Radar Detector?

[Hyph]

Any advice on which one to get?

Looking for one around the $250-$300 range new or used. I would also like the ability to hard wire it.

Thanks guys

[RAC3ME]

Without question the Valentine 1. That's the only detector I use.

[Hyph]

Awesome, thanks

[0din]

I prefer the Escort P9500ix, but you won't get it for that price.

There are lots of reasons that I prefer the Escort over the Valentine, particularly the GPS features and the fact that the Escort almost never falses and the V1 is prone to a lot more falsing in my experiences using both.

And the new Escort Live app for smartphones is a whole new factor in radar and laser detection. Real time updates of the location of active police radar locations is even better than a radar detector.

https://www.youtube.com/user/RadarLaserExpert

[Hyph]

That's pretty cool. How do the 8500x50 or 9500i compare to the V1? I have seen a couple of those models for around my price range (used.)

[MisterTwo]

IMO it's worth it to save up for the top of the line V1 or Escort. It could be the difference between a ticket and a close call. I've used V1s for the past 8 years and need my arrows :burnout:

[0din]

The V1 is a great radar detector, but it falses a LOT more than a 9500iX simply because it doesn't have the ability to learn falses and lock them out. The GPS feature of the P9500iX means that once a signal is identified as a false alert that you will NEVER get an alert on that signal again.

After driving around for a few months with a P9500iX it has learned all of the false signals in the places that you regularly drive and the detector becomes almost silent except when there is a legit police radar signal in the area.

From what I have heard for years, the biggest feature that V1 people like is the arrows. I have absolutely zero use for an arrow telling me where the radar signal is. If the signal is a legitimate police radar signal then I want to slow down no matter where it's coming from. Police can get a readin on you from the front, side or rear. I fail to see the significance of where the police car is, I just want to slow down in time. So the arrows don't impress me.

But only the P9500iX has the GPS feature, the P8500 units don't have it.

[TomBoy]

Ditto the Val-1 w/arrows, & I have had many Escorts/Passports over the years.

[Hyph]

Thanks for the replies guys. So basically, if I want the lowest amount of false alarms I should go with the Escort and if I want directional arrows go with the V1? Like 0din was talking about, does it really make a big difference to know where the signal is coming from?

For those with the V1, how is the false alarm rate?

[CIWS]

Check out this dude on Youtube. He takes several of the top detectors and drives around in the real world on roads and highways showing the differences (if any) in them and how they act.

YMtTSXoWziQ


One thing to keep in mind is not really which particular detector registered the signal first. But did any of them fail to provide adequate warning so the driver could slow down if possible. (instant on wouldn't matter).

The big differences between the detectors now are individual features like the arrows on the V1 or the GPS blocking/marking feature in the Escorts. Lately both Escort and Whisler are adding the smartphone into the picture. Detection itself is pretty good with any of the top brands, it pretty much comes down to the features and what's important to you.

I have the Escort 9500 and love the GPS blocking of the false signals. Like Odin said my drive around the area is pretty quiet unless it's the LEOs or a new source, which is quickly blocked and gone.

[0din]

I've used top of the line models of K40, V1 and Escort detectors and I felt that all of them worked very well. All of them provided adequate warning most of the time, and every now and then any radar detector will fail to give adequate warning (instant on with no lead car to get a warning from, etc.).

I would not feel unprotected with any of those 3 brands. And I would never get so confident in my detector that I stop using common sense (don't be leader of the pack if possible, use your eyes first, etc.).

But the almost non-existant false alarms with the P9500iX has made me have a whole new respect for it. I can't stand false alarms, and I was ready to just drive without a detector after tiring of the K40 and V1 falsing all the time. I took a chance with the Escort not really believing that the GPS feature would be much more than a bells & whistles gimmick. I was wrong, it works.

You can't tell by using one for a day, you need to drive your normal routine for a few weeks and let all the false signals get locked out before you really start to notice how nice it is to not hear from your radar detector unless there's a valid threat.

[Hyph]

Thanks for the great input guys, I'll start looking around for used a 9500ix or V1.

[Mr. Hollywood]

V1 is for sheeple. :D
Escort FTW. :driver:

[Hyph]

Well I found a V1 with version 1.8 for $160 on craigslist lol. Gonna go check it out now... lets hope I don't get raped.

[Fubar]

V1 side by side with escort... V1 always comes in first. It needs gps tho, that feature is cool.

[zirotti]

Well I found a V1 with version 1.8 for $160 on craigslist lol. Gonna go check it out now... lets hope I don't get raped.

There could be worse things

[goofygrin]

for around town, the escort with the gps is nice... but give me the arrows for the highway. Way too many times I've been getting pegged with a signal and been wondering "where is he."

In the Cali desert, altain and I started getting a signal when coming into the valley and we didn't see the LEO for about 5-10 miles. It would have been nice to know that he was in front of us (we stayed slow because the signal did seem to be getting stronger as we continued on the road).

Texas HP was using instant on btw... so it didn't matter :)

[0din]

Serious question for the V1 fans. Can someone explain to me how the arrows affect your driving behavior? For example, do you look at the arrow and then make a decision on whether or not to slow down? I understand completely how police radar works, and I can't imagine any circumstance where knowing which direction the signal is coming from would influence my driving behavior.

