radar detectors

[holy s]

does anybody own a valentine radar detector or have had any experience with one? i'm getting ready to purchase one and was wondering what, if any, peoples thoughts on the subject were. vidas

[denizen224]

I've had a Valentine for about a year now, an upgrade from a Uniden. It's soooo much better than the Uniden! I especially like the remote display module. I keep that down low and out of sight on the cigarette plug adapter, so the unit sits nice and dark high up on the windshield. Most of my cars have the wiring concealed along the windshield frame, making for a stealthy installation overall. Like AmEx, I don't leave home with out it (especially in the Porsche).

Some folks prefer the Escort Passport 8500. Valentine has an interesting challenge: Both units come with a 30-day money back guarantee. Buy one of each, run 'em side by side for a month and return whichever one you like less.

Congrats on your sweet new ride, saw it over in the other thread. Do you have a link to your '54 bent window? Not interested in more than just a peek, I've got my hands full with the SC already...

[gtgroupe3]

I have one hard wired into my daily driver; it provides very good coverage, if used correctly.

My daily driver is a sleeper, hence not attracting much attention from local law enforcement, i.e., S4 Avant Bi-turbo with KO4, pluming, injector & CPU upgrades and the remaining RS4 and aftermarket kit thrown in for good measure. I normally have a Britax Car-seat and Schaferhund standing in the rear for urban camouflage.

So your results may vary.

I would strongly suggest that if you drive at the "Go Directly to Jail speeds". That you augment with some type of LIDAR/Lasar protection like the Lidatek LE-30 Dual.

Sumner

[runsub5]

Seeing this post reminds me that I have an old Passport Escort that I bought back in the late 70's. Do these units have any value in terms of sensing new radar guns? It seems as though a lot of states now use laser as opposed to radar?

[gtgroupe3]

Concerning the newer bands, all will pick-up to varying degrees.

http://www.007radardetectors.com/tests.htm (no endors)

The LIDAR/Lasers that law enforcement use are stationary and need a clear line of sight, while radar can be used from a moving patrol, band dependant.

The Laser detectors in these units will only tell you that you have been tagged (if alone) or you can get lucky when in a pack that someone else gets tagged and the unit picks up the scatter.

Unless I am very intimate with the road, I always use a “rabbit”.

MPH radar in POP (BEE III DSP) was a problem in the past (1999) but most Radar Detectors since 2004-05 can pick it up pretty well.

You just have to be quick with the middle pedal.

[JimR]

Unless I am very intimate with the road, I always use a “rabbit”.

Great advice!

[Chuck Miller]

Have had a Valentine for about 5 years...

It goes from car to car...
It's the best I've used - hands down...
It's the one that all the guys I drive with use...
It's probably saved me thousands (and eventually taking the bus)...

When I do space and forget to switch to the other car... I feel like a little boy with his pants around his ankles....

Just buy one…
I guess that's an indorsement……

Cheers,

[pgxif]

so you realise how lucky you are in the States, we are allowed a maximum of 12 points on our licences over a 3 year period.
Minimum speeding fine is 3 points .
For "having" a radar detector in the vehicle ... let alone using it ... we get a staggering 9 points - effectively ... a ban for 3 years !!!

hence - am sadly not qualified to comment on the + and - of various systems !!!

[blucille]

I've been running a V1 for 10 years now, bought on ebay in 1996, and the first day I plugged it in, I was impressed. I've upgraded units, bought one for my skip-barber trained wife, given one to my dad, and he's still running the one from 1996.

it is absolutely the best protection if you take the time to understand what it is telling you..

I also run the remote display and remote volume controls in my daily drivers. Great accessories.

-Lewis

[hgarazo]

I bought a V1 4 years ago when I got my daily-driver M3 - I figured I'd better or I won't get to keep it long.

It is hardwired, always on, and works great. I recently sent it for an upgrade for the "POP" and overall check - cost $180.

As others have said, it has saved me several "nuisance" tickets. By leaving it on all the time, I avoid the "41 in a 30" tickets that don't sound like much, but can add up very quickly. I mainly use it for this reason. Laser - you're dead. Drive smartly, use a rabbit, and have some careful fun on the backroads.

If you want to speed, take Driver's Ed with PCA. Safest for you and those around you.