The best Radar Detector... BELTRONICS, ESCORT, Valentine 1 ???

YV1 · 12-17-2005, 04:44 PM

I have a Bel 940. It has saved me of at least 20 tickets in the last 4 years. Actually since I have it I've never been pulled. It works well but a lot of false alarms on X and Ka band.
Since I'm planning to drive my E90 real fast ( 20 - 30 MPH over limit) I think I should get a better unit. Please help me choose the best one.

nyfinest · 12-17-2005, 04:45 PM

I can personally vouch for the Passport X50.......IMHO

Comming from someone that has the experience.....

nabutes · 12-17-2005, 04:58 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=valentine

ben1364 · 12-17-2005, 05:38 PM

This subject has been discussed ad infinitum on this forum. If you want the best real world protection, the only choice at present is the Valentine-1. Some day someone may build a better unit. but they haven't done so yet. The V-1 is upgradeable and it works. I have a 12 year old unit and a two year old unit and wouldn't consider any other current unit though I am certainly not married to Valentine Research. I have however, been completely satisfied. BTW, I previously owned units (3) built by the now defunct Cincinatti Microwave (Escort/Passport/Solo) and while good in their time slot cannot compare tho the V-1. Mike Valentine designed all of the CM units that I owned. For what it is worth, Mike Valentine has been a good friend and supporter of the BMW CCA and is a car nut in addition to being an excellent engineer. I recommend that you consider the V-1 before plunking down your money on something less.

jmcphillips1 · 12-17-2005, 05:40 PM

I love escort

SV Concepts III · 12-17-2005, 05:47 PM

V1 no question.

YV1 · 12-17-2005, 08:15 PM

Thanks you all

It seems to me that V1 and BMW mix very well.
I'll buy a V1 for my new 325.

Triji · 12-17-2005, 09:16 PM

V-1 end of story.

peakpro · 12-17-2005, 09:20 PM

V1

red_wagen · 12-17-2005, 11:00 PM

I got two words for you, V1...

Hunter399 · 12-17-2005, 11:09 PM

V1 for sureee

lux.sh · 12-17-2005, 11:16 PM

guys, he already made up his mind. stop bumping this thread.

cntlaw · 12-18-2005, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben1364

This subject has been discussed ad infinitum on this forum. If you want the best real world protection, the only choice at present is the Valentine-1. Some day someone may build a better unit. but they haven't done so yet. The V-1 is upgradeable and it works. I have a 12 year old unit and a two year old unit and wouldn't consider any other current unit though I am certainly not married to Valentine Research. I have however, been completely satisfied. BTW, I previously owned units (3) built by the now defunct Cincinatti Microwave (Escort/Passport/Solo) and while good in their time slot cannot compare tho the V-1. Mike Valentine designed all of the CM units that I owned. For what it is worth, Mike Valentine has been a good friend and supporter of the BMW CCA and is a car nut in addition to being an excellent engineer. I recommend that you consider the V-1 before plunking down your money on something less.

pls post a link of the V-1 site
tks

cnt

magamaga · 12-18-2005, 03:13 AM

Hey Guys you need to read this article about the V1 and how it is not the Top Dog in radar detection anymore. Alas, I don't own any radar detector yet, but upon reading this thread, I thought I'd contribute to it.

The Best Radar Detector?

And quoting:

The Best Radar Detector?
Shootout: BEL vs. Escort vs. Valentine
Craig Peterson
7/14/2005

Escort 8500 X50, Valentine One, BEL RX65

.........................

The Valentine One is a highly sensitive radar detector--good enough that we declared it the winner of our 2000 Automobile Magazineshootout--but it's no longer top dog. The world has changed since it was designed in 1991. The Apple IIsi also was hot stuff that year but Apple was smart enough to regularly replace it with smaller, faster, user-friendlier models packed with advanced features.

..........................

My 2cents

BMW0 · 12-18-2005, 05:41 AM

Thanks! Now I know which one to get if I go back stateside

I have an older model Valentine, but I guess its not going to help now that there's better stuff in the market and the cops have better equipment too.

Veneto · 12-18-2005, 07:22 AM

In Europe there is only one detector worth buying - the Beltronics 550 Euro. It will also work in the US.....

scottz5 · 12-18-2005, 08:32 AM

V1

firewired · 12-18-2005, 08:57 AM

I have tried both extensively. To be honest I had the passport for quite a while until a friend let me try his V1. I placed the Passport on ebay.

lux.sh · 12-18-2005, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firewired

I have tried both extensively. To be honest I had the passport for quite a while until a friend let me try his V1. I placed the Passport on ebay.

