Radar Detectors - Is Anything Worth the Money?
06-14-2001, 04:13 PM
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Radar Detectors - Is Anything Worth the Money?
I've been looking into purchasing a radar detector for my S2k, and I'm unsure about all the products. From what I understand, the Valentine One is supposed to be the best out there, but I haven't really discussed it with enough "spirited" drivers to get a real idea. Anyone out there have any comments about the Valentine One or the competition?
06-14-2001, 04:23 PM
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www.speedzone.com does tests; 2001 tests were due out the first week of June; I just eMailed them to see where things stand, as I too am ready for a new one (a must in this car).
06-14-2001, 05:36 PM
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Another recommendation for V1 ... In fact, some people like myself specially buy V1 through very hard sources since V1 is not available for sale much outside the States. It works great for me in Japan and now in Australia temporary it's superb too.
If you always drive fast and speed is what you ultimately want to achieve to feel the worthiness of the VTEC then a V1 will be good to save you in some situations, not all and ultimately you still need to be on your full alert always. Doesn't mean that you have a V1 means you can slacken off on that one. Nothing beats radar or laser detection like human alertness and swift response.
If you always drive fast and speed is what you ultimately want to achieve to feel the worthiness of the VTEC then a V1 will be good to save you in some situations, not all and ultimately you still need to be on your full alert always. Doesn't mean that you have a V1 means you can slacken off on that one. Nothing beats radar or laser detection like human alertness and swift response.
06-14-2001, 05:36 PM
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do a search on "valentine 1" and you will get some strong opinions on the quality of this device. suffice it to say that for most of us here it's the one we swear by.
06-14-2001, 06:32 PM
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Just slow down and follow the posted speed limit. Just Kidding 
I have an Escort SR-1 which I like alot. Its a stealth radar detector that has a small remote mounted under the dash. Has also saved me from getting a few tickets.
The other two that you will hear about is the Valentine 1 whose owners are very passionate about it (you need to be in love with this thing cus its UUUUGGGLLY and BIG).
The 8500 Passport. Some are equally passionate about it. It does look better IMHO, but which is more accurate, and which is more sensitive, and which is more likely to filter out false positives, and, and...you get the idea.
Even different web sites have vastly different opinions. Some seem to think www.speedtest.com is BS, some think it isnt. Same for any other site you can name.
I havent had my radar detector stolen, and I havent gotten a ticket in over three years( didnt have current detector but wouldnt have helped). How about some of the others? I know of at least three people who have lost their V-1s to theft and I happen to KNOW Passports are a marketable item (fatherin law owns a pawn shop ). Thats why I went with SR-1 b/c it is small and unseen and still does a good job of letting you know whats coming.
Have fun.
I have an Escort SR-1 which I like alot. Its a stealth radar detector that has a small remote mounted under the dash. Has also saved me from getting a few tickets.
The other two that you will hear about is the Valentine 1 whose owners are very passionate about it (you need to be in love with this thing cus its UUUUGGGLLY and BIG).
The 8500 Passport. Some are equally passionate about it. It does look better IMHO, but which is more accurate, and which is more sensitive, and which is more likely to filter out false positives, and, and...you get the idea.
Even different web sites have vastly different opinions. Some seem to think www.speedtest.com is BS, some think it isnt. Same for any other site you can name.
I havent had my radar detector stolen, and I havent gotten a ticket in over three years( didnt have current detector but wouldnt have helped). How about some of the others? I know of at least three people who have lost their V-1s to theft and I happen to KNOW Passports are a marketable item (fatherin law owns a pawn shop ). Thats why I went with SR-1 b/c it is small and unseen and still does a good job of letting you know whats coming.
Have fun.
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06-15-2001, 06:36 AM
#8
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Passport 8500 (or V1). Passport has nice feature of "stepping" down after initial alert so in effect it is loud for a few seconds then softer (plus it has a mute). Not one ticket yet (knock on wood). 
06-15-2001, 12:05 PM
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I like my 8500, but hard wiring with that skinny little phone wire was a challenge. I don't know what type of wiring the Valentine uses but wiring instructions are found on the net. I found them AFTER Working under the dash in the fuse box area is not for us six footers.
doing mine.
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doing mine.Joser
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