Thinking about buying a radar detector. Looking for opinions.

[328ioc]

As the title says I'm looking for a few opinions. I saw a few threads about the V1 which is obviously a front runner in the category but I am also looking for opinions on other options and possible the best places to buy.

Thanks guys.

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[johnrando]

e46f.c typically has used V1s for decent prices if you are patient.

[cakM3]

If you want the best then it's between the three:

- Beltronics STi Driver/Magnum
- Escort Redline
- Valentine V1

I have the Valentine V1 in my ///M and Beltronics STi Driver in my ZHP.
Love both of them :thumbsup. Both are excellent radar detectors with my STi Driver barely edging out my V1 detecting both Ka and K band radar. If you are looking for a detector that doesn't leak then this is the one to get :thumbsup


The Valentine V1 does leak but very little. It's detection performance is excellent and what I like about my V1 is that I have both the bogey counter and directional arrows. Once you get used to them, they are very nice :)

Between the two, the V1 is cheaper.

TT + iPad

[M0nk3y]

It all depends on where you drive...ill do a write-up after work

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[terraphantm]

I'm not a fan of my V1. It gives so many false alerts that I end up ignoring it when there is a real cop around. And I've found that more often than not, I end up seeing the cop before I even get a peep out of the detector.

I want to get something with onboard GPS so that I could at least minimize the false alerts.

[328ioc]

It all depends on where you drive...ill do a write-up after work

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Thanks can't wait to read it.


I'm not a fan of my V1. It gives so many false alerts that I end up ignoring it when there is a real cop around. And I've found that more often than not, I end up seeing the cop before I even get a peep out of the detector.

I want to get something with onboard GPS so that I could at least minimize the false alerts.

So far the V1 is still at the top of my list. If you ever think of going to something else let me know. Maybe we can make a deal.


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[M0nk3y]

Okay, it all depends on where you usually drive to see what detector you want.

V1s are good for the arrows, and are really sensitive. With that being said...you'll false alot on Ka band (which is pretty rare) because other detectors "leak" and can be captured near you. As well, it's pretty much torture in the city. You'll false every street. At least my friend did...it got to the point where he ignored it, and almost got a ticket. I'm not going to lie, they are beasts.

Redline and the STi are the same product, really. They are owned by the same company (Cincinnati Microwave) and I know the people personally. Anyways, both actually are MORE sensitive than the V1. Multiple 3rd party tests show that on curve tests, the Redline and STi own the V1. Once again though, you will false alot.

9500ix (which what I just ordered). Has a GPS built into it where it remembers and locks out the band freq and location of any falses. You can either determine your own false points the first time (buy pressing mute) or the 3rd time the detector passes that location, it locks it out. Extremely smart. What this gives you is quite as hell city travel. As well, the GPS tracks your speed and adjusts the sensitivity of the radar while driving. You don't need 5 miles of detection (which all these radars are capable of) if your doing 25....get it?

Either way, you can't go wrong. I won a contest for the Escort LIVE! and will be trying it out/doing a review to see how it is. I was pretty skeptical about it, so right now I'm going to be pretty negative...we'll see how it works though.

Let us know what you get!

[Token]

lots of interesting information here. I've been thinking more and more about getting a radar detector too. the thing that's holding me back is that the only time i've gotten a speeding ticket, the cop caught me by using lidar. I've read that detectors only catch lidar if the cop uses it on another car right near you, or else its too late by the time the detector picks it up. it sounded like the only way to beat lidar is to get a jammer, which is illegal (and expensive).

any thoughts on this?

[cakM3]

Laser jammer is not illegal in all states...

[Token]

Laser jammer is not illegal in all states...

ya you're right. California is one of the ones where they are tho :/

[M0nk3y]

People think im crazy...but sign up on radar forums.

Alot of good information for looking ahead, seeing trends and people reporting actual threats around your area.

Run trapster on your phone...maybe overkill but it works.

Oh yea, 9500ix knows all speed and redlight cameras

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[328ioc]

People think im crazy...but sign up on radar forums.

Alot of good information for looking ahead, seeing trends and people reporting actual threats around your area.

Run trapster on your phone...maybe overkill but it works.

Oh yea, 9500ix knows all speed and redlight cameras

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Damn son. So much info.

Most of my driving is city but there really isn't a chance to speed so i am mostly looking for the highway.

But ill definitely be looking at radar forums and prolly looming between the V1 and 9500 now.

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[johnrando]

That 9500 sounds great. I can't speak to that, but I absolutely LOVE the bogey counter and the directional information on the V1, especially on highways. I don't used mine in the city much at all. Knowing how many and direction has definitely helped me in the past, even not speeding but with just peace of mind knowing where they are.

[M0nk3y]

That 9500 sounds great. I can't speak to that, but I absolutely LOVE the bogey counter and the directional information on the V1, especially on highways. I don't used mine in the city much at all. Knowing how many and direction has definitely helped me in the past, even not speeding but with just peace of mind knowing where they are.

