For a built in system, I really like the Escort SRX. I had one installed in my Escalade and it saved me multiple times. I like the K40, but sometimes it is hard to see the LED lights when the system goes off. The newest system is the Escort 9500ci. It comes with radar and laser detection, and front and rear laser shifting (jamming). The cool thing about the 9500ci is that it has a built in GPS antenna. With the GPS system you can set it so that everytime your system is giving you a false alert (grocery store, etc. that you drive by everyday on your way home) you can tell the system not to alert you. It will still sound if it gets a different signal other than the false alert. Once you set the areas of false alerts the system will pretty much only give you true alerts. Great idea!

 

Many friends of mine owned V1s but I never wanted to spend that kind of money on a radar. Finally decided to buy it last year and don't regret having it at all. I'm addicted to this thing!!! V1 is the best! You can't go wrong!! I smile everytime V1 detects CHP scanning here in SoCal.

 

Ok...now you guys have me thinking. I went to eBay and see a number of different models advertised. Which is the most recent iteration of the V1>? I know that some recent advancements in law enforcement radar have caused some of the manufacturers to upgrade their units to detect different frequencies. Also...what is a good price for a top of the line Valentine unit/.??

 

Chuck,

there were actually 2 units driving pretty fast. I slowed down to 70 and they flew by me, probably 90+. They definately weren't tracking me. They had some other place to go it seemed. However, if if they caught up to me while I was speeding, i'm sure they would have pulled me over.

Some of the CHP cars just drive around with the gun "on", not really pointed at any particular vehicle. I often get a signal from on coming CHP cars.

I think it is a pretty fixed price of $400+/-

 

EZ...what's the model number for the latest version? I see that they advertise it will pick up POP signals....or something like that.

 

Chuck,

All the different models of V1's have looked identical for the last 10+ years. They just improve on the software/hardware inside. I'm not even sure there is a model number on mine. The best way to get the most up-to-date model is to call the company direct. Mr. Valentine has a 1 page ad in every big car magazine (C&D, R&T, etc.). Get the 800 number out of his ad and buy a new one, that way you are sure to get the latest edition. They are $399 and come with hardwire kit or cigarette lighter adapter. After you have had your V1 for a while, you can call the company and send your unit in and get the software updated to the latest version...not sure what they charge for that.

 

Chuck, I bought mine on ebay, check the serial number on the Valentine website. They will tell you the software version number online.

Valentine upgrade is expensive, so look for a late version used V1

 

V 1

knockwood.. never a ticket since purchasing the V1 many yrs ago.

know front and back status

just last week, back arrow came on with weak signal,, i was doing 87 mph,, i immediately slowed to 70,, beeps got stronger,, then in mirror 20 seconds later a Sheriff.. He had no clue I was speeding.


this story happens most of the time I am in the car.


thank G-D they are lazy and keep the radar on all the time. If they did the instant on thing from the rear things may have been different.


The V1 has saved me $1000s in tickets


D

 

Try this site. I researched the V1 through this site before buying it.
http://www.radardetector.net/viewfor...1acc62351a51f8

 

DBA: Thanx for that link...although it does seem a little disconcerting that Valentine is coming out with updated versions at a very frequent rate. According to one discussion thread, Valentine was all the way up to version 3.864 as of 2/22/08. I see that some folks sent in their units and in one case Valentine charged the fellow $75 to update his system. How often do you have to send in your unit to be updated?

When these updated versions come out...and there seem to be quite a few...are the updates anything that is critical?....or are these just minor bumps in some technological enhancement?

Chuck

 

I have 2 V1 units, both are about 2 years old and they still work fine today but I might have to see if there is an update. Has anybody else bought one 2+ years ago and needed an update?

V1's even picks up Lidar as I learned the hard way. Got a ticket in my Navigator and I wasn't even really speeding. He said 75, whatever. Lidar is so instant it really gives you no warning. It did pick up the signal and "warned" me but it was too late.

These radar detectors are not meant and should not be used as the only "tool" to use when speeding. Obviously, it is best to be aware of the cars around you and beyond. Radar detectors don't tell you when it is o.k. to speed...in fact, they only tell you when it is absolutely NOT o.k. to speed.

The person I bought my turbo from was generous enough to throw in his hardwired V1 with dash display module as part of the deal. After the first few times it picked up CHPs I went online and ordered another one for my other car. I have no regrets about spending $400 on a V1. One of the best car accessory purchases I ever made.

 

The V1 is the best thing I've ever bought automotive wise... got my first when I was 17, that was almost ten years ago. I buy them new for $400, then sell them on Ebay at the 5 year mark for $385 (no lie LOL). The math comes to about $3 / year excluding shipping ahahahaha...

 

I didn't know you could upgrade...but mines about eight years old and it has never missed a radar contact. So maybe upgrade is somewhat optional?

 

Escort Solo for me, but then again I don't speed!

 

Call Valentine Research at 1 800 331 3030 and ask for a returned V1 and you will get 10% off the retail price of $399. Tell them you don't mind being put on the waiting list. Guaranteed, they will ship a V1 out within 2 days. It will be the latest version V1.8 POP2 w/ Euro-mode and 3.864 firmware and that comes with all the accessories and a 1 year warranty.