Help me pick a radar detector!

[Zeus69]

Searched the threads and obviously many varying opinions. Really can't get a feel for a clear "winner" among forum enthusiasts, so thought I'd try to get some hard numbers...

I've narrowed it down to three units. I live in a city with population of 120,000. There are some red-light cameras, but not ubiquitous (yet). My city/ highway driving mix is about 60/40.

I don't want to spend the money for a Bel STiR+ or a Passport 9500ci.

Thanks for any feedback.

[THE TECH]

I have 4 V1s.

[oldmarco]

I've had both the V1 and the 9500ix so I can give some insight to those who are stuck on the fence.

The V1 is alot more sensitive so I picked up KA/K a bit before the 9500ix would pick it up. The V1 also seems to pickup laser scatter alot more. I would get laser scatter atleast once a day on the V1 when on the Escort I may get it once a month. Due to the extra sensitivity on the V1 it picks up alot more false alerts, not just the grocery store's that the 9500ix picks up as well but I get alot of the newer Audi's and Porsche's on the freeway due to their new radar lane change warnings. The 9500ix does not pick those up for whatever reason. I also LOVE the arrows from the V1, they help out alot because you know where the radar is coming from. But the V1 also annoys me to no end with all the false alerts. So the biggest pro of the 9500ix in my mind is that it won't annoy you by picking up Audi's/newer car's on the freeway but then it doesn't have the arrows or added sensitivity of the V1. They both have trade offs.

[lorinzo]

I am happy with 9500ix.

[Carl L]

Had a V1 for 4 years. Great detector for long road trips, but annoying as hell around town or even on built-up freeways. It's mostly turned off, but has still paid for itself ten times over.

[Chowster]

I have 2 V1s.

I disable X band (or was it K?) to eliminate all the false alerts from door motion sensors. I believe it's the same band as the Audi lane change sensors. I'm well aware that Ka radar guns and lasers are the norm around here. Depends on your area, and what you're comfortable disabling.

[s14_kev]

I've been using my V1 for 8 years and have never had a problem with it. The only thing I did have to do was buy replacement sticky pods for it a couple years ago. I have no experience with the other two so maybe I'm biased.

[OerdingE93]

V1 FTW!!

[Its_lobelt]

Im really happy with my 9500. Not too many false alerts. I would go nuts with a radar detector without gps learning capability.

[6spdg37s]

V1 hands down best radar Ive ever had and I had a few of the escorts as well

[Zeus69]

Landslide for the V1 so far. Interesting.

So, for those who own one, did you get the V1 plus SAVVY??

I don't want to deal with the coiled power cord and cig lighter, so looking into rear view mirror mounts and hard-wiring. Called blendmount.com but they are sold out until early December. Any other suggestions?

[djseto]

I drive in excess of 25K miles a year as I work in sales and cover 3 states. I love that my 9500 learns and locks out false signals. Is it nice to have the arrows? Sure. But my 9500 is damn near silent and that's what I love. When it goes off, I slow down. I don't bother looking around especially given all the unmarked cars that are in use now. Its save me quite a bit. You can't go wrong with either as this debate is much like who's a better QB: Manning or Brady. You'll hear arguments for both. For me, the GPS technology trumps the arrows for learning false alarms, knowing red light cameras, etc. The 9500 also has a mode that will track and show multiple signals just like the V1. Again, the arrow are only the real thing it lacks and is something I've lived without and done just fine without.

[6spdg37s]

Originally Posted by Chowster

I have 2 V1s.

I disable X band (or was it K?) to eliminate all the false alerts from door motion sensors. I believe it's the same band as the Audi lane change sensors. I'm well aware that Ka radar guns and lasers are the norm around here. Depends on your area, and what you're comfortable disabling.

infiniti sensors set off my laser all the time ... in fact almost debated shutting laser since if you get hit by it its too late anyway

[S///TH]

I have the Escort 9500ix it works well and the GPS to weed out falses is nice.

I really wish I had those arrows though I never know where the alerts are coming from.

[info@trinityautosport]

V1 for me and never looked back, it never let me down

[jamis]

For me the best radar detector is Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar and Laser Detector (Blue Display) because it has plenty of features like, All-Band Protection, Brilliant Display, Auto-Sensitivity Mode and Provides extreme long-range warning on all radar bands, including X, K, superwide Ka, and instant-on POP mode, along with 360-degree laser protection.

[aitsu]

V1 since 04.. I've hard wired it on every car I've purchased since...
If I were to buy a radar detector today, I'd definitely buy another V1.