Not trying to one up here, but the 9500ix (or any escort) can track up to 4 x bands, 2 k and 2 ka, which can be visible on thefirst display all at once.

As well, it can show the actual frequency of the band. If you do research, you can find out the gun freq the officers use. With this you exactly know its a threat or not...no guess ;)

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[zj96sc]

My V1 has saved my bacon more times than I can count over the last 7 years. It does go off a lot in the city, but has more than 1 logic mode to help reduce false alarms.

V1 will also take your old models back and sell you substantially reduced new units to replace them as the product evolves.

I like the product and I like the way they run their business.

[328ioc]

My V1 has saved my bacon more times than I can count over the last 7 years. It does go off a lot in the city, but has more than 1 logic mode to help reduce false alarms.

V1 will also take your old models back and sell you substantially reduced new units to replace them as the product evolves.

I like the product and I like the way they run their business.

I have heard about that upgrade feature which interested me as well.

Again looks like I'm stuck between the 9500 and V1 time to do some research on the fancy thinking box.

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[terraphantm]

Okay, it all depends on where you usually drive to see what detector you want.

V1s are good for the arrows, and are really sensitive. With that being said...you'll false alot on Ka band (which is pretty rare) because other detectors "leak" and can be captured near you. As well, it's pretty much torture in the city. You'll false every street. At least my friend did...it got to the point where he ignored it, and almost got a ticket. I'm not going to lie, they are beasts.

Redline and the STi are the same product, really. They are owned by the same company (Cincinnati Microwave) and I know the people personally. Anyways, both actually are MORE sensitive than the V1. Multiple 3rd party tests show that on curve tests, the Redline and STi own the V1. Once again though, you will false alot.

9500ix (which what I just ordered). Has a GPS built into it where it remembers and locks out the band freq and location of any falses. You can either determine your own false points the first time (buy pressing mute) or the 3rd time the detector passes that location, it locks it out. Extremely smart. What this gives you is quite as hell city travel. As well, the GPS tracks your speed and adjusts the sensitivity of the radar while driving. You don't need 5 miles of detection (which all these radars are capable of) if your doing 25....get it?

Either way, you can't go wrong. I won a contest for the Escort LIVE! and will be trying it out/doing a review to see how it is. I was pretty skeptical about it, so right now I'm going to be pretty negative...we'll see how it works though.

Let us know what you get!

I wasn't even talking about city driving with my falses - I don't really speed off highways so I just turn it off when I'm not on the interstate. I just get so many falses on the highway that it's just not worth it. Without exaggerating, I would estimate that only 1% of the alerts are legitimate. I live in an area that I would describe as the middle of nowhere - I certainly did not expect as many falses as I get.

[HokieZHP]

A lot of good info so far! Unfortunately I live in VA and "can't have a radar" so I feel like my only option is the magnum since its undetectable. Is this right?


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[johnrando]

Not trying to one up here, but the 9500ix (or any escort) can track up to 4 x bands, 2 k and 2 ka, which can be visible on thefirst display all at once.

As well, it can show the actual frequency of the band. If you do research, you can find out the gun freq the officers use. With this you exactly know its a threat or not...no guess ;)

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Not feeling "one-upped" at all. This is all good information. I wasn't even aware of what the 9500 does, as I previously stated. Sounds like a great detector.

[M0nk3y]

A lot of good info so far! Unfortunately I live in VA and "can't have a radar" so I feel like my only option is the magnum since its undetectable. Is this right?


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Magnum OR STi, correct.

[sna77]

Personally I like the Escort 9500 series.

GPS is the only way to go IMO... When I owned a V1, it was constantly muted because it went off all the time giving false positives, essentially rendering it useless... GPS lockout makes sense. People talk all they want about arrows--but who cares where the efff the radar is coming from--it goes off you slow down--and with less false positive with the Escort, that makes the most sense... After a week or so of driving around your home area and "training" the 9500, it becomes dead silent--except when there is new radar introduced...

[UdubBadger]

9500ix (which what I just ordered). Has a GPS built into it where it remembers and locks out the band freq and location of any falses. You can either determine your own false points the first time (buy pressing mute) or the 3rd time the detector passes that location, it locks it out. Extremely smart. What this gives you is quite as hell city travel. As well, the GPS tracks your speed and adjusts the sensitivity of the radar while driving. You don't need 5 miles of detection (which all these radars are capable of) if your doing 25....get it?



Personally I like the Escort 9500 series.

GPS is the only way to go IMO... When I owned a V1, it was constantly muted because it went off all the time giving false positives, essentially rendering it useless... GPS lockout makes sense. People talk all they want about arrows--but who cares where the efff the radar is coming from--it goes off you slow down--and with less false positive with the Escort, that makes the most sense... After a week or so of driving around your home area and "training" the 9500, it becomes dead silent--except when there is new radar introduced...


