Radar Detector. Which is the best???

I need some help here I've decided to get a radar detector but there are so many different ones claiming to be the best it's hard picking one. I'd like to hear from you guys and gals if there's one in particular that you would rate the best and why.

Several threads on here about that. My personal preference Passport SRX but it's a bit pricey at $1500 Second choice, and the one many here seem to like is the Valentine One.

I personally have a built-in K40, however that cost me $1200 and a full day of installation. If I had it to do over again, I'd do the Valentine 1. It is $300 + around $200-$300 if you want it hardwired by a top notch company like Reus Audio or Paris Audio. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

MJ, Not to be a killjoy, but this is one topic that has been beaten to death, resurrected, then beaten to death again just recently. Just do a search, and you will be flooded with info.

Just bought a Valentine V1 ($400) and remote ($40) and wired it in myself ($0). Lots of false alarms (more than my Passport) but with the bogey counter and arrows, it's generally easier to tell that it's a false. The self-powered Escort Solo may also be a good option for you. Michael

just go to <a href="http://www.valentineone.com" target="_blank">www.valentineone.com</a> and save your time and effort, nothing beats it, unless you want to spend over $1500 and you go for the K-40

IMHO V1 w/remote is the best bang for the buck. A couple of years ago I had both V1, Passport and Solo on windshield. Solow was always last (was the earlier model), Passport next (8500) and V1 was always the earliest. Of course this unscientific test drove my wife crazy, but we did end up with the V1 and used the remote mounted on steering column. (retuened the Solo and Passport for refund) V1 very effective and very convenient. <img src="http://www.986host.com/albums/doncapecod/DSC00021.sized.jpg" alt=" - " />

Magazine review & results of various detectors: <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=1993" target="_blank">http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=1993</a> Karl.

Looks like the topic has been revived, again. It's a slow night, so here's my take on the radar detectors. Passport 8500. Best range, best performance, best features, best price among the elite detectors. Check out the multiple magazine articles raving about Passport at their website: <a href="http://www.escortstore.com/8500.htm" target="_blank">Passport 8500</a> . Oh, wait a minute. Some say that Petersen and all the reviewers have something against Mr. Valentine, and therefore the results are all, repeat, all, biased. Valentine 1 Excellent range and performance, the one and only with directional arrows, but the priciest of all the for what you get, and clunky looking IMHO. Car and Driver magazine ranks it first, wa-ay beyond all others. Oh, wait a minute. Mr. Valentine is a heavy advertiser at Car and Driver. Staunchly defended by all who paid for it. Bell. Alternates with the Passport as best in most reviews. I understand it is the best detector for Europe, as neither Passport nor Valentine have the right bands for Europe. Reportedly, both Passport and Valentine can custom program theirs for Europe. Stealth types and brands. Too pricey for me, at what I perceive to be less performance due to the low lying location of the sensors. The higher the better for sensor placement. Anyone here place it on the roof, headliner or sun visor? Nothing beats them for stealth. Laser diffusers. I did a literature search on these when I bought my C4S. It was debunked by multiple independent and goverment tests as being close to useless. I have a copy of the tests somewhere in my hard drive, and I'll post them when I find them. Don't know about the newer one's since that search. I'm curious about the battery operated ones like Solo, but not as **** about researching them as I was with the Passport since I'm very happy with my current detector. Anyone have anything to say, good bad or indifferent, about these free-standing detectors?

I have the 8500 linked to the ZR3 laser shifter, and I think the combo is completely awesome. First, I truly think the 8500 is better than the V1. My guess is that most people who insist that the V1 is better are the same types that refuse to admit that Windows/Intel computers are generally way faster than Apple computers. In other words, they get a kick out of being slightly "non-conformist." Second, the ZR3 laser shifter definitely works, and it works well. There are several independent web sites that have tested the ZR3 against a variety of laser guns and each site has rated it over 95% effective. My own experience confirms this level of effectiveness. Third, using the 8500 instead of a remote detector avoids the problem mentioned in the previous post -- i.e., that remote mounted radar detectors have a reduced range. Finally, even assuming for the sake of argument that the V1 has a longer range than the 8500 - who cares? My 8500 gives me so much warning in every case -- almost too much warning -- I usually have to slow down a good mile or mile and a half before I get to the speed trap. Since the 8500 is $100 cheaper, to me it's a no-brainer.

Linux on Intel blows away both Windows and Apple operating systems as well as all but the top of the line Unix systems. Catch the wave. V1 all the way. No comparison. Worth every penny. Who cares about better range and directional arrows? Most people...including me.