I think Mike Valentine is a master marketing guy, but I haven't found a use for his brand of snake oil yet. I know that since Mike Valentine started out at Cinci Microwave when they were making Escort radar detectors that he felt that he needed something to differentiate his new company's product and he decided that the arrows would be that difference. But I just never understood it.

[Hyph]

Well I made it back unmolested and now have a V1 which I picked up for $160 bucks. It is missing its power cord but I just ordered a direct wire kit and concealed display. Is there anything else that I need for it?

[Fubar]

I use the arrows to identify the source. X band 7/11 no worries. 4 signals from upper right hand side... Stripe mall, no worries.... Strong Ka band from yonder blind turn, time to ease up off this rickshaw.

[RAC3ME]

Well I made it back unmolested and now have a V1 which I picked up for $160 bucks. It is missing its power cord but I just ordered a direct wire kit and concealed display. Is there anything else that I need for it?

Congrats! Great deal you got!!!

[MisterTwo]

Serious question for the V1 fans. Can someone explain to me how the arrows affect your driving behavior? For example, do you look at the arrow and then make a decision on whether or not to slow down? I understand completely how police radar works, and I can't imagine any circumstance where knowing which direction the signal is coming from would influence my driving behavior.

I think Mike Valentine is a master marketing guy, but I haven't found a use for his brand of snake oil yet. I know that since Mike Valentine started out at Cinci Microwave when they were making Escort radar detectors that he felt that he needed something to differentiate his new company's product and he decided that the arrows would be that difference. But I just never understood it.

The arrows also tell you when you have passed the source of the radar so you can easily tell if it's a false positive or a LEO hiding. Also on the highway a faint blip behind you isn't something to get too excited over, but if you didn't know which direction the radar was coming from you would have to slow down assuming the source was coming up or possible instant on being shot at cars ahead.

[0din]

Sounds like the arrows help people identify likeł false signals. The Escort not only identifies the falsies, it stops alerting at all when the signal is a false.

[RaceMX-M3]

Well I made it back unmolested and now have a V1 which I picked up for $160 bucks. It is missing its power cord but I just ordered a direct wire kit and concealed display. Is there anything else that I need for it?

:whistle:

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/M3bmwdrvr/radar-mirror/IMG_3576.jpg

[ranger22]

Sounds like the arrows help people identify likeł false signals. The Escort not only identifies the falsies, it stops alerting at all when the signal is a false.

You're mostly correct, but you first have to identify the false and register it for next time you pass the area. Not so useful when cruising the highway or somewhere you don't drive regularly. One use of the arrows: I have driven down the highway, radar lights up indicating forward and passed the police officer on the side of the road lighting up the highway. After I passed my radar remained lit up with a bogey count of one pointing ahead of me. With any other radar I would have assumed it was the police I had just passed; however, just beyond my line of sight was a second police officer lighting up the road. Why my bogey count didn't hit 2, I don't know, but the arrows told me to stay on the lookout. Similar situations have helped my many times.

[goofygrin]

I hate to say it, but a cheap V1 without the power cables?

Stolen?

[trentor]

Many gripe about the falses on the V1. 80% of the falses are X band. Turn off X band and you'll get very little falses except in a few parking lots from stores with K band entrance doors. I ran a V1 in my car, in town, for about a year with X turned off. 90% of the time it beeped, there was a cop.

The arrows really are a big plus when .actually. driving. Like others have said, you can gauge the threat by the arrows. If it's behind you and you can't see him, you know you can still go a bit fast and slowly get away from the threat. For rallies and such over long distances, the V1 is better. I think Brian might agree, but we ran the 9500ci custom mounted and a V1 on the windshield last spring for the Dustball Rally, and the arrows were invaluable. Performance otherwise was a toss-up.

If you primarily want one for daily driving, buy the 9500. If you mainly want it for weekend drives and/or rally type driving, get the V1.

Another thing that hasn't been mentioned, is the V1 has at least 2-3 times the range to the rear. With the 9500, you won't know a cop is back there unless he's within a few hundred yards of you. The V1 range, front and rear, is the same.

[Hyph]

I hate to say it, but a cheap V1 without the power cables?

Stolen?

Hopefully not,

I just called V1 and gave them the serial number to be sure and it checked out OK.

[SAFE4NOW]

I'll add another layer to the V1 discussion..

I have a 4 year old model and a current model. The older V1 rarely has a false signal. Meaning, when it goes off, I have located the source ( LEO )and it has saved me more than once in Mexico.

The newer model seems to false all the time, as others have stated, so much so that I often just turn it off... I have even put both in the same car and still get the newer model falsing!

So, I trust my older V1 to tell me how many, what direction, and with accuracy along with common sense to keep me out of trouble.

Question on the 9500ci: Does it have a button you push to tell it that the signal is a false signal vs. mute or are they one in the same? If they are the same button, what happens when you press the mute everytime you pass the State Trooper who parks in the same place 25% of the month when driving in Mexico... ? How does the 9500ci know?

Steve

[trentor]

That's interesting Steve. The V1 I used was 2 or 3 years old, so maybe that explains my good experience with testing it out. I'm not sure on the 9500 question. In the little bit I've used one, I never looked into that. However, I do know that the mute button (a single press) does not mark it as a false signal. I think you can still tell if the 9500 is receiving a signal when it's "blocked". I would imagine there's a way to unblock it, but someone with more experience will have to chime in.

