Radar Detector Recomendations

[White08M3]

I need to upgrade my radar detector as it is now 5 years old, maybe older, it doesnt pick up alot of the new radar guns the state police use. does anyone know of a good radar detector to thro in my M. i would like a battery operated one so i dont have to have chords hanging all over. Your input would be appreiated!

[gadget]

:search & :wrongforum:

Valentine V1 is the best

[e46e92love]

:search & :wrongforum:

Valentine V1 is the best

I always wondered why many enthusiasts say V1 is better than ESCORT 8500/9500:confused2

Studies don't seem to show really that much of a difference.....:confused2

[JS11]

the arrows are a must for me now after trying v1

[White08M3]

:search & :wrongforum:

Valentine V1 is the best


sorry about that wrong forum...anyway thanks for the input, i have a cobra right now but its cheap and the state troopers are getting crazy with the radar out here on Long Island, my commute to work i see at least 4-5 people pulled over daily on the parkways.

[///Mantis]

ValentineOne /thread

[ersin]

I always wondered why many enthusiasts say V1 is better than ESCORT 8500/9500:confused2

Studies don't seem to show really that much of a difference.....:confused2

Four things:

1. Performance.
2. Direction arrows.
3. Bogey counter.
4. Performance.

It also has great performance. It's superior for laser -- it's about the only one that does more than just announce to you that you're getting a ticked via lidar. It's at the top for Ka and K and the best at X. The direction arrows and bogey counter really help you locate the source and identify if it's a threat or not. And it has great performance.

If you're serious then also get a lidar jammer, a CB, and a scanner (preferably a Bearcat brand with BearTracker).

[Epacy]

I always wondered why many enthusiasts say V1 is better than ESCORT 8500/9500:confused2

Studies don't seem to show really that much of a difference.....:confused2

+1, They don't.

I have the 8500 x50 now and about the only difference is the arrows. It can track multiple bogeys as well.

[e46e92love]

+1, They don't.

I have the 8500 x50 now and about the only difference is the arrows. It can track multiple bogeys as well.

Thanks, makes me feel a little better knowing you have one.....I have an 8500 but all the talk about V1 almost had me wanting to switch "sides" (VI and Escort argument is almost as intense as Yanks vs. Red Sox, trust me I know----I'm a Yankees fan) even though on the surface I'm not sure outside the arrows there are any differences.

[ersin]

How about some unbiased (really!) facts? Try this: http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html

Or just poke around on guysoflidar.com. You can also read up on radardetector.net.

[GT3 Tim]

:search & :wrongforum:

Valentine V1 is the best

+10,000

This is the one and only. Everything else is a compromise. You can hardwire it into the dome light, sunroof, etc. so that there are no hanging wires. I did that on both my previous M3's and my current car too. The V1 is simply the best out there. Trust me.

[bkM3]

+1, They don't.

I have the 8500 x50 now and about the only difference is the arrows. It can track multiple bogeys as well.
i have an 8500 x50.. how does it track bogeys?

[ersin]

i have an 8500 x50.. how does it track bogeys?

I think he means it has a bogey counter, not tracker.

[monsta]

get the V1 and get it hardwired...nuff said...plus you don't have to worry about your battery going dead...

[Epacy]

You can hardwire the Passport as well. I have for years.

Yes, it can track multiple signals, i.e bogeys.

[AwesomeM3]

I had a Passport SR1 custom installed in my E46 M3, and I bought a Solo S2 cordless for my new M3. I didn't want my brand new car ripped apart for the installation of a new Passport. I recommend both models.

[ersin]

Information about the Solo S2 from Mike Valentine: http://valentine1.com/cordless/

[Zirenz2006]

I have the Passport 9500 and it is great! V1 is great too but some people tend to put it up on some almighty pedestal, like there is no equal to it.

[Boost3dm3]

V1 FTW! had my V1 for at least 5 years and its saved me many times. Cant beat the upgradability. Like someone said above check radardetectors.net lotsa good info! Don't forget the navalert!

[ersin]

I believe the Passport, V1 and Bel STI all have 30 day money back guarantees. They are all top of the line. Buy one of each, use it for a couple of weeks, then send the two you don't want back.

But if you drive in Virginia, get the Bel STI, period.

[scollins]

I have the V1 and I like it. But I think the Escort 8500/9500 series are probably fine too. I don't have any experience with them, so I can't really say. The thing that helped me choose the V1 was the Guys Of Lidar information, plus the fact that the V1 was $50 cheaper than the 9500.

