so the software that guy created allows you to edit lockouts and create alarms for speed traps or cameras? wow, i'm really starting to like this 9500i...i agree, the arrows would be a nice touch to the 9500i.

 

I wish!!

At this stage, the software only shows the location of the lockouts and marked locations. You can superinpose the data over Google Earth. No editing functions.

 

do you think valentine has a patent on the arrows so no other radar detector company can utilize the arrows?

 

Good question. And I don't know the answer. Not even sure if you can have a patent on arrows ...

 

i guess i just have to do what you did and buy both the 9500i and the V1 haha

 

I've heard of people running two radar detectors at the same time. But then, I've also heard that you don't want to run two windshield mounted detectors at the same time, because they will interfere with each other's detection abilties. I've been using the 9500i for the past 2 days. I will probably switch to the V1 for the weekend.

 

do you plan on getting rid of either? or do you like swapping out depending on whether you're on the highway or city?

 

Too late to get rid of the 9500i. Past the 30 days. I could still return the V1, but I do like both of them a lot. When I am in the city (even if it's the highway/freeway in the city), I'll use the 9500i most of the time. As soon as I leave town, the V1 goes on. Although sometimes, it just all depends on the alignment of the planets and the barometric pressure.

 

 

The new ZR4 Laser shifters are available as a separate item on both Bel and Escort websites. The STi and the 9500i can both control the ZR4's. Radarroy has the review video up on his site. While the older ZR3's were terrible, the new ZR4 Jams to gun.

 

That would be me, and they don't interefere with each other...

Running 2 detectors is far superior to a V1 ... although it's much more cost prohibitive...

 

Mike, do you run both radars on the front, or do you have one in the front, and one in the back?

 

Having both in the front is redundant.

I run one on the front and one on the rear. You should already be familiar with the tones of both detectors, but depending on traffic and surroundings, you'd actually be very surprised in the way they go off.

Given my experience using TWO detectors, the V1's arrows are nothing more than a gimmick to me. Using a single Non-V1 detector, I can still easily determine if the source is in front or behind me, based signal strength variance pattern. Using two of them only reaffirms this.

my $.02

On a side note, if there's a strong source directly in front of me and I someone behind me, BOTH detectors will go off at identical/near identical detection levels... If the source is at a slight angle, there will be a significant difference in the signal strengths. As the angle increases, the difference becomes bigger. The stronger signal will indicate if they're in front or behind me,.

I've been in a few (much more expensive) cars with similar fully integrated setups, which is how I got into the dual detector thing to begin with.

Also, I've been in a car with two V1's, and the arrow displays will NOT match up a lot of the time... which further degrades my opinion of the arrows... e.g. if the source is at an angle to you, the front one might read Front source, while the rear detector will read rear source... (it's really just picking up a reflection from behind) instead of reading 'rear source' (remember it's facing backwards)

 

You cannot reliably run two detectors together on the front windshield without them interfering with each other. Yes they may still go off, but with significantly reduced detection ranges. My STi and V1 do not play well together at all. I'm not sure why you have such contempt for the V1's arrows as they are pretty damn accurate in real world situations. Without the arrows there is absolutely no way to instantaneously know if the source is behind you or in front of you. You have to monitor the signal strength and at times it takes quite a long time. I've been using detectors since the late 80's and have tons of seat time with top of the line Bel, Escort and Valentine detectors. The V1 is the king of sensitivity and is unequaled in this area for windshield mounted detectors. The V1 has the absolute best audio ramp up on the planet. The arrows are priceless and I miss them dearly. There is no perfect radar detector for everyone. With the extreme sensitivity of the V1 comes a tremendous amount of false alarms. It can be programmed to be much quieter without sacrificing sensitivity. The Escort 9500i is probably the closest thing to a perfect "Windshield" mounted radar detector. It's almost as sensitive as the V1 and it's quiet as hell around town. The Bel STi is also extremely close in sensitivity to the V1 and the 9500i. It's quieter than the V1 and most importantly is completely immune to all radar detector detectors to include the Spectre IV and Spectre IV+. Living in VA, this detector is a must since the Spectre's are in use state wide and detectors are illegal. The STi-R and Escort 9500ci remote detectors are also completely undetectable to all RDD's. Both of these remote mounted detectors are more sensitive than the V1, but they are also alot more expensive. They are just barely more sensitive than the V1. The V1 has been the top detector in this category since it's inception until these two detectors were released this year. The 9500ci is the most advanced system every made. It is in my mind perfect. It adds to the 9500i's gps functionality by automatically suppressing alerts. It remembers alerts in the same places based on gps coordinates. If a different frequency is found at the same location it will alert. I just wish we could order the 9500ci without the ZR4 laser shifters.

 

Being in California, X and K band sensitivity is not a concern to me.

I can see how the arrows can help with locating the source, but given the freeways where I live, the arrows are really a moot point...

The V1 suits the needs of others, but it has features I personally won't be using. The reason I come off very anti-V1 is the fact that a lot of V1 users are TOO dependant on the arrows, and swear by them. If you have significant experience and move to a V1, I can see how they can add to your ability to use the radar detector.

To give an analagy, I'd put it this way. You can buy a 911 turbo, and say its an awesome car. Or, you can first have a corolla, then a miata, then a 350z, and then finally get the 911 turbo. You'll be able to better push the 911 turbo, as well as really appreciate it for what it is.

+1 for teh 9500ci... I'd love to have one...