MrWigggles

My friend has a V1 and the arrows are nice. The detection performance in general is still top tier although some Escort and Bel models do have longer ranges now.

Everything else about the detector is a bit antiquated. It is large, not easily configured, and quite false trigger happy.

For the serious speeder, the performance outweighs poor (by today's standards) ergonomics; however, for those who like to tailor their detector and aren't as concerned with cops approaching from the rear, the Escorts and Bel's are far more refined.

I have heard good reports about the Bel RX65 and 995. You can find the 995 for about $220 on-line and can add laser jamming for a couple hundred more.

For that money I would definitely do the 995 with jamming over the V1.

-Mr. Wigggles

Ps. Don't forget that Bel and Escort are affliated. (Bel owns Escort or the other way around).

RX8rider

It looks like you can get the M-20 for $284. Here's a link to a review of the system and a link to SBHcorp.com where they can be purchased for $284

http://www.epinions.com/content_192486936196

truemagellen

are u talking about sbhcorp or something

that is a SHADY company...I was going to buy from them before but they are located in New YOrk and aare one of those small shops...that u are asking trouble ordering from them

I know a vendor on this forum will be selling them in the near future...I originally just wanted the M-20 but though if I'm going to do it...I'll go all out and get the m-40 and install two jamming units in the front and two in the back...that way I am covered on both ends although 95percent of shots are to the front

RX8rider

You're right. I looked at some of the review on SBHcorp.com and they do seem a bit shady. Keep us posted on the vendor who will be selling the Blinders soon though.
Truemagelan, do you know if the volume/alert can be turned down or changed or does the unit emit a constant loud signal when activated?
How much do you think the install would run for the M-20?
On a side note, I saw somewhere that you beat a laser speeding ticket. I did that today too. It might be a good idea to start a new thread that would include strategies and documents to help beat a radar/laser speeding ticket in court. Just a thought.

truemagellen

nice u beat it! congrats...it was a pain but exhilirating and worth it

as for installers for the laser Jammer installing I'm doing it on my own...it is realtively easy especially with this car...I even contacted Speedtest's owner about placement as they installed in on an RX-8 before

as for sounds/lights...there is one LED...indicates it is on and functioning and there is a speaker with a single noise that I've read is fairly loud....which to me is great...you can also have it cut out the stereo and have it come over the speakers I heard

with laser jammers you want to jam, slow down the vehicle then turn off the jammer...as the cop/trooper can get wise if it is constantly jamming...doesn't mean he can do a damn thing but he might pull you over and give u a hard time...here in minnesota it is illegal but I'll take my chances since these units are for the 'elite driving crowd' as I read...but to me they are a necessity

so the thing makes a hell of a noise and then with the remote switch you can install wherever you want you can disable it once u slow down...then they take a reading and wallah u are going the speed limit know

RX8rider

I wasn't even thinking about buying this prior to this thread but now I'm thinking it may be a very necesary addition to the V1 unit that I already have.
Truemagellan, when do you think the vendor will be offering it to us and any idea how much?

truemagellen

I'll have more info in a couple of weeks...but maybe earlier. I can post it here or the vendor will mention it.

As for jammers in general I had originally wanted the Escort ZR3 jammer since it interfaces with my 8500 non-x50 (which I hope to replace with something else in the next 6 months). After months of research it became clear the Blinder unit was far superior and that it really amazed the testers in the field especially since the prior Blinder unit, the M-10 NON xtreme series could not compare.

Besides being the performance winner the Blinder's simple interface and self reliance really made me happy...easy installation because of this and no confusing signals...when you are hit you know it...u slow down, turn off the jammer, and keep driving

and since it doesn't interface it is better for when I want to upgrade my radar detector

as for if the buzzer/alarm is too loud aparently some people put a bit of electrical tape over it to dampen the noise...but I'm happy to have it freak me out...so when I'm playing the music loud I'll hear it...even better if I hookup the stereo cutout

RX8rider

Looking forward to a stellar DIY Truemagellan

truemagellen

haha thanks...I need more time in life :o but it isn't out of the question

RX8rider

I made some calls around town today just to get an idea of installation costs. One place is selling the M-20 unit w/ installation for $399. If I buy the unit elsewhere and want them to install it, they charge $100.
Also, where do you think the best placement would be for the two transceivers in the front. The fog light area seems too far from the center, and the air dam all the way on the bottom seems too low?

Jer

I love my V1, I've had it now for 5 years or so...
Mike Valentine designed the Escort, AND Passport, AND the V1.
Could it be that this one man knows something other designers don't? Maybe...
The arrows are ESSENTIAL, the sensitivity and selectivity are very adjustable, and the durability is unmatched. Upgradable, too. Very cool.
BTW, as an interesting aside, I don't always put mine up because cops on Long Island have a new "stealth strategy": They don't bother to turn on the gun and set it up. They just SAY, "I clocked you with radar". Saves 'em a lotta hassle, and plus, you can't detect them.
I wish I was kidding about this.

staticlag

Actually its not a right of yours.

