Radar detectors?

[mistawall]

Do you use one? is it hardwired? or just stuck to your window? what about laser diffusers? anyone have luck with these? i hear valentine is one of the best would like to explore some options.

[mr.fabulous]

I used a V1 (w/ remote display) for years and years. An extremely well-engineered and well-built product, those things last forever. Decided to not take it with me when I bought my E82 a few months ago (I still have it, just not using it). We'll see how long I make it without a ticket (I drive much less aggressively than I did when I was younger).

[mistawall]

Originally Posted by mr.fabulous

I used a V1 (w/ remote display) for years and years. An extremely well-engineered and well-built product, those things last forever. Decided to not take it with me when I bought my E82 a few months ago (I still have it, just not using it). We'll see how long I make it without a ticket (I drive much less aggressively than I did when I was younger).

yea same here. i used to drive very aggressively got a few tickets in my day. now i try to keep it calm for my finances/insurance rates sake. plus u can be the best driver in the world doesn't mean some old bastard wont switch into the left lane while ur doing 130 and cut you off and cause you to swerv across all 3 lanes and flip off the highway (it happened right in front of me while i was on my way to school doing some spirted driving following another kid on his way to the same school. he made it out ok but car got totaled i had to go around the guy that cut him off luckily i had enough time to go in e lane) but seeing how i just got a 135.... kinda want to drive like an ass to an extent. but not get caught haha.

[3002 tii]

I've always hardwired my V1 to all my cars. But Valentine came out with a new accessory called 'Savvy' that powers the radar through the OBD port so no need to hit the fuse box. The other added benefit of the Savvy is that it lets you choose a speed at which you want the radar muted, e.g you won't ever need a warning at speeds below say 35mph -- this should cut down a lot on the chatter that folks complain about.

[davis449]

Using a Passport 9500xi. The MAX's display was too difficult to read when mounted up near my visor (where I like it), so after careful review of the two products previous to purchasing the MAX and returning it, I was confident going with the cheaper option due to it having a display that was actually viewable from where I mount it in the car. What sucks is that's now the design they're going with for all their detectors. Good thing these things last long enough that I may never have to worry about it. Before that, I was packing a regular (albeit one I sent off for update in 2006) 8500 from 2001. Wouldn't consider any other brand of detector. I've had a few friends with V1's of various MY's and software versions over the past 15 years and seen enough real-life V1 fails to know I would never waste money on them. I'm not psycho enough about detection\countermeasures to even consider laser shifters, full-on mounted systems, etc.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by davis449

Using a Passport 9500xi. The MAX's display was too difficult to read when mounted up near my visor (where I like), so after careful review of the two products previous to purchasing the MAX and returning it, I was confident going with the cheaper option I could actually see. What sucks is that's now the design they're going with for all their detectors. Good thing these things last long enough that I may never have to worry about it. Before that, I was packing a regular (albeit one I sent off for update in 2006) 8500 from 2001. Wouldn't consider any other brand of detector. I've had a few friends with V1's of various MY's and software versions over the past 15 years and seen enough real-life V1 fails to know I would never waste money on them.

Interesting, not trying to start a debate here but I started with V1, tried the 9500xi (for GPS benefit) but went back to V1. GPS memory function was great but I found the range to be limited (often times I'd see the police lights before the radar went off). Either way, both are great RD's for the money.

[davis449]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Interesting, not trying to start a debate here but I started with V1, tried the 9500xi (for GPS benefit) but went back to V1. GPS memory function was great but I found the range to be limited (often times I'd see the police lights before the radar went off). Either way, both are great RD's for the money.

That's my real life experience speaking there. No debate to be had. To each his own.

[Bill B.]

Valentine now has a bluetooth capable adapter that allows you to control/monitor the detector using your phone. There is an app called YaV1, which is awesome. It allows you to program custom sweep modes and completely configure just about every aspect of the detector's behavior. It also emulates the SAVVY features as well.

I use the V1 on my cars and my bike. Never leave home without it.

I have the V1 hardwired, but use the suction cup mount to mount high on the windshield. The bluetooth adapter is installed in the hardwired power adapter near the fuse box. I use my cell phone to monitor the V1 to display the exact frequency band of a given signal, and it also has GPS logging capability for false alert filtering.

[mr.fabulous]

My need for a radar detector isn't so much because of aggressive driving, I stopped doing that YEARS ago. The value for me is those times where the speed limit drops or is otherwise less than you'd have expected... someplace unfamiliar, perhaps... and you get busted for 35 in a 25. My V1 saved me a few times over the years at exactly that kind of circumstance. And it's funny, but I believe I can see myself being more careful knowing it's not there.

Anybody ever wonder why there hasn't been a V2? A V3? Valentine has been through a good number of generations with this thing, I've always been surprised they stuck with the "1".

[Kgolf31]

I run a Escort Redline hardwired between my mirror and roof of the car.

[mistawall]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

I run a Escort Redline hardwired between my mirror and roof of the car.

has it saved your ass at all?

[mr.fabulous]

I'll answer... over the years, mine probably saved me over a dozen times, maybe more.

[RoundelM3]

BEL 995, mounted high on windshield just left of rearview mirror, hardwired. Worst problem is suction cups need replacing about once every 18 months or so.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by mistawall

has it saved your ass at all?

I'm not a huge speeder, typically like 10 mph over is my limit.

However, yes...for identifying cops actively running radar it's been good. I've gotten 1+ mile Ka hits on open highway. It's pretty amazing

[zoomnad]

Escort 8500 for me and I know it is old but still works in plenty of time to slow down. Only ticket I have got was on a motorcycle without the radar detector. My bike NOW had a mount for my Escort. On the car, the old suction cup and the wire to the lighter plug. That way easy to switch form car to bike. I depend on it every time I drive/ride.

[jsublime]

Have an 8500 X50 hardwired next to rear view. Works great and is fairly inconspicuous.

[rps]

I've used the 9500xi for years. I started with a V1 but the false alerts drove me crazy. I had the dealer hard wire it to the fuse box in my Z4, then had it written into the "we owe" on the 135i and X1. I have been extremely satisfied with the 9500 and it has saved me more times than I can count. I'm not reckless but go a little over the limit on Interstates and divided highways.

[cmark8]

I've used the Valentine V1 over the years and it saved me numerous times. For the price, I personally think it's unbeatable. I currently have a Passport 9500ci Radar Detector & Laser Shifter in my car and it's sublime. It really depends how much you're willing to spend... You can't go wrong with either of them.

[FactorX81]

I have a Redline hardwired to the fuse box. I'm not a big speeder but there are a good amount of traps in my area and it has helped me ID them several times. I have also seen 1mi+ Ka on open highway which is really good. I was beginning to think it was a false.

[e36addict]

Another V1 user here, for about ~9 years. Also wouldn't leave home without it. It's hardwired in all my cars, and its saved me dozens upon dozens of times. The arrows/bogey counters are what sells it for me. Great unit, great price. I love it