Here's a really good test page for a wide range of Radar detectors. V1 and Escort 9500i are at the top of the list. V1 takes the win.
http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-20...ctor-test.html

 

NICE FIND!

 

Do you leave your valentines connected all the time? I would be afraid my car would get broken into and connecting it up every time i drive would also be a pain.

 

i leave it connected all the time but im tinted 1% with 50% windsheild, you cant even see it haing there.

 

where does the beltronics STI stand in all of this??? i know its one of if not the only detector that is undetectable by radar detector detectors (tongue twister,lol). and it has scored highly on many tests.

ive been torn between V1 and STI for a good while now.

 

Check out the link I posted, the Bell Sti is listed, seems sporadic in the results.

 

It is interesting how there seem to be three distinct tiers of performance. It also seems if you have a detector in the lowest tier it is probably more dangerous than having no detector at all. I am considering replacing my Bel 940 with a V1 and also adding a laser jammer.

If the 9500 had an actual database of photo/red light radar locations it could use with its gps capability it may have an edge but I have not found a database. Therefore I would pick the V1, and get a NavAlert to alert of photo radar.

 

Mine is connected full-time; the holder is up in the tint strip, and the V1 hangs right below the strip - works great, and harder to see.

 

What I'd like to know is where did you get it? I just got mine and have been cruising for a good DIY on the install, when I came upon your mount! Perfect IMHO.

 

http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/350Z/valentinemount.htm .. its $46 including shipping and it comes in like 2 days. you want the 23mm one.

 

V1 is definitely the best overall bang for your buck. I agree some of the Escorts are up there also but for all the features you get for the V1, I wouldnt want any other radar. I absolutely love mine and as many others have said, it has paid itself off many times over.

As far as mounting goes: Mikes Mount and Invisicord all the way. Ive had this setup for nearly a year without a single problem.

Mikes mount you can get by PMing him at my350z.com
Invisicord you can get from here: www.invisicord.com

Total setup I believe cost me under 50 bux.

 

Plus one, Valentine has saved me lots of times!

 

false alerts are a thing of the past...

In LA/OC/Riverside, Ka is the ONLY band you need. You will never get false alerts with any modern high end radar detector; simply disable the other bands as long as you're in So-Cal.

I personally use a 9500i and rx-65, and yes, the database of false alerts is updateable with other person's databases.

As far as the directional capability; the arrows on the V1 are no match for having 2 actual units. (my old rx-65 is usually in the back of the car; different sounds instantly let you distinguish between front and back, without ever looking at a screen.) Directional capability on the V1 is heavily subjected to rear visibility.

 

You just had to post that didn't you. I didn't realize my Escort 8500 was so far behind the curve. Looks like it's time for a new one. Still no tickets with the old one.....but you can never be too safe

 

Mike, how do you run the cord for your rx-65 in the back? Where do you mount it?

-David