MrWigggles

I'm at the point where I have decided to tape any conversation I have with a police officer (My cellphone has that feature). If the cop says he gunned me at XX MPH and I know that is not true and refuses to let me see it on his gun, I want a audio recording of the conversation.

I don't know if you have the right or not to see the radar display but that is not important. You are very likely to get a sympathetic jury if they hear a recording of cop refusing to show you the evidence.

-Mr. Wigggles

staticlag

The rules in Nebraska, and I assume they are true everywhere else, are:

The police officer must make an assumption that you are traveling over the legal speed limit, then he must use a calibrated electronic device to verify such speed visually.

Besides that, most police officers that I have talked to say some of the radars they use don't lock the speed, they just have a constant readout and only lock the speed if you push a special button.

Most police officers won't let you see the readout either because; it is one of the guns i mentioned, and/or it is an unsafe action to allow a ticketed person to get out of his car and follow the officer back to his cruiser.

dazygirl415

Officers here in TX can get you on speeding just by a visual assessment - meaning if they see you speeding and they guesstimate you at 15 miles over the speed limit, that's what you get a ticket for.

Anywho, since I too am in desperate need of a V1, I'm re-asking the question posed by HardHitter: Is there some vendor offering a new and authentic V1 for under $400?

truemagellen

V1 is a direct sale company...in other words the only way you'll get it cheaper than the retail price from them is buying one used...I don't recommend that since the technology in V1s has changed dramaticall y in the past year and a half (changed for the good )

dazygirl415

Thanks Magellen. At least from what I read it's a good investment! :o

RX8rider

The only other way to get the latest V1 fo rless is to order directly from them but ask for a unit that was returned within the 30 day trial period. They'lll make sure that it's like new, and that unit will only cost $359. Hope that helps

Here's the latest of the Blinder laser jammer that I had installed today
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/blinder-m-20-laser-jammer-installed-71772/

truemagellen

well guys I bugged Thew long enough and the blinder Jammer group buy is a go!

check it out: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...92#post1075592

RaDaRkInG

Valentine One is the best radar/laser detector on the market today.

http://www.kc8unj.com/radar/guysofli...artesting.html

http://www.kc8unj.com/radar/guysoflidar/pop.html

http://www.kc8unj.com/radar/guysoflidar/spectre.html

http://motortrend.com/features/consu...r_buyersguide/

"This year, the measurement of the radar and laser detection abilities of each of the over $200 units gives the Valentine One ($400) a small edge over the competing BEL Vector 995 ($260) and Escort Passport 8500 X50 ($300 with red display or $340 with a blue display) units."

V1 is the best in laser detection:

http://www.radardetector.net/viewtop...213&highlight=

V1 has the best rear radar detection because it is the only detector with 2 antennas to locate radar:

http://www.radardetector.net/viewtop...214&highlight=

V1 is the least detectable detector by RDD's or Radar Detector Detectors in states where radar detectors are illegal. The Spectre III is the most used RDD in the world and it can only pick up the Valentine One if it is 166 feet or closer which is better than the X50 which can be detected 954 feet away.

http://www.radardetector.net/viewtop...383&highlight=

The Valentine One which accounts for only .6% of radar detector sales wins every poll when it comes to being the favorite detector:

http://www.radardetector.net/The-Ult.......-5523t.php

Which of the "Big 3" is really the best overall - in your opinion?

V-1
67% [ 42 ]

RX-65
11% [ 7 ]

X50
19% [ 12 ]

Other (state which and why)
1% [ 1 ]

Total Votes : 62

http://www.radardetector.net/viewtop...ghlight=#42353

Radar Roy from Radarbusters.com said this about the Valentine One, "Just spoke with Carl Fors from SML, his website will be going online tonight with the 2005 results. He has declared the V895, 8500 and the Valentine One as the top performers. Motortrend, who was also at the test, will be declaring the Valentine One as the top detector based upon its detection of laser.

http://www.radardetector.net/viewtop...=4696&start=90

Radar Roy said, "There were results that they (Guys of Lidar) got during the test that I was not exactly pleased with, such as the discovery of the Blinder not having Stealth Mode installed and the Valentine beating out the Escort and Bel in the range tests. Even though I don’t sell the Valentine, it does have slightly better range then both the RX65 and the 8500 and I also show this same fact on my site. Would love it to be the other way around."


There is an active radar jammer that works called the Scorpion "Ultimate" Ka jammer that jams X, K, and Ka band but it will cost you $1500 and it is a federal felony if you get caught and you will be fined thousands of dollars. Here is the testing to prove it.

http://www.radarbusters.com/support/...ming-tests.asp

http://www.activejammers.com/html/Ra...rsUltimate.htm






The Valentine One is still the long distance champion and no Escort or Bel product can top it. As far as the Valentine One being "large", the Valentine One, 16.2 cu. in., is smaller than the Escort X50, 18.95 cu. in., and the Bel RX65, 16.32 cu. in. The Valentine is wider, but it is shorter and not as high which gives you more mounting options. The Valentine One also weighs less than the X50 and RX65. As you can see, the Escort is the biggest of the three radar detectors.

truemagellen

This is the most random post ever...seems like it came from Mikey Valentine himself

There is no doubt the V1 is a great detector but there are some negatives to it, not in performance but with the performance of two other top tier detectors (Escort 8500, Bel RX65) that cost over $100 less the cost, if your a smart shopper, is hard to swallow, I used the extra $180 I had towards the Blinder M-40 which I received the newest software w/the stealth update.