[Fubar]

I'll add another layer to the V1 discussion..

I have a 4 year old model and a current model. The older V1 rarely has a false signal. Meaning, when it goes off, I have located the source ( LEO )and it has saved me more than once in Mexico.

The newer model seems to false all the time, as others have stated, so much so that I often just turn it off... I have even put both in the same car and still get the newer model falsing!

So, I trust my older V1 to tell me how many, what direction, and with accuracy along with common sense to keep me out of trouble.

Question on the 9500ci: Does it have a button you push to tell it that the signal is a false signal vs. mute or are they one in the same? If they are the same button, what happens when you press the mute everytime you pass the State Trooper who parks in the same place 25% of the month when driving in Mexico... ? How does the 9500ci know?

Steve

Your older V1 may have the X band turned off? http://www.valentine1.com/Lab/TechReport3.asp
The only new technology I am aware of the is POP radar detection. V1 had to increase the speed of their processor to handle this type of alert. Maybe your old one just isn't able to process the signal quickly enough?

On the 9500ci, you basically press the mute button two time in quick secession and it will confirm that you want to "block this signal." Press it again and the signal is ignored forever.

[SAFE4NOW]

Your older V1 may have the X band turned off? http://www.valentine1.com/Lab/TechReport3.asp
The only new technology I am aware of the is POP radar detection. V1 had to increase the speed of their processor to handle this type of alert. Maybe your old one just isn't able to process the signal quickly enough?

On the 9500ci, you basically press the mute button two time in quick secession and it will confirm that you want to "block this signal." Press it again and the signal is ignored forever.

I purchased both of my v1's and know that I have never made any of those adjustments, but now that I know "how" I'm going to go fiddle with it and see if I can make it what I want... :hmmmm2:

S

[CIWS]

Question on the 9500ci: Does it have a button you push to tell it that the signal is a false signal vs. mute or are they one in the same? If they are the same button, what happens when you press the mute everytime you pass the State Trooper who parks in the same place 25% of the month when driving in Mexico... ? How does the 9500ci know?

Steve

On the 9500ci, you basically press the mute button two time in quick secession and it will confirm that you want to "block this signal." Press it again and the signal is ignored forever.


As Fubar said, a single press of the mute simply mutes the sound. Press it twice and it will prompt you if you wish to block that particular signal based on it's characteristics and current GPS location. A third press adds that signal and location to its database of signals not to provide alerts for. However if that same LEO or signal moves down the street/road you will be alerted by it because the GPS location is now different.

Approx 4 years ago I bought a V1 new and even with it in advanced mode driving around Plano it was a noisy falsing SOB. After 7 days of use I sent it back for a refund, which Valentine did promptly refund my money.

[0din]

Question on the 9500ci: Does it have a button you push to tell it that the signal is a false signal vs. mute or are they one in the same? If they are the same button, what happens when you press the mute everytime you pass the State Trooper who parks in the same place 25% of the month when driving in Mexico... ? How does the 9500ci know?

Steve

The Escort measures all radar signals (exact GPS location of signal, signal strength, direction of signal relative to your vehicle location, radar frequency, etc.) and if it records the exact same signal multiple times in the same location (drive by store 3 days in a row and always the same alert) it assume the signal to be a false and locks it out. No more alerts.

If a police car is sitting in parking lot where a false has been locked out the detector will alert because it can distinguish that the police signal is different from the locked out false signal.

If you want to mark a location yourself (not wait for the detector to decide it's a false alert location) then there is a "Mark" button on the detector. When hit the the "Mark" button it asks if you want to mark the location as a false alert and lock it out.

I just let my detector do the marking, after driving around for a few weeks it does a pretty good job of finding all the usual false alerts.

[SAFE4NOW]

The Escort measures all radar signals (exact GPS location of signal, signal strength, direction of signal relative to your vehicle location, radar frequency, etc.) and if it records the exact same signal multiple times in the same location (drive by store 3 days in a row and always the same alert) it assume the signal to be a false and locks it out. No more alerts.

If a police car is sitting in parking lot where a false has been locked out the detector will alert because it can distinguish that the police signal is different from the locked out false signal.

If you want to mark a location yourself (not wait for the detector to decide it's a false alert location) then there is a "Mark" button on the detector. When hit the the "Mark" button it asks if you want to mark the location as a false alert and lock it out.

I just let my detector do the marking, after driving around for a few weeks it does a pretty good job of finding all the usual false alerts.

Thank you for your reply.

I still do not understand though, using an actual example. ( Not a false but rather real alert that would given your example above get " marked " )

State Trooper sits SB Tollway , just over the Royal Lane bridge at least 2 days out of 7 in any given week. Same spot, same general location within 10 feet front or back ( I am sure he lines up with the light pole ) the 9500ci would automaticly " mark " this as a false since its the same location multiple times?

And same situation, it's nice to know that when the arrow is still pointing ahead ( + counter showing 1, 2, or more ) When they set up 1 at Royal Lane bridge, 1 at radio tower after Meaders Bridge, and at times the 3rd Trooper at the bottom of the hill after Walnut Hill...