Did you really?
if you can share with us why, that would be great.
I still can't decide between them. I am leaning towards V1, but reviews say performance is nothing special with V1. However, most radar geeks say V1 is still the topdog.

poldim · 12-18-2005, 10:13 AM

I dont know what radar geeks say, and can tell you honestly that I dont care. My Valentine, as of now, works flawlessly. A friend of mine borrowed it and got a ticket with it. I havent had one while using it since I bought it in 2001, maybe its because he had a domestic

I might look into laser jamming one day, but as of now, regular radar is pretty much the standard around here.

poldim · 12-18-2005, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben1364

This subject has been discussed ad infinitum on this forum. If you want the best real world protection, the only choice at present is the Valentine-1. Some day someone may build a better unit. but they haven't done so yet. The V-1 is upgradeable and it works. I have a 12 year old unit and a two year old unit and wouldn't consider any other current unit though I am certainly not married to Valentine Research. I have however, been completely satisfied. BTW, I previously owned units (3) built by the now defunct Cincinatti Microwave (Escort/Passport/Solo) and while good in their time slot cannot compare tho the V-1. Mike Valentine designed all of the CM units that I owned. For what it is worth, Mike Valentine has been a good friend and supporter of the BMW CCA and is a car nut in addition to being an excellent engineer. I recommend that you consider the V-1 before plunking down your money on something less.

I read that he has an M3 with very slight mods...

I'm surprised he hasnt made something that integrates with iDrive

AW330i · 12-18-2005, 02:36 PM

The Valentine is a god sent miracle, I have heard of a lot of people switching to the valentine but not many end up switching away from it... I personally feel that it is one of the best investments you can make especially if you drive as much as I do... On a side note I am just about to send mine in to be upgraded so please pray that the cops arent out while I am without it!

