Radar Detector Poll

[ScottFla]

What are you guys using -- seems like it comes down to one of three units -- Valentine, Escort 8500 X50, or Bel RX 65. I've heard the Bel RX 65 is tops regardless of cost.

[David]

Don't know anything about the Bel, but between the other two, the V-1 is best. I ran around with both in the truck for several trips and the V-1 clearly had the edge, not just in detection but also reporting. Eventually I sent the 50 back and was glad to be done with it.

[impilot]

V1

 

But, last week got tagged by VASCAR...basically a stop watch/distance measuring system that apparently is making a comeback. It is 60's tech, but a lot of departments (I hear) are adding them due to the proliferation of Radar/Laser detectors.

 

John

[Jerry_75_Guy]

I've used the Escort in the car and have a V1 on my RT.

The V1 is clearly better (in sensitivity and reporting

as David said), but you'll pay for that performance

(but it is worth it).

[Les is more]

The V1 has paid for itself many times over. The range in relatively open areas is so great as to be almost annoying since you end up being wary for some miles before you ever see the LEO that was the source of the hit.

 

If there's any other traffic around, the sensitivity is such that you'l pick up the bounces from the other cars. We've had advance notice of instant ons because of that.

 

 

While riding with other who carry other types of radar we've noticed that they get more false hits and that the range and sensitivity of the others just doesn't measure up to the V1.

[jackflash]

Speaking of V1's, which I think is the best detector made, is there a bracket made for the 1200RT? That bike needs a radar detector. Not that I would ever speed....

[PhillyFlash]

V1. Same reasons as the others.

[johnt650]

Definitely V1.

[MChick]

I used the Escort Solo, just as good sensativity as the 8500 and right there with the V1 (check out radarbuster.com if you don't beleive me). and no cables to power it up. Just plug into my Chatterbox, and put the Solo in the tank bag. Saved me a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$.

[Smoky]

My V1 has worked wonders. But you still have to stay sharp. It's no substitute for not being alert.

[Catbird]

V-1

[Warren_H]

Solo 2

[Jerry_75_Guy]

Don, not trying to hijack, just curious; aren't radar detectors illegal

in Canada? Not that that would stop me, as I'm a bit of a scofflaw,

but I thought I read something about Neil Peart having his confiscated.

 

Now I remember, it was in "Ghost Rider", but maybe laws are different in that

area?

[Pete Wittstruck]

V1

[Rt4Me]

V1 BY FAR. Has not let me down yet!!!!

 

[taters]

valentine.... nothing else comes close!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Les is more]

Well it is a hijack and here's the answer. Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick are the only places where you can have a detector. Elsewhwere, they are ilegal and can be confiscated.

[/hijack]

[LDHack]

I've read numerous threads, including LRRider list, and the V1 and Escort 8500 are reported the same sensitivity when operating side by side. V1 has the arrows, which is nice, but the 8500 is less expensive. I've used the 8500 for at least 5 years, and found I wished I had arrows two or three times. The ear plug jack can beep in your helmet sound system with a simple adaptor. I'm sure the V1 has the same options. You won't go wrong either way, except for the V1 arrows and knowing where the "bogie" is located.

 

CB radio is a second helpful tool, along with situation awareness and being smart.

[Smoky]

Jerry,

 

Radar detectors are legal everywhere in Canada, except Ontario. Now we in western Canada are used to Ontarians thinking they are are the centre of the universe, so I'm not surprised some think they are illegal all over Canada.

[flyingreg]

I've used my 8500 for 60K miles and last year updated to the X50. No arrows but the unit does a fantastic job aside from that. The latest reviews I have read place the X50 slightly ahead of the V-1 in alerting to threats. I have ridden with others and I found the X50 alerted slightly sooner than the V-1 they were using. That said, the V-1 is a great unit and you should be happy with either one. I personally have not found it to be a handicap not having arrows tell me where the radar signal is coming from. I figured that out PDQ after being alerted to the threat. Just my experience, others will of course disagree.

[Tucker2930]

Definitely V1.

[ScottFla]

Thanks to all. I am a bit surprised that no one had experience with the Bel unit. According to one site, the Bel is best. That said, the Escort and V-1 remain tops on most lists.

