I was toying with the idea of tinting my car with 20% tint....

does anyone know if this will affect my Valentine One's (radar detector) capabilities?

 

Rearward view is affected. Assuming you are not tinting the front.

Here is direct quote from Valentine1.com (thanks Mike):

"DO-IT-YOURSELF WINDOW TINTING FILMS: Car and Driver supplied four tint-film samples, which we tested on clear window glass. Clear glass cuts laser range by about 25 percent, and all of the samples cut laser range by an additional 25-35 percent. Metallized films had about the same effect as ordinary tint films.

You might add a tint strip across the top of your windshield to cut glare. If so, a laser detector will suffer a serious loss of performance when placed behind the tint.

REAR-LASER DETECTION would be hurt by tint films on rear and side windows, at least in theory. V1's rear-laser performance is by far the best in the industry, but don't expect too much from it. When you're shot in the back, you're moving away, so the shooter's best shot is his first one. If he fails to get a reading on his first shot, you're so lucky you don't need a laser detector."

 

also. i have metalized film in the back.

remember to drive safe also.

 

Just the other day, my V1 was tracking this popo in front about a-quarter mile ahead that parked on the side. Upon passing it, my V1 was tracking the same popo thru my rear-window with the same strength. About a quarter mile ahead, the signal finally stopped. My windows are tinted all around with 30% metalized film.

Tinted should look exceptionally great in SY.

 

man this is gonna be a tough choice... V1 Performance or Tint....arghh!

Btw, thanks for the help/input guys!

 

I have Huper Optik Ceramic Tint on my windows...no metals to interfere with the V1

 

yups.. i have something similair to kirby's and it's hella dark tho... My V1 seems to act in the same fasion as anyone elses so I'm good.