Radar Detectors

**hvdcman** · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 02:38 AM

I have been looking at the Valentine 1 radar detector for when I take delivery of the new Cayman S. They like using radar everywhere around here. I have experience with BEL units but seems like the Valentine is supposed to be more sensitive. Anyone have experience with GOOD detectors???

**Santa Fe** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 03:07 AM

I've had good experience with the Valentine. Don't know about mounting it in the Cayman however. Space looks limited.

**BiggerTwin** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 11:03 AM

I love the arrows on the Valentine 1. Like all detectors, you can't go speeding down ahighway at the front of the pack or instant on will get you every time.

sspender · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 11:13 AM

I love my Valentine One. It has saved me many times from getting a ticket. I do not have it hard mounted at this time, but if there is space in the Cayman I may investigate a hard mount. It is IMHO the best radar detector built. I highly recommend it.

**Atlas_Croc** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 02:04 PM

Love my Valentine also. There are a few other detectors that have come close or equaled it lately......but I have no reason to change at this point. I just sent it back to the factory to get updated with new programming......a great feature it has. As BiggerTwin did mention though......you still have to be careful when driving with any detector........instant-on radar and laser are still tough to beat.

**K-Man S** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 02:23 PM

I'm going to be a somewhat contrary voice here in that ever since my radar detector bracket broke back in like 2000 or 2001 I haven't used one. In that time I've never gotten a ticket - knock on wood - and I certainly have a lead foot. I figure that in order to get me with radar or laser the officer has to see me, so it is my job to see the officer first and to slow down, I also seem to have a knack for sensing when officers are taking radar and for spotting officers before they spot me. I've known a lot of people who have gotten complacent because they drive with a detector only to get busted by instant on or laser when they weren't paying attention to the road ahead.

I think radar detectors are great, don't get me wrong, I've just found that with careful attention to my driving and my surroundings that I haven't needed one to save me in the last 5 years.

mark34 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 02:29 PM

Love my Valentine One. I have it hardwired in my M3. Main unit tucked behing the rearview mirror on the passenger side, so I don't even see it. Remote unit is in the little "ashtray" below the stereo/hvac.

I plan to hardwire my V1 in the Cayman as well, though I will have to wait and see exactly how or where. I work with a stereo installation guy in Austin who does a good job.

to K Man's point, you still need to be alert. I had several years of ticket free drving with and without my V1. I was stupid a couple of times last year and ended up with 2 tickets. Both were avoidable if I had been paying attention.

I plan to send my V1 in for an update to include the new POP. Not quite sure what that is about, but I haven;t had an upgrade in 4 years.

Ghost Rider · #8 (**permalink**) 10-12-2005, 03:03 PM

Quote:

I'm going to be a somewhat contrary voice here in that ever since my radar detector bracket broke back in like 2000 or 2001 I haven't used one. In that time I've never gotten a ticket - knock on wood - and I certainly have a lead foot. I figure that in order to get me with radar or laser the officer has to see me, so it is my job to see the officer first and to slow down, I also seem to have a knack for sensing when officers are taking radar and for spotting officers before they spot me. I've known a lot of people who have gotten complacent because they drive with a detector only to get busted by instant on or laser when they weren't paying attention to the road ahead.

I think radar detectors are great, don't get me wrong, I've just found that with careful attention to my driving and my surroundings that I haven't needed one to save me in the last 5 years.

That isprobably afunction of luck, how few miles you drive, and where you drive them (in no particular order). But good for you anyway!

**hvdcman** · #9 (**permalink**) 10-13-2005, 12:06 AM

I know that I have been driving more alert since I gave up my last detector. But all of a sudden the CHP & Sheriff's are doing alot of radar patrol on a hwy I use to get to work. Most of the time I am 5mph over but sometimes to get around alot of slow traffic I will pick it up to 10-15mph. I'm thinking that w/detector I would get some early warning from the traffic ahead of me with stray signals. I still try to stay as alert as possible. I have noted cars on the side of the road, slowed down and sure enough radar enforcement going on that day.

**Santa Fe** · #10 (**permalink**) 10-13-2005, 12:42 AM

For my last (and only ticket for the past ten years) the police changed the speed limits on a small stretch of Albuquerque freeway by reducing it from a 65 to a 55 mph zone. They had more than 20 motorcycle and car interceptors on the side of the road under an overpass and barely visible. I had no detector in the car I chose that day and got a ticket along with dozens more. Perhaps I'd have been saved form this 'clever' trap had I had it with me (by the way the posted limit is now back up to 65).