This is what I use too... you hit it right on the head. GPS lockout saves me so many headaches. And honestly, I could give 2 craps WHERE the threat is, I'd rather know it's a legit one rather than the 1800 Walgreens and CVS security doors I pass on a daily basis.

[terraphantm]

Sounds like the 9500ix is the way to go... Guess I should stop bad mouthing the V1 for a bit do I can sell mine ><

[UdubBadger]

Thats what Amazon is for.

[HokieZHP]

Magnum OR STi, correct.

Isn't the magnum made by STi? So that is my only option?

[M0nk3y]

Isn't the magnum made by STi? So that is my only option?

Blahhhhh.


OR Redline ;)

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[HokieZHP]

So is there any difference between the STi and Redline? Seriously considering getting one of these things in the near future! Also can they be hardwired into the car so I don't need to have it on my windshield? And the STi and Redline don't have GPS correct?

[sna77]

anything can be hard wired to the car

[M0nk3y]

So is there any difference between the STi and Redline? Seriously considering getting one of these things in the near future! Also can they be hardwired into the car so I don't need to have it on my windshield? And the STi and Redline don't have GPS correct?

No, one is just made by Escort and one by Beltronics. But they are the same company.

They both can be hardwired, yes. I have mine located above my mirror on the left hand side. I'll take a picture when my 9500ix gets here. And you are also correct that it DOES NOT have GPS.

As of now, the only radar on the market that has GPS is the 9500i/ix (but the ix is so worth it for the extra money)

I used this for my hardwire. Has a ground wire an a fuse already in it.

https://www.escortradar.com/store/direct-wire-cord.html

[terraphantm]

No, one is just made by Escort and one by Beltronics. But they are the same company.

They both can be hardwired, yes. I have mine located above my mirror on the left hand side. I'll take a picture when my 9500ix gets here. And you are also correct that it DOES NOT have GPS.

As of now, the only radar on the market that has GPS is the 9500i/ix (but the ix is so worth it for the extra money)

I used this for my hardwire. Has a ground wire an a fuse already in it.

https://www.escortradar.com/store/direct-wire-cord.html

monk3y, have you tried "Escort live!" ? Sounds like it piggybacks off the iPhone's (or an Android phone's) GPS to give you the GPS features with non-GPS detectors. I would consider getting a redline in conjunction with that if it works well

[zhp43867]

I'm not a fan of my V1. It gives so many false alerts that I end up ignoring it when there is a real cop around. And I've found that more often than not, I end up seeing the cop before I even get a peep out of the detector.

I want to get something with onboard GPS so that I could at least minimize the false alerts.

Probably because PA county and city police (anyone who isn't a state trooper) can't use radar or lidar.


Not trying to one up here, but the 9500ix (or any escort) can track up to 4 x bands, 2 k and 2 ka, which can be visible on thefirst display all at once.

As well, it can show the actual frequency of the band. If you do research, you can find out the gun freq the officers use. With this you exactly know its a threat or not...no guess ;)

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Yes it can track several bands, but it isn't directional. A lot of V1 owners like the directional feature.


So is there any difference between the STi and Redline? Seriously considering getting one of these things in the near future! Also can they be hardwired into the car so I don't need to have it on my windshield? And the STi and Redline don't have GPS correct?

Not really. Pick whichever one you think looks better.

My favorite would be the Beltronics STi-R. I'm waiting until I can shell out for it rather than get something I won't be happy with.

It has the same sensitivity as the Magnum and Redline, while being totally hidden (it is hard wired with a remote display) and featuring GPS. The 9500ix has a slightly weaker "receptor" (older technology) that is in the 2nd tier as far as far as sensitivity.

Lasor Interceptor is the only laser jammer that works against all guns consistently (IIRC).

Radar detector choice are very personal, there are many top performers that are best for certain budgets and priorities (annoyance vs saving you), etc.

Here are some links for further research:

http://www.guysoflidar.com/

http://www.radartest.com/

http://www.radardetector.org/

And the forums:

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/

Solidjake on E46fanatics is also very well versed in this stuff.

[terraphantm]

Probably because PA county and city police (anyone who isn't a state trooper) can't use radar or lidar.



I am not referring to local use when I talk about the false spots. I turn the detector off when I'm not driving on the interstate. Even then, only about 1% of the warnings I receive are real. I also drive in areas outside PA plenty (NY, NJ, CT, MD, DE).

[M0nk3y]

monk3y, have you tried "Escort live!" ? Sounds like it piggybacks off the iPhone's (or an Android phone's) GPS to give you the GPS features with non-GPS detectors. I would consider getting a redline in conjunction with that if it works well

I'm waiting for my 9500ix to get here, because my 8500x50 is gone.

