radar detectors

[K9-Handler]

Valentine

Definitely Valentine 1.

I have one and my wife has one (she gets more tickets than I do -- when she's not using it or not paying attention).

Not many people realize anymore that Mr. Valentine used to own Escort. He sold the company and started to make new, improved versions on his kitchen table. Both have improved their products over the years, but even though the design is several years old its still the best. Aluminum cases that are almost Mil-Spec. I've used them since they first came out years ago.
The greatest feature is the arrows that tell you if the signal is coming from the front, sides, or rear. If the radar is in a rolling police car headed the other way it's interesting to watch the forward arrow light up first, then the side arrow as the cop passes, then the rear arrow.
Laser is tough for any detector, but as mentioned here already, I've been saved by the splatter as the parked cop shoots at a car in well in front of me and the Val picks it up.
The annoying thing is the laser detection circuitry gets fooled by some GM LED third brake lights. I'll be coming to an intersection following a Caddy and jump out of my pants when the laser warning goes off, only to realize that it was just the Caddy's brake lights. Only effected by GM lights.

Great actual warranty, by that I mean if I ever had a problem with a power cord breaking they would take care of it. Try that with a Chinese company...
They will also upgrade an older unit to the latest circuitry -- for a fee, of course -- but its a lot cheaper than buying a new detector.

My old grandad was from the old country, and when we'd pass a speed trap he'd mumble in his native tongue the word for "vulture".

 

[JJay03]

I had the same thing happen before with the GM third brake lights lol usually a caddy suv or tahoe. The other day I picked up laser on the highway late at night with no cops in site unless he was going the other way. In my last car I had the V1 hard wired up with the v1 up high on the windshield and the wires going up through the headliner and down the a-pilar behind the dash. Then I had the concealed display mounted under my radio in the pocket area it fit perfect. See if I can find a picture.

 

[willsaw4beer]

After getting hit with instant on,what difference does it make? Unless you travel in heavy traffic,they are next to useless. I dont see there value anymore.In heavy traffic where you will get whiffs off the cars in front of you,you dont need it anway.I just slowed down a few mph,and no problems,just dont go more than 10 over the speed limit and you will probably be fine.Run 10+ over all the time,and your going to get tickets,(or accidents)radar detector or not,they will run up behind you and pace you as well,no detector needed.

That's my strategy. The envelope is plain to see, don't push it...

Of course there's a few tricks I've learned how to deal with the bastards in court too...

 

[dingeryote]

Valentine.

And BTW. Most of the "Splashes" you guys are getting aren't splashes.

The same with most alarms when passing a cruiser equipped with rear radar.

Part of the "Game" is deterrence.

It's also fun to watch the Brake lights come on.LOL!!

Stay safe!
Dingeryote

 

[mcinfantry]

again, i spent 4 years running radar. ka band. i run the v1. havent had a ticket since 1991. im telling you, it works.