VALENTINE 1 THE ULTIMATE CHOICE FOR ME

I am so glad I discovered the Valentine 1 (V1) on Epinions, when searching for radar detector reviews. I've used detectors going back to 1980. My first “high end” detector was the Cobra Trapshooter II – then I began using Bel products in the 1980’s, most recently retiring my venerable Bel 735i plus. This later Bel unit works fine, but too many false Ka band alerts and a move to California had me looking for something better.

WHAT DO YOU GET AND HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO THE COMPETITION

Based on favorable Valentine reviews here and elsewhere, I purchased the Valentine V1 for the 30 day "free trial" – assured I could return it if I wasn’t happy. Having used radar detectors extensively, I knew at the onset I would want the additional concealed display unit for nighttime driving, and loved the fact the concealed unit had a full display just like the V1’s including Bogey counter, Signal strength meter, Radar/Laser band indicator and the ALL IMPORTANT DIRECTIONAL ARROWS. So I bought both at the outset (additional $39). I really appreciate the directional arrows, as they are invaluable in identifying real threats given the current multitude of radar sources and the fact radar can now legally nail you from behind (see details below). I also like that the V1 comes nicely equipped with both a straight and coiled cord, quick release windshield and visor mounting (both very well made and designed), spare suction cups, direct-wire power kit –inclusive of very convenient wiring harness and spare fuses. None of it’s top competitors include such a variety of options. Yes, the V1 is relatively expensive at $399.00, “but you get what you pay for,” and in my opinion, the V1 offers great value given it’s very high tech, constantly upgraded radar and laser locating systems. It’s outer shell of magnesium – a real lightweight, but strong “metal” – assures one of a well made product that will last. The Valentine Research manufacturer promises upgrades for future threats and technology advancements, with a long history of providing affordable upgrades. Only Bel and Escort offer upgrades at this time and I’m not sure of how long they have offered upgrades.

After two weeks of using the V1, traveling major CHP infested zones along with various county counterparts (240 miles daily round trip) , I was very happy. However, I felt compelled to compare the V1 head to head with the Escort 8500 X50 with blue display (X50), given the positive reviews of the 8500 vs. Valentine here on Epinions. I purchased the X50 to then compare the two head to head in my real world driving situations. These comparisons where made over a two week period, with each unit tested operating completely independent of the other and some head to head testing with both units running side by side.

Ultimately I find the arrow system, concealed display option and overall function and design of the Valentine 1 to be the superior unit for me, enough so that the Escort takes a back seat. The V1 concealed display feature easily wins over the "smart cord" feature on the Escort. The Escort rules with it's blue LED display, but at night if you go dark mode, you deactivate the entire LED display with the X50 (I don't appreciate lighted displays illuminating from my windshield at night, I find them irritating when the unit alerts - even in low light modes). So for half or my driving, I couldn’t use the LED display. The X-50’s “Smart Cord” feature (comes standard with the X50) takes a stab at the superior V1's Concealed Display Option but falls short. With the V1 I get all the same info (bogey number, radar being used, proximity meter) in a concealed area of my choosing as compared to the X50’s "Smart Cord's" single anemic warning light and power on light stuck on the end of the coiled power cord’s plug (in my car this puts the plug “display” of the X50 down at my knee where it can’t be seen. If the X50 offered a concealed display unit that would be the equivalent of the main unit’s LED alphanumeric display it would be a real contender, but without it, the V1 wins out. The Valentine is a nice size, it is lightweight (less than the X50 unit) and I like the on-off rotating knob / volume control with the adjustable control lever that operates the mute volume selection as compared to the various controls of the X50. Score 2 for the V1 > X50.

REAL WORLD USE AND COMPARISONS:

As this is a Valentine V1 review, I will focus on it’s functionality in driving day and night. Utilizing the V1’s “Concealed Display Unit,” for night chores. I will mix in some comparisons to my old Bel unit and the Escort’s newest elite unit the 8500 X50. For me, hooking up the V1 concealed display was easy and didn’t add any clutter to the car cockpit.

On my daily 240 miles roundtrip commute I could immediately distinguish the benefits of the V1 over my old Bel. Real CHP Ka signals where picked up at greater distance and NO Ka false alerts. Every time Ka band went off on the V1, I could locate the Ka source very quickly with the arrow locator feature. Every Ka alert was followed by a CHP or Sheriff’s unit visual encounter. With the V1’s patented locator arrows I would know just where to look for them and how many to look for via the bogey counter. The signal strength meter proved accurate and reliable for judging when a likely sighting would occur. Each different radar band has a distinct alert tone that is readily learned (laser has a distinct sound and visual display alert). The led signal strength meter in perfect sync with what Valentine calls the “Long Gradient Audio” feature of it’s sound alert system whereby a more rapid tone alert means closer contact. Either system or the combination let you know how urgently you need to pay attention to your driving speed. With time, you learn from the urgency rate of the distinct sound signal (i.e. brap-brap for Ka). These later systems are common to most quality detectors. But the additional arrows / locater system and bogey alert counter separate the V1, putting it ahead of the pack.