While I like my V1 , I am open to other products. Thank you for your input!

S

[Qship5]

Serious question for the V1 fans. Can someone explain to me how the arrows affect your driving behavior? For example, do you look at the arrow and then make a decision on whether or not to slow down? I understand completely how police radar works, and I can't imagine any circumstance where knowing which direction the signal is coming from would influence my driving behavior.

I think Mike Valentine is a master marketing guy, but I haven't found a use for his brand of snake oil yet. I know that since Mike Valentine started out at Cinci Microwave when they were making Escort radar detectors that he felt that he needed something to differentiate his new company's product and he decided that the arrows would be that difference. But I just never understood it.

If the arrow shows the radar behind me, why would I slow down and let the cop catch up to me?

Arrow in front or to the side with a strong signal I slow down. The other important feature of the V1 is the counter. I like to know how many radar signals there are.

Neither the V1 or the passport is perfect and each has their benefits and drawbacks. The GPS and new live features are great on the escort, but I eliminated 95% of my falses on the V1 by turning off X band. Unless you in the middle of BFE, no police use x band. You can also get the same benefit as the new live system using the radaractive app and interface http://www.radaractive.com (http://www.radaractive.com/) with the V1.

The ideal system would have the V1 counter and arrows coupled with GPS, and real time updating of police radar and laser operating spots on my in car navigation screen and laser jamming capabilities. Until such a system exists I'll stick with the V1 and LI combo hidden with the mirror display from http://www.radarmirror.com (http://www.radarmirror.com/)

[Hyph]

Got some questions on where to mount the V1 in my car. Any of you radar guys going to the meet tomorrow morning?

[trentor]

...
The other important feature of the V1 is the counter. I like to know how many radar signals there are.
...fyi, Escorts do this even better than the V1. You just have to enable the expert mode. You can not only see how many signals there, but individually each of their signal strengths.

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page-2/B000PD5RC8-2.jpg

[trentor]

In the above image, there are 2 KA signals, 2 K signals, and 4 X signals, all at full strength.

In a way, you can use this mode to distinguish the direction of a cop. Like in Steve's scenario above, you may have 3 full-strength signals at first. When you pass a cop on the side of the road, you may see 2 signal strenghs start to drop off, but the 3rd remains strong. You then know there are only 2 cops, not three. The cop you passed had both front & rear radar units on, and there's still a another cop ahead (or very closely following you).

[Fubar]

Another cool feature of the 9500 is that you can upload someone else’s database into it. So if you are going to travel to Maine (and you can find someone locally who uses the 9500) you can upload the data points to your 9500 and bingo… you’ve got all the false alerts pre-marked.

[Qship5]

fyi, Escorts do this even better than the V1. You just have to enable the expert mode. You can not only see how many signals there, but individually each of their signal strengths.

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page-2/B000PD5RC8-2.jpg

While that display is informative, it takes far more time looking at it to gather the info than a quick glance at a large number counter and arrows. It comes down to personal preference of the user and both are great units.

[goofygrin]

There are a couple issues with turning off bands IMO related to highway driving (in town, turn off X is fine IMO).

Ka, over distances, will be picked up as K (since Ka is "K above" as it attenuates it will "appear" to be in the K band). So always leave K on. K is also used by a lot of sheriffs and other rural LEOs.

Rural LEOs also use X band as well even though it's as old as time.

My point: if you're going on the highway, set your V1 or Escort to full detect, all band and if you're out there, and you pick up a blip or a faint signal, trust it. LEOs that patrol a certain area are pretty wily and a bounced signal you got off a car a mile away might be your only warning.

[trentor]

While that display is informative, it takes far more time looking at it to gather the info than a quick glance at a large number counter and arrows. It comes down to personal preference of the user and both are great units.
Agreed. I'm playing both sides of the fence a bit here. :)

[trentor]

Another cool feature of the 9500 is that you can upload someone else’s database into it. So if you are going to travel to Maine (and you can find someone locally who uses the 9500) you can upload the data points to your 9500 and bingo… you’ve got all the false alerts pre-marked.
Nice! That's not a cool feature. That's a .really. cool feature.

[trentor]

There are a couple issues with turning off bands IMO related to highway driving (in town, turn off X is fine IMO).

Ka, over distances, will be picked up as K (since Ka is "K above" as it attenuates it will "appear" to be in the K band). So always leave K on. K is also used by a lot of sheriffs and other rural LEOs.

Rural LEOs also use X band as well even though it's as old as time.

My point: if you're going on the highway, set your V1 or Escort to full detect, all band and if you're out there, and you pick up a blip or a faint signal, trust it. LEOs that patrol a certain area are pretty wily and a bounced signal you got off a car a mile away might be your only warning.Very true, although I'm not sold on the X band thing. Have you experienced this recently...actual confirmation of X in use by LEO? Everyone says this, but I've yet to hear a real experience of X being used in recent years. In thousands of miles of multi-state rallies, I've never encountered X band in use by LEO.

[trentor]

I should also mention those (tens of) thousands of rally/event miles have been 90+% rural...very remote areas actually.

[goofygrin]

California :) Hit with a lot of K (and Ka that appeared as K from far away) and I remember at least one X that wasn't a Winn Dixie.