12-17-2005, 04:44 PM	#1
YV1 Private First Class 9 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 325 354 LCSW ZSP ZPP ZCP Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325 [0.00] 2006 X6 [0.00] 2000 Saab 9-3 SE [0.00] 2001 GS 650 [0.00]	The best Radar Detector... BELTRONICS, ESCORT, Valentine 1 ??? I have a Bel 940. It has saved me of at least 20 tickets in the last 4 years. Actually since I have it I've never been pulled. It works well but a lot of false alarms on X and Ka band. Since I'm planning to drive my E90 real fast ( 20 - 30 MPH over limit) I think I should get a better unit. Please help me choose the best one.
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12-17-2005, 04:45 PM	#2
nyfinest My other car is below !!!! 9 Rep 356 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Cpe S Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 328xi Coupe [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	I can personally vouch for the Passport X50.......IMHO Comming from someone that has the experience..... __________________ 08 328xi Cpe Sport Package-Step-Monaco Blue-Saddle Leather-Dark Burl Wood-Took Delivery 11/27
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12-17-2005, 04:58 PM	#3
nabutes career student 11 Rep 204 Posts Drives: '08 335xi Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NJ >> VA/DC iTrader: (0)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=valentine
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12-17-2005, 05:38 PM	#4
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	This subject has been discussed ad infinitum on this forum. If you want the best real world protection, the only choice at present is the Valentine-1. Some day someone may build a better unit. but they haven't done so yet. The V-1 is upgradeable and it works. I have a 12 year old unit and a two year old unit and wouldn't consider any other current unit though I am certainly not married to Valentine Research. I have however, been completely satisfied. BTW, I previously owned units (3) built by the now defunct Cincinatti Microwave (Escort/Passport/Solo) and while good in their time slot cannot compare tho the V-1. Mike Valentine designed all of the CM units that I owned. For what it is worth, Mike Valentine has been a good friend and supporter of the BMW CCA and is a car nut in addition to being an excellent engineer. I recommend that you consider the V-1 before plunking down your money on something less.
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12-17-2005, 05:40 PM	#5
jmcphillips1 Captain 60 Rep 667 Posts Drives: 2012 128 Coupe Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alabama iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW 128i Coupe [0.00]	I love escort
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12-17-2005, 05:47 PM	#6
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	V1 no question.
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12-17-2005, 08:15 PM	#7
YV1 Private First Class 9 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 325 354 LCSW ZSP ZPP ZCP Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325 [0.00] 2006 X6 [0.00] 2000 Saab 9-3 SE [0.00] 2001 GS 650 [0.00]	Thanks you all It seems to me that V1 and BMW mix very well. I'll buy a V1 for my new 325.
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12-17-2005, 09:16 PM	#8
Triji Enlisted Member 3 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 06 330i / 04 G35 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: The Valley AZ iTrader: (0)	V-1 end of story.
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12-17-2005, 09:20 PM	#9
peakpro Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 290 Posts Drives: ex-Z4; now looking Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	V1
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12-17-2005, 11:00 PM	#10
red_wagen Private First Class 16 Rep 107 Posts Drives: with a grin... Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (0)	I got two words for you, V1... __________________ -Jay
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12-17-2005, 11:09 PM	#11
Hunter399 Major General 323 Rep 8,091 Posts Drives: F90M5 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (33)	V1 for sureee
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12-17-2005, 11:16 PM	#12
lux.sh missing two turbos. 577 Rep 4,859 Posts Drives: fast around corners. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Curves iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [0.00]	guys, he already made up his mind. stop bumping this thread. __________________ 06 AW E90 330i ZPP/ZSP/Step/Expired Warranty : Prior Design Front : ACS Rear : ACS Roof : BlackLines : Simota Intake : Carbon Fiber Interior Trim : : MTEC V3 : 24% Charcoal : V1 Hardwired : Solaris Invisibulbs/LED interior :
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12-18-2005, 03:13 AM	#14
magamaga - 25 Rep 526 Posts Drives: BMW 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Houston, Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	About the V1 Hey Guys you need to read this article about the V1 and how it is not the Top Dog in radar detection anymore. Alas, I don't own any radar detector yet, but upon reading this thread, I thought I'd contribute to it. The Best Radar Detector? And quoting: The Best Radar Detector? Shootout: BEL vs. Escort vs. Valentine Craig Peterson 7/14/2005 Escort 8500 X50, Valentine One, BEL RX65 ......................... The Valentine One is a highly sensitive radar detector--good enough that we declared it the winner of our 2000 Automobile Magazineshootout--but it's no longer top dog. The world has changed since it was designed in 1991. The Apple IIsi also was hot stuff that year but Apple was smart enough to regularly replace it with smaller, faster, user-friendlier models packed with advanced features. .......................... My 2cents __________________ 325i Sparkling Graphite/Navigation/Steptronic/HeatedSeats/ DRL Angel Eyes/Metal Pedals/Tail Pipe Tips/Rear BMW Spoiler/BMWAlarm/LoJack/BlackLineTailLights/Hardwired BeltronicsProfessionalRX65RadarDetector/Rear FogLights/Debadged/LUX 5.0/ACS Roof Spoiler
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12-18-2005, 05:41 AM	#15
BMW0 Colonel 237 Rep 2,059 Posts Drives: AW E90 330i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Spokane, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Thanks! Now I know which one to get if I go back stateside I have an older model Valentine, but I guess its not going to help now that there's better stuff in the market and the cops have better equipment too. __________________ 330i 6MT l 255 HP @ 5900 rpm 214 lb-ft Torque @ 3500 rpm l Alpine White l Beige l Aluminum l ZSP l 494 l PDC "Freude am Fahren" = "Joy to Drive"
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12-18-2005, 07:22 AM	#16
Veneto Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: PORDENONE, ITALY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E90 [0.00]	In Europe there is only one detector worth buying - the Beltronics 550 Euro. It will also work in the US.....
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12-18-2005, 08:32 AM	#17
scottz5 Lieutenant Colonel 94 Rep 1,730 Posts Drives: 13 F10 535xi & 11.75 E93 M3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	V1 __________________ 13 F10 535xi JB/B working on it 11.75 E93 M3 MR/Black Stock (wifey) 11 F10 535i AW/CB Mods Gone
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12-18-2005, 08:57 AM	#18
firewired Private First Class 22 Rep 174 Posts Drives: 2010 M3 Sdn Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (0)	I have tried both extensively. To be honest I had the passport for quite a while until a friend let me try his V1. I placed the Passport on ebay.
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12-18-2005, 10:13 AM	#20
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	I dont know what radar geeks say, and can tell you honestly that I dont care. My Valentine, as of now, works flawlessly. A friend of mine borrowed it and got a ticket with it. I havent had one while using it since I bought it in 2001, maybe its because he had a domestic I might look into laser jamming one day, but as of now, regular radar is pretty much the standard around here. __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
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12-18-2005, 02:36 PM	#22
AW330i Captain 79 Rep 876 Posts Drives: Alpine White 330i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston, Tx iTrader: (0)	The Valentine is a god sent miracle, I have heard of a lot of people switching to the valentine but not many end up switching away from it... I personally feel that it is one of the best investments you can make especially if you drive as much as I do... On a side note I am just about to send mine in to be upgraded so please pray that the cops arent out while I am without it! __________________
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