Thoughts on which Radar

Dice13 · 11-17-2010, 05:05 PM

you would go for and why?

I was going for a V1 detector, then started reading on the escort 9500ix. Then Ersin a member here (thanks ,lol) got me leaning V1. I am now all confused,

thanks Ersin (kidding).

It seems like the 9500IX has voice aleart which I like and it lights up blue also which I like. I really don't need red light ( I don't race the light) but it can't hurt, speed camera I don't think in New Jersey we have any I know of.

The V1 is red, wish it had blue lights. It has rear protection with rear antenna. Seem like it gives sooner warning but I am not sure.

I am now all confused and funny thing is I found 9500 ix in store by me,lol. If some of you had both your input would be great, pros and cons of both. I really want/need best protection. I am not looking for advice on speeding just advice on what would help knowing where leo hides. Seems like both are top of the line 9500 ix don't have two antennas so rear would not be protected. I am almost ready to just go get the 9500 or flip a coin. Now if you wanna help confuse pleasechime in.

dibxna · 11-17-2010, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dice13

you would go for and why?

I was going for a V1 detector, then started reading on the escort 9500ix. Then Ersin a member here (thanks ,lol) got me leaning V1. I am now all confused,

thanks Ersin (kidding).

It seems like the 9500IX has voice aleart which I like and it lights up blue also which I like. I really don't need red light ( I don't race the light) but it can't hurt, speed camera I don't think in New Jersey we have any I know of.

The V1 is red, wish it had blue lights. It has rear protection with rear antenna. Seem like it gives sooner warning but I am not sure.

I am now all confused and funny thing is I found 9500 ix in store by me,lol. If some of you had both your input would be great, pros and cons of both. I really want/need best protection. I am not looking for advice on speeding just advice on what would help knowing where leo hides. Seems like both are top of the line 9500 ix don't have two antennas so rear would not be protected. I am almost ready to just go get the 9500 or flip a coin. Now if you wanna help confuse pleasechime in.

i have the 9500ix. keep in mind most red light cameras can do speed captures as well (at least here).

the radar works excellent and you can store and unstore locations that always go off at the touch of a button (if the radar doesnt store it for you) and you can plug it in and update it via the internet so that all new and known cameras are in its memory.

I think having gps positioning is awesome but both radars are excellent.

OMID INC · 11-17-2010, 05:21 PM

i love my v1 its awesome.

Looper · 11-17-2010, 05:28 PM

V-1........ Very reliable protection, been using them for years, might want to check into the current Lidar defense aids for a total CYA system.

mpardun · 11-17-2010, 05:40 PM

Please don't flame me, I am a novice observer, having recently researched the topic for my new e90 M3

What has Valentine done to innovate or keep up?

-Seems to have the front/back antennae going for him, still patented? Why don't we see this from Bell/Escort?
-Highly rated for sensitivity by some (although it seems many say Bell STI/9500/RedLine is better)
-He still runs the same ads he did over a decade ago, selling the same product, same testimonials as in my 1996 R&T
-No GPS or speed camera capabilities
-Can be detected by Radar Detector Detector, despite some rumors to the contrary

Please help me understand the cult like following. Thanks.

jeffnnj · 11-17-2010, 05:44 PM

I think that in any enthusiast community, like this one, the V1 will be the overwhelming favorite and for very good reason.

donovan · 11-17-2010, 05:49 PM

1. Install valentine v1
2. get a jammer
3. Watch out for LIDAR

Ricfutures · 11-17-2010, 05:50 PM

Once you experience the arrows you can never go back. It's one thing to get a signal but to know where it's coming from is priceless. I won't knock the other detectors on the market since I have never owned anything but a V1. That being said I have never needed to test other detectors because my V1 has been great. Is it perfect? No. No detector is perfect. Smart driving, knowing when and when not to speed and observing the flow traffic is always your best defense. The V1 definitely helps.

Kartelli · 11-17-2010, 05:53 PM

Radar detectors are primarily a good counter measure on frequent highway commutes. I've owned a V1 for 4 years, and it has been stellar on long drives (gives you 1-2km warnings on threats).

In the city, its another story, everything sets it off, its an annoyance most of the time. I rarely bring it out in the city limits for this reason.

If I look back on my choices, I don't regret it for a second on highway usage (9/10), however I give it a 5/10 for city commutes. I'd recommend to save the 500+ dollars. My 2 cents.

wrh3 · 11-17-2010, 06:24 PM

I had two Passport 8500x50 and they work OK for the first few years before the cheap sub-par electronics go downhill. In both of mine the shield around the laser loosened to the point where they would routinely false. This can be fixed DIY, but really?? I have heard this is an ongoing issue with new models.