Also, if you need stealth capability (anti-RDD), then I think the Beltronics STi Driver is the only real choice. I don't need that, so it wasn't really a contender for me.

But no matter what you choose, a cordless battery operated option is going to simply suck. Valentine's 100% right on that point, it takes power to run these things, and the skimpy power you get from batteries just won't cut it. If you look at the Guys Of Lidar test results, you'll see the battery operated units all scored at the very bottom of the tests, and the is a huge gap between the worst corded one and the best battery powered one.

Here is their latest review: GOL August 2007 RD Test (http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html)

If you want the "best", get either the V1 or the 9500. I like the V1 for bogey counter and arrows, as well as hearing that the GPS feature on the 9500 doesn't work quite as well as advertised.

[Zirenz2006]

GPS feature on the 9500i has worked quite well for me.

[Boost3dm3]

I believe the Passport, V1 and Bel STI all have 30 day money back guarantees. They are all top of the line. Buy one of each, use it for a couple of weeks, then send the two you don't want back.

But if you drive in Virginia, get the Bel STI, period.

Somone on radardetectors.net was saying he got pulled over using V1 in VA Spectre IV units killin us V1 users Cop knew he was using V1 without seeing it. i second the motion for Bel STI if you live or commute in VA.

[gtb75]

GPS feature on the 9500i has worked quite well for me.

+1

Who cares about arrows when you know the thing is going off for a legitimate reason - not a false! If you drive the same roads most of the time (like most of us I'd guess), then the ability to program out known falses is invaluable... My 9500i is dead silent during daily commutes unless there's really something to be worried about :D

As to your question, in all honesty, either a V1, BEL STI, or Escort 8500 X50 / 9500i would be my recommendations... Any of those would be a fine choice - just comes down to personal preference.

[ersin]

Does the 9500 give you ability to program the number of bogies at a known GPS location? For example, I go by the grocery store every morning on my way to work. It gives me 2 bogies. When the county cops want to use their radar they do so near the store. My V1 then shows 3 bogies. Can you store the two bogie count with the position so that the 9500 will alert if it detects 3?

BTW, the V1 does not false as much as everybody likes to believe. In fact, currently it is one of the more silent ones as far as false alerts are concerned.

[steve40704]

25 posts w/out a vote for k40? the slick bluetooth interface trumps any difference in performance IMO.

[m3tor]

Somone on radardetectors.net was saying he got pulled over using V1 in VA Spectre IV units killin us V1 users Cop knew he was using V1 without seeing it. i second the motion for Bel STI if you live or commute in VA.

I third the undetectable Bel STi (or STi-R) motion if you live in Ontario!

[X6WouldBeNice]

Passport 8500 X50 Blue ...saved me everytime.

:finger: cops.

[ersin]

25 posts w/out a vote for k40? the slick bluetooth interface trumps any difference in performance IMO.

Um, what benefit is bluetooth other than no wires? I actually look for performance, and the K40 is not tops here. And it is like, what? $1500? When was the last time you heard of someone getting a $1000+ ticket? (Virginia drivers don't answer that.) Bluetooth is just a gimmick as far as radar/laser detectors are concerned. It's just not worth it.

[gtb75]

Does the 9500 give you ability to program the number of bogies at a known GPS location? For example, I go by the grocery store every morning on my way to work. It gives me 2 bogies. When the county cops want to use their radar they do so near the store. My V1 then shows 3 bogies. Can you store the two bogie count with the position so that the 9500 will alert if it detects 3?

BTW, the V1 does not false as much as everybody likes to believe. In fact, currently it is one of the more silent ones as far as false alerts are concerned.

Not exactly sure - what I can tell you is that the 9500i will only block that specific frequency when you mark a location... It doesn't block the entire band - just the exact frequency. This is important because you don't want to block the entire K band (for example) when your only problem is an automatic door! So, in your scenario, the 9500i will indeed alert if there is a second K band (or other band) signal detected within the lock area. This is useful since LEO's like to hide in mall parking lots :character0229:

As far as the V1 false issue goes, we have lots of construction signs which emit K band around here... I've got two friends with V1's, and they're constantly going off. Again, the V1 is a great detector (I've owned one), but I prefer "the sound of silence" with the 9500i :)

[gtb75]

If you really want a custom install detector, this is what I'd go with: http://www.escortradar.com/9500ci.htm

[ChaneRZ]

i have the escort. works like a charm!

[gadgetec]

Here is a review of the Bel, Escort, and Valentine.

