I swapped out my v1 with a friends beltronics on a road trip. It did seem like the range was very good. However, I couldn't tell if it was better than my v1 because it was off at the time. I did miss having the arrows. This might be nit picky, but I also like the basic sounds the v1 makes compared to the video game type noises the beltronics put out. haha

 

Word. I am very skeptical of radartest.com. It tends to be the only testing site that ever finds anything to have better detection than the V1, and then you'll see all the other manufacturers quoting its results. The whole thing stinks.

I also think it's extremely suspect how radartest.com links to a vendor that sells the products it recommends, and if you go to that vendor's site you'll see them quoting radartest.com.

I do think the V1 needs some updating: It needs a GPS feature to record false alerts. It needs more distinctive tones to differentiate the alert types from each other. It needs different colored and shaped lights for the same reason. I wish it did not utter an obnoxious test tone every time I turned it on (to avoid it, I always have to turn down the volume whenever I start the car, then have to remember to turn it back up again).

But those changes (at least the GPS) would doubtless increase the cost, and probably the complexity, size and weight, of the unit. Nonetheless, I have to hope that Valentine is working on some improvements to the unit to keep up with GPS technology or at least address some of these criticisms.

Otherwise, the V1 is superb.

 

How do you do that??? Or are you just talking about putting it in full Logic mode? I would love to be able to set it to mute automatically.

 

here is the link:

http://www.valentine1.com/lab/MikesLabRpt3.asp

 

Thanks, meng! Using your link, I just looked it up and figured it out. I'll reactivate my K band detection now, and then set it to auto-mute weaker signals. Very cool.

Now if only I could shut off the damn test-tone on turn-on. I freaking hate that noise!

 

I really like my 8500 x50 from Escort. Although my buddy has a V1 in his SE-R and loves it.

 

i should have been more clear. i agree that the site is biased. i agree the v1 is the best. i just wondered what the results for laser jammers were. everything i've read from unbiased sources says they absolutely don't work. just wanted to see that article.

 

My brother has the X50 in his WRX and it seems to be just as sensitive as my V1. I do not like its controls or general feel of quality as much, but he paid a lot less for it than I paid for my V1. I think the lack of arrows is the one part about it I really don't like.

 

Anyone getting false laser detections with their radar detectors? I have had mine for a couple years now and now sometimes when accelerating hard the radar detector will scream laser at me.

 

the arrows on the v1 are the sh*t and the range is awesome too... ive have both the escort 8500 and v1 and i would swear on both of them

 

I got them all the time on my V1, mainly from SUV / LED brake lights. I turned off my laser feature entirely. It just doesn't seem helpful except to tell me when I already have a ticket.

 

you've nailed ^, every time I got a laser alert on my x50 it was useless... the officer was targetting me and it takes 1/3 sec to get a reading, don't bother hitting the brakes. A good laser jammer should save you but some states bannes them too like calif, illinois and others

 

My Evo has always had its own V1. I used to have a beltronics 966 for years in my MR2 and for the money was decent detector. I tried the Bel RX65 detector a year ago to replace that obsolete 966(as a somewhat cheaper alternative to another V1) and had to give up on it, it had interesting features but proved to be very, very untrustworthy so I returned it and replaced with a V1. Other than lacking a blatant visual identifier for the frequency, the V1 is hard to beat.

 

i got the v1 and love it!! i was wondering if it would be worth it to add a radar jammer? would it just jam laser or other bands as well? if it is worth it, what company and model would be best to go with?

 

^ Jammers dont really work. It's illegal to send radar back as it interferes with aircrafts and what not I believe. So if a "Jammer" doesn't really send anything back how is it actually working?