V1 owners....I have some questions for ya.....

[David]

I drove several thousand miles over about 10 days with an 8500 next to a V-1, just for fun. The V-1 had fewer false alerts and picked up "threats" quicker about 80% of the time.

 

If you just want to dismiss real life experiences of those of us who have them, that's fine, but I rather think it's a better approach to ask a question...and then listen to the answers without mocking them. Oh, and my customer service experience with Valentine has been unbelievable--as good as Garmin, in fact. <-- Required smiley, because I know you like them!

[bobbybob]

I drove several thousand miles over about 10 days with an 8500 next to a V-1, just for fun. The V-1 had fewer false alerts and picked up "threats" quicker about 80% of the time.

 

If you just want to dismiss real life experiences of those of us who have them, that's fine, but I rather think it's a better approach to ask a question...and then listen to the answers without mocking them. Oh, and my customer service experience with Valentine has been unbelievable--as good as Garmin, in fact. <-- Required smiley, because I know you like them!

 

 

David,

Sounds like you actually put them to the test and have some real observations. Thats great, and I have listened to all the responses and evidence, anecdotal and real, and learned quite a bit from them. As I stated earlier to Russell, I don't doubt that the V1 performs as advertised. And yes, I drank the Garmin kool-aid, RT kool-aid, Autocom kool-aid, Kenwood kool-aid, and many more. But in this case, I've simply decided I'm gonna go cheap! No mocking intended. (required smiley)

[bobbybob]

David (or anyone), I do have a mounting question and figured you could answer it. When I get my Escort, I'd like to mount it on my RT in a "covert" manner (out of sight of Officer friendly or thieves). Any suggestions for an 07 RT? I'll have the audio run thru the Autocom so being able to view the display isn't so important, but I'd like to be able to reach it for volume/mute/etc. I assume that if I want Laser coverage also, hiding it ain't gonna work..correct?

[keithb]

You could mount it under the oil cooler or stand it up on its side along the inside of the front fairing. To stand it up on its side you would have to fabricate a bracket which should not be too hard. Unfortunately there are not many places to mount a radar detector out of sight on the RT.

[SageRider]

I don't see that extra bang being worth the extra bux,...

I wish you all the luck in the world with your Escort, but there is a real reason so many folks here are V1 fanatics (me included!). Enough said. You asked for advice and received it...

Of course, when one only knows second best (Escort), one doesn't know what one is missing....

[bobbybob]

You could mount it under the oil cooler or stand it up on its side along the inside of the front fairing. To stand it up on its side you would have to fabricate a bracket which should not be too hard. Unfortunately there are not many places to mount a radar detector out of sight on the RT.

 

I figured as much. Guess I'll put it on my unused ram mount on the clutch reservoir..maybe in some kind of enclosure.

 

Edit: you know, Keith, the oil cooler or similar spot might work after all; it comes with a "SMART-CORD" which has a remote control with alert light, mute button, and power-on light. I'll play around with it. Thanks for the suggestion!

[bobbybob]

I don't see that extra bang being worth the extra bux,...

I wish you all the luck in the world with your Escort, but there is a real reason so many folks here are V1 fanatics (me included!). Enough said. You asked for advice and received it...

Of course, when one only knows second best (Escort), one doesn't know what one is missing....

 

Michael, thanks for the well wishes. I really don't want (or need) to feel too invinceable to radar, I tend to speed too much as it is now. Before my very old/cheapo car radar detector quit working, it kept me out of trouble, if by nothing else, by giving me false alarms. I'm sure this new one will be giving me plenty of those, and maybe a few "real" alarms too. In this case, I'd rather not know what I'm missing. It would be too tempting..... <---requisite dope-slap

[Huzband]

If you had kept the FJR, maybe you could afford a V1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kidding!

[Tony_K]

The cheapest thing on a.... ah you know the rest!

[Huzband]

The cheapest thing on a.... ah you know the rest!

 

My light-hearted point exactly.

[bobbybob]

If you had kept the FJR, maybe you could afford a V1.

 

 

 

Kidding!

 

 

 

If I had kept the FJR, I would have had neck surgery by now! As far as "affording", I think we all tend to "afford" the things we really value and pass on the ones we don't. Its strictly a personal choice.

