If the handheald "pop" radar guns become widely used there could be a problem. You may not pick up an officer taking multiple readings of traffic in front of you.
It seems they could design the software to look specifically for the .067 second pulses. This may require ANOTHER $175 valentine upgrade though.
I agree that the valentine's arrows are very useful.

 

In my experience no. If you have a radar detector and the only thing you know is how to turn it one, then you have a 50/50 chance of getting caught. You need to know where it is coming from. Arrows help here. You need to learn sound. Different radar's make different sounds. The CHP radar has a very distinct sound. Intensity of the sound will also give you a clue as to how close.

You also need to know how the gun operaters operate. Is it left on all the time? Not usually. Does it come on for a second and go off, repeating this process. Is it in front of behind? In front instant radar. Behind, CHP cruiser. Intensity, gives you an idea of how far ahead. What is the terrain ahead?

Learn how to use them and you will go with the V1. If you just turn them on and just listen for a beep, either one will be fine.

 

The V1 also displays the band (X, K, Ka or laser), and I suspect many other do as well. I'm sure top models are all very good, but the arrows are the tie breaker. I had a Passport years ago and now a V1, and knowing where the signal is coming from is very useful.

 

You have to be a smart Radar detector user to get the most out it, ot anything in life for that matter. This isn't something inherantly special to V1.

 

Zippy, I have had them both and I beg to differ with you on this one.

 

Here is my thinking. The remote capability is a big deal to me. The arrows might be nice but I think I can get most (or maybe better) of the same benefit with frequency display. The frequency display is not just Ka or K, but the exact frequency. Door openers use different frequencies (even though same band) than the police radar I believe.

 

ColorChange,

Door openers usually come from the side. Arrows show this and you can ignore. No threat!

If the extra tickets are worth having a concealed unit then by all means, buy the concealed unit.

 

Here is the bottom line. The V1 window mount is damn ugly. The Passprt is a sweet installed unit. Both are good performers. The real question here is, why doesn't the V1 dude bust open the wallet and design a slick installed unit? I'm sure the R&D and fabrication facitily investment would be a profitable venture. A lot of pretty people in high end cars a more interested inlooks than performance anyways. Why V1 doesn't want to have thier cake and eat it too is beyond me. And aren't the "You have a radar gun pointing at your side" arrows a little late to notifying you of radar"ahead"????

 

In addition to that most cops use K, Ka or Laser...If it's X, you know it's no threat(I have yet to run into an X threat from a cop, at least in NY, PA and NJ. V1 rules and will allow for eventual software upgrades for of fraction of the cost of buying a new detector. Passport/Bell don't offer this. If radar bands change frequency down the road, you basically chuck the bell's and passport's out the window and have to buy a new one.

 

I did'nt know that radar detector glam looks was a valid criteria for selecting the best radar detector. That's a new one to me. Must be one of the new C&D, radar-detector test.com's new criteria's. Perhaps when you are pulled over, the cops will comment on the beauty of your detector...

 

Hey, beauty must over-ride function to a lot of people on this board. For example 19" wheels. From what I read, those weren't made for those interested in improving track times! And I doubt if clear side markers make your car mor visible in the fog.

 

Zippy,

You cannot get a ticket from radar on the side. It is impossible for them to get a reading. Just can't happen. Like I said ignore it. Now if your Passport goes off due to a side hit, what are you going to do? No choice but to slow down.

 

CJV - I don';t htink you underastand yet. Lets day police band is 984.372. Door openers are 981.321. I can see the frequnecy and know to ingonre the alarm, jsut like you can assume to if it is from the side. Same thing .. no? Unless of course there is a cop on the side, then onlly I would know.

 

Yeah beauty is important for accessorizing a car...But when it comes to the law and getting popped for driving at high speeds, I believe most intelligent people are interested in a detector that helps prevent them from being busted in the first place...

You can't be busted for glitzy wheels...

 

"Hey, beauty must over-ride function to a lot of people on this board. For example 19" wheels. From what I read, those weren't made for those interested in improving track times!"

Zippy, you are correct. That is why for ME, they are worthless. Maybe on my Bentley. Second thought I don't like the rough ride. Hey, I'm not criticizing anyones choice. Educate yourself and make a decision. Can't lose with an educated decision. Variety and differences of opinions are the spice of life. There are trade off's in most choices.