V1 vs. Passport Max 360?

[WayneM3]

I have always been a V1 guy but have recently been eyeing the Passport Max 360 because logic tells me that a device that is 10+ years newer must be better in some ways. At some point I did have my V1 updated but even that was a while ago. Yesterday I drove about 150 miles through NJ from NJ Motorsports Park up North and then to NYC and the V1 was basically signaling an alert the entire time along the NJ Turnpike, Route 80, Route 3 and other main roads no matter what setting I had it on. I just turned the volume down and ignored it which makes it useless. It seems like Audi's with some type of distance cruise control set it off the most but I also get LIDAR alerts from LED tail lights. Has anyone tried the Max 360? Does it false less often?

[dparm]

The GPS functionality alone will reduce false positives if you routinely drive the same routes. My 9500ix has the same GPS feature and it has greatly improved the usability of the detector.

[oolas3]

Keep the V1 but turn off the K band. K band is what causes false alarms. Ka band is what 99% of departments use for radar so that's all you really need. In terms of laser, all detectors are almost completely useless for laser. For laser, you'll need a AL Priority "parking distance control" set-up.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by m3m3mr

Keep the V1 but turn off the K band. K band is what causes false alarms. Ka band is what 99% of departments use for radar so that's all you really need. In terms of laser, all detectors are almost completely useless for laser. For laser, you'll need a AL Priority "parking distance control" set-up.

"Useless" is a bit strong.

Radar spreads considerably over distance, so even if your vehicle is not being clocked, you're likely to detect the signal anyway. This might give you enough time to assess the situation and avoid being directly clocked.

Laser does not spread. I think I heard something along the lines of the beam only being 18" across in a common scenario, meaning that unless it hits the detector, you'll never get a warning. And if you do, you're already screwed. However, a positive detection of radar might also be too late.

Not sure that classifies it as useless, as it is may still be "detecting", it's just not actionable information.

[dcpatters]

The V1 is inherently sensitive to LIDAR false alerts, this is a known fact. Your V1, just like all other detectors without GPS lookout, will annoyingly false to K band too. As mentioned the can be programmed off on the V1. Keep in mind, some agencies still use K band.

I would forgoe the V1 laser and install a good set of jammers.

Check here for in use radar per state.

http://www.rdforum.org/wiki/index.ph...aphical_Survey

[oolas3]

Originally Posted by dparm

"Useless" is a bit strong.

Radar spreads considerably over distance, so even if your vehicle is not being clocked, you're likely to detect the signal anyway. This might give you enough time to assess the situation and avoid being directly clocked.

Laser does not spread. I think I heard something along the lines of the beam only being 18" across in a common scenario, meaning that unless it hits the detector, you'll never get a warning. And if you do, you're already screwed. However, a positive detection of radar might also be too late.

Not sure that classifies it as useless, as it is may still be "detecting", it's just not actionable information.

That's why I used "almost" too. lol. The bottom line is you can't rely on a radar detector for laser. Yes occasionally you may get a stray laser signal but it would rare. Around here the highway patrol is 95% laser but still use radar in tunnels for the other 5%. Because of this, let's just say I have lots of real world testing. Along with ALP, I run the 9500ix in my DD and the V1 in my M3 and niether has picked up a laser signal in tens of thousands of highway miles even when I know I've had a direct hit through ALP.

[Hagasan41]

I have both. The M gets the V1 (need to update it) and the Audi has the Max 360. I'm comparing Apples to Oranges since the V1 doesn't have the latest ant-falsing software available. The (BSM) Blind Spot Monitoring systems drives the V1 nuts. I prefer the desgin of the V1 as the Max 360 is a bit bulky and isn't as clean looking using the Blendmount Mirror Mount. However, the display on the 360 is so much better. The complaints of the arrows being delayed are true so they've got some firmare updating to realllyh dial it in. Overall they are both good detectors but the Max 360 wins for being less prone to false alarms. If the arrows aren't important to you save the coin and pick up a Max 2. Same internals as the 360.

[Johndong888]

I too have both, V1 in the M3 and Max 360 in the G63. The V1 has always been my favorite for the longest time. Was going to get another to put in the g63 but the gwagon has an almost 90 degree windshield. The max 360 has a very nice mount to can accommodate various angles. But it is also a rather large mount lol.