[Huzband]

Actually, if you had kept the FJR, you'd NEED a V1.

[Jerry_75_Guy]

I wish you all the luck in the world with your Escort, but there is a real reason so many folks here are V1 fanatics (me included!). Enough said. You asked for advice and received it...

Of course, when one only knows second best (Escort), one doesn't know what one is missing....

 

Yep.

 

'Ya pays the price, ya takes yer chances.'

 

Bob will either buy his Escort and be happy (a good thing), or in time learn what we've learned (also a good thing), and there's often no louder voice than that of 'the converted'

 

I think we're done here

[bobbybob]

Bob will either buy his Escort and be happy (a good thing), or in time learn what we've learned (also a good thing), and there's often no louder voice than that of 'the converted'

 

 

Amen, Brother! (did ya give up on the kerosene burners, Jerry?)

[RocksforBrains]

I mounted my V1 behind the right side fairing of my R1200RT on a homemade bracket. I have the remote audio as well as remote visual alert accessories. I put the remote visual in a small zip up pouch on the front of my tankbag. I pull it out slightly to be able to see the arrows. I couldn't be happier with my set-up. I get warnings a long way away, sometimes a mile or more so it "sees" through the fairing just fine. I lose laser warnings, but I am fine with the trade off. While I can remove the V1 for upgrades etc, it would be a PITA to do it on a regular basis. The nice thing is no one knows it is there...both to steal and in case I get pulled over.

 

I typically obey the speed limit but it is nice to have. It has definitely saved me a couple of tickets in the six months I have had it. The latest time just this weekend. I got a faint warning right before a blind curve. I slowed down, the car a few hundred yards behind me did not. The Sheriff rounds the curve coming from the opposite direction and passes by me. A minute later I got another warning, this time from behind as the county sheriff had done a 180 and was coming up from behind. He pulled the car over...Whew! I will say it is annoying in town due to alerts from automatic doors, and I do the speed limit religiously in town anyway. But I am very glad I bought it.

[Jerry_75_Guy]

[hijack]

Hi Bob!

 

Yep, for now it seems that 'large' and 'heavy' category aircraft are destined to only be a part of my past as I move closer to a career in medicine.

 

I briefly considered going back last Summer and Fall, but the down turn in the industry had already caused the door to start swinging closed, and I currently, as the old Hollywood phrase goes 'can't even seem to get arrested, much less hired' here in the states, though many of my friends who've found good work in the middle and far east (particularly India) say I'd be welcome there.....I like being married so I think I'll pass on that one

 

I'd never have guessed that the time would come when ~9300hrs, B-757/B-767 type ratings and international experience would still leave one unemployable.

 

I really miss the flying, but I'm still working on finishing my Cozy MkIV, so there's still that hope, well...that and the lottery

[/hijack]

[bobbybob]

[hijack]

Hi Bob!

 

Yep, for now it seems that 'large' and 'heavy' category aircraft are destined to only be a part of my past as I move closer to a career in medicine.

 

I briefly considered going back last Summer and Fall, but the down turn in the industry had already caused the door to start swinging closed, and I currently, as the old Hollywood phrase goes 'can't even seem to get arrested, much less hired' here in the states, though many of my friends who've found good work in the middle and far east (particularly India) say I'd be welcome there.....I like being married so I think I'll pass on that one

 

I'd never have guessed that the time would come when ~9300hrs, B-757/B-767 type ratings and international experience would still leave one unemployable.

 

I really miss the flying, but I'm still working on finishing my Cozy MkIV, so there's still that hope, well...that and the lottery

[/hijack]

 

 

A Cozy--that a Rutan design? Looks pretty neat. Rode bikes on the BRP today with a fellow pilot building a CX4 LSA type. Except the riding keeps getting in the way of the riveting! Good luck with your Cozy, Jerry. Coming down to the BRR ?

[bgf50]

Does the V1 have an audio out? According to their website it looks like I would need to buy the remote audio adapter to get audio out.

 

Thanks

Bill

[SageRider]

Does the V1 have an audio out? According to their website it looks like I would need to buy the remote audio adapter to get audio out.