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090

[gadgetec]

The 9500i seems quite impressive.

http://www.escortradar.com/9500i-blue.htm

[ersin]

Here is a review of the Bel, Escort, and Valentine.

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090

Yep, that's Craig Peterson. This guy has issues with Valentine. Want proof that he's biased? Look here: http://www.guysoflidar.com/march-2007/sabotage.html

Try someone that doesn't have an agenda like Guys of Lidar. Here's the link for their latest review: http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html. And don't stop there. Look around their site.

Also try radardetector.net and speedzones.com.

[ersin]

The 9500i seems quite impressive.

http://www.escortradar.com/9500i-blue.htm

What's impressive about it? With the exception of GPS, it's like all other high-end detectors, just more expensive. :confused2

[skierman64]

The V1 arrows give you situational awareness the others don't have. Cruicial for making critical ticket avoiding decisions.

[buschy]

v-1 is also great at picking up buses.

[gadgetec]

What's impressive about it? With the exception of GPS, it's like all other high-end detectors, just more expensive. :confused2

That's what makes it impressive you can teach it.

Thanks for the links, good review.

[ersin]

That's what makes it impressive you can teach it.

Thanks for the links, good review.

Ok, you can lockout stationary recurring false alerts. That's good. I'm not sure I value that as much as knowing for sure that there is a bogie in the area. But I think most people do value the silence.

[GregW / Oregon]

get the V1 and get it hardwired...nuff said...plus you don't have to worry about your battery going dead...
+1. Will work on the hardwire this weekend. Here is a pic of my previous E46 M3 setup, including an in-cluster remote display I did.

[M3Kevin]

Valentine 1. :love:

Saved my butt a few times.

[M3Kevin]

Another vote for the V1. A friend of mine has the 3 major radar detectors. He has 7 cars. 5 of them sports cars. He has 2 other brands, and 3 Valentine ones.

[e46e92love]

+1

Who cares about arrows when you know the thing is going off for a legitimate reason - not a false! If you drive the same roads most of the time (like most of us I'd guess), then the ability to program out known falses is invaluable... My 9500i is dead silent during daily commutes unless there's really something to be worried about :D

As to your question, in all honesty, either a V1, BEL STI, or Escort 8500 X50 / 9500i would be my recommendations... Any of those would be a fine choice - just comes down to personal preference.

From coming from someone who knows a few troopers, one day you are going to get cooked. Cops know that those with radar detectors, even those without the GPS marking system, remember where false signal are because of signs or permanent mounted radar guns. The cops then sit right by the signal and laugh their ass off as you blow by thinking its just the same false signal as always. Happens all the time on 476 (Blue Route) in PA. So be careful.

[ersin]

From coming from someone who knows a few troopers, one day you are going to get cooked. Cops know that those with radar detectors, even those without the GPS marking system, remember where false signal are because of signs or permanent mounted radar guns. The cops then sit right by the signal and laugh their ass off as you blow by thinking its just the same false signal as always. Happens all the time on 467 (Blue Route) in PA. So be careful.

That's why bogie counters come in handy. If you always get the same number of bogies at some particular place, but then one day your bogie counter goes up by one (or two), you know the cops are there.

[ersin]

+1

Who cares about arrows when you know the thing is going off for a legitimate reason - not a false! If you drive the same roads most of the time (like most of us I'd guess), then the ability to program out known falses is invaluable... My 9500i is dead silent during daily commutes unless there's really something to be worried about :D

I'd rather have false positives than false negatives. Think about that.


As to your question, in all honesty, either a V1, BEL STI, or Escort 8500 X50 / 9500i would be my recommendations... Any of those would be a fine choice - just comes down to personal preference.

I agree. Unless you're in Virginia or DC, then there is only one -- BEL STI.

[Keto]

V1 > all. Those arrows will save your ass.

[gtb75]

From coming from someone who knows a few troopers, one day you are going to get cooked. Cops know that those with radar detectors, even those without the GPS marking system, remember where false signal are because of signs or permanent mounted radar guns. The cops then sit right by the signal and laugh their ass off as you blow by thinking its just the same false signal as always. Happens all the time on 467 (Blue Route) in PA. So be careful.

Firstly, I road race (BMWCCA, NASA, etc.) - speeding on public roads is stupid. Secondly, I haven't had a moving violation in over 11 years - and I don't drive slow cars (see my sig). I use a radar detector as a reminder more than anything.