Max 360:

1. It's a very bulky unit when compared to the V1. Probs due to the GPS
2. OLED display is fancy but not needed really.
3. Arrows are really small depending on your windshield placement. I placed by towards the passenger side which makes it that much worse.
4. Maybe less false alarms
5. Self updating is great
6. GPS Storing of false alarms is nice and easy to use
7. It's newer, so it must be better (I use the same logic LOLOL)

V1:

1. Size is perfect
2. Huge and clear arrows. Very simple device
3. Lately with alot of the new cars with laser cruise control, led lights, etc, they make the radar go crazy though (BIG Negative) My firmware is the 1.8 with POP though. I believe there is a newer one
4. MY V1 is programmed by me and I still leave the K band on, just no noise until it's a very strong signal

[WayneM3]

Thank you for the comparison. I didn't realize that the Max 360 was so bulky and it doesn't seem like it is all that much better.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by WayneM3

Thank you for the comparison. I didn't realize that the Max 360 was so bulky and it doesn't seem like it is all that much better.

Why not just get a 9500ix? Same GPS functionality as the Max 360 but a lower-tech (but easier to read) LED display. I have it with the mirror mount and it looks great. You can save a lot of cash going this route.

[dcpatters]

Originally Posted by dparm

Why not just get a 9500ix? Same GPS functionality as the Max 360 but a lower-tech (but easier to read) LED display. I have it with the mirror mount and it looks great. You can save a lot of cash going this route.

9500ix has an M4 antenna and slIghtly different horn so it lacks the sensitivity of the Max series, particularly the 360. Nevertheless, the 9500ix is still a decent performing detector.

Personally, I'd look at the Radenso Pro SE. Blows V1 and 360 away.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by dcpatters

9500ix has an M4 antenna and slIghtly different horn so it lacks the sensitivity of the Max series, particularly the 360. Nevertheless, the 9500ix is still a decent performing detector.

Personally, I'd look at the Radenso Pro SE. Blows V1 and 360 away.

Good to know. I do very little highway driving and don't really speed when I do. I just like the GPS functionality because downtown Chicago is littered with red light cameras and speed cameras.

[alee0729]

With the V1 Connection Bluetooth accessory, there are 2 great apps for Android (YaV1) and iOS (V1Driver) that support GPS lockouts and a whole lot of awesome customization for the V1.

[dcpatters]

Originally Posted by dparm

Good to know. I do very little highway driving and don't really speed when I do. I just like the GPS functionality because downtown Chicago is littered with red light cameras and speed cameras.

The 9500ix is a really good detector in this case, not chatty, and does very well in isolation of false alerts. Even in highway driving it's still a good detector for Ka band. Just lacking some sensitivity in off axis and quick IO shots. To be honest, in head on constant Ka detection, it matched the V1. Ran them side by side and both alerted very close to the other.

[Redwolf8]

If you just get the Bluetooth add on for the V1 and install v1 driver on your phone then you get better functionality and range out of the V1 for far less money. Watch vortex radar on YouTube or vortexradar.com . If you want the best radar detector and money is no issue then get a stinger.

[chamba002]

I have the V1 for 5 years and only got 2 speeding tickets. I noticed sometimes cops are sneaky and will only pull the radar/laser last minute where the signal strength is very strong. Depending how fast you are going you can stop to reduce the speed fast enough and not catch you speeding. On both my speeding tickets, I was going too fast even when I braked. Thats when a radar/laser jammer becomes handy. I do get false positives and thats "k" band. The "ka" band and "laser" is what the cop use.

[dcpatters]

Originally Posted by Redwolf8

If you just get the Bluetooth add on for the V1 and install v1 driver on your phone then you get better functionality and range out of the V1 for far less money. Watch vortex radar on YouTube or vortexradar.com . If you want the best radar detector and money is no issue then get a stinger.

Yeah, Vortex is the man. Lots of knowledge.

[WayneM3]

I was talked out of the Passport 360 by the forum and some other reviews I read and one day saw an ad on my Roundel E-mail that mentioned the Junk-K filter on new(ish) V1's. That seemed exactly what I was looking for but Valentine wanted $300 + my old V1 for a trade in for the new version. I bought a used newer V1 for $355 on Amazon and then sold my old V1 on eBay today for $350 ($305 after fees) and the difference is amazing! No more constant alerts once I enabled the Junk-K filter! The V1 is back to being useful again. Just another data point if anyone is interested.