V1 is the best I have used, call them directly and tell them you would like a refurb, they will tell you none are available, provide CC info and tell them to put you on the wait list- in 1-2 weeks you will have a new radar detector for $350. Once you get used to arrows it is hard to go back.

[EDIT] Same warranty as new IIRC.

jeffnnj · 11-17-2010, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donovan

3. Watch out for LIDAR

The fictitious lion/tiger from Napoleon Dynamite??

Dntlvet · 11-17-2010, 06:26 PM

Best source for V1 with factory warranty

aus · 11-17-2010, 06:31 PM

Anyone try the new iQ? It's the obvious perfect integration since it won't look like you have a detector out when you drive by the cop.

http://www.escortradar.com/iq/

It just really needs the arrows to show where the source is. Like other's have said, once you have the arrow's, it's hard not having them.

.

Dustin@AEp · 11-17-2010, 07:00 PM

V1 is the ONLY option!

mucusmembranesmoist · 11-17-2010, 08:10 PM

vee-one dude.....trust the people

mfeltiii · 11-17-2010, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffnnj

The fictitious lion/tiger from Napoleon Dynamite??

Ligars are scary and real

sor · 11-17-2010, 08:18 PM

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7223393

kaykay · 11-17-2010, 09:13 PM

I have a V1, but after speaking to a few LASD deputies and a few LAPD officers, I've come to find that they use mostly LIDAR here in Los Angeles/Southern California.

CHP, I believe, is still using Radar...

I'd probably still go the V1 route.

JohnnyRoaster · 11-17-2010, 10:35 PM

I have a 9500ix and love it. I have owned a V1 but the false alarms drove me mad. The arrows can be useful but I would take the GPS over the arrows any day. If most of your driving is suburban or city I would recommend the 9500ix. If you are only going to use it on the highway I would go with the V1 or the slightly more sensitive Passport Redline. There is a reason the V1 is known as the "chicken little" of radar detectors.

Montoya · 11-17-2010, 10:40 PM

For what it's worth I've been using my original V1 since 1999. Three M cars later I'm guessing it has payed for itself 10 times over.

john335coupe · 11-17-2010, 10:48 PM

I have (3) Bel gx65, one in each car I drive. One hardwired in the M3, right under the rear view mirror. Not quite as sensitive as the V1 (which I have owned). But you can lock out false alerts, which you cannot with the V1, and it has GPS so it also knows where red light cameras and speed cameras are. New trap locations can be programmed as well. Once you have it for a few months you can drive in your town virtually false alarm free. For me, that means I still listen to it and respond by slowing when it alerts. Thew problem with the V1 is that it is so sensitive that it is falsing constantly, causing me to ignore its alarms. The reason the V1 is more popular than the GPS units like the Bel gx65 is due to the amount of time it has been around and advertising. The GPS units have only been around for a few years (I think 2) and the V1 for over 15 years. I have tried most the major units including the V1 and as you can tell my opinion is obvious. Don't get me wrong the V1 is the best NON-GPS unit around, if that is the way you wish to go. Although I think it is safe to say times are a changing and GPS units are the way of the future. Just my 2 cents...
John

Dice13 · 11-17-2010, 11:10 PM

Just as I was almost set on the 9500ix, I wish the v1 had more of the features I liked, lit up blue, had voice alert, with GPS. It looks like v1 is as good as they come in the case of Leo's radar.

I don't here much about the redline. Does the 9500ix have rear detection? Its funny I was gonna spend under 300 now I just want the best. I just don't wanna flip a coin I want to make the decision but it seem like I can't go wrong either way. It would have been much easier if v1 updated there case,had blue lights and voice. I could live without red light and speed camera I think.

