Radar: V1 vs. Remote Mount, and Lasar Jammers

[MichaelThurston]

I am looking for a new system. The options are to get a V1 ( http://www.valentine1.com/ ) and wire it into the headliner, or get a remote system and wire it in somehow. I know the V1 is the best ( http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=1993&page_number=1 ), but it's big and bulky and a theft target. RadarTest.com has a good review on remote systems ( http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=7776 ) but I can't remember if this was a good source or not. Both the Bel ( http://www.beltronics.com/vectorlrremote.html ) and the ****** system ( http://www.escortradar.com/sr7.htm ) scored highly.


Also they review some Lasar jammers. I know the radar jammers are junk, but seems like the laser jammers work. Since lasar guns are almost impossible to defeat before you have the ticket, this seems important. Plus they represent 15% of the threats out there now.
( review: http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=8502 ) (numbers: http://www.radartest.com/chart.asp?articleid=8503 ) Bel web site description: http://www.beltronics.com/lp905.html

Any recommmendations, or should I just slow down????

 

[Hisserman]

A friend of mine and I recently went through this decision process. I wound up buying the V1, even though it is bulky. He bought the remote ****** (mounted in the grill). Last weekend we were running side by side and my VI went off, his didn't until too late -- and he got the ticket.

I'll take the bulk. I only put it up when I'm going to be running fast and try to remember to slow down the rest of the time!

 

[Fred(DrivingSchool)Kinder]

Purchased the first V1 for about 7 years ago. Now have three V1's. A couple brands have improved detection range and closed the performance gap.

The first V1 has been upgraded via V's upgrade program. You provide a serial number and they quote the upgrade price and advise if an upgrade is recommended. Their service is really good. The actually told me that an upgrade to my unit was not recommended as its performance was still good. Their honesty was shocking and I upgraded anyway. I did have an intermittent on off issue after a couple years and the unit was repaired no charge even though the warranty had expired over a year. Based on my service experience I am a loyal Valentine customer.

I really like the direction arrows of the V1 and the detection performance has been great. But the V1 is no substitute for paying attention(looking ahead and behind ).

 

[Dave's Big Brakes]

Ok, Just had a CHP (Cali) give a talk on diff things, and this is what he said.
First:Cal rules 5 over speed limit "should" give ticket
10 over speed limit "Shall" give ticket
And next part is: when your stopped before he even gets out of car, he's already deceided if you get a ticket or warning. (Will change mind if you smart mouth, or have some really neat saying, like I wasn't speeding, I was qualifing
Here's the best: If they spot you going in any direction, and get this, they can visually guess how fast your going within 3 MHP without using radar. He also said the jammers and laser are a waste of money, as if they spot you your toast jammers are the best to see you as there equipment pick's it up, and they just visualize you and then your toast again
This for info only in Ca, and he had no reason to lie as Ca needs money ARNIE said give out lots of tickets
My .02

 

[Fred(DrivingSchool)Kinder]

Was pulled over a couple weeks ago by a CHP. It was a great Spring day and early afternoon going North on 880.

Traffic was clustered in groups with gaps between groups. Caused by slower cars in three lanes.(on 880 between 280 and 101)

Enjoying the Viper SRT driving experience a little to much going between cars etc. V1 was quiet I was looking ahead and glanced in the rear view every 4-5 seconds. Well this was not good enough to catch a patrol car hiding in traffic. Anyway the three lanes opened to four lanes for exiting traffic. I moved across a couple lanes to the exit lane passed a few cars moved back to the through traffic lane and noticed the CHP in the rear view mirror. I dropped to the limit while the CHP moved up through traffic. It took about a 1/2 mile for him to get behind me. It did not take him long to turn on the lights i acknowledged that I saw him and found a place to pull off. I knew he did not get a legitimate pace. I was polite. He commented that he had been following me for about four miles. He said I was going 85 and that traffic typically went 80 in this area and did I know how fast I was going. I said that I did not watch the speedometer but when I did look at it I was going 50. (this was true). During the verification of vehicle registration and my licence a second cruiser arrived. He returned to my car and said that I was close to driving reckless and that some of the motorist I passed likely considered it reckless driving. No ticket just a warning. He was not friendly, but he did not abuse his power in the situation.

I feel I got lucky!

The V1 will give you warning, if they have their radar on, when they sneak up from behind. But with the radar off you have to pay close attention to the back door.