Since the unit is only offered in a cig adapter cord (Escort says a hardwire version will come out later) I'm not using it with my Z4. As well, I have bluetooth in the Z4, which I have connected to my phone (This requires bluetooth).

Anyways, I'm going to be using it with the tC since I don't have that hardwired, and no bluetooth and since that's the car that I drive to and from college, it makes the most sense to take advantage.

The whole reasoning behind it (I think) is to incorporate GPS w/real-time updates to form a grid of Escort users. You see a threat, you report it and it shows everyone else that threat (if it's actually going to be used).

As well, as for as the GPS for non-GPS detectors...it only works when you have the app running. If you run a Redline, for example, with/out it open and running...the GPS goes to waste. Since I am driving the Z4 alot as well, this makes the most sense to have a GPS detector. There is no need to have so much sensitivity with a Redline or STi (IMO). I've been driving with a radar for 4 years, and have been ticket free while using a 8500x50 which everyone claims is far inferior to modern tech.

[ranger]

I also use older tech radar detectors. I live with a lot of false alarms. In GA, they are using more and more "instant on" and laser. My best saves have been getting the read where cars ahead of me get hit with instant on in time for me to slow down.

[terraphantm]

As well, as for as the GPS for non-GPS detectors...it only works when you have the app running. If you run a Redline, for example, with/out it open and running...the GPS goes to waste. Since I am driving the Z4 alot as well, this makes the most sense to have a GPS detector. There is no need to have so much sensitivity with a Redline or STi (IMO). I've been driving with a radar for 4 years, and have been ticket free while using a 8500x50 which everyone claims is far inferior to modern tech.

I can't say I use my iPhone for much beyond music in the car, so that might be okay. It cannot run in the background (even on Android)?

I don't really care for the sensitivity increase. What I do want is to eliminate known false radar sources on the highway (construction signs and whatever else sets it off)

[Au2bahn]

For Virginia, I use Redline.

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[HokieZHP]

Ok got it! So they literally are the same detector then haha. Ok so is there a way to keep it out of the windshield and not have the wires everywhere? Mainly because I don't want to have to Move it every time I get out of the car or leave the car somewhere. Is there a way to set it up so the detector is out of sight but still works?


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[M0nk3y]

This is where i had mine mounted in the z4, and e46...

Wire goes straight to the mirror.

http://img.tapatalk.com/aeff4485-5d4a-ad44.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aeff4485-5d66-8a79.jpg

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[HokieZHP]

I'm just scared of the police seeing it when i'm driving or when I'm parked...

[terraphantm]

I'm just scared of the police seeing it when i'm driving or when I'm parked...

If it's not illegal in your state, then I wouldn't worry about it. The only concern at that point is that *IF* you get a ticket, a cop is much less likely to give you a break if he sees the detector.

[HokieZHP]

If it's not illegal in your state, then I wouldn't worry about it. The only concern at that point is that *IF* you get a ticket, a cop is much less likely to give you a break if he sees the detector.

Yeah I live in NC but spend 90% of my time in Virginia at Virginia Tech for school so I was just wondering if there was a way to mount it off of the windshield, but I guess not.

[terraphantm]

Yeah I live in NC but spend 90% of my time in Virginia at Virginia Tech for school so I was just wondering if there was a way to mount it off of the windshield, but I guess not.

I have heard of E39 folk mounting their V1s in their headliners and then using the stealthone to get the warnings through their headunits/clusters... but I don't think there's enough room in the E46's headliner to do that. And you would also completely lose laser warnings by doing that even if it did fit.

[sna77]

Sounds like you need the 9500ci:
http://www.escortradar.com/store/passport-9500ci.html

Its a total stealth install. Nothing on windshield

[ryankokesh]

You'd have to be getting a lot of tickets to have that thing pay for itself! Looks pretty sweet though!!


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[M0nk3y]

You'd have to be getting a lot of tickets to have that thing pay for itself! Looks pretty sweet though!!


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It's not worth it IMO.

The jammers are sub-par...i think they are crap.

If you need to hide the detector, throw tint or something on the top band...or just push your luck

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[UdubBadger]

IMO laser jammer + 9500xi is the MOST you'd ever need. I know a lot of detecters don't get the uber expensive laser to beep so the jammers are nice to give you a few sec to slow down. $$$ though.

[cakM3]

IMO laser jammer + 9500xi is the MOST you'd ever need. I know a lot of detecters don't get the uber expensive laser to beep so the jammers are nice to give you a few sec to slow down. $$$ though.

That's what they should be used for although there are some who enjoy jamming lasers....not a good thing. When I have this installed in my ZHP & ///M I would use it to alert me so that I have just enough time to check my speed and slow down if needed.

[M0nk3y]

That's what they should be used for although there are some who enjoy jamming lasers....not a good thing. When I have this installed in my ZHP & ///M I would use it to alert me so that I have just enough time to check my speed and slow down if needed.

