Anyone out there believe in radar detectors? Is it worth getting one? If so, are there any particular brand you all recommend?

 

Valentine 1 ~$400, passport 8500 ~$300

 

Saved my *** a bunch of times.

And no, I dont drive faster because I have one. But when I'm doing a very normal 80 on the freeway it comes in handy to know.

However, MANY MANY MANY times (moreso than I've been saved by the detector I'd say) I've been saved by my eyes as many cops may not have their radar on, may be using instant on, or may be using laser, so there is no substitute for common sense.

Oh yeah I have a V1 btw, and I dont care how much it cost because its more than paid for itself already.

2004 Twilight Blue Coupe
6MT
Premium Package
Aero Package

 

Escort 8500 X50 is one of the best in market you can get and worth for your money. Here is info that you should check it out and see which product is best for you:

http://www.radarbusters.com/support/...ts/default.asp


<font color=blue>Original G35 Coupe 6MT, Black on Black</font color=blue>
[img]/w3timages/icons/wink.gif[/img]

 

I love My Val1 and swear by it. The arrows, once you get used to them and know how to use them are a very big advantage,


2004 Coupe, 5AT, Twilight blue / Willow int, K&N Typhoon CAI, Hyper Grounding Kit, Mtek Xenon Fog/High, Clear corners, Hypers, 18's, Aero, tint, Premium, Val 1.

 

I have the Passport 8500 (pre X50) and swear by it. Arrows are great but I don't care if the cop's on the sun, you still need to slow down. Another advantage of the 8500 vs. the V1 is that you can turn off Xband which is always the cause of false positives and makes the detector MUCH more effective. The V1 is kind of like "The Boy Who Cried Wolf."

ISCLAIMER:

To all V1 owners: I have used both detectors and I prefer the Passport. This message was not meant to insult any of you and I agree that the V1 is a great radar detector but I found the Passport to be more effective.

2004.5 Black on Black 6MT, Aero, Premium, Navi (every option offered)
Porkchop Sandwiches

 

Let me second KingofJericho by also mentioning another feature of the the Passport 8500 - It can be switched to Frequency mode, which will show you the exact frequency (in numbers) of the threat. After a couple of months with it, you'll know from the top of your head what's crap and what will give you crap.... For example: I drive around town and all of the sudden the Passport goes ape$hit with the 24.150 frequency - I already know it's nothing more than a garage opener/alaram system and just continue with my lead foot on...[img]/w3timages/icons/tongue.gif[/img]


MY G-ENIE

 

I recommend Valentine 1.

2004 | 6MTs | Diamond Graphite

 

Agreed, Valentine 1 is the way to go

'04 g35c 6mt

 

If you want to customize the unit to work according to your needs with minimal "false positives" go with the 8500 X50. The 8500 has many more features and ways to tweak it to your liking.

The only advantage to the V1 is the arrows which I find to be pointless, especially since the unit is so prone to false positives. I know where the door to the grocery store is, I don't need my radar detector to help me find it. Doesn't matter where a cop is, if his radar is pointing at you, it should go off, where the cop is seems like a moot point.

If you live in the northeast and have ever driven on Interstate 95 through Connecticut, you'll see why I hated the V1 when I had it. Even on "Advanced Logic" mode, the unit went off every mile because of the traffic cameras. When I got the 8500, I simply turned off X-band and now only pick up the real deal. The V1 was rendered completely useless in that situation.

I am only speaking from experience and you're all more than welcome to disagree. I have owned both and made my decision based on real life situations. Speed will concur.

2004.5 Black on Black 6MT, Aero, Premium, Navi (every option offered)
Porkchop Sandwiches

 

I have the Escort "Solo2" which has the same abilities as the Escort 8500, but wireless, though you have mili seconds pauses. I also disabled my "X" band because where we are there is 99.999 percent you will be detected by K & Ka band?


| 04 Twilight Blue 6MT | Aero w/ Spoiler | Z-Tube+Pop Charger | Cornell Custom Rims | Falken Tires | Front-245/40/18 , Rear-275/40/18 |
GNATION

 

Shock! Gasp! It's called RTFM. You can turn off X-band with the V1.

Oh yeah... drive through northern NJ with X-band off. Let me know how much your insurance premiums go up.

---------------------------------

 

I just got the BELRX65 Pro and I am loving it so far. Of course haven't had any real tests yet b/c since I got it, apparently the HWY cops went out of business! So far, not many false alarms, it senses POP radar which the V1 doesn't, can be customized to display frequency, and it's about $100 less than the V1! I know many swear by the V1 and after doing some research, the V1, BELRX65, Passport, & Escort were all great radar detectors. I went with the BelRX65 b/c of price and ability to catch POP Radar.
BIG NOTE HERE - As good as these radar/laser detectors are, beware of the "laser" detector portion of these units, It will only pick up lasers currently in use so unless the cop is sitting on the side with gun constantly firing, you won't pick it up until he shoots at another car.....OR YOURS!!!

 

V1 all the way. Save my *** a few times.

'The Rice is mightier than the corn'
DG 6MT, Baby G

 

just ordered my valentine 1. can't wait to get it.

i remember someone posted a clean installation but can't find it thru search.