[TXS2000]

The arrows really are a big plus when .actually. driving. Like others have said, you can gauge the threat by the arrows. If it's behind you and you can't see him, you know you can still go a bit fast and slowly get away from the threat. For rallies and such over long distances, the V1 is better. I think Brian might agree, but we ran the 9500ci custom mounted and a V1 on the windshield last spring for the Dustball Rally, and the arrows were invaluable. Performance otherwise was a toss-up.

If you primarily want one for daily driving, buy the 9500. If you mainly want it for weekend drives and/or rally type driving, get the V1.


This. +1 :thumbsup2:

I hate to say it, but a cheap V1 without the power cables?

Stolen?

Hopefully not,

I just called V1 and gave them the serial number to be sure and it checked out OK.

That works as long as the owner knows the serial number and then thought of reporting it to Valentine. On the plus side, my car was broken into in Austin a few weeks back. All they stole was the cord from my 9500ix because I had the unit with me in my coat pocket. :D

Thank you for your reply.

I still do not understand though, using an actual example. ( Not a false but rather real alert that would given your example above get " marked " )

State Trooper sits SB Tollway , just over the Royal Lane bridge at least 2 days out of 7 in any given week. Same spot, same general location within 10 feet front or back ( I am sure he lines up with the light pole ) the 9500ci would automaticly " mark " this as a false since its the same location multiple times?

And same situation, it's nice to know that when the arrow is still pointing ahead ( + counter showing 1, 2, or more ) When they set up 1 at Royal Lane bridge, 1 at radio tower after Meaders Bridge, and at times the 3rd Trooper at the bottom of the hill after Walnut Hill...

While I like my V1 , I am open to other products. Thank you for your input!

S

The GPS is really very accurate. The unit never blocks KA band even if you try to tell it to. In my area, we have one police department that still uses K band. They are rarely in the exact same spot day after day for the unit to "automatically" block them out. The unit needs 3 hits from the exact same location to automatically block out a signal. If you have no hits in that same location before the 3 consistent hits, the counter starts over.

If you accidentally block out a signal that you did not intend to, you can erase it. The display has an indicator for the GPS on the right of the display. When that symbol is rotating you know that it is receiving a signal that it is ignoring. If you press the mute button, it will ask you if you want to unblock the signal.

Once you learn all of the technology in the unit, you can do a lot of things with it. I find the computer interface the easiest and can easily hook my built-in unit plus my mobile unit up to my computer to update the software, firmware, and settings.

Escort 9500ci and 9500ix for daily driving, Valentine V1 for rallies and spirited drives.

[trentor]

California :) Hit with a lot of K (and Ka that appeared as K from far away) and I remember at least one X that wasn't a Winn Dixie.You're very right on K band.

So it wasn't a Winn Dixie, but did you ever confirm it was a cop? ;)

[goofygrin]

I remember two encounters. One was a K that was a sheriff. The X, if I remember was a park ranger or something.

If I remember right the park rangers in Sulpher OK used to be X, but recently switched to K and Ka. I had a pretty bad scare in there... it's a nice twisty road with a 20-30mph speed limit and I likely was triple that.

[0din]

Thank you for your reply.

I still do not understand though, using an actual example. ( Not a false but rather real alert that would given your example above get " marked " )

State Trooper sits SB Tollway , just over the Royal Lane bridge at least 2 days out of 7 in any given week. Same spot, same general location within 10 feet front or back ( I am sure he lines up with the light pole ) the 9500ci would automaticly " mark " this as a false since its the same location multiple times?

And same situation, it's nice to know that when the arrow is still pointing ahead ( + counter showing 1, 2, or more ) When they set up 1 at Royal Lane bridge, 1 at radio tower after Meaders Bridge, and at times the 3rd Trooper at the bottom of the hill after Walnut Hill...

While I like my V1 , I am open to other products. Thank you for your input!

S


Not if you ever drove by that location and he wasn't there or didn't have the radar on all the time. The signal needs to be constant.

Or, you could simply create your own GPS waypoint alert based on a known speed trap. That alert will never be blocked out as a false because yo created it yourself.

[0din]

If the arrow shows the radar behind me, why would I slow down and let the cop catch up to me?




Because the speed limit is 60, you're going 75 and the cop is going 90. You want him to roll up behind you and catch you speeding? If I'm getting a consistent K or Ka signal on the highway I prefer to slow down until it's gone.

[0din]

One more feature I like about the Escort is that it can be set to automatically adjust between "city" and "highway" mode. It knows when to go into highway mode based on the GPS location and your speed.


And then the feature that I turn off but some people like. It knows the location of every red light camera and gives you a 1000' warning. I don't run red lights so I turned this off.


I also don't use the online "speed trap" database, but you can mark speed traps by location.

[CIWS]

Unless you in the middle of BFE, no police use x band.


Very true, although I'm not sold on the X band thing. Have you experienced this recently...actual confirmation of X in use by LEO? Everyone says this, but I've yet to hear a real experience of X being used in recent years. In thousands of miles of multi-state rallies, I've never encountered X band in use by LEO.

You're very right on K band.