 

Thanks

Bill

Correct. Remote audio adapter required for audio out.

[OoPEZoO]

Does the V1 have an audio out? According to their website it looks like I would need to buy the remote audio adapter to get audio out.

 

Thanks

Bill

 

It has a built in speaker for in-car use, but you have to buy the separate "audio adapter" in order to connect it to any sort of comm system or headphones.

[SageRider]

It has a built in speaker for in-car use, but you have to buy the separate "audio adapter" in order to connect it to any sort of comm system or headphones.

Thank you for clarifying!

[Plasterman]

Just went to V1 web site to order the audio adapter and a new cord. $22 shipping cost for two very small items? Man, hope it comes in a pretty package for that price.

 

Tom

[russell_bynum]

Just went to V1 web site to order the audio adapter and a new cord. $22 shipping cost for two very small items? Man, hope it comes in a pretty package for that price.

 

Tom

 

FYI, the V1 cord is just a telephone cord. In a pinch you can buy telephone cord from the local radio shack or whatever. And for a few bucks, you can buy the ends, and the crimping pliers so you can make you own in whatever length you want.

[RayClar]

Just went to V1 web site to order the audio adapter and a new cord. $22 shipping cost for two very small items? Man, hope it comes in a pretty package for that price.

 

Tom

 

Was that rate for UPS or Fedex ground, or did you choose more expensive, express shipping?

 

I know everyone here loves their V1's, but after looking at their website for information about shipping rates, I am left with some questions about the comany itself.

 

I have a huge issue with online retailers that require you to setup an account and provide personal information before being presented with shipping costs. Most reputable retailers only ask for a zipcode and shipping method before disclosing rates. In this case, the situation is exponentially worse because these folks are also capturing credit card information as part of the account setup.

 

If the rates quoted above are accurate and for "ground" shipping, then they are just outrageous. I have a huge problem with a company using the popularity of their product and their status as the only "Authorized Reseller" as a means to gouge customers on shipping costs. As a matter of principal, this would force me to use another product.

 

If this is not the case here, then, in advance, I appologize and stand humbly corrected.

 

 

[russell_bynum]

Just went to V1 web site to order the audio adapter and a new cord. $22 shipping cost for two very small items? Man, hope it comes in a pretty package for that price.

 

Tom

 

Was that rate for UPS or Fedex ground, or did you choose more expensive, express shipping?

 

I know everyone here loves their V1's, but after looking at their website for information about shipping rates, I am left with some questions about the comany itself.

 

I have a huge issue with online retailers that require you to setup an account and provide personal information before being presented with shipping costs. Most reputable retailers only ask for a zipcode and shipping method before disclosing rates. In this case, the situation is exponentially worse because these folks are also capturing credit card information as part of the account setup.

 

If the rates quoted above are accurate and for "ground" shipping, then they are just outrageous. I have a huge problem with a company using the popularity of their product and their status as the only "Authorized Reseller" as a means to gouge customers on shipping costs. As a matter of principal, this would force me to use another product.

 

If this is not the case here, then, in advance, I appologize and stand humbly corrected.

 

 

If you're willing to buy an inferior product from a company with bad customer service in order to save a few bucks on shipping, then that's your choice.

 

Valentine has outstanding customer service, and that fact has been touted over and over again basically any time the subject of radar detectors comes up. And this isn't new...it's been like this since at least I started paying attention to radar detector discussions around 2001.

 

Yes, you have to deal with them directly, but they're awesome to deal with, so that's not a bad thing.

[ghaverkamp]

Yeah, it's awful how they hide it.

 

Shipping rates do appear to have gone up:

 

From: sales@valentine1.com

Date: Sat, 26 Aug 2000 14:14:02

To: greg@haverkamp.com

Subject: Valentine Research Order Confirmation

 

 

Thank you for your order GREGORY HAVERKAMP.

 

Your order number is: W00155320000

 

The items purchased are:

20015 VALENTINE ONE WITH LASER

Product Cost = $ 399.00

Shipping = $ 10.00

Tax = $ .00 -----------

Total = $ 409.00

 

[RayClar]

Thanks for correcting me by provinding the correct link.

