radar detector?

tommcgee · Oct 7, 2011

Stokes73 said:
It is the best. Covers everything including Laser; saved my butt more than once. Pricey but worth it.

Suit yourself. I'm on the road for a living (50k miles a year) and have owned them all. The 9500xi is the one I'm keeping until there is a better one.

The only thing the V1 has going for it is directional arrows, but at a quick glance, when one lights up, it looks like they're all lit up.

P.S. Who besides me has owned both?

Atomicman52 · Oct 8, 2011

tommcgee said:
Suit yourself. I'm on the road for a living (50k miles a year) and have owned them all. The 9500xi is the one I'm keeping until there is a better one.

The only thing the V1 has going for it is directional arrows, but at a quick glance when one lights up, it looks like they're all light up.

P.S. Who besides me has owned both?

gregfeeler · Oct 8, 2011

tommcgee said:
Suit yourself. I'm on the road for a living (50k miles a year) and have owned them all. The 9500xi is the one I'm keeping until there is a better one.

The only thing the V1 has going for it is directional arrows, but at a quick glance, when one lights up, it looks like they're all lit up.

P.S. Who besides me has owned both?

Hey - to each their own. If you think the arrows are hard to read, then they are for you. I don't find them that hard to read in bright sunlight, and I find the information well worth the effort. Clearly the major detector brands have their appeal or they wouldn't all stay in business.

I don't own a 9500xi, but do have a couple of high-end BEL detectors for the cars. IMHO all non-V1 detectors are much the same but for a) sensitivity, b) falsing, and c) that once they go off you have no idea what direction the threat is coming from. Personally, from the tests I've read even medium priced detectors will give you plenty of warning distance under typical conditions. You pay the big buxs for just that little bit more edge. The V1 always does well in sensitivity and anti-falsing, and the edge it gives me is knowing which way to look out. YMMV

MATTWALSTON · Oct 11, 2011

GregFeeler said:
As you said, that was from a LONG time ago! Montana didn't like the 55 mph national speed limit, so that $5 "wasting resources" fine was they way of flipping off the Feds.

After the repeal of the 55 mph limit, Montana went back to the "reasonable and prudent" standard they had before. That was fine until someone from out of state (I heard from California) got a ticket and challenged it in court. The ruling came back that "reasonable and prudent" left too much desertion to the officer, so it was unconstitutional. So thanks to that jerk, the "American Autobahn" is no more - they have a speed limit and do enforce it - especially for out-of-staters.

At least the fines are still relatively cheap. I was passenger in a car who got a $40 fine in 2004 for going 23 over. Only catch, it was cash or carry... I lent him the $40 and even bought lunch!

I never got pulled and would run 90 on interstate and 75 or so on 2-lane highways. They get a little touchy coming into towns in the mountains. Fines aren't too bad and no points on less than 10 under, back then. Anyone want to start a state by state thread?

MATTWALSTON · Oct 11, 2011

Both the V1 and Escort detectors are great detectors, but shouldn't one be a bit skeptical of the Mike Valentine cult? Or is this a ringing product endorsement?

What I will say is if you have the $$$, space on fairing, and want something that performs well and has easy to see display, and hard to steal, go with an Escort 8500ci or a 9500ci. They are expensive but probably the best all around.

gregfeeler · Oct 11, 2011

MATTWALSTON said:
Both the V1 and Escort detectors are great detectors, but shouldn't one be a bit skeptical of the Mike Valentine cult? Or is this a ringing product endorsement?

What I will say is if you have the $$$, space on fairing, and want something that performs well and has easy to see display, and hard to steal, go with an Escort 8500ci or a 9500ci. They are expensive but probably the best all around.

Matt - looking at the ways a detectors (or locator in V1 speak) can keep you from getting pulled over, what in your opinion makes the two Escorts "the best all around"? Thanks.

MATTWALSTON · Oct 11, 2011

GregFeeler said:
Matt - looking at the ways a detectors (or locator in V1 speak) can keep you from getting pulled over, what in your opinion makes the two Escorts "the best all around"? Thanks.

Keeping you from getting pulled over is just part of the picture...

Waterproof sensors - seal interface with some silicone and angle up so you can actually see it.

Theft resistance - Takes more than a few seconds to snatch.

Better laser detection and possible jamming (although not as effective as Laser Interceptor) by using remote antenas.

Less clutter on dash or bars. I ride a K1200S and don't have a lot of room.