You addressed some of the positives I'll address some of the negatives, KEEP IN MIND I do not doubt the performance on almost all levels of the V1. I'm pointing out negatives because of the high price of the unit may or may not justify its exorbitant cost.

-Out of date size, the size of the unit is rather large compared to other detectors in the same tier. I've seen the insides of the V1...the size could be cut in ATLEAST half with some better engineering...I believe he must start selling a remote detector solution (instead of the shody under car stealth cases that are out there that cost an arm and a leg) and/or reduce the unti to 3 pieces, the unit and two antennas that mount at different locations (although not properly aligning them would throw off the bogey pointers

-The display is old school compared to the complex LED displays of Bel and Escort's top units...if they really wanted to take it to the next level they would provide integration with most of the Laser jammers on the market and have a MULTI color user selectable display that has scrolling information and a bogey locator that indicates more than just left/right forward/behind...maybe even a display that arrows track the Bogey as it drives by. I must say though the other manufacturers NEED to over a remote display accessory, I know they don't because it would cut into their Remote detector market, but seriously guys

-Audio alert system is crude...and so is the Escort 8500. Some people are annoyed by voice alerts but the reality is those people don't have a girlfriend. Having that thing beep and beep and beep drives passengers looney...a voice alert system is much less harsh and knowing Mikey he would still allow the choice for Voice or the traditional beep. What would really kick *** would be the ability to chose between multiple voices/sound effects. Better yet you could load your own sounds using a PC hookup (MAC, Windows, Linux compatible)

-Connection to PC, elaborated, this is something the Escort, Bel, and V1 need to address. We are in the 21st century and still no hookup to the computer? Come on guys! With that hookup I'd like to be able to program the unit as the V1's programming system is CRUDE, slow, and without the LED display driving the information like in the Bel and Escort it is cumbersome. In addition, user customizable sounds, wav/mp3 files whatever, FIRMWARE UPDATES ONLINE...geez instead of paying an arm and a leg for updates since 'Mikey' has all the control here.

-GPS linked band silencer. This is on some of the odd units and a new unit called 'Drivesmart' has it but they are still in testing. For the price of the V1 it would be nice to have the ability for the detector to go silent while receiving a certain band signal in specified areas...with a bookmarking component to it. That way when you drive by Walgreens everyday with their Xband leaking PHarmacy sattelite linking system you don't loose your mind. This also should be updatable through the PC connection, work it with google maps, pin point an area and update for silencing.

-Limited Filtering...Mikey says this is so you hear everythreat...well I don't think Walmart's automatic door openers is a threat...the reality is the filtering is lacking...the reality is there are many RF leaking signals that have a distinctly different pattern of transmission from Radar guns...this should be addressed.

-POP detection is poor, BTW this is the case with ALL detectors, the new short pulsed POP guns are still not being read by the V1, for the older POP the V1 is the Top performer.


One of the top performers that is at the same level as the V1 and Escort 8500 is the Bel RX65...this unit suprised many with its stellar performance, great ergonomics but it does not have the high level of Laser detection that the V1 and the escort do. If you have a laser jammer there is no need for laser detection anymore...that makes the Bel RX65 in my eyes as the top unit especially when price is factored in (w/Laser Jammer only, if not the playing field is very even).



and in regards to this out of date quote:

"Radar Roy said, "There were results that they (Guys of Lidar) got during the test that I was not exactly pleased with, such as the discovery of the Blinder not having Stealth Mode installed and the Valentine beating out the Escort and Bel in the range tests."

And as for the Blinder and Stealth mode that has been fixed, in fact it produced a JTG (Jam to Gun) for Stealth Mode. Which is all on the Radardetector.net btw. Those who do not have stealth mode there is a FREE fix from Blinder US, just send in the unit and they'll send it back now with the Stealth mode update.

SecrtSqurl

I have had an Escort 8500 X50 for 3 months now and am amazed at the range and accuracy of the thing. I drive the same route to work everyday and it will pick up the same alerts everytime. I am suprised that I actually am more careful and drive slower with the thing than I used to without. I register radar signs (in CA they are signs that tell you yur speed) over a mile away and over an overpass... totally impressed with the way it can detect radars behind me.... I cant say anything about the other detectors because this is my first... but mine seems to do what it is supposed to!

Baller

My new BMW has a "coating" on the windshield that keeps any radar detector from working...any ideas? I have used the V1 for almost 10 years and love it on my other cars.

truemagellen

from what I know that coating only blocks laser detection not radar...your response? get a laser jammer and you can just turn off the laser protection on your Bimmer...you won't need it anymore it will just be an annoyance...meanwhile you'll have real protection unlike before where the protection for laser was hollow.