 

Still it does not change the fact that I can't see actual shipping charges without providing my personal information and credit card number. This has become a pet peeve of mine and is not unique to the V1 folks by any means.

 

Many websites use this method as a means to either collect marketing data from folks who just want to comparison shop, or to hide unscrupulous shipping rates to offset a lower advertised product price.

 

As a rule, I try to avoid doing business with anyone who engages in the practice.

 

I do not know Mike Valentine personally or through a business relationship so I appologize if I cast him in the wide net of generalization.

[Plasterman]

I don't live in any of the $10 states. So my shipping cost on a $49 audio adapter is $23 dollars. This is a blanket shipping rate and not based on weight or size. I don't mind paying for quality, but I don't like being shafted on shipping!

 

I have had a V1 for 9 years and love it. When I bought my V1 new it shipped for $6.40. I know prices have gone up, but please.

 

Tom

[smiller]

So my shipping cost on a $49 audio adapter is $23 dollars.

You might try giving them a call, that does seem a little absurd.

[Plasterman]

I did call them, doesn't matter what you order. You could order one of the $3 cords and the shipping is still $23.

 

Tom

[russell_bynum]

So my shipping cost on a $49 audio adapter is $23 dollars.

You might try giving them a call, that does seem a little absurd.

 

$72 wouldn't even cover a month's worth of speeding-ticket-induced premium increases.

 

Sounds like a bargain to me. (and I'm the guy who drives the $300 car and buys costco-brand clothes.)

[Plasterman]

And spends way to much time on this site..... With 22000+ posts, that must be the record?

 

New Thread- Who has the most posts?

[bobbybob]

Does the V1 have an audio out? According to their website it looks like I would need to buy the remote audio adapter to get audio out.

 

Thanks

Bill

Correct. Remote audio adapter required for audio out.

 

 

Besides the exhorbitant price for the V1, this is the other reason I went "cheap" with the Escort for $150. IMHO, a "remote audio adapter" unnecessarily complicates hook-up and wiring, and apparently bumps the package cost up significantly. Whats wrong with a simple 1/8" audio jack? I guess its just another way to make a buck. And for everyone preaching doom and gloom about "increased cost of insurance premiums" if you don't buy a V1, this seems to make the suggestion that no other units work or will detect radar except a V1. There is a flaw of logic somewhere in there......

[smiller]

Geez Bob, if you don't want to buy a V1 then don't buy it. There just aren't any more ways to explain to you why so many people here have paid the 'exorbitant' price for a V1 and have found it to be an excellent value.

[Jerry Johnston]

I think ya could of got it cheaper at Harbor Frieght.

[steve.foote]

I did call them, doesn't matter what you order. You could order one of the $3 cords and the shipping is still $23.

 

Tom

 

Ummm, not according to their website.

 

SHIPPING EXCEPTION: Orders of Parts Dept. items only will go by first-class mail at no shipping charge. Our Checkout software will tell you otherwise, but trust us.

[OoPEZoO]

Hey Steve......stop reading the fine print

[russell_bynum]

And spends way to much time on this site..... With 22000+ posts, that must be the record?

 

New Thread- Who has the most posts?

 

I've been here a little while and my job has me in front of a computer all day.

 

If you remove all of the content-free posts, I'd be down in the single-digits.

 

 

[bobbybob]

I think ya could of got it cheaper at Harbor Frieght.

 

Now that IS funny. Maybe we can merge the 2 threads...

[steve.foote]

Hey Steve......stop reading the fine print

 

I know. It's a bad habit, but I'm working on it.

[russell_bynum]

Besides the exhorbitant price for the V1, this is the other reason I went "cheap" with the Escort for $150. IMHO, a "remote audio adapter" unnecessarily complicates hook-up and wiring, and apparently bumps the package cost up significantly. Whats wrong with a simple 1/8" audio jack? I guess its just another way to make a buck.

 

I agree...I wish the V1 came with audio-out capability rather than as an extra $50 add-on. I did like that about the Passport.

