Radar detectors-Which one?

[alreadygone]

Originally Posted By: BrianWC
Originally Posted By: alreadygone

Having used various "elcheapo" Walmart special detectors over the years with overall excellent success, I'm ready to go for a top of the line unit. With it's high regard here, and being a $100.cheaper than the Escort 9500 or Bell STi, I think Valentine's at the top of the pile. Probalbly give them a call Monday.

Bbo


Huh? $100 cheaper? The 9500 and the STI can be found for $449. Either way, I'd go with the V1 as well.


Sorry, $50. cheaper.

Bob

 

[ekpolk]

Another angle on this. I previously used the Escort 8500 X50. It used to sell for about $100 less than the V1. The Escort 9500 model adds the GPS based false alarm eliminator feature. I have not tried one of these. I like the idea of being able to mark the location of stationary sources of false alarms, but of course, that won't help with moving sources (other folks cheap "leaky" detectors, etc.).

What I still see as the major tradeoff between the two is auto-mute vs. the arrows. Personally, I value having the V1's directional arrows far more than the 8500/9500's auto-mute capability. I keep my alert volume pretty low anyway (the arrows get your attention pretty well), and if I really decide I want to mute the alert, it's just one manual button push, no big deal. Another earlier poster thought no auto-mute was a deal breaker for him, and that's fine, we all have our own preferences. IMO the info conferred by the arrows is far more valuable than auto-mute.

 

[Dominic]

I have had extremely good success with bel detectors. I currently use a 935, my dad uses a 965, and I've never had an issue when I use it

 

[alreadygone]

Called Valentine and gave 'em the old VISA # this morning. Have a new toy to learn Wednesday!

Bob

 

[mikeg5]

i have had the same radar detector for 6 years or so now. its a cobra something or another lol.. it was 85-110$ back then. works great, picks up the radars at loong distances. i love it and its saved my butt a few times