NEW Radar Detector Advice Please :)

**StoneChucker** · 3rd December 2005, 11:31

(I know there are other threads, so just a quick vote and advice IF you're bored)
Since as time moves on, radar detectors get upgrades and new devellopments. Valentine One seems to be second now, to Bell XR950. I e-mailed RadarDirect (Are these guys selling parallel imports?) and got the following reply.

The V1 (Valentine One Ver 1.8 with POP2) is a great detector and our model VLT1-NZ is $1195.00inc
However we no longer rate V1 number 1. The Bel technology overtook V1 this year
With the release of the blindingly fast XR950 PROFESSIONAL Series unit. 40% faster
Than a V1 with higher sensitivity. A fantastic array of user programmable features
And the best warranty in the business. 2 years full replacement should any problem develop.
At $895.00inc it represents better performance at a better price

Price is not my deciding factor, and since I have never used one, I have no idea! I was under the impression that Valentine are toips. Their unit does look a little out dated/retro though. I'm also in the market for a great GPS/Navigation unit. I assume the new Navman models are the way to go?

**geoffm** · 3rd December 2005, 12:45

I have a Valentine. A great detector, esp in the car, but on a bike, IMO, the choice has to be the Escort as it has a built in earphone jack. I use the HARD remote display system with the V1, but it is expensive, eats batteries and is fragile. An earphone is cheap and trouble free and easily tested and replaced.
The escort is also smaller, which makes it easier to mount.
Geoff

**Jantar** · 3rd December 2005, 12:48

I use an Escort with a red display. I feel the red is brighter, and more likely to attract your attention if you somehow miss the noise.

Instead of an earplug I use a screamer described in this thread. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...light=screamer

**FEINT** · 4th December 2005, 09:55

I bought a BEL Vector 985 from the US about 4 years ago, I paid $600NZD at that time. It works just fine. Buying it from the US saved me lots of money.

**Biff** · 4th December 2005, 21:15

My 2c:

In terms of performance

I own a Bel XR960 Pro. It's the best radar detector I've ever owned (I've owned 5 or 6). Loads of warning and unlikely to give you many problems with false alarms etc, providing you switch off K band detection. Also has a 2.5mm jack socket.

Valentine – Quite possibly the best performing unit on the market. But bang for buck, I'm not convinced it's worth the extra over the Bel

Escort - In general, not as good as a Bel in my personal experience. The ones I've owned gave less warnings of radar traps than a Bel, (proven during group rides) and were more prone to more false alarms. But I know nothing of the particular model to which you refer.

But to really find out which unit is the best value for money you'd need to run a side by side test, in exactly the same operational environments. Because everyone here has different set ups (through screens/tinted/iridium/curved or angular screens etc) and may be prone to travelling at significantly differing average speeds (faster riders = less time to react to the warning the unit gives = different opinions on units perceived performance).

Me - I'll always buy Bel. They lead - others follow.

**scumdog** · 5th December 2005, 01:24

Me? I'll stick with the Laser and the Eagle, I think the Hawk is too old, wait it is DETECTORS you guys are talking about, whoops my mistake!!

Detectors are those funny things people have in their cars that they try to hide when I pull them up, right? is that them? and the drivers mutter some ancient incantation to the speed protection gods as they try to hide them, it goes :

"f'nn piece of f'nn shit, cost me 600 f'nn dollars and you don't f'nn work, wait 'til I see Bill and tell him about THIS, I'm gonna shove the f'kkr up his f'nn arse. said it would save me heaps, well f' him and his f'nn detectors"

And then out loud "yeah, it's not mine mate , never even knew how to switch it on eh!" (insert long false laugh and red face here)

**Lou Girardin** · 5th December 2005, 10:50

Originally Posted by scumdog

"f'nn piece of f'nn shit, cost me 600 f'nn dollars and you don't f'nn work, wait 'til I see Bill and tell him about THIS, I'm gonna shove the f'kkr up his f'nn arse. said it would save me heaps, well f' him and his f'nn detectors"

And then out loud "yeah, it's not mine mate , never even knew how to switch it on eh!" (insert long false laugh and red face here)

What's up with the retards down there?
I don't make excuses for using tax avoidance technology.

It's legal, so tough shit.

PS I vote for V1. A few milliseconds response time or 30 metres more range doesn't count for anything except bragging rights on a forum. The two antennas on the V1 are worth far more. And you can get detectors for far less dosh than you're quoting.

**Biff** · 5th December 2005, 11:37

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

The two antennas on the V1 are worth far more.

Space diversity.
Very useful.
Didn't know that Lou.

**bugjuice** · 5th December 2005, 11:41

what's the prices of these, and how much would it save your arse? I've toyed with the idea, but it's never hugely appealed. No idea why..

SC - nice to see ya posting a bit again

**HDTboy** · 5th December 2005, 11:47

Make sure you buy a Blinder as well SC, radar direct have them too. I assume it's for your new toy

**2much** · 5th December 2005, 11:50

Originally Posted by bugjuice

what's the prices of these, and how much would it save your arse? I've toyed with the idea, but it's never hugely appealed. No idea why..

SC - nice to see ya posting a bit again

Check out Tardme, it's the cheapest place to get them...

**scumdog** · 5th December 2005, 11:57

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

What's up with the retards down there?
I don't make excuses for using tax avoidance technology.

It's legal, so tough shit.

PS I vote for V1. A few milliseconds response time or 30 metres more range doesn't count for anything except bragging rights on a forum. The two antennas on the V1 are worth far more. And you can get detectors for far less dosh than you're quoting.

Dunno about the retards 'down here' - one of the last ones to use the "it's not mine, I don't even know how to switch it on" line was from Auckland, so I guess you guys export your 'tards eh?

Oh yeah, he also tried that line "how about a bit of descretion for a visitor to your area? (must believe in the tooth fairy too!)

Yeah right, like THATS going to happen!!

Tax avoidance technology?? I don't give a shit, your money - your choice!

Personally? Never needed one, one less worry about failure/theft/false readings/obsolescence etc.

**Lou Girardin** · 5th December 2005, 15:07

[QUOTE=scumdog

Oh yeah, he also tried that line "how about a bit of descretion for a visitor to your area? (must believe in the tooth fairy too!)

Yeah right, like THATS going to happen!!
.[/QUOTE]

Sounds like the US deep south, hit the out-of-towners so that the locals don't get too feral.
Besides he was using discretion avoidance technology.

**scumdog** · 5th December 2005, 23:16

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

Sounds like the US deep south, hit the out-of-towners so that the locals don't get too feral.
Besides he was using discretion avoidance technology.

That's the story - make them rich city slickers pay but good!!

And his discretion avoidance technology worked a treat 'cos he didn't get none, boy I bet he was pleased with THAT!!

**Pixie** · 6th December 2005, 00:30

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

What's up with the retards down there?
I don't make excuses for using tax avoidance technology.

It's legal, so tough shit.

PS I vote for V1. A few milliseconds response time or 30 metres more range doesn't count for anything except bragging rights on a forum. The two antennas on the V1 are worth far more. And you can get detectors for far less dosh than you're quoting.

Exactly.
Response times for detectors=milliseconds
Response times for Yuman Beans = seconds