V1 Is The Best

 

I got my V1 and Country Joy mount today. I followed the directions posted here (Inviscord Improvised) to modified a phone cord for my direct connect to the mirror.
The installation was easy and took me about 15-20 minutes to complete.

My biggest concern with purchasing a V1 was all of the false alert stories I've read during my research.

My first ride was to a local strip mall to test the false alerts. Sure enough the unit started throwing k band alerts. To my surprise the unit is no where near as loud or annoying as some of the youtube clips I've watch - I guess their goal is to steer people away from the V1 with exaggerated reports.

Anyway, I know myself and there's no way I could live with false alerts every time I go to the store. I carefully read the V1 reprogramming page (V1 Programming) and I made a couple changes that allowed me to kill the false alerts without completely turning off any of the bands.

I basically programmed the unit to silently alert me of all weak signals (4 bars or less), unless they last for more than 30 seconds.
I went back to the strip mall and the unit was quiet like a sleeping baby.
My next test will be to hit the interstate where the cops are forever hiding out.

I didn't take pictures, but the install looks exactly like the image on the Country Joy site.


If you are on the fence about buying a V1 due to rumors of unbearable false alerts, I say buy the V1, make two adjustments to the programming and enjoy the comfort of having the most accurate radar detector on the market.

 

When you make changes, does it do it for all 3 modes? Also, on Saturday on the way home from work, I had the V1 plugged in, got a really strong instant signal from something (not sure which light it was since it was at 2am) and it showed J in the bogey counter and went back to the advanced logic L display. What was that all about? Did I get popped by a laser? I didn't see any cops or get pulled over though so maybe it was on the opposite side of the freeway.

 

J - JUNK aka Junk radar only seen for Ka its when other detectors leak Ka bands and the V1 recognizes this and labels it Junk also. aka chitty detectors leak Ka band readings and the V1 knows its fake aka Junk so it J's out

 

Any opinions on the Bel STi Driver?

 

I'm not sure - I believe the reprogramming is mode independent.
I'll check it out tomorrow and report back.

 

So its basically a false alarm? Good to know. Thanks.
Cool

 

My 2.5... Passport SRX for the win. Stealth w/very few false alerts, excellent radar detect. & laser shifter. 360 degree coverage No hassles w/tech interference (i.e. others' "intelligent cruise control" etc). Sometimes you get what you pay for...this pick, so far, was one of them....I've had the Passport SRX installed since picking up my G in Dec. and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It has 2 front mounted transceivers (in the grill) and 1 rear mounted (on the license plate area). The SRX checks for both K and Ka bands, as well as "shifts" the laser. In other words, it doesn't "jam" the cop's laser gun, but shifts, or redirects, the laser back to another location. Once you get hit by the laser, you slow down, then hit a conveniently mounted button, that turns the shifter off, and when the cop hits you again, it can check your now reduced speed. I have been zapped by the laser gun on many occasions, and all I can say is no tickets so far. And, it does a pretty good job of detecting the other regular radar bands as well. I'm not a huge speeder, I got it (mainly) for those times when my mind is elsewhere and not paying close enough attention to my speed. The interior unit installed on top of my steering wheel column....very nice

 

+1

This detector is awesome. I use the predecessor escort 8500 x50 which is still a great buy and bang for the buck....falses are a lot more manageable in these products.

 

As promised, I'm reporting back. The reprogramming is mode independent.

 

I promised myself that I wouldn’t get caught up in the “my radar detector is better” debate, but here I go anyway…

#1 Arrows--
During my research, I regarded the arrows as a nicety, but after having the V1 in my car and see the unit in action I couldn’t image not having them.
Example:
I have two routes I can take to get to the highway from my house. This morning at the corner where I could make a left or go straight, I got a ka band alert with a forward arrow. I got in the left lane to avoid the signal and as I turned I could see a police car up ahead with a guy already pulled over. I wasn’t speeding, but in my town the cops pull you over just for practice or at least it seem like it and that is not how I want to start my day…
There’s other advantages which can easily be found on the web, therefore I won’t list them here, added this one because it occurred this morning and I don't recall seeing this situation posted.

#2 False Alerts--
I read several glowing reviews about the 9500i and I was impressed with the GPS feature, until I applied some logic to this and read a few user reviews.
Example of locking out a false alert at the mall:
For each store/door I receive a false alert from, I need click the mute button twice to confirm the lockout. This is no big deal until I started thinking about the large number of doors at a mall.

I’m not sure if this is true or not so anyone with a 9500i please chime in (honestly :-)
I read that in order to ensure you have locked out the correct false alert, it’s advised that you directly position your car in front of the source.

Now, image doing this for each and every door you ride pass in the mall and everywhere else you want to lockout a false alert.

With the V1, I reprogrammed the unit to my liking (without turning off any bands) ONE TIME and while be it early in my use of the unit, I have not been disturbed with false alerts in my initial test nor at the mall closes to my home.


#3 Upgrades—
As the V1 evolves the company offers its user the unique option to upgrade the unit to the latest offering. I’ve read complains from some users that the upgrade cost is too high and can range as much as $100. My response to the upgrade fee is GREAT!!!
The competition gives you the wonderful option to buy another unit at the full price $300 and up depending on the unit.

I could probably list a few other reasons, but considering I promised myself not to get into this radar battle thing, I’ll stop while I’m still allowed to post here…

At the end of the day all of the top units will get the job done, pick the one that best meets your needs and have fun while being as safe as possible.

 

Thanks

 

This is a perfect review of the V1 and very accurate. Thank you for posting that. I had the 9500i and now run the V1 and couldn't imagine going without the V1. For those that have the 9500i and can't imagine without it - you got no idea what you are missing in the V1.

The V1 is the best RDD I have owned!

 

Great review, thanks for posting!

 

The Valentine One is better than the Bel STi. The Bel STi is only useful if you live in the one state, Virginia, in the U.S. or a country where radar detectors are illegal.

http://guysoflidar.com/august-2007/r...ctor-test.html