[David]

Thanks to all. I am a bit surprised that no one had experience with the Bel unit. According to one site, the Bel is best. That said, the Escort and V-1 remain tops on most lists.

 

I don't know anything about that particular site, but many of them are just commercials disguised as research.

[ClearwaterBMW]

david

the bel is the same as the x50

they are made side-by-side in the same factory

the bel is somewhat better.... according to recent studies

like:

http://www.radarbusters.com/

 

that guys knows his stuff

valentine 1's are fine

 

it's like mercedes and bmw

folks are very polarized intheir opinions about escort vs. valentine 1

 

as for the bel

i like the blue readout of the x50 better..... and i think that they differences are minimal (if any at all).....

again.... they are made side-by-side in the SAME factory..... by the VERY SAME folks

 

good luck

greg

[ClearwaterBMW]

one other thing

the arrows on the valentine 1 are really useless in RESPONSIBLE motorcycling...

because you really can't be LOOKING at the detector when it goes off because that takes your eyes off the road

 

you'll be real glad you avoided the police when you rear end a car trying to make sure where that bogie was

 

greg

[smiller]

david

the bel is the same as the x50

they are made side-by-side in the same factory

the bel is somewhat better.... according to recent studies

like: ]http://www.radarbusters.com/

 

I think you need to read David's comment again.

[teecro]

one other thing

the arrows on the valentine 1 are really useless in RESPONSIBLE motorcycling...

because you really can't be LOOKING at the detector when it goes off because that takes your eyes off the road

 

you'll be real glad you avoided the police when you rear end a car trying to make sure where that bogie was

 

greg

I guess by your precedent set in the above quote it would be irresponsible to glance at the instrument panel to check your speed or to make sure that there are no idiot lights on for oil pressure, or to chech your fuel level, etc??????

Nope, I call a spade a spade and the above is about the biggest spade I have heard in a long time

My V-1 is on an RCU shelf and is easier to see than the factory instrument panel.

[Smoky]

I have a BEL in the car, I think they call it the false signal model! I have a V1 on the bike. The arrows are one of it's best features.

 

I'll never have another detector without arrows.

 

Eyes off the road, bah humbug!

[russell_bynum]

There's the V1, and then there's everything else.

[russell_bynum]

it's like mercedes and bmw

folks are very polarized intheir opinions about escort vs. valentine 1

 

Yeah, but that polarization came from experience. On rides, the V1 riders call "radar" over FRS long before anyone else does. Regardless of what the testers at radarbusters, etc have said, I have yet to be on a ride where this wasn't the case.

 

Also the directional arrows on the V1 are not just "nice to have". Once you get used to them, they are an indespesible tool. Very often, LEO's will set up in pairs, or you'll get a real LEO a mile or so away from one of those damn "your speed is" signs. The V1's bogey count and directional arrows will tell you the story of what's going on.

 

I don't know how Passport's customer service is, but Valentine's is exemplary. Do a search here and you'll find report after report of happy customers who's dealt with Valentine's customer service dept and have been blown away by how well they were treated.

[johnt650]

I'll second all that.

[TNT]

I like my X50.

[smiller]

Also the directional arrows on the V1 are not just "nice to have". Once you get used to them, they are an indespesible tool.

 

Indeed. And there are several other situations in addition to the one Russell mentioned where the directional indicators are a must-have. It would be very frustrating to have to do without this feature.

 

Just spend the extra $100 or so and get the Valentine... you will be very glad you did.

[Larry]

V-1

[Lets_Play_Two]

I have a V-1 on the RT and an escort in my BMW-eating Volvo S60R!! I think they both work great...that and a little diligence (like stay out of the fast lane when you are going fast) has saved me a lot. I am not sure about the value of the arrows. If I get a little heavy wristed and the V-1 goes off, I slow down and then look. I guess knowing it is behind me is worthwhile, but that is secondary to first getting off the throttle.

[JonathanE]

Thanks to my V1 and my slowpoke riding style, I've never even been pulled over for an interview by an officer while riding any motorcycle. I have received a few "waves", though. I think they were all friendly waves.

