DarkFury

Yeah, I know, I know... everyone loves their Valentine One units and such.

The last time I posted a radar detector topic, the V1 folks came out in force to explain why theirs was the best... however at the time, I had a "lesser model" Beltronics (i.e. the BEL 950 model) which I knew was not "top of the line" by any means...

However, my ol' BEL 950 is starting to show it's age and it's lately been having some problems with power regulation (maybe having it fall from the windshield a several dozen times due to the suction cups loosing their grip in the Summer heat didn't help either )

So now it's time to put my ol' trusty drivin' partner to rest and replace it with BEL's newest "big dog"... The Vector 995 (which is the commercial version of their "pro" detector the RX65).



Normally, the Vector 995 is MSRP at $299 on Bel's website, however I found it for $229 at buydig.com, of course just in case BEL wants to get funny with the "warranty" as they say that not everyone is an "authorized dealer", I put it on my AMEX blue with the Buyer's assurance and extra year warranty tacked on as well.

Pretty much the only reason I didn't just go get the RX65 over the Vector 995 was that they are now using a "smart cord" on the RX65... which would make it a major PITA to hard wire into the vehicles. Basically, you can't use standard direct wire kits for this unit... however that newer cord does have some nice features (conveniently borrowed from previous Escort models) also there was that sweet price too... and the RX65 NEVER goes on sale anywhere (unless you go out to EBAY... and there are no guarantees there).



RadarTest.com did an updated shootout between the RX65 (which has the same detection frequecies as the Vector 995), the Escort Passport 8500 X50 and the Valentine One and pretty much the RX65 whooped some radar @ss...so to speak: http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090

Pretty much it is time for the V1 to hand in the title... as it has sat on it for like 10 years now...

/me runs and hides in a "radar blind" from all the angry flaming V1 users out there.... BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP....

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Burzhui

i have my 985 which i am very happpy with

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DO THE TREES LAUGH?

guiseppewv

No flaming but the V1 is still the best. Saved me again this past holiday wknd with its directional indicators and bogey counter. Gotta love the V1.

InfiniteNothing

I tend to think that the entire benifit of the V1 is the directional thing. Nice range is good untill you are slowing down for every convienence store

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As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.

Bires

I have the best radar detector!

(...Hmm...breaklights. Many people are slowing down up there near that overpass.)

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Five years...

DarkFury

"Used to be" the best... now it is with "the rest".

look_ma

Good link DF. The V1 is lacking in some departments. It cannot see as far as other detectors, you have to turn off Xband or else you will be blasted constantly. They down played the remote display and mute button. I have my V1 mounted on my visor, and my display on the dash. In my book, that gives the V1 a lot of points because a cop cannot see your detector at night behind you, also no one else can see your display. It does not have auto mute, but where I have mine mounted I can easily reach to where it is. Unfortunately the V1 does not have pop protection, but pop is not in use in my area, and is not that common YET. This is from the MPH bee website Even they know pop is not the greatest. Also, I do not care if a cop has a radar detector detector, I am in a state that doesn't care. I rode around with a X50 over the weekend, it false popped here and there, and didn't even pick up a cop's radar at all once, it was running in "smart" mode. Bel used to make good radar detector back in the day, hopefully this will be a comeback for them and look forward to trying it. V1 also had greater rear protection. The greatest redeeming quality with the V1 is the directional arrows. When I was using the X50 I had no idea where the signal was coming from and If I had passed the threat yet or not. I will most defiantly look into a bel next time detector-buying season comes in.

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InfiniteNothing

I really don't know. This turns the entire article for me:



For me, I can care less about bells and whistles. I don't have any radar detector right now but all I care about is sensitivity and selectivity to K & Ka to a lesser degree X and laser. They don't really lay that out in the test.

Quick question: do the other detectors tell you how many "bogies" there are. See it's all about information the more authentic information I get the better.