X and K alerts in my area have proven to be door openers at grocery stores and various microwave systems, in other words: non-threats. The old Bel would go off in the same areas on these later bands predictably on my commute. I’d run the Bel in City mode, to quiet it down acceptably, but it kept given me the false Ka alerts, causing too much unnecessary threat response. The V1 in All Bogey mode would alert to the same X and K alerts but without the Ka false alerts. Overtime I found running the V1 in advance logic mode (which only limits the units telling you about X signals it has detected, passing on Ka and K alerts normally) kept the V1 nice and quiet. If you like, the V1 has many subtle features you can program in, such as X-band defeat and limiting the K band alerts to quiet alerts in this band until a high signal strength is detected. I’ve noted in recent review dated 7/01/04, the testers had to completely disable the X50’s X-band to keep it “well mannered” when considering false alert signals in “microwave saturated city centers.” I’m certain from my direct comparisons that if you elect to shut off the X-band detection on the V1 compared to the same setting on the X50, the V1 was quieter and better mannered. The V1 also won out in being quiet in false alert prone areas with it’s simplest to set mode of Advanced logic mode compared to the similarly easy to program X50’s city, highway and auto modes. To get the X50 as quiet as the V1, I had to either set and run the unit in city mode with X band off or set the X50’s main program to defeat the X band. Score 3 for theV1 > X50. THIS HIGHER FALSEING BEHAVIOR OF THE X50 UNIT OCCURRED IN COMPLETE INDEPENDENT OPERATION OF THE V1. I also found the X50 provided more K false alerts by a slight margin over the V1’s quieter performance. This data counters review comparisons I’ve read of the V1 vs. the original Escort 8500 (pre-X50 model). In my opinion, either unit offers enough programming flexibility to keep them comfortably quiet for your driving needs.

The V1 also leads in rear radar and all-around 360 laser detection. The V1 gives to my estimate, at least one mile rear detection compared to the X50’s ¼ mile or so. With the V1, I know it’s a rear signal by the locator arrows, which dictates my immediate response. With any other detector, you have to wait because of lacking location data to discover if you have a real threat or not, delaying your response to the situation which is often frustrating in my experience. Another score for the V1. In side by side comparisions with primarily front radar encounters, the V1 generally led by a split second. Both provided ample warning when adequate traffic precedes me for the most common instant on encounters.

OTHER COMPARISONS

I am not a fan of coiled cords, and particularly didn’t care for the X50’s “smart cord.” The Escort only comes with the high tension coiled "Smart Cord." I’ve never liked coiled cords, this one is particularly thick and eye catching. I would have much preferred a straight cord option. I prefer to mount radar detector units high on the windshield for best radar detection. With the Escort's coiled power cord, stretching the cord from my windshield to power outlet often stressed the shallow suction cups on the Escort's mount, at times causing failure.

WHAT WOULD MAKE THE V1 PERFECT?

I was disappointed initially that the band indicators on the V1. They are little, red LED's in a stack with small printed labels to read. The manual does a good job of describing the specific sounds associated with each band, but training to recognize the sound alert associated with what band is always needed for good detection work. The sound alert after all is the main priority that triggers your first response. I would prefer the LED’s identifying each radar band be a different color on the V1. This would speed up the learning of matching a tone to which radar band as well as allowing detection with just visual alert with sound set to low or no volume. Even better if the V1 would provide an LED text display similar to the X50’s but somewhat larger and include the LED display on the Concealed Unit option I could declare the V1 the best radar detector period. I also would like a “real” auto-mute feature as the X50 and Bel units have. I like my old Bel’s “gieger counter” auto-mute mode. The new possible threat of POP mode radar exists, though only a few states are said to be testing it (I’ve read Nevada on radartest.com’s website). Apparently this ultra rapid radar signal is hard to detect and a “real” radar signal is supposed to follow that would likely trigger most high end detectors to alert. In testing, the V1 detects K band POP, but didn’t Ka band. The X50 detected both, but weaker Ka POP performance as compared to the Bel Pro RX65 (Radartest.com). So I’d add the capability for Ka POP to the V1 as well. Please note however, for POP radar mode detection with the Escort 8500 X50 it is set from the factory to off mode, as having it on will increase false Ka alerts here-to-for not a problem with any of the new top 3 detectors I’ve mentioned. So even activating POP mode is unlikely for most who do not want added Ka false alerts. If POP mode detection is a high priority for you, the most recent reviews would choose the Bel Pro RX65 over the Escort’s X50. A nice carrying case included at the current purchase price of the V1 would be a nice add on, especially if it incorporated a unique storage area for the concealed unit display. I was not impressed with the Escorts box / case.

COMMENTS ON MAGAZINE AND ONLINE REVIEWS

In making the final decision to keep the V1 and send back the Escort 8500 X50, I have no regrets. Various reviews might have you think otherwise. In my opinion, when you look at actual testing results, the V1, X50 and Bel RX65 all measure about equal in detection range. The Valentine is the only one to add the rear detection / locator feature. Only these 3 give you full band detection, many user custom programmable features and future upgradeability. You likely couldn’t go wrong with any of the top three, but for me the clear winner is the Valentine V1. I think the most balanced, written review can be found on http://www.consumersearch.com/www/automotive/radar_detectors/index.html
They provide a balanced view of the literature, commenting on alleged bias in the print, etc. They also provide some excellent advice. Unfortunately I do feel some reviews subjective evaluations (as opposed to actual test results) have been biased in favor or radar devices they or associates are able to sell vs. the venerable Valentine V1 (which is for the most part only direct order from Valentine Research). That of course is just my opinion based on the reviews complaining of the V1’s being too sensitive therefore more prone to false alerts. The newer X50 review purposely defeated the highest offending X band but did they do likewise testing the V1? Also putting the V1 on the dashboard, intentionally handicaps the V1 as it was designed to operate from the upper windshield (this would serious limit the locator function and rear detection range). Mr. Valentine of course is biased to the product he designed and pioneered, so keep that in mind as well in reading the website literature. But I think Mr. Valentine and I would both agree, Valentine Research’s V1 is the best radar detector for me, the most important customer I know.