[gezerbike]

I guess I have a problem with the importance of the arrows...when my detector goes off, I slow first and don't really care where it is coming from. I've had 3 Escorts and now have the X50.....I put on over 50,000 between car and bikes a year and my Escorts have never failed yet...just last week in Wisconsin I picked a Ka signal being used in instant on at least 2 miles out. I would like a directional arrow for rear radar but other than that I think they are more of a sales gimmick. There is a lot to be said about hiding in the traffic flow....I too keep to the slow lane only pulling out to pass then duck back in ....it does work.

[rdsmith3]

I guess I have a problem with the importance of the arrows...

 

I have, and recommend, a Valentine One. Here is an example of how the arrows are useful to me. There are certain spots where I always know I will get a beep on the radar detector, such as by a certain hotel right next to I-80 in NJ. However, if my bogey counter should say 2 instead of 1, I realize that a LEO might be in the area, too. The arrow will tell me if I need to look ahead of me or behind me while I am slowing. Behind me means it is a fast-moving car; ahead of me means it is probably a hidden car. Yes, I slow down either way, but I like to know what I am looking for (and when I can resume speeding )

 

For another highway example, let's say the arrow indicates radar ahead. Is it a LEO on my side, or someone on the other side of the divided highway that I do not have to worry about? If the arrow moves from ahead of me to behind me very quickly, I know it was an LEO on the other side. If the arrow continues to say ahead of me, then I know to watch out.

[smiller]

One of the major advantages of the arrows is to simply let you know when you have passed the radar car as sometimes the precise location of the LEO is not obvious. With other detectors you just hear beeping... you don't know if the source is ahead of you or behind you. With the V1 when the arrows change direction you know precisely when you have passed the radar source (and that there is only one source, something only the V1 will tell you). When the signal fades you can be sure you are passed the threat, incident over. With brand 'x' the signal fades and... what..? Did you pass him? Is he still ahead of you and still a threat but an obstruction caused a temporary fade? Did he turn off the transmitter for a moment? Is he on a side street and simply turning around? Is there more than one source? Or..?

 

If you enjoy wondering about this stuff then buy any detector you like. If you like to know for sure buy a V1.

[JB-BMW]

V1 - my first and it has saved me more than a few times. The direction arrows really help.

[Id's_OK]

V1! I have a V1, 8500 and a Solo. Wife uses the Solo in her PICKUP TRUCK, the 8500 in my glove box in case I ever forget the Valentine. As has been said, the range is superior and knowing where and how many 'bogies' you're facing is worth the extra bucks.

 

JackFlash asked about mounting... on my R, I use a Legal Speeding detector box to protect the V1 and RAM mount to hold it. Lots of options, call CycleGadgets.com and ask for guidance.

[gezerbike]

One of the major advantages of the arrows is to simply let you know when you have passed the radar car as sometimes the precise location of the LEO is not obvious. With other detectors you just hear beeping... you don't know if the source is ahead of you or behind you. With the V1 when the arrows change direction you know precisely when you have passed the radar source (and that there is only one source, something only the V1 will tell you). When the signal fades you can be sure you are passed the threat, incident over. With brand 'x' the signal fades and... what..? Did you pass him? Is he still ahead of you and still a threat but an obstruction caused a temporary fade? Did he turn off the transmitter for a moment? Is he on a side street and simply turning around? Is there more than one source? Or..?

 

If you enjoy wondering about this stuff then buy any detector you like. If you like to know for sure buy a V1.

 

Not to start an argument, but the V1 is not the only detector that can track multiple sources...my X50 can track up to eight at one time ...2 Ka, 2K and 4 X. I can also set it up to tell me exactly what frequency is being broadcast, which is what I mostly use. We do agree that when the detector goes off, our feet come off the pedal first. There is no doubt that the V1 is a good detector but if you read the reviews, most do not now favor the V1, for whatever reason....even the Valentine sight no longer refers to any. They are now selling, at extra cost, a remote smart type cord, that is standard with the Escort. Want to have a speaker jack....extra. Standard on the Escort. It just seems that Mike Valentine is living a little off his past....there was a time when the V1 was clearly better but I don't know if that is the case. And I base this on the reviews of his product, and I know that alot of those reviews are probably a little biased depending on who gives it, and on the features offered. The bottom line is do you beleive in your detectors ability to protect you and obviously we both do. Let's talk about what oil to use next.

[rdsmith3]

Lots of votes for V1; some for Escort. Apparently Bel is not in the same league?