So it wasn't a Winn Dixie, but did you ever confirm it was a cop? ;)




One of the reasons I posted this guy's YT page up was because he's sees a lot of real world things. This isn't some rural cop, this is a State Trooper.

sxU8g0WpJ0A

Some of the LEOs have figured out that most folks don't pay attention to X band anymore or worse completely block it's notification.

[0din]

One of the reasons I posted this guy's YT page up was because he's sees a lot of real world things. This isn't some rural cop, this is a State Trooper.

sxU8g0WpJ0A

Some of the LEOs have figured out that most folks don't pay attention to X band anymore or worse completely block it's notification.


He's running more than one radar detector in his car at the same time. Bad idea IMO. Most radar detectors are capable of causing a false/erroneous alert from another detector that is in very near proximity. Better to choose one unit and use it.

[Qship5]

Because the speed limit is 60, you're going 75 and the cop is going 90. You want him to roll up behind you and catch you speeding? If I'm getting a consistent K or Ka signal on the highway I prefer to slow down until it's gone.

On the contrary, if I get a signal from behind that is increasing in strength then I would know that the leo was moving at a faster pace than I was and would likely slow down until it passed. The detector coupled with good situational awareness is what prevents tickets. Once the V1 goes off, I'm automatically scanning the area in the direction of the arrow to locate him.

[trentor]

On the contrary, if I get a signal from behind that is increasing in strength then I would know that the leo was moving at a faster pace than I was and would likely slow down until it passed. The detector coupled with good situational awareness is what prevents tickets. Once the V1 goes off, I'm automatically scanning the area in the direction of the arrow to locate him.exactly. An increasing signal strength (any direction) = slow down. Decreasing radar strength (side and rear) = cautiously hold or increase speed to distance yourself.

[trentor]

One of the reasons I posted this guy's YT page up was because he's sees a lot of real world things. This isn't some rural cop, this is a State Trooper.

<video>

Some of the LEOs have figured out that most folks don't pay attention to X band anymore or worse completely block it's notification.Interesting. I guess it might be worthwhile to re-activate X band in rural areas. I'd venture to say this is close to the only guy who might do this, but it only takes once I guess!

[Fubar]

**** it, just run.

[CIWS]

He's running more than one radar detector in his car at the same time. Bad idea IMO. Most radar detectors are capable of causing a false/erroneous alert from another detector that is in very near proximity. Better to choose one unit and use it.

Yes he is running more than one detector, that's because he's making videos showing how the various detectors work in real world environments. Ergo the reason he has 130+ videos and his name is SpeedTrapHunter. He compares various top units in multiple situations out on the roads and highways.

As far as the falsing around other detectors, I think if you were to watch the videos you would not see this occurring, only radiated signals being detected by the units. At least as long as each video is.

[CIWS]

Interesting. I guess it might be worthwhile to re-activate X band in rural areas. I'd venture to say this is close to the only guy who might do this, but it only takes once I guess!

Every once in a while I hear of a X band LEO from someone who went by one. Honestly if I wanted to increase revenue for my little city on the highway I'd used an X band to bust the most folks. :D A couple of weeks ago I passed a DPD (impala) who was radiating K band. Most LEOs around here are KA now.

[0din]

Yes he is running more than one detector, that's because he's making videos showing how the various detectors work in real world environments. Ergo the reason he has 130+ videos and his name is SpeedTrapHunter. He compares various top units in multiple situations out on the roads and highways.

As far as the falsing around other detectors, I think if you were to watch the videos you would not see this occurring, only radiated signals being detected by the units. At least as long as each video is.


Yeah, it's not a guaranteed problem, but it is a documented issue that can happen. I was just saying that I would be hesitant to run 2 at a time because there's no way to know for sure what effect (if any) they are having on each other without doing extensive testing with the units independent and together.

[Malu59RT]

F*ck it, just run.

Before you run, put this number in your phone: (214) 526-4272. We'll get you out quicker than you got in!

This message brought to you by Delta Bail Bonds.

[CIWS]

Before you run, put this number in your phone: (214) 526-4272. We'll get you out quicker than you got in!

This message brought to you by Delta Bail Bonds.

A great idea to incorporate into a YouTube spot :)

[Karter01]

Before you run, put this number in your phone: (214) 526-4272. We'll get you out quicker than you got in!

This message brought to you by Delta Bail Bonds.

What is this number exactly? Im interested, but dont plan on going to jail.....

[Malu59RT]

What is this number exactly? Im interested, but dont plan on going to jail.....

It's the number for Delta Bail Bonds. They are right next to Lew Sterrett Jail, by downtown Dallas. Easily the best choice to finish off a GREAT night with friends. :whistle:


www.deltabail.com

BTW, no one ever plans on going to jail, but we're there in case your plans change.

-Delta Bail TM

[Qship5]

Yeah, with all the new toys, Fubar need more business.

[Qship5]

**** it, just run.

LOL, yeah, it thought about saying if a leo is only going 90, his radar signal from behind will be decreasing based on my normal rate of travel, but then figured I shouldn't incriminate myself...

[Fubar]

Before you run, put this number in your phone: (214) 526-4272. We'll get you out quicker than you got in!

This message brought to you by Delta Bail Bonds.

Nice! Check is in the mail.

