just ordered a second unit so I don't have to keep moving it between cars.

poorschemann

Actually, I've been doing quite a bit of research before I asked everyone and I've found that according to radartest.com, the V1 is very good but tends to false allot, tends to be more expensive than those other two models I was inquiring about and doesn't have as many features.

About laser devices, from what I found, you're right ... if your detector goes off due to a laser, you're likely done for. Thankfully, lasers aren't in as widespread use as traditional Radar devices. Also, and for this very reason, I'm considering adding a Laser Jammer to my "arsenal".

Thanks everyone, let me know if your experience about false alarms is different because truthfully, this was one big area of concern for me and the reason I was steering away from the V1.

Thanks again,
Carl

Charlie C

I also have an older Passport which I'm using in my 2nd vehicle until my 2nd V-1 arrives (tomorrow, I hope). Using the old Passport as a comparison, I don't think the V-1 falses any more than my other detector. But when it does, I can usually tell because it points in the direction of the radar. On any other unit, you don't know if it's coming from the front, side or back. Side usually means from a building and you only need to be concerned about sources in front or in back from what I understand.

ettsn

The V1 rules. Radartest.com has always had an agenda against the Valentine (something about a personal fallout with Mr. Valentine or something). Big grain of salt there, of course. Remember the V1 generally wins every single test in the world, except radartest.com's tests.

That said, I put a Passport 8500 and a V1 on my dash at the same time. The V1 falsed less and picked up real radar (Ka band) at much greater distances than the 8500. Add to that the directional arrows, and it was no contest for me. I've got the V1 on my windshield as we speak.

-Paul

Mark in Baltimore

Four syllables, two words: Valentine One.

With all due respect to Chris, as prevalent as lasers are becoming, at least near Baltimore, many of the cops are still running K band. My V1 has saved me countless times and my currently clean driving record of six years (have not had any points for fifteen years) is partial testament to the Valentine's prowess.

The arrows are information and, as "they" say, information is power.

BTW, Chris, are you running at Summit with Potomac in May?

cliang

Mark,

I'm definitely doing the May DE. How about you? If not I'll come up to get my tires.

Chris

Sean

V1! Should be standard equipment on every Porsche.

Mark in Baltimore

Chris,

I'm doing Summit with Potomac. I just sent you an email.

gmund 1

So Mark, Your car is fixed? I'll be there as well. The first auto cross at ripkin stadium is May 15th. So.. if you want to get to know your new suspension before sp then show up. Chris you too. The more the merrier!
Gmund

ferraristyle

V1 for me too!. I'd also consider a laser jammer, as one of the guys said, near Baltimore they love laser. I'm considering a K40 to do the job for me for laser jamming. Any comments on the laser jamming option?

Mark in Baltimore

Hi, Scott,

I just picked up my car from Gennady's this past Friday. It is sooooo freakin' low; honestly, I'm not sure this is a good thing but, apparently, he had issues with minimum ride heights in the rear, as well as minimum camber settings in the rear. I'd like to get the rear up a bit since I'm not sure it has the ideal 1 degree of nose down rake. Fenders may need to be rolled, too.

I took it for a shakedown run with the Motons on the softest setting. It corners incredibly flatly and, with the extra camber all around, sticks like glue. Even on the softest setting, the rear feels a bit bouncy. I may have to adjust the sways and drop a bit of the nitrogen pressure to achieve the right balance.

Sorry, no autocross for me. I was contemplating Mid Ohio with Potomac but I have too much work to do on the car and too much work in general. But I'll see you at Summit!