[russell_bynum]

I guess I have a problem with the importance of the arrows...when my detector goes off, I slow first and don't really care where it is coming from.

 

I thought the same thing until I got my V1. I figured it was a "nice to have", but that's about it.

 

Sure...when the thing first goes off, you come out of the throttle, THEN you look. But what you see when you look can tell you SOOO much.

 

Weak signal ahead, getting stronger very gradually? LEO is going your direction but you're gaining on him.

 

Strong signal behind, getting weak quickly? You probably just passed a LEO going the other direction and he's running only his rear-facing radar.

 

It becomes even more valuable in a situation where you have more than one bogey.

 

I had regular detectors for years, then I bought the V1. After riding with the V1 for a while, I borrowed a friend's bike and he had a passport 8500. There were probably 10 times in a 2-week period where I was wishing I had my V1 because I knew something was out there somewhere, but I couldn't tell where it was. As a result, I had to worry about every hit I got, rather than being able to use the information the bogey counter and directional arrows gave me to determine which threats were worth worrying about and which ones were irrelevant.

[ClearwaterBMW]

as i said earlier

people are fanatical about their radar detector units...... and they SHOULD be

you have to know where and how to TRUST YOUR detector

that's all that matters

 

as for your BEL comment

Escort units are sold about 10:1 over BEL units even though they are essentially the same...

people just know that name best

and BEL, for years, was thought of as a "2nd tier" player in the detector arena... (that's one of the reasons that the company was sold to the ESCORT people... it almost went out of business)

that is NO longer true... but it takes a LONG time to convince the buying public of that when they have their credit card out for that kind of money.

[Steve_Witmer]

I had a BEL radar detector (still have it in a box somewhere) that I was pretty happy with at the time (late 1980s). Then I moved to Virginia. Haven't used one since, and it costs me about one performance award every five years.

[Husker Red]

I have the BEL RX65 unit. It does track mulitple signals and will display the exact frequency if you wish. It also came with the earplug jack, "smartcord" with display and an aluminum case. I bought it after reading as many reviews as I could find. Got it new in box on Ebay for around $220.

 

I think it works great and performs exactly as I would want. I generally have plenty of time to react after an alert. I do occasionally get false alerts (or I just never see the cop) particularly in the city. Generally those are low strength warnings and I could set the unit to ignor them. I think that is probably normal, as many things can trip x band.

 

A few weeks ago the sound quit completely, both from the speaker and the earphone jack. I called the company. They were friendly and professional and told me to send it back and they would repair or replace it under warranty. I have not received it back yet, so I can't really comment on customer service yet. If it comes back fixed I'd have to give the BEL unit and customer service a 9 of 10. (9 only because the sound quit.)

 

Mike

 

FWIW - I had a POS Rocky Mountain Radar unit that my father-in-law gave me to try for a few weeks. With both units running I got a lot of false warnings on the BEL. Unplugged the RMR unit and no more false warnings. Clearly, the RMR unit is sending out some sort of signal that sets off the BEL. Plus, the RMR unit NEVER accurately detected radar. Not even once in a couple weeks of use. It would occasionally go off for no reason at all. I think that damn thing is just a box with a speaker set to go off randomly.

[RapidDog]

V1 is what I got....and yes, after oodles of junkers, I feel I've gotten it right. To risk a cliche' it's paid for itself in the 6months i've had it, both in the cage and on the bike.

 

Next question, since I'm new here, how's your favorite way to hook it up?

I just picked up my bike and feeling insecure without the V1, I got a OEM cig plug adapter and used the V1 lighter plug for a power source.

I'll be installing an RCU shelf next...I'm hoping there's some trick hook-up I can do instead of peeling the bodywork to get at the battery.

Your thoughts...

[AdventurePoser]

My $.02 is that there are a couple of good radar locators out there, BUT, the service Valentine provides is unbelievable. MY V1 is five years old now, and has been in the shop twice. In both cases it was fixed absolutely free of charge, and sent back to me in a very timely manner.

 

Because of this, there is no doubt my next radar locator will be a Valentine.

 

YMMV,

 

Steve in So Cal

[AdventurePoser]

I guess I have a problem with the importance of the arrows...

 

So did General G.A. Custer.

 

Sorry.

 

Steve