Best Radar Detector...

Black///Mamba · 03-12-2008, 08:58 AM

Hey guys,

I know NOTHING about this topic. I was always under the impression that V1 is the best radar detector on the market. My friend informed me there are better ones out there (in his opinion at least). Can you tell me which is the best and why? TIA

Hawkeye · 03-12-2008, 09:26 AM

V1 is the best. It is just the most expensive. If he is talking bang for the buck then there is a good discussion, otherwise he is just wrong.

sales@ESSTuning · 03-12-2008, 09:31 AM

V1

CalZ4M · 03-12-2008, 09:31 AM

Another vote for the V1

Dammmittt · 03-12-2008, 09:54 AM

Radar Roy seems to like the Bells...

OEKlM · 03-12-2008, 10:01 AM

V1 is the best but my K40 RD850 from a couple years ago still works like a charm... =)

mPlasticDesign · 03-12-2008, 10:33 AM

This is a coprehesive, impartial test:
http://www.speedzones.com/

+1 on the Valentine. I only use it on long trips.

pbdm4k · 03-12-2008, 10:50 AM

Anyone know if the portable ones are good? (Battery operated, no need to plug into cig lighter).

I've been meaning to buy one next time I'm down in Buffalo.

ianbiz · 03-12-2008, 10:54 AM

V1, getting one soon (once I can afford to blow 400+ on it)

Black///Mamba · 03-12-2008, 12:21 PM

anyone know the best place to buy the V1? thanks for all the input guys!

drummerbrent · 03-12-2008, 12:48 PM

Usually new V1s are not discounted through authorized dealers. Beltronics warns about unauthorized dealers too. Sometimes Valentine has refurbs available for something less than list, though. You can go the used route, but I'd check to make sure the firmware is fairly up to date.

pbdm4k - Battery powered units don't have the same range but check the reports to see if they are good enough if you must have one. They also tend to be bigger / heavier and actually less convenient because of battery life. I haven't seen a new model come out in quite a while either.

I have an Escort that works well and Beltronics has a few highly rated models too. I've read enough conflicting reports on "which is best" to think that they are all pretty equal at the high end. Get the one that has the features you want and tests well for the types of radar in your area.

Black///Mamba · 03-12-2008, 01:23 PM

anyone in NJ know what type of radar they use and which is best? i'm an idiot when it comes to this stuff

wrh3 · 03-12-2008, 01:49 PM

I have used Passport 8500 X50s and V1s and prefer the V1s. Cordless detectors typically offer less performance than their hard-wired counterparts.

If you call the V1 order number and tell them you would like to buy a refurb, you save 10% and would be hard pressed to tell it was refurb vs new- I just bought one for my wife's car. They may tell you they don't have any but the longest time I have heard for those on the refurb waiting list is a few days.

curley2 · 03-12-2008, 02:17 PM

I just bought the Escort 8500. I'm too new at it to tell you if it works as they say.

BimmerZealot · 03-12-2008, 02:38 PM

Another vote for the Valentine 1, have one, brother has one, dad has one. Works, simple as that. The only place I would buy it from is direct from the V1 website. You can get the refurbished ones on their site for 10% off retail. I got mine for < 410$ shipped w/ 2Day free from valentine1.com

Black///Mamba · 03-12-2008, 02:45 PM

would it be possible for me to hardwire the V1 somewhere else in the car, and buy the smaller display to keep hidden somewhere? Like could I hardwire it into the trunk?

peakpro · 03-12-2008, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbdm4k

Anyone know if the portable ones are good? (Battery operated, no need to plug into cig lighter).

I've been meaning to buy one next time I'm down in Buffalo.

they are not

Hawkeye · 03-12-2008, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black///M

would it be possible for me to hardwire the V1 somewhere else in the car, and buy the smaller display to keep hidden somewhere? Like could I hardwire it into the trunk?

Yes, there is a thread on this already actually. Tells exactly how to hardwire and the options. Look in the ?Electronics? Technical section.

DIY Section
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86847

BimmerZealot · 03-12-2008, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black///M

would it be possible for me to hardwire the V1 somewhere else in the car, and buy the smaller display to keep hidden somewhere? Like could I hardwire it into the trunk?

