I have an old Valentine 1 that I can send in to upgrade to a new unit for only $279. I like the Passport 9500ix as well, but it goes for $459. ($40. trade in credit).
Which one would you get?
Olli
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FFR Roadster #2316 sold
FFR Hot Rod '33 #003
FFR Roadster Mk IV #7235 complete kit, IRS
Well you've mentioned just about the two best radar detectors out there.
As far as I can work out it basically boils down to the arrows. Some cannot be without them, in which case, stick with the V1; if you aren't fussed, well, stick with the V1.
The V1 is probably a little more sensitive than the 9500ix and from what I've read seems to false a little more. The Escort 9500ix has some features that the V1 can't touch, such as weekly updating of red light camera and speed trap locations as well as Escort Live, a cloud based "early warning system" that pairs the detector with your smart phone. The defender database and Escort Live are a subscription service though.
Read through this discussion on rennlist.com Escort Passport 9500ix Vs. Valentine One... - Rennlist Discussion Forums
I love my 9500 ix. It pays for itself the first time it goes off and there is in fact a cop hiding...
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Ford 302, T-3550, 570 SA, 3.55's, IRS, Koni's, 13" discs, Torque Thrust, RPM, Twisted Wedge, Frt Sway bar, Lexus Spectra Blue w/white/grey stripes with a splitter up front.
I have a V1 - it just broke this weekend. I was told I can send it back and they will repair it for $35. It has always served me well so that is my plan. What does the upgrade give you?
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If you don't think it's real, go ahead and step in front of it!
The V-1 that I have is from the early '90's. Essentially, they are giving me a $120. credit towards the current V-1. I send in my unit and for $279. I get the latest version. My unit does not even have laser detection.
Olli
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FFR Hot Rod '33 #003
FFR Roadster Mk IV #7235 complete kit, IRS
Just remember that laser detection without laser jamming is essentially just a feature that lets you know you've been got before you actually get pulled over.
There is a liquid product called "Veil" that you can apply to your headlights that has shown to significantly reduce the lidar signal that is reflected back to the Lidar gun. Veil doesn't appear to significantly reduce the amount or quality of light from the headlights. Since it is basically colorless, you could probably apply it to the front license plate as it will not interfere with the legibility of the plate. It is somewhat expensive at around $89 per kit. http://www.laserveil.com/
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John
Last edited by J Persons; 10-11-2012 at 05:19 PM..
Reason: link to product
This stuff looks interesting. I'm usually skeptical about stuff like this but Motor Trend has good things to say about it.
Quote:
A decidedly non-electronic product from Laser Veil ($100 for 10 applications) is promised to reduce the distance required for accurate laser tracking. It is a liquid that is brushed on reflective surfaces on your vehicle. Once dried to a weather-resistant film, the vehicle can be washed, and each application can last up to six months. In tests this year, Laser Veil was found to reduce the effective capture range by up to 77 percent. The biggest gains come from low-profile cars (such as the tested Dodge Viper) that feature highly reflective headlamp reflectors. Although this reduction remains outside the normal laser targeting range of a thousand feet, the product's performance confirms its advertising and gives you an opportunity to visually establish the impending threat.
I have a laser jammer in my M3 - has saved my ass twice so far - one time it went off I couldn't see the cop and figured it had falsed on something. I slowed down, killed the jammer, and drove on. About 15 -20 seconds later a cop comes flying past and pulls over the guy that was beside me! I was speeding at the time, and was driving in a group of cars all going about the same.
Another time I was doing some spirited driving around some back roads. I come around a corner, the jammer goes off, and the cop is right ahead of me. I was about 15 over, slow down and cruise on by the cop waiting for him to pull out - he never moved.
Before I got the jammer I got nailed by a cop with laser - my V1 never went off. As said above, a laser detector is really just a ticket detector.
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Howard
408W, IRS, TKO600, PS, PB, QF SS 750, POM Sept 2010.
FFR 6817 // Delivery Date: 11/20/08 // Roller: 9/25/09 // First Engine Start: 3/31/10 // Gokart: 4/11/10 // Painted: 7/2/10 //Graduated 10/03/10. Graduation thread with my progress links is here.
My wife and I have both been saved many times by the laser jammer in her 350Z. It is funny watching the officer looking at the gun, shaking it a few times and trying it again. I know mine works very well.
I had a V-1 for years....and then received the 9500ix for father's day last year. It is head and shoulders a better unit than the V1.
The GPS updates alone are worth making the change. I know when there's a red light cam, a radar "van" set up. I do miss the arrows however.
now with all that said, I got a $170 ticket on Monday (74 in a 55) by laser, came over a hill bringing my parents to the airport and the cop was sitting on his harley in the median strip and hit me as I crested the top of the hill
Can the LEO tell, by the signal being returned, that a laser jammer is being used?
I am in one of those states where they are illegal, but I was just curious of the likelihood of getting caught.
I've been told that some, if not all lidar jammers emit small rapid flashes of visible light. If the lidar operator is knowledgeable and knows what to look for, he can possibly determine if there is in fact a jammer in use. In a state where jammers are illegal your best defense is a good detector combined with the lazer Veil coating, it will normally cut the reflected lidar signal range from approximately 1300 ft down to approximately 300~400 ft. When combined with a laser detector, that may give you enough time to check your speed and avoid a ticket.
To answer your question, the LEO will either receive a signal indicating your speed, or not receive a signal. Sometimes he may get an error message with no speed shown. Some gun manufacturers claim their guns can tell if they are being jammed
Even if you are using a jammer, the lidar gun will most likely acquire a signal, the closer you get to the gun.
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John
Last edited by J Persons; 10-13-2012 at 08:07 PM..
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