I would say they get a TON of returns. Yes, that's right,a TON of returns.

Just like every other company out there. WHY? Because radar detectors are not for everyone. Most people don't really understand their purpose, capabilities or how to use them. Hell, most people don't know how to install them even though it's clearly stated in the instructions. Every day I see detectors hiding behind a car's wipers, behind the tinted band on the windshield or the classic "looking at the stars" install.

I'd say most returns are from people who can't stand the constant alerts a good detector will give you. Granted, now you have the ESCORT model that offers GPS and offers to avoid this characteristic (admitedly, I have no experience with this unit).

When I bought by V1 over 5 years ago, I got far fewer alerts than I do today. Urban sprawl and the increased use of radar for non-police activity are the culprits. I believe this is the #1 reason people give up on using a good detector.

I really like the fact that Mike Valentine teaches you exactly what his product is intended to do and how you can make the best use of it. It clearly is designed and marketed to the more saavy consumer and priced appropriately.

Detectors are not infallible and you must use them in conjunction with the "situational awareness" Valentine preaches.

Having said all that, my V1 has paid for itself over and over again in the time I've owned it.

 

i have a passport srx and it is great. the laser jammers have saved me a couple of times.

 

V-1 Hands down

 

V1!!!

 

Thats probably highly likely. I'm in all likelyhood not going to buy a detector for that very reason. Watching some of the youtube videos of the v1, for example, with its symphony of beeps.. .that would drive me nuts. Nope, not for me. Just a few beeps and blinking light is all I need.. I can then slow down. But my eyes and awareness are good enough so far, and can continue to serve me well.

The only use I'd have for a detector would be one that is totally stealth - meaning the sensors are in the front and back grilles/bumper - and some small installed display.. .just to remind me if I happen to miss the occasional trooper by the road. That constant chatter just ruins the drive altogether.

 

you must drive fairly slow because there is no way you would notice (using your eyes) a trooper w/o a good radar detector before they had a read on your speed.

 

Speaking about all of those false alarms and the V1, has anyone heard anything about the guy from Utah who is selling new V1's that he has altered to eliminate false alarms in the city? He says he's removed the X band and strengthened the KA band. It's no surprise that he is selling them for $100 over a new V1 but if it really works on eliminating falsies, It might be worth it! Here's the link to his modified V1 on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3D4%26ps%3D42

 

He hasn't done anything to the V1 except change the setttings in the detector. Valentine One's already allow users to turn off certain bands and editing their settings....All this guy did is Turn off X-band. And Turn on KA more responsive which actually doesn't increase the KA sensitivity

I will gladly tell anyone on here how to do what this guy charges an extra $100 for!!!!

Or you can read how to do it yourself here:
http://www.valentine1.com/Lab/MikesLabRpt3.asp

 

Wow, you guys are good. This is a great forum for learning!