Vote for the best Radar detector

[Giobatera]

I just wanted to get everyone’s point of view and find out which Radar detector will be voted the best among us. I personally have a V1 for over a year and just think is the best. Let me hear from you now! Which one is the best in your opinion? Do you own it or plan on getting it? What has it done for you so far?

[staticorex]

I have a passport. I don't use it anymore. It rarely does any good because most cops here don't use any type of radar. They just time you by white lines or follow you.

[Tamago]

V1

[POORSHA]

v1

[staticorex]

Why do you guys like the V1 so much? Just curious.

[schleppy]

I had an Escort for a while and got a V1. The V1 has paid for itself many, many times over. I like the directional arrows on the V1 more than the Escort's "beep", as well the the remote display, the fact that it's upgradeable (something I've used twice), etc.

If you use the V1 (or any good radar detector) as a tool and not a crutch it can work very, very well.

[WolfWings]

V1. Only system out there with no gimmicks, a good remote-display capability, and that can be integrated to work with some of the best LIDAR-jamming parking sensors out there to boot.

One of those 'when I can' upgrades for my little Yaris, will fab up a custom housing to store it in to replace the overhead done light for it so it has good visibility fore and aft without looking at all like a radar detector. Also give me a chance to retrofit some really powerful red-LED lighting for the dome light without worrying about what the car came with.

[POORSHA]

I like the fact that it can be upgraded, I have had mine for 7 years. Two upgrades.
I didn't have to buy a new detector each time. The arrows are awsome. It's just like buying a good tool that continues to work for years and years

[Giobatera]

That's what I'm talking about guys! I'm also a BIG fan of the V1. It has saved me so many times. Since I've purchase it, no more tickets so far....
Anyways...let's keep on debating it. I really want to hear different opnions and most of all, I want you all to share experiences as far as those radar detectors. I believe it always help people decide what to get....or should I said, help them understand that they have to get a V1....Lol...

[staticorex]

Wow. The upgrades sound great. How exactly does that work? Maybe I should go buy one. :p

[severous01]

whistler and passport suck balls...but then again i've never really spent more than about 75 bux on a radar detector

escort i thought was supposed to be the best

[schleppy]

Originally Posted by staticorex

Wow. The upgrades sound great. How exactly does that work? Maybe I should go buy one. :p

You pop your V1's serial number into the site and it tells you if they have any upgrades available, and if you even really need them. If you do, you fill out the shipping/credit card info and mail your V1 to them. A few days later you get back your unit upgraded, or a brand new upgraded unit and they keep your old one as a "core". It's a great system.

[staticorex]

Sounds nice. I think I will look into one now.

[Giobatera]

Originally Posted by staticorex

Sounds nice. I think I will look into one now.

Here we go. After all, it's money well spent.... V1

[pennyracer]

i use a passport 8500 very good unit but not cheap cost was $350.00 but it saved me many of tickets i have had other cheaper units they did not work near as well but to each his own i would not buy any other brand since owning my passport 8500 remember you get what you pay for !!!

[WolfWings]

Oh, the Passport IS good. But it's anything but transparent. The V1 is so awesome because they (in effect) give you full access to their changelog. They explain every change and improvement they make to the design, and will let you upgrade to the newest version whenever you want to do so.

And they go into detail on why they did not, do not, and will not add some features that are common on other designs, such as being able to run off of internal batteries instead of requiring hooking up to the car's power as the most common. And they do give good tips on mounting, that apply to all radar detectors. Most others just say 'windshield and pray' without explaining the physics behind things.

Escort? Black box, unless they come out with a new version with a higher number. Then you have to buy it again from scratch.

[pennyracer]

im curious i would like to see the redar unit your speak of maybe you can post a link sounds pretty cool

[WolfWings]

Originally Posted by pennyracer

im curious i would like to see the redar unit your speak of maybe you can post a link sounds pretty cool

www.valentine1.com

They're very 'blocky' looking compared to a lot of current-day designs. Simplicity of parts layout inside, durability, and ease of replacing components in the case were more important to them from day one than smooth curves and being as compact as possible.

Their article on motorcycle mounting is what I'm basing my idea of mounting one in a replacement dome-light fixture on, making one out of lightweight plastic akin to a motorcycle faring. It would also provide a convenient power feed to drive it off of, and keep it mounted high enough for good visiblity front and rear.