Radar Detectors, which is best?
 

Hey, does anyone have any experience with radar detectors and which ones work for our cars and/or in this area? I am planning on getting a really good one because I have read that it is always worth the extra money. I was going to get the Escort Passport 9500IX.

That and the V1 are probably the best.

I prefer the dual cone V1 even though it lacks of some bells and whistles. Directionality and number of targets information is priceless IMHO.

Thanks! After looking at the Valentine model I think that is more suitable for my driving style. The Escort has GPS, redlight camera and speed cameras in a database, but I really dont fly thru intersections that often. Gonna get it soon.

V1, it makes the perfect valentine's gift. That's how I got mine.
Maybe one of these day I'll actually follow through with a beautiful bouquet of exhausts for Josh.

On a serious note, the best part is that it lets you know where the signals are coming from and how many there are. The bad part is that as far as I know, you can't purchase it a box store. We got our online. It has been extremely effective for us.

The V1 is the granddaddy of awesome detectors. I still prefer it, but the Escorts/Passports/etc have caught up in terms of quality... they just don't have the direction arrows and bogey counter which are awesome features patented by V1. But they do have other features like automute, remote install, laser jammers, GPS, etc, that the V1 doesn't have.

Really, it's time for them to make a V2.

Agree with everyone here. The arrows and bogey counter on the V1 are invaluable, even if the escort is now rating (slightly) higher on detection tests and has more features.

I am not incredibly impressed with our V1. I've also had a Escort Passport 8500, so here's my take:

1. On the V1, I hate how the only visual indicator of what band you're receiving radar on is a set of closely spaced red LEDs.

2. My V1 has been a bit flakey. Recently it has stared 'forgetting' what mode or options I had set within a few weeks of setting it up. Not especially happy with that.

3. Yes, I like the arrows.

4. I really liked how the Passport had a mute button and indicator on the cigarette lighter plug. Easier than reaching up to the windshield to locate the mute button.

I like my V1, but there are things that I wish would be improved. The Passport was nicer to use, but the V1 has the arrows. It all boils down to what you prefer using.

I've had a V1 for 10+ years, it's performed flawlessly. What was really cool was the ability to upgrade. Three years ago they sent me a letter and offered to replace my unit for a total of $159. I sent my old one in and they sent me a brand new one.

With my Escort 9500i, most of the time when I'm on WOT, I get a false laser alert. I thought it somehow had something to do with it being hardwired to my rear view mirror, but according to what I've read on Nasioc, many people have had the same issue even with it plugged into the cigarette lighter.

Other than that, it works great. Being able to permanently block out all the false alerts is nice.

The Pignose WRX has lazers that shoot at the driver at WOT.

Used my brother's V1 for a few months and loved it. I've used whistler in the past and they're crap. The direction/bogey counter has saved me numerous times through the gauntlet otherwise known as Washoe Valley.