Hi All

Been researching the site and reading tons of post on the Valentine V1 and really considering picking one up. My question is really about the real world functionality of the unit in california, specifically in the SF Bay Area and Los Angeles (as these are the two locations where I spend 90% of my time)

I've read posts saying the V1 delivers way too many false alarms in CA and that with the use of lasers by CHP (is this accurate) the V1 is no where near as useful as a laser jammer. So should I drop $400+ on the unit and will I be happy, or is it going to be a false alarm happy unit that becomes annoying and furthermore doesn't protect me well against the lasers used by the CHP

thanks in advance
Art

 

[QUOTE=aa909;3629190]Hi All

Been researching the site and reading tons of post on the Valentine V1 and really considering picking one up. My question is really about the real world functionality of the unit in california, specifically in the SF Bay Area and Los Angeles (as these are the two locations where I spend 90% of my time)

I've read posts saying the V1 delivers way too many false alarms in CA and that with the use of lasers by CHP (is this accurate) the V1 is no where near as useful as a laser jammer. So should I drop $400+ on the unit and will I be happy, or is it going to be a false alarm happy unit that becomes annoying and furthermore doesn't protect me well against the lasers used by the CHP

thanks in advance

v1 is most reliable. Has adjustments to cut down on sensitivity to biz-x bands. For laser defuse, you need a separate laser defuse unit. The Redline escort has a bit further Ka sensitivity compared to V1, but again for reliability get the V1. I use both.

 

399 any where you get it and worth every penny.. I just got a speeding ticket in my SLOW car for the first time EVER, because I left my trusty v1 in the Porsche. V1 tends to pick up police shooting radar sometimes as far as a half of mile away! Then I shout and do a little v1 dance and pray to it;

 

thanks, going to order one this weekend and hardwire it to the fuse box

 

I'd invest in laser jammer before a V1. Clearly doing both is the key, the only place I personally see radar being used is on I5 driving socal to norcal. On the local freeways and streets its all laser.

 

For LIDAR you need a jammer. Detector is just going to give you an early warning to a ticket 99% of the time.

 

V1 is absolute best in my opinion. Travel from SoCal to Nevada a couple times a month, and it has paid for itself many times over. I have had it pick up radar over a mile away on the 15, but it is a little annoying around town with the electronic doors in shopping centers. I have tried to find a good laser jammer for a long time---anyone know where to get a good one?

 

FWIW, I decided to install the 9500CI system completly stealth. I had it done by a local shop-Detailing Dymanics. The display in the mirror, controls in ash tray and you cannot see anything inside the car. The jammers are exposed becasue if they are not, they are not effective. There is a sponsor here called Radar Mirror and Scott did a great job on the mirror. My shop overnighted mine and 1 day later he sent them my mirror back overnight.

The only thing I would do differently is install the red LED. I opted not to since I wanted a 100% stealth installation and did not want to cut/drill the dash or control POD. I have a cabrio and when the top is down the display in the mirror is a challenge to read, The noise of the engine and wind make it hard to hear the audible warnings and the red light would catch you attention.

There are alot of features that I have not used yet. Like you can mark a location to never give you a reading. A CVS pharmacy must have an alarm and every time I drove by it went off. i blocked it and no more alarm form there. Coversly, you can mark a location as a speed trap. My installer marked his shop as a speed trap. Now everytime I stop by, it tells me that this area is a known speed trap.-Very funny Eddie.

I am happy with the system, the install, it is easy to operate, reliable so far (1 year and 5 Months in), and there is a new escort live feature that I have read about but don't fully understand.

Nothing is 100% and if you get too comfortable with any of these you can get baked so be carefull and don't get too comfortable. Comon sense is still the best protection from Tickets.

 

V1 and a laser interceptor...= piece of mind and safe 99% of the time...unless you are being paced by an unmarked car or from the air.

 

Plus 1. I would agree with LI. They have been the best for a while now. Don't beleive the hype from the larger companies. Do you homework.

 

Tailwag, just researched Laser Interceptor, and see they have quite a few different models. Which one are you using, and what was the cost with installation?

 

Go for the newest one...they can be had for about $ 1,000 and installation can be about US$ 200 - - -get the 4 head for sure...

 

Thanks for all the info, will check and see what is available out here

 

By air, just watch for white lines. Always a give-a-way. Those creeping behind, one needs a cautious eye and to be familiar what troopers drive. Most have large bumper addition in front for pushing stalled vehicles. Watching for headlight patterns at nite has always been tough.

 

I have the LI installed in my 997TT from a previous owner, it saved me once yesterday from paying fine+loosing my license so I am a happy owner! (the fine would be more than the cost of the LI)