As far as LEO's "hiding behind" other devices which emit a radar signal, read my post in this thread about how the 9500i works... The 9500i only marks an exact frequency - not the entire band. A K-band automatic door uses a different frequency than a K-band gun, and the 9500i can distinguish between the two. Also, the Escorts can display multiple bogies on multiple frequencies when using ExpertMeter... Each vertical bar next to the band letter in the display is a signal strength indicator for that specific alert. Additionally, the Escorts can also display the exact frequency of the signal being tracked when using SpecDisplay.

See here for more information on the 9500i: http://www.escortradar.com/9500i.htm

[e46e92love]

That's why bogie counters come in handy. If you always get the same number of bogies at some particular place, but then one day your bogie counter goes up by one (or two), you know the cops are there.

Does the 9500 count bogies?

[ersin]

Does the 9500 count bogies?

Yes, apparently so. This was answered by a 9500 owner a few posts ago.

[e46e92love]

Firstly, I road race (BMWCCA, NASA, etc.) - speeding on public roads is stupid. Secondly, I haven't had a moving violation in over 11 years - and I don't drive slow cars (see my sig). I use a radar detector as a reminder more than anything.



Dude, relax. I wasn't cutting on you or your driving skills. All I was trying to say is the troopers ain't dumb and lots of people forget they know about all of teh technology. I'm sorry I was unaware that the 9500 counts boggies. And if you think speeding is so dumb why are you in this thread---technically 10 over the speed limit is speeding, so you saying 75 in a 65 is stupid? More importantly why would you own road cars that can go fast if you think speeding is stupid? Just build a stripped down race car to take to the track. Why by a "not slow car" if you plan on going slow?

Either way, no intention to insult or attack you and I am sorry if it came off that way.

[e46e92love]

Yes, apparently so. This was answered by a 9500 owner a few posts ago.

My bad......

[billycorgan]

seriously, the v1 arrows WILL com in handy. if the arrow is pointing forward while the proximity beeps get flatlined, you can look from side to side and find out where's the cop is hiding. if the arrow is pointing behind you, you can keep checking your rear view mirror. being a v1 user for many years, i find this information to be invaluable. without those arrows, you just got a flashing box that makes noise.

[gtb75]

Dude, relax. I wasn't cutting on you or your driving skills. All I was trying to say is the troopers ain't dumb and lots of people forget they know about all of teh technology. I'm sorry I was unaware that the 9500 counts boggies. And if you think speeding is so dumb why are you in this thread---technically 10 over the speed limit is speeding, so you saying 75 in a 65 is stupid? More importantly why would you own road cars that can go fast if you think speeding is stupid? Just build a stripped down race car to take to the track. Why by a "not slow car" if you plan on going slow?

Either way, no intention to insult or attack you and I am sorry if it came off that way.

I didn't take your post as an insult - I was just commenting on my driving style. I also have a friend who's a county cop, so I know their side of it as well. I personally don't consider 5-10 over speeding, even though it technically is... I was talking about the fools who street race on public roads :mad0260:

As far as my owning fast cars, my plan is to replace both of my current cars in '09 with an E92 M3 and then get a tow vehicle / dedicated track car (C5 or E36 M3). While I don't drive like an idiot on public roads, I certainly do enjoy my driving... I was on a GT-R kick for a while, but came back to the M3 for that very reason - driver enjoyment / involvement. Seeing as the street is where I have to do most of my driving, I might as well enjoy it :burnrubbe

[gtb75]

Yes, apparently so. This was answered by a 9500 owner a few posts ago.

Indeed it can - so can the 8500...

The 8500 and 9500i can simultenously display multiple signal indicators, for multiple bogies, on multiple bands. My V1 only had one signal strength indicator for all bands. While the bogie counter on the Escort is a signal strength indicator (not a number), it can display many of them at the same time. Just look at the ExpertMeter display on the link I provided above... Every vertical line next to the band letter is a signal strength indicator for a single source. So in that picture, it's displaying the following:

2 KA-band signals at maximum strength
2 K-band signals at maximum strength
4 X-band signals at maximum strength

The 9500i also adds a few "nice to have features" beyond the GPS... Things like an ambient noise sensor for automatic volume control and an ambient light sensor for automatic brightness. It's a truly "set it and forget it" device. For daily commuting in my area, all I need to do is get in and drive... If it goes off, I know the there's a LEO in the area because it would be silent otherwise. No, the Escorts don't have the arrows, but that's the only thing they're missing in my book.

As I said earlier, the 9500i, V1, and STI are all great detectors - just comes down to personal preference :thumbsup:

[ersin]

Indeed it can - so can the 8500...