Better wiring. I'll be fixing my Redline's audio jack today, it's gotten loose from being pulled off and put back onto the tech mount.

In theory a CI type detector can have sensors installed in best places, level with road and a clear picture for laser. Both are very sensitive which is critical for avoiding instant-on KA.

I should be more clear, these best all around systems aren't necessarily worth price. That depends on the customer. But a lot of people don't see these options as viable on a bike. The 9500ci takes up more room on front and rear. The 8500ci is a bit easier to fit. At $800, even the 8500ci has a high price tag, but for what you get it is a strong value. The 8500ci, properly installed, is comparable to a V1 ($400) with audio interface ($50) and concealed display ($40), waterproof box ($100), and a tech mount (~$80). It is my belief that the V1 tricked out for a motorcycle at $680 isn't as good of a buy as a 8500ci at $800.

It's my assessment of value. Your's could be different. I've got a friend who has a V1 on the fairing of an RT with an audio interface and has been very happy with it, but he's also had it (and upgraded it) for quite some time.

My bike has a Redline for VA rides, but I'd of gone with the 8500ci had it been out.

MATTWALSTON · Oct 11, 2011

Just some additional thoughts...

Some of the limitations of brand X vs brand Y (or V) matter more to some users than others. I do mostly back roads and I only run excessive speed when I am clear of radar and not the only car on the road. Peoples success or failure with radar detection has a lot to do with how they ride and how they use the detector.

If a cop is lazy and just runs with his radar on while driving down the road, he will snag a few people without detectors. Anyone with a half decent radar detector will know of his presence before he is a threat. The catch is that (most) cops aren't stupid. Think about it... if your job was to enforce the speed tax, how would you plan your work day? People like to hunt and the day goes by much faster and is more rewarding (remember, if they are a true believer, they think speed kills!) if they are more crafty.

Modern radar sets can lock in a second's time. The cop can have his radar in standby and wait for a visual on you, trigger and get a lock. You're radar detector won't know until it's too late.

Fortunately, we are not in a vacuum. As the cop activates on other vehicles, some of that radar energy scatters and a good radar detector gives a hit. Watch out if you are the only vehicle on a road. You are needing the cop to shoot something else with radar to help your reaction time.

Of the three times I've been pulled over on a bike, only one involved radar. I was the only car on the road at midnight. I crested a hill going 80mph in a 55mph revenue zone and signaled a lock with my Redline. I applied brakes as if an emergency. Cop got a tag at 77mph and locked at 75mph. Being GA, I avoided the "super-speeder" fine. I had cop perform a radar check with tuning forks and his radar was good. $161 ticket. Cop was professional and polite, actually a model for how a civil servant should handle the public. I hate the policy but not the revenuer that either believes he is "doing good" or putting in his time before growing into "real police work". Stop lasted less than 10 minutes including radar check.

Other two times were visual observation and ended in a warning.

Where the Valentine 1 is the clear winner is telling you when the threat is over. I find the range to be comparable to a Redline both anecdotally when riding with V1 owners and in the (knowingly "biased") testing.

Something that people have to understand in the radar detector world is that Mike Valentine hasn't sought out a manufacturer-distributor-retailer supply chain. This makes his products un-available to retailers. Arguably, this direct sale approach leads to better end-user service. It also, limits sales and money for innovation.

I would like nothing more than to see a remote sensor V1 integrated with a laser interceptor system. That would be a category killer. It is a good product, but Escort/Beltronics products have competitive products that can install for less or offer a better installation for more $$$.

The V1 isn't the end all be all, but it is a good product. In some scenarios the Redline beats it and others the V1 wins. Either way it is a photo finish. The V1 gives direction allowing for a faster "all-clear" or ruling out "falses", but the Redline has better RDD immunity or the 8500 series is a lower cost installed. The 9500ix adds GPS cancelation for commuters. The CI type products offer an integrated install.

If you are serious about putting one on your bike, shoot me a quick message about your riding style, bike, and intercom system and I'll send you back a checklist of sorts and a few things to look for.

One last note, if you buy a V1, make sure to either buy direct or get serial number first and inquire about upgrade eligibility and price.

Escort products advertised below MSRP should raise a red flag. Escort has a brutal minimum advertised price policy and a dealer advertising bellow list won't be a dealer for long.

gregfeeler · Oct 11, 2011

MATTWALSTON said:
Just some additional thoughts...

Some of the limitations of brand X vs brand Y (or V) matter more to some users than others. I do mostly back roads and I only run excessive speed when I am clear of radar and not the only car on the road. Peoples success or failure with radar detection has a lot to do with how they ride and how they use the detector.

