My previous 997, I had a built in radar detector ($2,000). I think it was a k2000 or something like that.

I was not too happy with the installation. They kind of "krinkled" the leather part of the dash (lower part where the ignition switch).
So, I was thinking of going with a non-built-in detector.

any recs on either?
thanks

 

Valentine 1, hands down. I would couple that with a Laser Jammer(I don't know a good one) too, which you probably had in your last car if you had K40 built in.
And nice car, have fun with it. I would take off that hardtop, you bought a cab fro a reason!

 

v1 ftmfw

i own 4

 

V1, I also own four. I wont drive a car without one.

 

V1is the best

 

I have the V1 also, first car I had it in and I dont know why I went so long without one.

I think just using it out of the box is fine. I have it mounted just beneath the rear view mirror and I'm using the power outlet thats in the passenger foot well, it never really bothers me. You can also decide to mount it lower, just in front of the sport chrono.

Because you got the power outlet in the passenger footwell it keeps the wire completely out of the way, without that outlet being there I would admit using the cigarette lighter in the center console would have been a pain.

 

wow, I had no idea we had an outlet in the passenger footwell! Granted, i dont spend much time sitting shotgun!

 

V1, no doubt!

 

Okay. So I have 4 detectors. I am going to give a brief reality run down on each and some opinions too.

Passport 8500 x50 (blue).

This is somewhat esthetically pleasing (better of the bunch) - especially with the unobrusive blue light. Its smaller than the V1 and offers slightly less performance than the V1 - however it is pretty good at eliminating false alerts (I have a lot near where I live). It has also saved me on many long runs in auto mode and I have had it about 2 years without any issues. I have it hardwired into my cayenne.

Passport 9500i (blue)

This is my favorite, by far, of the bunch. Nice looking (as far as radar detectors go). Once you program the false alerts in your area you can basically drive around free of any beeping. To program is very easy and it bases it on gps co-ordinates and frequency of radar - so if you have another radar source in the area (cop) then it will still alert you. It also has a nice feature whereby you program the areas of known bogeys - eg. speed camara's etc etc. and then it warns you when your approaching that area. It also auto adjusts sensitivity based on speed. So if your doing 25mph say - it will basically cut out everything. If your on open road - its on full sensor. When I ran it side by side with the V1 - it offered almost the same performance as the V1 (maybe a bit less - but who cares - normally you get snagged either by vascar or instant on at your own vehicle - then its too late) - but without the annoying chirping and beeping. This is currently hardwired in my m5 and I will be taking it over to my turbo once its delivered.

Solo S2 Cordless.

For a battery operated radar its a great choice. No need to hardwire of course. Batteries last me about 1-2mths - which is reasonable I think. My fiancee uses it in her caymen and we use it when we rent a car or something. Performance is pretty good - not much between difference between this and my hardwire ones - at least not noticeable. Its got a nice feature in that when you stop it will eventually switch off automatically and conserve battery power.

Valentine One.

Well - (and I will probably get slaughtered here since its contrary to most opinions) - I am disappointed with it. I purchased it since everyone was raving about it and I wanted to see how it performed. I used it in my x5 on a trial. Even in L mode its constanty chirping around where I live. It was a lot larger than I expected and is somewhat draconian in appearance. I didnt notice any performance difference really between my escorts and the V1 - if so, it was ever so slight. What I did notice though is that the false alerts seemed to be all over the place. I am going return this (within 30 day money back) since I am not happy with it at all. - at least compared with the newer escort models. I also didnt like the large lights showing direction (even though a neat idea) - tends to glare in your face. You also cannot see easily what band (other than audio indication) the radar is beeping for. I think it was a good detector - several years ago - but technology has advanced somewhat. Too invasive for my liking.

Hope this helps.

 

I have the Passport 8500 blue which I mount on my passenger side visor with an optional clip (the suction cups don't work well on the Turbo because of the windows slope, however it worked fine on my M3). I hardwire it to my fuse box and am happy with its performance. Its paid for itself many times over. Since I have never owned a V1 I cannot make a comparison.

 

V1 by far. I own four also. Every INDEPENDENT test or magazine review always confirms the V1's superiority. And my personal experience, including owning most of the others, has shown the V1 to be far superior. I'm not that interested in appearance, and drive with it on "A" as I want to hear every warning.

I routinely exceed the speed limit, often times by a significant amount, and my main interest is preserving my right to drive. If performance is what you care about, it's no contest: Valentine1

p.s. the search button is your friend . . .

 

V1 or the 9500 are the best two out on the market today....but using both , as some have suggested is rediculous if you ask me.
I had the solo s2 before, no issues, good detector.
v1

 

Valentine 1, only way to go.

 

Funny enough my V1 just saved me big $$$ this am. Was able to brake from 115 to 55 in time on country road commute between Houston and Austin. I have another V1, a passport 8500 and a Bell Sti. V1 is the best by far.

 

I had both 9500i and Valentine - sold the Valentine due to way too many false alerts. I like the ability to block out the alarms ,automatic door openers,and to program in known speed traps.I use the detector with a Bearcat scanner when I go on hwy trips and really like the combo.My preference is to know the alert is real rather than the direction of a bunch of false alerts. I hardwire everything into the fuse box to a switched circuit.