Hey, so how do you find out if POP is used in your area (not that it's of much importance)

look_ma

I just ask the cops when I see them on the street, or in passing. Not around cops alot, but most of the time they tell you.

billxp

Traveling the same roads day in and day out, the bogey counter and directional indictators are irreplaceable.

Sure some of the newer detectors have some things I'd love to see in the V1 but I still won't switch because of what they will always be lacking.

V1 for me. You really have to have one to experience the difference.

DarkFury

At double the price... yeah... you should "experience" it all right.

Pretty much if there are ANY cops out there (no matter how many) I want the earliest warning possible so that I can slow down without having to "pump my brakes".

gear02

grrr...radar detectors are illegal in VA

guiseppewv

Actually you can set the mode so it does not sound for X band alarms. You can also set it not to sound for K band stuff. Note: Actually not all of the X band or X and K band (depending on which logic mode you set it) "bogeys" are blocked rather the V1 uses a logic routine to decide if it should alert you to the "bogey".


Keep dreaming.

billxp

Perfect example of how the V1's Bogey counter and Directional indicator saved my butt the other day going home from work.

Traveling north bound on I87 my detector goes off shows 1 bogey ahead. I slow down spot the state trooper on the south bound side watching south bound traffic. Normally thats a all clear to resume as you watch the directional indicator go from front to rear. But wait today it suddenly shows 2 bogeys and the indicator doesnt just switch as I pass the trooper its now showing front and rear indicators. Always on the safe side I maintain the speed limit and whats around the bend another trooper watching the north bound traffic. This has happened on more than one occassion.

Thats worth the small cost now to save alot later in fees and insurance costs.
But you use what works for you A good quality lower cost detector is way better than some of those false signaling crap thats out there.

Also join the NMA Link

guiseppewv

FYI the stuff from the Bee website is B$. The reason POP radar will never become case law is b/c it takes a few milli seconds for the radar gun's electronics to come up to temperature. When these components are not at temperature the radar gun is going to give you erroneous readings. POP works by going on and off so fast that the radar detector cannot detect the signal b/c it is not on long enough. The use of POP is not going to become prima facia (sp?) evidence like normal radar gun readings are.

Tommy Boomfiger

Eventually the technology will catch up with this and it will become a reality. Then there will really be no reason for it not to be admissable.

DarkFury

Sounds like the "V1 following" is the one who has pushed the "snooze" button.

You can't rest on your laurels forever.... they gonna have to come up with a V2 eventually or get left further and further behind.

I'm tellin ya... if any of these other companies ever decide to build in a "bogey counter" (your ONLY real advantage) then that would be the nail in the coffin of the V1...

Go ahead... keep on sleepin' on your competition



BTW... "denial" is the first stage...

InfiniteNothing

Then you best hope a cop doesn't show up behind you

DarkFury

The Vector 995 (and my BEL 950) both have front and rear detection. (a.k.a. 360 degree detection).

Sorry... that arguement won't float here. My BEL 950 can spot a cop behind for for several blocks... plus it is more difficult for the cop behind you to judge your speed versus the one in front of you (hence they'll get you with their "speedo" more likely than their radar. More or less, they are lookin' for folks on the OPPOSITE side of the street when approaching from behind.)

But thanks for trying...

InfiniteNothing

Interesting. Valentine has a pattent on the double detector
He touts this on his site


But if this is false advirtising. Feel free to prove me wrong.

I think this quote from the link you provided helps my case:

look_ma

Yeah, but the V1 also hold's it value really well. And as far as I know, correct me IF I am wrong, the other companies will not let you retrun last years model for the current model and get half off the latest model.

DarkFury

I never said it had "double detectors"... it just has a "superwide" detection pattern that can even pick up radar from behind you (although from behind is not as sensitive as from in front of you...)