If a cop is lazy and just runs with his radar on while driving down the road, he will snag a few people without detectors. Anyone with a half decent radar detector will know of his presence before he is a threat. The catch is that (most) cops aren't stupid. Think about it... if your job was to enforce the speed tax, how would you plan your work day? People like to hunt and the day goes by much faster and is more rewarding (remember, if they are a true believer, they think speed kills!) if they are more crafty.

Modern radar sets can lock in a second's time. The cop can have his radar in standby and wait for a visual on you, trigger and get a lock. You're radar detector won't know until it's too late.

Fortunately, we are not in a vacuum. As the cop activates on other vehicles, some of that radar energy scatters and a good radar detector gives a hit. Watch out if you are the only vehicle on a road. You are needing the cop to shoot something else with radar to help your reaction time.

Of the three times I've been pulled over on a bike, only one involved radar. I was the only car on the road at midnight. I crested a hill going 80mph in a 55mph revenue zone and signaled a lock with my Redline. I applied brakes as if an emergency. Cop got a tag at 77mph and locked at 75mph. Being GA, I avoided the "super-speeder" fine. I had cop perform a radar check with tuning forks and his radar was good. $161 ticket. Cop was professional and polite, actually a model for how a civil servant should handle the public. I hate the policy but not the revenuer that either believes he is "doing good" or putting in his time before growing into "real police work". Stop lasted less than 10 minutes including radar check.

Other two times were visual observation and ended in a warning.

Where the Valentine 1 is the clear winner is telling you when the threat is over. I find the range to be comparable to a Redline both anecdotally when riding with V1 owners and in the (knowingly "biased") testing.

Something that people have to understand in the radar detector world is that Mike Valentine hasn't sought out a manufacturer-distributor-retailer supply chain. This makes his products un-available to retailers. Arguably, this direct sale approach leads to better end-user service. It also, limits sales and money for innovation.

I would like nothing more than to see a remote sensor V1 integrated with a laser interceptor system. That would be a category killer. It is a good product, but Escort/Beltronics products have competitive products that can install for less or offer a better installation for more $$$.

The V1 isn't the end all be all, but it is a good product. In some scenarios the Redline beats it and others the V1 wins. Either way it is a photo finish. The V1 gives direction allowing for a faster "all-clear" or ruling out "falses", but the Redline has better RDD immunity or the 8500 series is a lower cost installed. The 9500ix adds GPS cancelation for commuters. The CI type products offer an integrated install.

If you are serious about putting one on your bike, shoot me a quick message about your riding style, bike, and intercom system and I'll send you back a checklist of sorts and a few things to look for.

One last note, if you buy a V1, make sure to either buy direct or get serial number first and inquire about upgrade eligibility and price.

Escort products advertised below MSRP should raise a red flag. Escort has a brutal minimum advertised price policy and a dealer advertising bellow list won't be a dealer for long.

Matt, well said! A good detector is just another tool in your arsenal. The best countermeasure to avoid "performance awards" is your brain - use it. Don't make yourself stand out in traffic visually, don't speed coming in to small towns (save that for the open road), look for places *you* would setup as an ambush if you were a cop, unless there is a fair number of other vehicles don't speed with abandon toward an oncoming car - if it's a cop he'll have you before you can visually ID him, and...realize that your mega-bux radar detector is not a Klingon Cloaking Device. It's a great aid and will save you IF you are using your head all the time as well. It will not - can not - save you from stupid or reckless behavior. :gerg

I got my V1 in 2003 right after getting a new K1200RS. Everyone said I'd better get one or I would end up in jail. :brow

Since then I've had one ticket, and that was in Nevada (yes - raising revenue) from an airplane speed trap - they were working both sides of the Interstate like bears fishing for salmon. On the remaining 200 miles home, the V1 saved me twice because like any good detector, it can see around corners enough to warn you - if you are paying attention.

1LIFE2LIVE · Oct 13, 2011

Really like our GPS, false alarm learning 9500ix which is easily interchangeable between the vehicles and bike; has saved our bacon Many a time

and every week Escort sends out software updates for the most recent speed/stop light, etc. cameras that have been installed in North America - Nice Feature especially traveling across the country in unfamiliar areas.

For the bike added one of these: www.marcparnes.com/Visual_Alert.htm

Both Work GREAT, just a Very Satisfied customer & Wouldn't leave Home without them :dance

radar detector?

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