 

I figure the V1 is a $500 item by the time I'm done buying it, the remote audio adapter, shipping, etc. And I already said that the passport is a good unit. The only people I know how have them who aren't exceedingly happy with them, are people who bought the Passport and then tried someone's V1. :smirk:

 

$500 vs. $150 for the competition. Is the V1 worth the extra $350? In my opinion (and in the opinion of everyone else I've ever talked to who's used both units): Yes.

 

Buy the Passport. You'll be thrilled with it.

 

But I suggest you not subsequently use a friend's V1, otherwise, you'll wind up spending $650 before it's all said and done.

 

 

[bobbybob]

Besides the exhorbitant price for the V1, this is the other reason I went "cheap" with the Escort for $150. IMHO, a "remote audio adapter" unnecessarily complicates hook-up and wiring, and apparently bumps the package cost up significantly. Whats wrong with a simple 1/8" audio jack? I guess its just another way to make a buck.

 

I agree...I wish the V1 came with audio-out capability rather than as an extra $50 add-on. I did like that about the Passport.

 

I figure the V1 is a $500 item by the time I'm done buying it, the remote audio adapter, shipping, etc. And I already said that the passport is a good unit. The only people I know how have them who aren't exceedingly happy with them, are people who bought the Passport and then tried someone's V1. :smirk:

 

$500 vs. $150 for the competition. Is the V1 worth the extra $350? In my opinion (and in the opinion of everyone else I've ever talked to who's used both units): Yes.

 

Buy the Passport. You'll be thrilled with it.

 

But I suggest you not subsequently use a friend's V1, otherwise, you'll wind up spending $650 before it's all said and done.

 

 

 

I wish I knew someone who had one--I'd like to try it just to see what all the hype(rbole) about the arrows is. I'd probably really like it--I'm sure its a great unit. But IMHO it's just plain overpriced for a radar detector, blinking arrows or no blinking arrows.

[smiller]

I wish I knew someone who had one--I'd like to try it just to see what all the hype(rbole) about the arrows is.

I'd do just that if you can. Then, get back to us...

[Huzband]

I wish I knew someone who had one--I'd like to try it just to see what all the hype(rbole) about the arrows is.

I'd do just that if you can. Then, get back to us...

 

He'll get back to us.

 

After he has the Passport a while & can't figure out where the hell the radar's coming from.

[Bernie]

Ditto.

[SageRider]

Bob,

Come on out to Nevada and you can borrow mine.

Test drive it in the desert...

(course that will cost more than just buying the @#$!@##*! V1 in the first place!)

[bobbybob]

Bob,

Come on out to Nevada and you can borrow mine.

Test drive it in the desert...

(course that will cost more than just buying the @#$!@##*! V1 in the first place!)

 

 

Is that an invitation to visit? Where do you live? Nice excuse to go X-ctry.! I love the desert. We are leaving for Oregon(flying to PDX) week from Sat. to ride Eastern OR./hells canyon/etc.

[Jerry Johnston]

More than that. I figure he'll end up buying one for the car as well.

[SageRider]

Bob,

Come on out to Nevada and you can borrow mine.

Test drive it in the desert...

(course that will cost more than just buying the @#$!@##*! V1 in the first place!)

 

 

Is that an invitation to visit? Where do you live? Nice excuse to go X-ctry.! I love the desert. We are leaving for Oregon(flying to PDX) week from Sat. to ride Eastern OR./hells canyon/etc.

Yep. Minden, NV. PM me with your schedule. I am expecting to be away that week, but we may still be able to work something out...

[bobbybob]

Bob,

Come on out to Nevada and you can borrow mine.

Test drive it in the desert...

(course that will cost more than just buying the @#$!@##*! V1 in the first place!)

 

 

Is that an invitation to visit? Where do you live? Nice excuse to go X-ctry.! I love the desert. We are leaving for Oregon(flying to PDX) week from Sat. to ride Eastern OR./hells canyon/etc.

Yep. Minden, NV. PM me with your schedule. I am expecting to be away that week, but we may still be able to work something out...

 

 

Thanks for the invite, but thats 500 miles down 395 from the southernmost point we'll be (John Day). Why don't you come on up and ride some with us? Making a loop from Portland to Hells Canyon, to John Day-Sisters-and back to Portland.