11-17-2010, 05:05 PM	#1
Dice13 Captain 170 Rep 670 Posts Drives: 2011.5 AW E93 M3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Thoughts on which Radar you would go for and why? I was going for a V1 detector, then started reading on the escort 9500ix. Then Ersin a member here (thanks ,lol) got me leaning V1. I am now all confused, thanks Ersin (kidding). It seems like the 9500IX has voice aleart which I like and it lights up blue also which I like. I really don't need red light ( I don't race the light) but it can't hurt, speed camera I don't think in New Jersey we have any I know of. The V1 is red, wish it had blue lights. It has rear protection with rear antenna. Seem like it gives sooner warning but I am not sure. I am now all confused and funny thing is I found 9500 ix in store by me,lol. If some of you had both your input would be great, pros and cons of both. I really want/need best protection. I am not looking for advice on speeding just advice on what would help knowing where leo hides. Seems like both are top of the line 9500 ix don't have two antennas so rear would not be protected. I am almost ready to just go get the 9500 or flip a coin. Now if you wanna help confuse pleasechime in.
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11-17-2010, 05:21 PM	#3
OMID INC Lieutenant Colonel 92 Rep 1,562 Posts Drives: E70 X5 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago iTrader: (6)	i love my v1 its awesome.
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11-17-2010, 05:28 PM	#4
Looper BEAST 2 Rep 152 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 E92 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fabulous Tampa Florida iTrader: (0)	V-1........ Very reliable protection, been using them for years, might want to check into the current Lidar defense aids for a total CYA system.
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11-17-2010, 05:40 PM	#5
mpardun CO 14GIPPR 9 Rep 172 Posts Drives: '11 e90 ///M3 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Aside from firmware... Please don't flame me, I am a novice observer, having recently researched the topic for my new e90 M3 What has Valentine done to innovate or keep up? -Seems to have the front/back antennae going for him, still patented? Why don't we see this from Bell/Escort? -Highly rated for sensitivity by some (although it seems many say Bell STI/9500/RedLine is better) -He still runs the same ads he did over a decade ago, selling the same product, same testimonials as in my 1996 R&T -No GPS or speed camera capabilities -Can be detected by Radar Detector Detector, despite some rumors to the contrary Please help me understand the cult like following. Thanks. __________________ 2011.5 e90 M3 ZCP {Space Gray / 1/2 Fox Red & Blk / 6MT / ZCV / ZCW / ZP2 / EP Sound} Former BMW's: '08 335i sil/blk (6sp) / '03 M3 sil/red (SMG) / '98 540i sil/blk (6sp)
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11-17-2010, 05:44 PM	#6
jeffnnj Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 281 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NNJ, USA iTrader: (0)	I think that in any enthusiast community, like this one, the V1 will be the overwhelming favorite and for very good reason. __________________ 2011 M3 Convertible, Alpine White/Black Novillo Leather 2008 550i Sport, Platinum Gray/Natural Brown (retired) 2006 550i Silver Gray/Black (retired) 2002 M3 Convertible Titanium Silver/Black(retired) 1998 328i Convertible Arctic Silver/Gray(retired)
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11-17-2010, 05:49 PM	#7
donovan Brigadier General 372 Rep 4,167 Posts Drives: R8 - Ford Raptor Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: National iTrader: (17)	1. Install valentine v1 2. get a jammer 3. Watch out for LIDAR __________________ Audi R8 v10 Ford Raptor m3e46freak@yahoo.comfor all euro parts!! ebay/craigslist verified/ m3post/e46fanantics/m3forum/zpost/bimmerforum
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11-17-2010, 05:50 PM	#8
Ricfutures Captain 151 Rep 659 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Once you experience the arrows you can never go back. It's one thing to get a signal but to know where it's coming from is priceless. I won't knock the other detectors on the market since I have never owned anything but a V1. That being said I have never needed to test other detectors because my V1 has been great. Is it perfect? No. No detector is perfect. Smart driving, knowing when and when not to speed and observing the flow traffic is always your best defense. The V1 definitely helps. __________________ F97 X3M F80 M3 (Sold) E90 M3 (Sold) EB M235i (Sold) E92 M3 (Sold)
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11-17-2010, 05:53 PM	#9
Kartelli Second Lieutenant 54 Rep 245 Posts Drives: 15 AW M3 DCT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Edmonton, AB iTrader: (0)	Radar detectors are primarily a good counter measure on frequent highway commutes. I've owned a V1 for 4 years, and it has been stellar on long drives (gives you 1-2km warnings on threats). In the city, its another story, everything sets it off, its an annoyance most of the time. I rarely bring it out in the city limits for this reason. If I look back on my choices, I don't regret it for a second on highway usage (9/10), however I give it a 5/10 for city commutes. I'd recommend to save the 500+ dollars. My 2 cents.
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11-17-2010, 06:24 PM	#10
wrh3 Car Guy 34 Rep 798 Posts Drives: BMW M2, Alfa Romeo Giulia/4C Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ATL, GA iTrader: (10)	I had two Passport 8500x50 and they work OK for the first few years before the cheap sub-par electronics go downhill. In both of mine the shield around the laser loosened to the point where they would routinely false. This can be fixed DIY, but really?? I have heard this is an ongoing issue with new models. V1 is the best I have used, call them directly and tell them you would like a refurb, they will tell you none are available, provide CC info and tell them to put you on the wait list- in 1-2 weeks you will have a new radar detector for $350. Once you get used to arrows it is hard to go back. [EDIT] Same warranty as new IIRC. __________________ Bill- 2024 M2 www.billswebspace.com/bmwindex BMW CCA Member # 389948 Last edited by wrh3; 11-17-2010 at 08:18 PM..