Basically, most of what I'm saying is that your WORST radar threats come from the front and sides of your vehicle... not "behind" (think about it... if "behind" you was SO vulnerable... why wouldn't all of these "top end" detectors (Escort and Beltronics) incorporate a separate rear sensor?

Also.. if that V1 site is saying that, then what about the K40 radar detector that has a "rear sensor" that you mount in your rear bumper? That is a different company that offers "rear protection"... so the V1 can't be the ONLY one that does this (unless you are only referring to "dash mounted" units. ).

guiseppewv

Most radar detectors have this now but I believe the V1 is the only one with the directional arrows (not to mention, again, the bogey counter).

You just have "V1 envy", DF.


Actually the technology needed is not just around the corner. It all has to do with the temperatures of the different layers in the transistors. But let's just say that 10 yrs down the road they do come up with better transistors and that they are affordable enough to put in radar guns, there are still the legal issues that POP side steps. Namely a "tracking history" of the target compared to the doppler sounds given off by the radar gun that are required in most states to be considered prima facie evidence.

DarkFury

BEL offers an $80 "trade in" of an old detector towards the purchase of a new Vector 995 (at MSRP from the factory)...

http://www.beltronics.com/tradein.html

However I found it for a better price at an online site and I still get to keep my old BEL 950 (I might have to get it repaired though... for that intermittent power regulation problem though...)

Besides... half off of a $400 detector is still like buying a brand new one every time you wanna upgrade... I'm paying $230 for my BEL 995

look_ma

The rear sensor is useful, mainly because, as already stated, of the arrow system. Like when I am driving If I am coming up to an over pass, and as soon as I go under, it starts tell my, it is from my side, I know a cop is on the hill signaling. Put it this way, If the bell had a rear sendor, and arrows and a threat counter, I would be all over it.

DarkFury

Why would I envy you spending more money?

I've been driving 18+ years and have only had 2 warnings and NO tickets... using Cobra (way back in the day), Escort, and BEL detectors... Honestly, this $230 is the MOST I've EVER paid for one... and pretty much I've done just fine without the benefit of the V1's "directional arrows" (whoooo whooo... )

Yeah, like I said when I started this post... the "V1 crowd" comes out in force when anyone says that something "better" is out there. (Kinda weird me being on the "less popular" end of an equipment debate ... kinda like me arguing Intel versus AMD versus Apple.. )

guiseppewv

So when did you buy your last detector?

DarkFury

I agree... they should add this feature just to shut all the V1 users down... however then they might have to charge $400 for the cost of the extra sensor.


All I'm saying is... since the "V1 is so STRUCTURALLY superior", they need to focus more on the new technologies out there and get with the times... cause spending $400 on a unit that excels at "yesterdays radar signals" is not gonna win it anymore awards... even with its "patented" directional system.

I bought my BEL 950 about 3 years ago... and I paid $190 for it (the MSRP at the time was like $270)

I had a post about it.. but it got "deleted in the war".

DarkFury

But did you go further than that paragraph in the report?

Let me quote the rest of what they were saying there...

Can you say "false alarm"?

Basically, the dual radar sensor really isn't of much benefit here... and leaves you wide open to being "detected" to the radar detector detector.

People lean too much on this feature... and honestly it isn't that much of a "saving grace", theough the "directional arrows" are a nice touch... I'll grant them that.



Actually, they have that... you just gotta PAY for it here for $8.95: https://radartest.com/eshop/10Expand...oductCode=1023

I guess they figured out a way to get some money for their "extensive testing" huh?

InfiniteNothing

The dual radar allows for the triangulation of the bogie. Sure, every potential threat will be identified but they will be flagged to your right and left so you know to take the advice with a grain of salt. Also, I'd be more concerned with cops coming up behind you than setting up a speed trap. I have a relative who is CHP and he's always actively patrolling looking for drunk drivers and nailing the occasional speeder he catches up to. The bottom line is there's always a give and take between selectivity and sensitivity. You just have to weigh which one is more important to you.