The 8500 and 9500i can simultenously display multiple signal indicators, for multiple bogies, on multiple bands. ...

I guess it late for me or maybe I'm just dense :bonk:. But, I can't figure out how the multiple signal indicators is useful. Now, if you had say, an LCD display, something like a color iPod display, then you could have it display signal strength for each bogie and combine this with the direction that the signal is coming from, then that would really be useful. Just an idea.:)

The 9500i also adds a few "nice to have features" beyond the GPS... Things like an ambient noise sensor for automatic volume control and an ambient light sensor for automatic brightness.

As I said earlier, the 9500i, V1, and STI are all great detectors - just comes down to personal preference :thumbsup:

V1 has a light sensor too, but no auto volume. They should add that. But I certainly agree that either of those three detectors are tops and any would get the job done. See one of my previous posts in this thread. If you can't decide which one you want, then get all three and send the two you don't want back before the 30 day money back thing.

One exception to this though: if you drive in Virginia, DC or certain (most) provinces in Canada then only the Bel STI will do.

[e46e92love]

Seeing as the street is where I have to do most of my driving, I might as well enjoy it :burnrubbe

I hear that........amen brother.

[oneginee]

Notice the score on radar range (Sensitivity), 61 percent higher than second-best Passport 8500, and nearly double that of third-place BEL.

http://valentine1.com/Demo/CaD_score02.gif

[gtb75]

Wow, a review from 2002 on technology that changes on an almost annual basis - not too useful... Here's something more current: http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090

Bottom line, you'll be able to find articles that support all three of the leading choices... Do your own research and pick whatever suits your needs best :thumbsup:

[M3Kevin]

Basically all the articles that you read out there are 'bait'. For the most part, paid for and written/ghost written by the winning company.

I think my best source of information was the number of people talking about each radar detector, and also knowing several people who have owned all of the top brands, and who've gone with one brand over them all.

From the thread here - it's pretty obvious which one that is.

[ersin]

Craig Peterson (radartest.com) has a known bias against the V1. Keep that in mind. He also thinks a Dodge Magnum SRT-8 > M3 (and almost any other car) too -- that should tell you a bit about the guy. Don't just read radartest.com. Search for other sites.

Guys of lidar (http://www.guysoflidar.com/) do not 'bait'. They sell none of the products. They don't get paid. They don't declare a winner. They do the tests under as controlled environment as possible and then just present facts. Their latest test was August 2007.

And here's another good site to get radar info and other good stuff: http://veilguy.blogspot.com/.

[Davinhci]

Valentine 1 best out there

[rmmcdaniel]

I have a V1 but when I get my E90 M3 delivered I was considering getting a Passport 9500ci installed (link below). What are others experience with custom-installed solutions?

The obvious benefits to me seem to be concealment and no windshield in the way to hinder performance. Cost and portability are obvious negatives.

http://www.escortradar.com/9500ci.htm

[ersin]

I have a V1 but when I get my E90 M3 delivered I was considering getting a Passport 9500ci installed (link below). What are others experience with custom-installed solutions?

The obvious benefits to me seem to be concealment and no windshield in the way to hinder performance. Cost and portability are obvious negatives.

http://www.escortradar.com/9500ci.htm

I'm not sure if the 9500ci install is DIY, but I have always done the install for the V1 by myself. It's pretty easy as far as mods go. However, if you have never done anything like this before, then maybe have a professional do the install.

You can conceal the V1 pretty good with the concealed display module. But, at least for the V1, the main V1 unit is still up on the windshield. I hide it pretty good but it is still not stealth as say, installing a little thing in the bumper. The windshield does not hinder performance any amount noticeable unless you have metal tinted windows. I never consider portability. I install it and leave it. If I do want to bring into another car, I just slide it out of the mount. It's pretty easy with the V1, I don't know about other detectors. Still, it's not a concern for me.

[rmmcdaniel]

I definitely would not be installing this myself. My dealership group is an authorized reseller/installer for it.

[Deathboy]

What about K40?

[ersin]

I definitely would not be installing this myself. My dealership group is an authorized reseller/installer for it.

Then go for it. Professionals usually do a good job. I hope you have reason to trust the dealer group. Just don't try to watch as they install it.

[ersin]

+1. The V1, STI or 9500 are better than the K40.

[GregW / Oregon]

+1. The V1, STI or 9500 are better than the K40.
The new built-in 9500ci with lidar jammer (F+R), just coming out, looks like a nice package. Spendy, though, at $1,600. I'm considering it.

http://www.escortradar.com/9500ci.htm