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11-17-2010, 06:26 PM	#12
Dntlvet Dntlvet 11 Rep 447 Posts Drives: 10 M3 Sedan,13 GT-R BE,13 Pors Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	Best source for V1 with factory warranty
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11-17-2010, 06:31 PM	#13
aus Major General 894 Rep 9,034 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	Anyone try the new iQ? It's the obvious perfect integration since it won't look like you have a detector out when you drive by the cop. http://www.escortradar.com/iq/ It just really needs the arrows to show where the source is. Like other's have said, once you have the arrow's, it's hard not having them. . __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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11-17-2010, 07:00 PM	#14
Dustin@AEp Captain 41 Rep 625 Posts Drives: BMW E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Southern California iTrader: (2)	V1 is the ONLY option!
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11-17-2010, 08:10 PM	#15
mucusmembranesmoist Private First Class 15 Rep 112 Posts Drives: 2006 STI, 2011 Jerez Black M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: South Jersey iTrader: (0)	vee-one dude.....trust the people
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11-17-2010, 08:18 PM	#17
sor Brigadier General 3120 Rep 3,078 Posts Drives: 2023 iX M60 Oxide Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UT iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW iX M60 [0.00]	http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7223393
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11-17-2010, 09:13 PM	#18
kaykay Lieutenant Colonel 90 Rep 1,769 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E93 328i Conve ... [9.50] 2011 E92 M3 ZCP [8.66] 2008 550i Sport [10.00]	I have a V1, but after speaking to a few LASD deputies and a few LAPD officers, I've come to find that they use mostly LIDAR here in Los Angeles/Southern California. CHP, I believe, is still using Radar... I'd probably still go the V1 route. __________________ '12 CLS550 Palladium Silver - loaded '11 E92 M3 ZCP - SG/B-EXT/CF, M-DCT, loaded '11 E93 328i, BSM over Saddle Brown, sport, loaded '08 550i M-Sport, Carbon Black (Gone but not forgotten), '06 W211 E55 AMG (Gone, miss this animal),'01 E39 540i Sport
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11-17-2010, 10:35 PM	#19
JohnnyRoaster Captain 42 Rep 959 Posts Drives: 09 Jerez Black M3 Sedan Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Outside Beantown iTrader: (0)	I have a 9500ix and love it. I have owned a V1 but the false alarms drove me mad. The arrows can be useful but I would take the GPS over the arrows any day. If most of your driving is suburban or city I would recommend the 9500ix. If you are only going to use it on the highway I would go with the V1 or the slightly more sensitive Passport Redline. There is a reason the V1 is known as the "chicken little" of radar detectors. __________________
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11-17-2010, 10:40 PM	#20
Montoya Lieutenant 52 Rep 574 Posts Drives: 2015 GT3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Portland iTrader: (0)	For what it's worth I've been using my original V1 since 1999. Three M cars later I'm guessing it has payed for itself 10 times over. __________________ '08 E92 IB, Gone '10 GT3 now in my garage! '10 X5 3.5D '12 E91 Xi Wagon MT sports package
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11-17-2010, 10:48 PM	#21
john335coupe 08 e92 M3 DCT, Pulley, AFE stage 2 intake, Dinan 15 Rep 114 Posts Drives: Tesla Model S, e92 M3 DCT Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1)	I have (3) Bel gx65, one in each car I drive. One hardwired in the M3, right under the rear view mirror. Not quite as sensitive as the V1 (which I have owned). But you can lock out false alerts, which you cannot with the V1, and it has GPS so it also knows where red light cameras and speed cameras are. New trap locations can be programmed as well. Once you have it for a few months you can drive in your town virtually false alarm free. For me, that means I still listen to it and respond by slowing when it alerts. Thew problem with the V1 is that it is so sensitive that it is falsing constantly, causing me to ignore its alarms. The reason the V1 is more popular than the GPS units like the Bel gx65 is due to the amount of time it has been around and advertising. The GPS units have only been around for a few years (I think 2) and the V1 for over 15 years. I have tried most the major units including the V1 and as you can tell my opinion is obvious. Don't get me wrong the V1 is the best NON-GPS unit around, if that is the way you wish to go. Although I think it is safe to say times are a changing and GPS units are the way of the future. Just my 2 cents... John
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11-17-2010, 11:10 PM	#22
Dice13 Captain 170 Rep 670 Posts Drives: 2011.5 AW E93 M3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Just as I was almost set on the 9500ix, I wish the v1 had more of the features I liked, lit up blue, had voice alert, with GPS. It looks like v1 is as good as they come in the case of Leo's radar. I don't here much about the redline. Does the 9500ix have rear detection? Its funny I was gonna spend under 300 now I just want the best. I just don't wanna flip a coin I want to make the decision but it seem like I can't go wrong either way. It would have been much easier if v1 updated there case,had blue lights and voice. I could live without red light and speed camera I think.
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