[0din]

Jason does PR for Delta /tag

[Fubar]

Jason does PR for Delta /tag

I bet you've sent me more customers than Malu. :whistle:

[Malu59RT]

Odin makes customers for Delta/tag

[0din]

Odin hopes to never be a customer of Delta :laugh:

[kba]

I had a V1 but switched to passport for 2 reasons
-1st like everyone said, the V1 is just damn annoying in city driving, if I lived in the country it'd be great.
-2nd because the V1 goes off so much, I hit the mute button a lot and in my car the windshield is awkwardly far from the driving position so I had to learn really far forward to hit mute - this sucked so I bought the lighter plug read out so I could mute it from there however, the readout is no longer on the unit but on the cigarette lighter, so whenever you get a hit you take your eyes off the road and are looking at the cigarette lighter readout.

Then I bought a passport - I do really miss the directional arrows but the speed trap markings and GPS locate are nice.

But, at the end of the day I didn't want to buy the 9500ci because it is so expensive - but after a few laser tickets, it ended up cost me more than if I had just bought it in the first place...so moral of the story, do it right the first time and buy the big boy

[RioGrandeValley]

This is classic example of Dead Horse Beaten over and over then set on fire with blow torch til extra crispy.

Tomato

[ranger22]

This is classic example of Dead Horse Beaten over and over then set on fire with blow torch til extra crispy.

Tomato

But the V1 falses in the city and the 9500i has GPS!!!!!

[RioGrandeValley]

^^^My iPhone and the Bimmer both have GPS too^^^
I know, I know just messing with U

Tomato

[QDOG]

I have both the 8500 and the 9500ix and love them. They have saved me on numerous occasions.

9500ix definitely has incredible range. I have picked up Ka band from at least a couple miles away...

[Fubar]

I just stick a donut down my pants, it starts to tingle when the cops get close.

[RAC3ME]

I just stick a donut down my pants, it starts to tingle when the cops get close.

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[TXS2000]

http://sl.glitter-graphics.net/pub/568/568365ie5zttjn21.gif

[TXS2000]

I just stick a donut down my pants, it starts to tingle when the cops get close.

I hate to think of what would happen if he pulls you over and your donut is still "tingling" ... :whistle:

http://www.computerclipart.com/computer_clipart_images/black_policeman_or_cop_eating_donuts_0521-1005-1013-3244_SMU.jpg

[QDOG]

I just stick a donut down my pants, it starts to tingle when the cops get close.

:beer::hahaha:

[JaviS54]

The 9500ix is on sale for $379 + shipping

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/63924/buydig.com-escort-passport-9500ix-radarlaser-detector-blue

[BLKFIN]

The 9500ix is on sale for $379 + shipping

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/63924/buydig.com-escort-passport-9500ix-radarlaser-detector-blue

Must be a bait & switch...If you go on buydig and add this to the 'cart' and plug in the discount code, it comes to $423 instead of the advertised $379....:thumpdown:

[RioGrandeValley]

http://sl.glitter-graphics.net/pub/568/568365ie5zttjn21.gif

Poor Horsey...already dead and still gets no break!

Tomato

[JaviS54]

Must be a bait & switch...If you go on buydig and add this to the 'cart' and plug in the discount code, it comes to $423 instead of the advertised $379....:thumpdown:

Yea, deal ended... I bought one last week for that price, I didn't see this thread, if not I would have put it here sooner.

[citylightva]

I was super impressed how far behind me the 9500 picked up a state trooper on the way to Winstar...It was close to a mile...Took him forever to finally pull someone over 1/2 mile back...He was banging out the K band only too...Think I was in Sanger...

[JaviS54]

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=ESPP9500IX

$379 deal is live again for anyone interested.

[BLKFIN]

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=ESPP9500IX

$379 deal is live again for anyone interested.

Thanks for posting! The $379 deal is still going and I just grabbed one, nice little Xmas gift to myself.

[jasonhartracing.com]

+1 for V1

[BLKFIN]

I received my 9500ix from BuyDig without a hitch. It shipped quickly and was packed well and at $379 shipped and no tax, it was the best deal I had seen for a new unit.

Having had an 8500 for the past 4 years, I was curious to see the differences in the units. It has been interesting watching the new unit “Learn” where the false alarms are on my daily commute to and from work. After the 3rd pass in front of the false alarm source, the unit flashes stored on the screen and the little GPS icon begins to spin. I also am enjoying how the unit flashes your speed on the screen when it first alarms you. It’s nice to not have to immediately look at the speedometer to see if you are even speeding. :thumbsup2:

[Zinia]

My V1 saved my behind on several occasions this past week. The Audi that I was running with had a detector in his window but I'm willing to bet he wishes he had a V1 when the Missouri State Police on 71 popped him.

[jragan]

I received my 9500ix from BuyDig without a hitch. It shipped quickly and was packed well and at $379 shipped and no tax, it was the best deal I had seen for a new unit.

Having had an 8500 for the past 4 years, I was curious to see the differences in the units. It has been interesting watching the new unit “Learn” where the false alarms are on my daily commute to and from work. After the 3rd pass in front of the false alarm source, the unit flashes stored on the screen and the little GPS icon begins to spin. I also am enjoying how the unit flashes your speed on the screen when it first alarms you. It’s nice to not have to immediately look at the speedometer to see if you are even speeding. :thumbsup2:
I have mine set to always show my speed (useful in cars like BMWs where there is always a 5% variance in indicated speed). Make sure you have it in advanced mode (bar graph) so you can bogey count and determine if they're in front of you or behind.