If you JTG (Jam to Gun) with a jammer than the cop usually knows what's going on and will probably pull you over.

Correct way to use a jammer is to hear the alert, slow down, and turn the system off so the officer can get a speed reading on you.

Just FYI to all future jammer owners ;)

[UdubBadger]

^ yup thats how its done...

[HokieZHP]

You'd have to be getting a lot of tickets to have that thing pay for itself! Looks pretty sweet though!!


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Not necessarily haha. I was coming home from a Myrtle Beach golf trip with a friend in my mom's Audi A3 TDI and was cruising down a highway by myself, no one else in sight at around 85ish since I wasn't paying attention (speed limit was 55) and a cop came around a corner and got me. I luckily caught a break and the cop let me off with a seatbelt violation, which he just made up so he didn't give me a speeding ticket, take my license and basically ruin my life. So in this case, a radar would have saved my skin since 90% of the time, in that situation, the cop wouldn't have been that nice.

[cakM3]

If you JTG (Jam to Gun) with a jammer than the cop usually knows what's going on and will probably pull you over.

Correct way to use a jammer is to hear the alert, slow down, and turn the system off so the officer can get a speed reading on you.

Just FYI to all future jammer owners ;)

Exactly! This is what I'm talking about :thumbsup

[328ioc]

Thanks for all the chatter on the subject guys.

So far most of the stuff i have read over on a radar forum seems to confirm that the 9500 is the best bet.

Now I just need to find out the best place to buy one.

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[UdubBadger]

isn't amazon a mafia affiliate? ;)

[danewilson77]

isn't amazon a mafia affiliate? ;)

Yessir.

[sna77]

I bought mine direct from escort

[328ioc]

Well guys I found a great deal on a used Escort 8500 X50 on my local craigslist so I jumped on it.

Everything was included including the paperwork for the last re-calibration.

Now time to buy a better mount (stock one kinda sucks) and a hardwire kit off amazon.

[UdubBadger]

the ones that attach to the RVM are supposed to be pretty nice

[328ioc]

Yeah they look nice. But are a bit expensive right now. Lol for now I got one of the better suction cup ones that escort sells. It should be here Tuesday or Wednesday.

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[ranger]

Has anyone tried the Whistler Cr90? I need a new detector - leaning toward the Passport 9500ix to reduce false alarms.

[UdubBadger]

From my experience (and I've had quite a bit as a youngen) go with escort or v1


Goin' HAM mobile

[Jon D]

Valentine 1. It's what I use and the vast majority of the high Perf car guys I know use. What was funny on the super car ride the pace driver had his Valentine that he moved from car to car.


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[johnrando]

Like my V1, and you can get good ones used on e46f.c, and just upgrade the s/w if it's out of date. I'm not up on the other later models as I stopped looking around after the V1. I do hear good things about the high end one Escort is selling but I think they are expensive.

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[UdubBadger]

Same as a V1 usually.

Arrows never interested me, I pay attention when I drive anyway. Escort had the GPS lockout when u got mine so that was more important to me. I pass a lot of walgreens apparently.


Goin' HAM mobile

[ranger]

I have always heard great things about the V1. My concern is the very large number of false readings due to door openers and alarms - I am wondering if the new style detectors with GPS make a difference worth upgrading.

[UdubBadger]

Mine has lockout so if I hit mute twice it stores it and I never hear it again. My radar rarely goes off anymore for false signals so I'm happy


Goin' HAM mobile

[zhpnsnv]

Mine has lockout so if I hit mute twice it stores it and I never hear it again. My radar rarely goes off anymore for false signals so I'm happy


Goin' HAM mobile

How do I make this happen? After over ten years with an escort, i switched to V1, and I cannot stand the false alarms all over the place. I do love the arrows, though.

[M0nk3y]

How do I make this happen? After over ten years with an escort, i switched to V1, and I cannot stand the false alarms all over the place. I do love the arrows, though.

9500ix and the new max have lockout.

I run a 9500ix. Nice for a DD car...quiet until I need it

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[danewilson77]

Radar detectors are not illegal in OH?

It's not a toy, it's a Droid > Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

[M0nk3y]

Radar detectors are not illegal in OH?

It's not a toy, it's a Droid > Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

Nope. Radar detectors and lidar jammers are fair game.

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[danewilson77]

Nope. Radar detectors and lidar jammers are full game.

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Win

It's not a toy, it's a Droid > Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

[kayger12]

Radar detectors are not illegal in OH?

It's not a toy, it's a Droid > Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

They are legal in every state except Virginia (unless you're driving a commercial vehicle-- there are a bunch of states that prohibit that).

Those VA cops treat speeding like homicide.

[danewilson77]

They are legal in every state except Virginia (unless you're driving a commercial vehicle-- there are a bunch of states that prohibit that).

