USMC:302

The bottom of the barrel Cobra detector that I've been using for about four years **** the bed today, and I've been poking around for something to replace it with. I wouldn't mind going up in price, does anyone out there have any good or bad experiences, or recommendations of specific models to compare? I'll go ahead and say that the Valentine V-1 is most likely out of the question.

FromZto5

You saying the v1 price range is out of the question? I was going to suggest escort 9500 for the GPS.... But they all cost in the 400 to 500 range for a GOOD detector that's worth anything. If you're limiting yourself to around cobra pricing, there is not much worth getting.

I have the 9500, and looooooove it for its range, GPS, no false beeps, and database updates.. ESP all the cameras nowadays. Never ever getting a ticket from cameras ever again.

2k7gtcs

Escort Passport 9500ix

Never gotten a ticket as long as its turned on

Knock on wood

But you have to use it wisely. No radar detector in the world will help against laser. If it goes off your already dead. And also it won't help on an open highway with zero traffic in front of you. The radar picks up the errant signals the cops are shooting at the cars in front of you. Often times the 9500ix is so good that I think the cop has already turned off or I've passed him already when it was just the radar sensing him really far away.

USMC:302

Thanks, perhaps my pricing was not in line with availability, I should have said ~500 or less, the 9500 is definitely on the list now. I know what you mean about laser though, I've gotten lucky with deflections off of other cars in the past, but my range with the previous p.o.s. was a joke.

Trumpetlon

I use the 9500i in my car for the GPS ability to warn for the red light and speed cameras and it also locks out false alerts from all of the door openers with a simple few button pushes. I also use the Bel RX65 on my motorcycle, it has the same chip but lacks the GPS of the Escort (both are made by the same company) for a lot less cash. If you have the powered mirror check out one of the mirror mounts and power taps, they are awesome!

JPMotorSport

9500ix - bar none.

GPS, red-light/speed camera db, Auto-learn, USB upgradability... the list goes on.

The best choice if you drive in a city.

2012WhiteGT

The V1 is worth every penny, and they last forever. One of mine I bought in 97, and it still works perfectly today. The only ticket I ever got with my V1 in 15 years was from laser, and it was a stupid 6 MPH over ticket from some doughnut eater trying to make his quota on an out of state car. I you want laser protection, plan on dropping at least a grand on something like the Blinder laser jammer.

BackinBlack13

I'm looking at a used Escort X50.. good reviews.

FromZto5

I have an x50 and 9500ix. The x50 is nice, I had mine for a number of years. It stays with Tori, my daily driver. Marilyn gets the 9500 x50 pales in comparison to the 9500 in terms of range and all the other reasons mentioned above in other posts.but for used price maybe it's a good deal.

BackinBlack13

So do you want to sell me the X50 for a killer price?

Edit I see its with your DD.

JoesCat

I too have an OLD V1, and it still works well. I even checked on "upgrading" it (send it in and have it worked over). Valentine was honest and said it wouldn't be worth it.

Sadly though, they haven't updated this aging detector on the market in a LONG time. Still running the SAME tired old ads in the car magazines.

So when my V1 ever dies, I'll be seeking another maker's model, unless Valentine wakes up from his extended nap.

Rear view mirror power tap?! Huh? Now THAT'S an interesting idea! I haven't yet hard wired my V1 in yet, as I've only had the car a few weeks and no time to tinker with it. Hmmm, I wonder where these tricky items are available from? That would be a good way to go!

JoesCat

Oh, I recall the Blinder Extreme was the laser jammer of choice a couple of years ago when I read about them. Laser can be jammed legally, since it's in the wavelength of light, and governed by FDA rules if IRC. Of course technically legal, and downright being obvious is the trick - laser speed detection will punch through at closer range, the jammer gives you hopefully warning time is all.

Radar is microwave, a big no-no to be transmitting any of that frequency without a license.

cdynaco

Passport 8500 working great for me. About 2 miles out on freeway, solid alerts on two lane twisties. Rural area so I don't need the 'live' feature.

Xar

I have the 9500ix and it works wonderfully. Range is amazing, no false signals, pass by the same auto door 3 times and it's stored as a false signal permanently.

I even got pinged by laser the other night (wasn't speeding) my city doesn't have many laser detectors, mostly K, KA & X. I know there have been a few times I've avoided a ticket by using this detector, it's already paid for itself.

BackinBlack13

Any pics of your GPS hardwired? (anyone in thread)

Xar

9500ix has a gps receiver for both red light cameras and for locking out false signals. I don't have anything hard wired nor do I have factory nav. I have the 9500ix on the dash (suction'd to the windshield, or when I go south to CA on a bean bag base) and my phone is always plugged in and mounted to my middle passenger vent. I use 'WAZE' as a secondary backup for finding potential radar spots, traffic jams, etc... My wife hates how my car looks with these mounted, but since she's rarely in the car, I rarely have to listen to her complain.

FYI - WAZE is an iphone ap I have installed, it's basically a gps program, look it up. I can also use iphone maps for turn by turn if I need to.

Womprat

Valentine V1 for 6 years, works great.

11SHELBYGT500

Here's an idea: don't speed

2k7gtcs

There's an assclown on every forum

11SHELBYGT500

You can't be talking about me, who is just pointing out that someone shouldn't break the law. Lol right lol