[Mr. Hollywood]

Was about to buy the 9500, but it's back up to $469. :(

[BLKFIN]

Was about to buy the 9500, but it's back up to $469. :(

That happened to me too a few weeks ago, but keep watching the site and it will come back down.

[Qship5]

I was super impressed how far behind me the 9500 picked up a state trooper on the way to Winstar...It was close to a mile...Took him forever to finally pull someone over 1/2 mile back...He was banging out the K band only too...Think I was in Sanger...

So with the 9500 how do you know he's behind you?

[CIWS]

So with the 9500 how do you know he's behind you?


A radar signal that's not getting any stronger despite you continuing to drive forward, or one that very slowly gets stronger and/or stays active for a longer period than normal as they drive behind you. "Normal" radars in front of you act differently than those behind.

[jragan]

A radar signal that's not getting any stronger despite you continuing to drive forward, or one that very slowly gets stronger and/or stays active for a longer period than normal as they drive behind you. "Normal" radars in front of you act differently than those behind.WHS And/OR you only get alerted when approaching a large road sign (so the signal is going past you and then bouncing off the sign ahead of you to come back to you

[dukenukem]

anyone here compared the new Escort Redline vs the 9500ix? Is the lack of GPS and $150/200 premium worth the added sensitivity and range?

[CIWS]

anyone here compared the new Escort Redline vs the 9500ix? Is the lack of GPS and $150/200 premium worth the added sensitivity and range?

No I have not personally compared them. But for myself the 9500 is sensitive enough and I prefer the GPS blocking feature vs giving it up for a greater sensitivity that wouldn't make any real world difference.

However The SpeedTrapHunter on YouTube has compared the Redline with others.

http://www.youtube.com/user/SpeedTrapHunter

[dukenukem]

No I have not personally compared them. But for myself the 9500 is sensitive enough and I prefer the GPS blocking feature vs giving it up for a greater sensitivity that wouldn't make any real world difference.

However The SpeedTrapHunter on YouTube has compared the Redline with others.

http://www.youtube.com/user/SpeedTrapHunter

Thanks. I had seen that one before. I just wanted to see if anyone had any "real world" experience on this site.

looks like I will be shopping around for a 9500ix now. :)

[CIWS]

WHS And/OR you only get alerted when approaching a large road sign (so the signal is going past you and then bouncing off the sign ahead of you to come back to you

Coming back from work this morning a little after 1:00am, DPS coming from behind.


PAR6HXgoxHM

[Rams]

I just got the 9500 GPS last week, and man is that thing good! The DPS and local PD's were out in full force on thursday night and it definitely saved my ass twice. The hiding spots are getting better and better.

[BlackSheep]

I had a V1 but switched to passport for 2 reasons
-1st like everyone said, the V1 is just damn annoying in city driving, if I lived in the country it'd be great.
-2nd because the V1 goes off so much, I hit the mute button a lot and in my car the windshield is awkwardly far from the driving position so I had to learn really far forward to hit mute - this sucked so I bought the lighter plug read out so I could mute it from there however, the readout is no longer on the unit but on the cigarette lighter, so whenever you get a hit you take your eyes off the road and are looking at the cigarette lighter readout.

Then I bought a passport - I do really miss the directional arrows but the speed trap markings and GPS locate are nice.

But, at the end of the day I didn't want to buy the 9500ci because it is so expensive - but after a few laser tickets, it ended up cost me more than if I had just bought it in the first place...so moral of the story, do it right the first time and buy the big boy

x2 had a V1 and my dad bought me the 9500i for my Bday.... After 2 weeks, I put the V1 on craigslist.. My drive is completely silent now until there is a real threat.. I used to be a V1 fanboi.. Not so much anymore.. The V1 seems like a relic to me now..

[White_lightning]

I think to each their own.

the V1 does false more than the 9500i from my understanding, but for me, i like the directional arrows..

most of the time when your radar goes off it is because the signal hit another car and you are getting bounced signal. yes you slow down either way, but knowing where it came from makes it easier for me to Find the pesky pork chopper and keep eyes on him ;)

There will always be something new and better coming out, and i dont think the V1 has been revved in a while. If you dont have a radar,i guess the new hotness is the 9500ci, but since i already have 2 V1's.. my desire to move away from them is zero.

[MisterTwo]

This thread + additional research has tempted me to check out the 9500ix as an ultra quiet radar detector for my daily driver and leave the V1 in the NSX. I'll let you know in a few weeks if I can live without the arrows!

[CIWS]

My drive is completely silent now until there is a real threat..

This is the main thing I like, to get rid of the falses on roads I drive all the time. Now it's quiet to and from work and the places I normally travel.




I think to each their own.

Yeah, anymore it's really just a question of which features appeals more to the owner. The whole detection question really isn't the main difference now.

[CMK227]

Before you run, put this number in your phone: (214) 526-4272. We'll get you out quicker than you got in!

This message brought to you by Delta Bail Bonds.

Thanks. :beer: will do.