Those VA cops treat speeding like homicide.

Ok. That's crazy. I did not know VA was the only state.

It's not a toy, it's a Droid > Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

[kayger12]

Ok. That's crazy. I did not know VA was the only state.

It's not a toy, it's a Droid > Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

Yeah, I Googled it to see if that was still the case.

They take their speeding damn seriously down there, lol.

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[danewilson77]

Hehe... I guess.

It's not a toy, it's a Droid > Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

[3ZHP]

Totally radical difference between states. I have an Escort Passport 7500S that lived in my car in Ohio but, in this part of TN I don't even put it in the car and I run her a lot harder than I ever would have in OH, even with it on. :ducking

[danewilson77]

Kyle, this is the one you recommend?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001F0RPGG/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?hvadid=28626226256&hvdev=m&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvpone=&hvpos=1t2&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12716475042109866224&pc_redir=1387747289&ref=pd_sl_1jz9730pad_e&tag=hydsma-20

It's not a toy, it's a Droid > Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

[328ioc]

Dane

That's the one I am getting after the new year.

But with the red display.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[M0nk3y]

Kyle, this is the one you recommend?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001F0RPGG/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?hvadid=28626226256&hvdev=m&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvpone=&hvpos=1t2&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12716475042109866224&pc_redir=1387747289&ref=pd_sl_1jz9730pad_e&tag=hydsma-20

It's not a toy, it's a Droid > Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

Yep. That is what I run. Absolutely love it.



Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Ok. Cool

It's not a toy, it's a Droid > Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

[cakM3]

Thought I would also post these two useful links. They point out where radar detectors and laser jammers are illegal to use.

http://www.bestradardetectors.net/Radar-Detector-Laws.html (http://www.bestradardetectors.net/Radar-Detector-Laws.html)

http://www.radarbusters.com/radar-detectors/stateradardetectorlawsarticle.cfm (http://www.radarbusters.com/radar-detectors/stateradardetectorlawsarticle.cfm)

[UdubBadger]

How do I make this happen? After over ten years with an escort, i switched to V1, and I cannot stand the false alarms all over the place. I do love the arrows, though.


9500ix and the new max have lockout.

I run a 9500ix. Nice for a DD car...quiet until I need it

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

I actually run an older 9500i

A few less features but has the gps and lockout features.


Goin' HAM mobile

[danewilson77]

Interesting. Don't get a jammer. Got it.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[MsRN]

Not that I want to resurrect this thread, but I'm trying to decide between Escorts 9500ci (which I've found at $1000), or their SmartRadar for Android; I'll link either to the AVIN Avant-2 I'm planning to buy. I prefer to go as stealth as possible, but for $550 savings I may be willing to go for the 'semi-stealth' SmartRadar. Besides, for that price I could put in a lovely laser-guided parking system like Blinders HP-905. Or is that a bad idea?

[danewilson77]

Resurrection is good.

[UdubBadger]

Is that integration of the 9500ci really worth it? If I was you willing to drop coin and needed protection I would get a 9500xi and then also some laser shifters.


Goin' HAM mobile

[ranger]

I bought two used 9500ix off eBay at great prices. They work fine for me - one is in my C55AMG and the other is in the Audi "battlewagon". I can't justify the funds for the latest/greatest radar detector.

[bshovers]

I own an 8500 xi. The one with the blue illuminated lights. 150$ buy it now on ebay. Was doing 85mph in a 55mph in the country. Cop was coming at me without his radar gun on. I saw the cop by the time he turned his radar gun on and my radar detector went off I was doing 63. No joke he looked at me like damn.... Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[M0nk3y]

Is that integration of the 9500ci really worth it? If I was you willing to drop coin and needed protection I would get a 9500xi and then also some laser shifters.


Goin' HAM mobile

+1

However the new shifters for escort products are LI Heads and software, or so rumor has it.

I need to confirm this but it looks like they've actually updated their technology.

[UdubBadger]

Sweet


Goin' HAM mobile

[MsRN]

Is that integration of the 9500ci really worth it? If I was you willing to drop coin and needed protection I would get a 9500xi and then also some laser shifters.


Goin' HAM mobile

It's not so much integration I crave, but stealth and lack of clutter.

[johnrando]

It's not in that league, but I hardwired my V1 and I bought a module called StealthOne, so all my alerts show up on my NAV screen, no lights at all on the V1 and of course the wires are tucked up top so those are not visible either.

[Pip]

Have you thought about a cheaper unit like a V1 and doing radar mirror for stealth, no clutter? Unit would need to be located in a rear headrest. Not sure how it'd function in a side rear headrest but worth talking to radar mirror about it.

[MsRN]

It's not in that league, but I hardwired my V1 and I bought a module called StealthOne, so all my alerts show up on my NAV screen, no lights at all on the V1 and of course the wires are tucked up top so those are not visible either.

