What's in your S?
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Orlando
If you don't mind the extra $100, go with the Valentine 1. I think that these two are high up there in the competition that even if one is better than the other, it's only by a small percentage. For myself, I have a Passport 8500, but I live in an area where half the cops hide and use instant radar. Indeed, common sense and a good eye is better than the radar detector. However, these detectors will pick up radar that bounces off cars from way ahead of you, and that's one way to avoid instant radar.
If you know anyone who works at Bestbuy, ask them to hook you up with a Passport 8500, cuz its $100 off with the discount.
If you know anyone who works at Bestbuy, ask them to hook you up with a Passport 8500, cuz its $100 off with the discount.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 2
From: Livermore
Valentine One is the ONLY radar detector.
I'm on my third one (no breakdowns or replacements. We have three cars), and it is MUCH superior to the Passport 8500 regardless what the internet radar rating site states.
Look at the Car and Driver test. They've been doing it for over 20 years and use REAL LIFE sorts of tests.
I've found that the display is not a gimmick. Knowing where the radar source is greatly improves your ability to determine if it's false or true, and whether there are multiple bogies hiding inside that signal (or worse, inside the shadow of a door/burglar system that you've come to ignore daily).
For the record, the Passport is a good runner up. It's the first thing that has ever even come close to the V-1. Still, you didn't buy the Miata. Why not get the detector that this car deserves?
Oh, and the thing about common sense? It is true. Instant on can kill. The good thing about the V-1 is it gives you a chance against instant on. It's range is twice that of all of the others (and the Passport 8500 in my tests and those posted by V-1 owners). IF you are lucky enough to have a car far enough in front, you have a better chance of picking up on a weak signal that you can detect and brake for before it can lock on you. Less chance with a less sensitive detector.
I have a question about hardwiring it (My new one JUST got here today). Which wire would you recommend tapping into, and would you use the supplied crimp connector (I'm not a huge fan of these, but perhaps others have used it without incident) or splice in with wirecaps?
I'm on my third one (no breakdowns or replacements. We have three cars), and it is MUCH superior to the Passport 8500 regardless what the internet radar rating site states.
Look at the Car and Driver test. They've been doing it for over 20 years and use REAL LIFE sorts of tests.
I've found that the display is not a gimmick. Knowing where the radar source is greatly improves your ability to determine if it's false or true, and whether there are multiple bogies hiding inside that signal (or worse, inside the shadow of a door/burglar system that you've come to ignore daily).
For the record, the Passport is a good runner up. It's the first thing that has ever even come close to the V-1. Still, you didn't buy the Miata. Why not get the detector that this car deserves?
Oh, and the thing about common sense? It is true. Instant on can kill. The good thing about the V-1 is it gives you a chance against instant on. It's range is twice that of all of the others (and the Passport 8500 in my tests and those posted by V-1 owners). IF you are lucky enough to have a car far enough in front, you have a better chance of picking up on a weak signal that you can detect and brake for before it can lock on you. Less chance with a less sensitive detector.
I have a question about hardwiring it (My new one JUST got here today). Which wire would you recommend tapping into, and would you use the supplied crimp connector (I'm not a huge fan of these, but perhaps others have used it without incident) or splice in with wirecaps?
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Wellington
I got the 8500 hardwired in on the left side. Beam is wide enough to cover all situations and...it's mounted on the dash out of the way. Just one caution. If you have the volume turned high all the time, you'll eventually blow the speakers. Get extended warranty from distributors that have it available (that goes for any radar detector). Oh and it talks to you in a synthesed voice that tells you what band that's activated or emergancy vehicles, etc.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,618
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From: Wilmington, NC
My wife bought me a Cobra for a birthday present 
after 20 years of driving on the edge and only 3 serious tickets requiring a trip to court. Funny thing, now that I've got a detector I don't speed as blatantly on the highway (that's what Track Days are for I guess). I do get a kick out of knowing where those bastards are.
Would I have more protection with a $ 400.00 detector? I doubt it.
after 20 years of driving on the edge and only 3 serious tickets requiring a trip to court. Funny thing, now that I've got a detector I don't speed as blatantly on the highway (that's what Track Days are for I guess). I do get a kick out of knowing where those bastards are.Would I have more protection with a $ 400.00 detector? I doubt it.
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