I've been researching radar detectors and can't decide between the Valentine 1 or the Passport 9500ix. Any advice fom fellow 991 drivers is much appreciated. Thanks!!

 

I like the V1, the directional arrows are very useful. I also use the Trapster app for realtime alerts and traps.

 

At the speeds I'm going, I'm slowing down when the detector goes off regardless of the arrows. Other than a high number of false alarms in my experience the V1 is an excellent unit, even if it looks like it was manufactured in a 3rd world country.

The state of the art Passport 9500ix is my pick.

 

I went through all the research as well and at the end of the day, I was guided by the recommendations of the professionals that I talked to. Of the 3 very reputable installers I talked to at length, all recommended the Passport 9500 hands down. I am having mine installed next week.

 

What is the context of professional here? Seeing as installers can't make as much money on Valentines (since they are only sold factory direct), it would make perfect sense for them to recommend the one they do get wholesale pricing on.
I consider myself a "professional radar detector user." Anyone who's had one for a while knows there is as much art as science to it. The detector is a tool to help you make good decisions, it doesn't make you invisible. I had some earlier Escorts and a couple of other brands, switched to the V1 around a decade ago, and have seen no reason to switch since.
I can't count how many times it's saved me, its operation is simple, and their customer service is great. That's my testimonial and I'm sticking to it.

 

I have been using a valentine for over 10 years now. From time to time, there is an upgrade of the software, but the design looks the same as it did 10 years ago. It still works for me, so i am not complaining.
However, I have seen other brands advertized (Escort for example) with newer features (like a database of stoplight cameras, speed traps, artificial intelligence, etc) that are built into the unit. So it is possible that these newer units can do more than my old valentine1. If I did not already own a radar detector, i would be looking at everything that is available today.

 

I did my research, liked what I read about the Passport and the 3 auto shops I questioned about the differences between the various units tipped it over the line for me. There have been significant technology advances in the last 10 years in this area. Your frame of reference may be slightly out of date if you have not been in the market looking at a possible purchase.

 

Escort 8500ci with shifters has saved my bacon many times

 

That's why this debate is pointless. Most V1 owners are pretty loyal, I guess we're all "out of date."

 

I have had both. Returned the 9500ix since it never came on when known radar was shooting at it. The powercord also broke so it went back after 2 weeks.

V1 gives a lot of false. I turned off x band and it helped. However, twice a CHP was aiming at me with a laser (presumably since they were stationary). V1 didn't go off.

My advise is go for V1 if you drive on freeways. If you want laser protection, get a 9500ci that is built in, which has shifters.

 

Was a looong time user of V1. Got fed up of false alarms and bought the built-in 9500ic. Kept the V1 on the windshield for a year tom compare. The 9500 is as good or better with detection and very few false alarms. Oh and it has laser shifting.

I have a warm stop in my heart for the V1 but they need to spend some money on development and bring in into the 21st century.

 

I have both as well, not in the same car though. The 9500 definitely gives less false alarms but I really miss the directional arrows of the V1. To me the arrows are like heated seats, once you have them it is hard to go back. I turned off the X band in my V1 and it is a little better. Both seem to have similar range. One thing to keep in mind however is that is audibly announces anytime you are approaching a red light camera. Depending on where you live this can be very, very annoying. Because of this at the end of the day both units have the same amounts of alerts.

 

Quick story

Had to get to SEMA this past week in a "timely manor"

Literally had a stack of radar detectors on the windshield and the factory S63 detector.

( V1, Passport, and a belltronics)

The Passport consistently went off first every time.

Im a V1 owner myself and ill stick with it but the 9500 took the cake for that trip.

 

either will do a fine job of giving you plenty of radar notice and also letting you know too late youve been hit by laser. Of main consideration should be which laser jammer to get, the radar is 2nd choice and either company is fine. I love the arrows personally.

 

ditto
even though the passport alarmed first, i still like the arrows

and like you said there is plenty of advance notice


jammers wise im a huge k40 fan

i also want to give their radar detector a shot