That's an idea I'm considering, John, except with either the 9500ci or the considerably less-expensive SmartRadar for Android. If I chose not to buy an AVIN Avant-2, though, the 9500ci would function well as a stand-alone unit with GPS; the SmartRadar, not so much.

[MsRN]

Have you thought about a cheaper unit like a V1 and doing radar mirror for stealth, no clutter? Unit would need to be located in a rear headrest. Not sure how it'd function in a side rear headrest but worth talking to radar mirror about it.

Radar mirror is a lovely idea, Pip, except that anyone on my 'six' can see it, including LEOs. I've seen rear headrest installs done, and think they're clever. Given that I can get a 9500ci for about $1k right now, a V1+radar mirror+custom headrest work seems like it wouldn't save much money in comparison, though. Plus, I'd really rather not have a radar detector sitting right next to my six-year-old daughters head.

[Trans]

I just sold my V1. Honestly, it's quite overrated. I'd consider the Redline if I ever get another RD.

[MsRN]

After reading a whole bunch of very negative reviews on Escort products, I went with the V1 and an iPhone BT dongle for now.

[cakM3]

I just sold my V1. Honestly, it's quite overrated...

That's a subjective statement. Not to start any arguments about this topic (you can find them over at other forums), it comes down to preference of the driver. I myself don't consider Valentine 1's offering overrated. I like having the bogy counter and directional arrows. So much so that I put away my Beltronics STi driver radar detector in favor of using my Valentine 1 in both cars. So preference.... the Beltronics STi driver is more sensitive than my Valentine 1 and is also invisible to the Spector detectors the LEOs use but the difference I have seen using both was not enough for me to worry too much about considering the speed in which I drive both cars....

[onepercent]

Just to throw this out there, I have a Beltronics V955 that works great. I've picked up radar from 2 miles away on the Ohio turnpike. This unit is one of the top rated detectors under $200.

[ranger]

Just to throw this out there, I have a Beltronics V955 that works great. I've picked up radar from 2 miles away on the Ohio turnpike. This unit is one of the top rated detectors under $200.

I had great luck with the Beltronics 995 - had three of them - one in C55 (after ZHP died), one in Audi A4 Quattro Avant (aka Battlewagon), and one in wife's E350. They worked well. Only issue was the amount of false alarms from door openers, etc. I "upgraded" to the Passport 9500i to get the GPS feature to "learn" door opener, etc. Bought two 9500i's off eBay at good prices - patience rewarded. Then sold all three of the 995s for $110 each on eBay.

[onepercent]

I almost never use it in the city so didn't know about the false positives in town. Love that you called the Avant the "Battlewagon"-- I called my wife's S6 Avant the "Mordwagen" aka murder wagon.

[johnrando]

Absolutely love the bogey counter and directionals of the V1.... makes a huge difference. Bogey counter definitely saved me from getting a ticket once.

[cakM3]

Absolutely love the bogey counter and directionals of the V1.... makes a huge difference. Bogey counter definitely saved me from getting a ticket once.

completely agree Rando! :thumbsup

[gmurphy]

Is the V1 too sensitive at times? I've read reports from competitors (taken with a grain of salt) that it goes off for every little thing and gives false warnings a lot. Interested in actual user opinion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[johnrando]

I don't use mine enough to really tell, as I mainly use it on road trips. Derek published some mods that can customize the unit to allow for settings where it might go off too often. I'm sure the GPS interaction helps for those who use theirs more. The alerts weren't a huge issue for me, but I could see where it could get old. They do have a button to hit so that as soon as an alert goes off, you can kill the sound (or lower it) but the lights will stay on to let you know the ongoing status.

[Trans]

That's a subjective statement. Not to start any arguments about this topic (you can find them over at other forums), it comes down to preference of the driver. You're absolutely right. It's just how I feel about the V1. I just don't think it's the undisputed king of detectors like most seem to think of it. Thus why I say it's overrated. The only pro I can think of over it's competitors is, you guess it, the directional arrows. If Valentine didn't have the arrows patented and allow others to use that tech, not sure if the V1 is still popular.

On the other hand, the V1 have two drawbacks for me. First being false alerts. If you dont turn off K and X band, this thing will go off all day. But even with only Ka and L on, I still get many false alerts (I wouldnt get have this issue with a 9500ix or a Redline). Second is the cost of firmware update. Valentine charge around $100 to update your firmware. That's a ridiculous amount for an update. Escort updated my friend's Redline for free, even pay for shipping.

[UdubBadger]

Yep that's why I went 9500i instead of V1 as well.


Goin' HAM mobile

[M0nk3y]

I absolutely love my Redline. The segmented Ka band is amazing and makes the detector super responsive. Couple false K and X in the city but on the highway anything that beeps is a threat

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

[Pip]

I get false x and k in the city and sometimes false x on the highway. I always thought x on the highway was false until two days ago...luckily he was just playing with the radar and not catching anyone or he didn't mind I was doing 15 over because everyone was doing 10 over. Detector is passport, but might be an 8500 instead of 9500.