Yes it's possible to hardwire the V1 elsewhere in your car and use the remote display, problem is you usually want a clear path between the front/back of the V1. So mounting it in your trunk may diminish the signal strength greatly. I've seen some very creative ideas on other BMWs. For instance on the E46 roof lining there is a vent/alarm tilt sensor holder, some people hide the V1 in there which allows clear view forward/back and then run the remote unit into the dash/ash tray. However, not sure anywhere you can do something similar in the Z4

MMMazing07 · 03-12-2008, 04:18 PM

V1 FTMFW this is like a priority mod of the ///Ms

ersin · 03-12-2008, 04:24 PM

V1, Escort 9500 or Bel STi. I prefer the V1 but they are all good. If you want total immunity from radar detector detectors get the STi (e.g. in Virginia). Yes, you can hardware the V1, and the others too for that matter.

I believe with all of these there is a 30 day money back guarantee. So get one of each, try it for 30 days, then send the two you don't like back.

See also the radardetector.net forums and look up the guys of lidar on google for all kinds of good info.

creator8 · 03-12-2008, 04:49 PM

V1. I have one and its saved my butt so many times. If it goes off on Ka band on the open road there's CHP around. Rarely get false signals too.

I work with a bunch of race drivers and they all carry V1s wherever they go.

Now if I could only get my cigarette lighter adapter to work I could use it in the M Coupe.