[terraphantm]

Is the V1 too sensitive at times? I've read reports from competitors (taken with a grain of salt) that it goes off for every little thing and gives false warnings a lot. Interested in actual user opinion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Absolutely. I get enough false alerts that it's about as useful as having no detector at all. And I'm talking about pure highway use. Local cops in PA aren't allowed to use radar so I just leave it turned off in town (besides, I don't speed enough off the highway to justify keeping the detector on). I'm thinking of switching brands, but there isn't one that has everything I want (V1/Sti/Redline sensitivity with GPS filtering)

[danewilson77]

There's no way to adjust the sensitivity on this wizardry?

The friendliest forum on the planet.

[UdubBadger]

Not that I've seen


Goin' HAM mobile

[johnrando]

Derek (derbo) posted some adjustments you can make to the alerts.

sent from a galaxy

[ELCID86]

Thought I'd drop this here: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/best-radar-detectors/


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[M0nk3y]

Thought I'd drop this here: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/best-radar-detectors/


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

I lol'ed when they start talking about Cobra detectors. There is no such thing as 15 bands either.

I've ran a 8500, 8500 x50, 9500ix, and now currently own a Redline.

Out of all of the above, the Redline blows the rest out of the water.

Ka Band Segmentation is absolutely awesome (you can turn certain Hz on/off within the Ka band to filter specific cop radar guns and further filter out falses).

[tkundhi]

I'm a V1 fan. Arrows and counter are indispensable. I also own a Escort 8500 (won it at the club dinner a couple years ago). It sits in a drawer. I tested them side by side and I got more false alerts and less range with the Escort. I only use the Escort when I can't use my V1.

My buddies and I use detectors and FRS radios when we road trip. I'll bring the Escort and give it to anyone that doesn't have a detector. The comments are generally the same. V1 has better range and less false alerts.

For those that were asking, you CAN adjust sensitivity and other items on a V1. There is a way to access certain settings beyond simply changing the mode. I don't have the instructions handy but I played around with it years ago. But set everything back to factory based upon comments from VR staff.

I run my V1 in full logic in town and then semi or all alerts on the open road.

t.

[Rovert]

If you drive on open roads and highways then get a V1.

If you're in the city a majority of time, get a 9500ix.

If you're in need of stealth protection from police in states were detectors are illegal then get a Redline.

You may find these different detectors for varying prices on eBay, Craigslist, or even refurb clear outs from sites like Groupon. You can bet on all these detectors projecting you the majority of the time if you are just speeding a little and you read you detector correctly while taking action. Don't bet on any of these detectors saving your ass if you're thinking you can excessively speed everywhere.

I used both V1 and 9500ix in different vehicles. The good thing with the V1 are arrows when you're out on the highway in the open road as well as interstates as you can tell when you are perpendicular to the source which cannot read your speed compared to front or back which can read your speed. In "A" mode it beeps a lot in the city. In "L" is still beeps but somewhat less and not as loud. I always keep it in "A" mode because I want that fast reaction time. I haven't really measured how much slower "L" lets you know of a real bogey. The counter doesn't really matter to me as when I'm driving I am not continually staring at the V1's face. If it's beeping, I'm checking my speed and being more alert of my surroundings. I do find I look up at the detector when it's beeping just to see what's happening. You'll learn when it's beeps are from more threatening bands vs X-band without looking in time.

The 9500ix is great in the city as it continually cancels out all repeated signals from it's onboard GPS. As you drive more and more in the same routes, the 9500ix gets quieter and quieter until there are nearly zero false detections compared to the V1. It takes 3 reads for it to automatically add that nonthreatening signal to its database. The 9500ix tells you how many bogeys as bars next to which band it's detecting in. It will indicate to you every band it's detecting and how strong each band is with multiple bars if there is more than one signal in the same band. I like that the 9500ix has auto mute after a couple beeps so I'm not going for the mute button and being distracted when it goes off. Not having arrows isn't a big deal in real driving because the point is to check your speed and adjust should a threatening alert go off. I always leave the 9500ix in highway mode rather than city or auto mode. If it's canceling out nonthreatening alerts then maximum sensitivity is nice to have.

If either detector maintains a strong alert (without looking at the indicators) then just chill and be cautious as other drivers could be slamming on their brakes ahead of you which could cause a much more dangerous situation than looking at the detector to dissect why it's beeping. After the alert clears then do what you normally do.

[ELCID86]

Know before you go (too fast). http://www.roadandtrack.com/features/web-originals/50-states-speeding-laws-mobilefriendly?src=spr_TWITTER&spr_id=1459_98405068


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[johnrando]

Nice find Shawn.