03-12-2008, 08:58 AM	#1
Black///Mamba Lieutenant 53 Rep 598 Posts Drives: a beast Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Best Radar Detector... Hey guys, I know NOTHING about this topic. I was always under the impression that V1 is the best radar detector on the market. My friend informed me there are better ones out there (in his opinion at least). Can you tell me which is the best and why? TIA
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03-12-2008, 09:26 AM	#2
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	V1 is the best. It is just the most expensive. If he is talking bang for the buck then there is a good discussion, otherwise he is just wrong. __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
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03-12-2008, 09:31 AM	#3
sales@ESSTuning 391 Rep 3,149 Posts Drives: ESS M3 / M4 Join Date: May 2007 Location: AZ iTrader: (6)	V1
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03-12-2008, 09:31 AM	#4
CalZ4M Private 0 Rep 65 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Another vote for the V1
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03-12-2008, 09:54 AM	#5
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 169 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	Radar Roy seems to like the Bells... __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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03-12-2008, 10:01 AM	#6
OEKlM Lieutenant General 168 Rep 10,406 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 328i [0.00] 2004 Triumph Dayton ... [0.00]	V1 is the best but my K40 RD850 from a couple years ago still works like a charm... =) __________________
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03-12-2008, 10:33 AM	#7
mPlasticDesign Major General 684 Rep 5,069 Posts Drives: BMW 230i Msport w/LSD Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Astral Projecting: ∞ 23.516 -122 02.625 0242.101 ĕv'rē-hwâr' iTrader: (16) Garage List 2009 Porsche 911 997.2 [10.00] 2019 Hyundai N (Sold) [10.00] 2013 BMW M3 (Sold) [10.00] 2011 1M Coupe (Sold) [8.78] 2008 E90 M3 (Sold) [8.60] 2007 Z4 Mcpe (Sold) [9.50] 2005 BMW M3 (Sold) [10.00]	This is a coprehesive, impartial test: http://www.speedzones.com/ +1 on the Valentine. I only use it on long trips. __________________
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03-12-2008, 10:50 AM	#8
pbdm4k Lieutenant Colonel 74 Rep 1,689 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Join Date: May 2007 Location: North of the Border iTrader: (3)	Anyone know if the portable ones are good? (Battery operated, no need to plug into cig lighter). I've been meaning to buy one next time I'm down in Buffalo. __________________ 2010 BMW 335d "Ha! She wants the D." 2006 VW Jetta 2.5 Once upon a time... '03 VW GTI, '99 Audi A4 1.8TQ, '00 VW Jetta 1.85T, '09 BMW 335i xDrive, '04 BMW Z4 3.0i, '01 Audi TT 1.8T, '04 Volvo S80 2.5T
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03-12-2008, 10:54 AM	#9
ianbiz Back in a BMW 205 Rep 5,208 Posts Drives: 2015 335i Msport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (8)	V1, getting one soon (once I can afford to blow 400+ on it) __________________ Ian
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03-12-2008, 12:21 PM	#10
Black///Mamba Lieutenant 53 Rep 598 Posts Drives: a beast Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	anyone know the best place to buy the V1? thanks for all the input guys!
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03-12-2008, 12:48 PM	#11
drummerbrent Ex-Auto Engineer 3 Rep 43 Posts Drives: '06 M Roadster Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rochester, NY iTrader: (0)	Usually new V1s are not discounted through authorized dealers. Beltronics warns about unauthorized dealers too. Sometimes Valentine has refurbs available for something less than list, though. You can go the used route, but I'd check to make sure the firmware is fairly up to date. pbdm4k - Battery powered units don't have the same range but check the reports to see if they are good enough if you must have one. They also tend to be bigger / heavier and actually less convenient because of battery life. I haven't seen a new model come out in quite a while either. I have an Escort that works well and Beltronics has a few highly rated models too. I've read enough conflicting reports on "which is best" to think that they are all pretty equal at the high end. Get the one that has the features you want and tests well for the types of radar in your area.
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03-12-2008, 01:23 PM	#12
Black///Mamba Lieutenant 53 Rep 598 Posts Drives: a beast Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	anyone in NJ know what type of radar they use and which is best? i'm an idiot when it comes to this stuff
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03-12-2008, 01:49 PM	#13
wrh3 Car Guy 31 Rep 796 Posts Drives: 2005 MCS, 2013 Corvette 427 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ATL, GA iTrader: (10)	I have used Passport 8500 X50s and V1s and prefer the V1s. Cordless detectors typically offer less performance than their hard-wired counterparts. If you call the V1 order number and tell them you would like to buy a refurb, you save 10% and would be hard pressed to tell it was refurb vs new- I just bought one for my wife's car. They may tell you they don't have any but the longest time I have heard for those on the refurb waiting list is a few days. __________________ Bill- 2005 Mini Cooper S, 2013 Corvette 427 www.billswebspace.com/bmwindex BMW CCA Member # 389948
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03-12-2008, 02:17 PM	#14
curley2 New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Amelia Island, Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 Z3 [0.00] 1988 325iC [0.00] 2003 z4 [7.00]	I just bought the Escort 8500. I'm too new at it to tell you if it works as they say.
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03-12-2008, 02:38 PM	#15
BimmerZealot Major 61 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Diego, California iTrader: (2)	Another vote for the Valentine 1, have one, brother has one, dad has one. Works, simple as that. The only place I would buy it from is direct from the V1 website. You can get the refurbished ones on their site for 10% off retail. I got mine for < 410$ shipped w/ 2Day free from valentine1.com
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03-12-2008, 02:45 PM	#16
Black///Mamba Lieutenant 53 Rep 598 Posts Drives: a beast Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	would it be possible for me to hardwire the V1 somewhere else in the car, and buy the smaller display to keep hidden somewhere? Like could I hardwire it into the trunk?
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03-12-2008, 04:18 PM	#20
MMMazing07 More than you can afford pal....ferrari 181 Rep 1,471 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	V1 FTMFW this is like a priority mod of the ///Ms
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03-12-2008, 04:24 PM	#21
ersin Brigadier General 126 Rep 4,144 Posts Drives: 17 YMB F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (1)	V1, Escort 9500 or Bel STi. I prefer the V1 but they are all good. If you want total immunity from radar detector detectors get the STi (e.g. in Virginia). Yes, you can hardware the V1, and the others too for that matter. I believe with all of these there is a 30 day money back guarantee. So get one of each, try it for 30 days, then send the two you don't like back. See also the radardetector.net forums and look up the guys of lidar on google for all kinds of good info.
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03-12-2008, 04:49 PM	#22
creator8 New Member 1 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW Z4M COUPE Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hollywood, CA iTrader: (0)	V1. I have one and its saved my butt so many times. If it goes off on Ka band on the open road there's CHP around. Rarely get false signals too. I work with a bunch of race drivers and they all carry V1s wherever they go. Now if I could only get my cigarette lighter adapter to work I could use it in the M Coupe.
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