Still confused about these things

**Scott P** · 11-06-2007, 06:28 PM

I've been in the mind to get a radar detector. I was planning on dropping the coin on a V1, but thought I'd do the research first. The research brought me here. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to make the 1,000th "What detector should I choose?" post, but I think I have to.

I hope I can provide all the background that gets requested in these posts. I live in Houston, TX (Kingwood area) and there are a ton of stores around. Most of the driving I do is in the 'burbs and other populated areas. I don't do a lot of open highway driving.

The last detector I owned was a Passport Wideband model (before Super Windband) and I can't recall the model. It was stolen from my car one day and I never replaced it. That was probably 10 years ago. I got my last speeding ticket three or so years ago for 75 in a 65 in Upstate NY. Yes, the trooper gave me a ticket for doing 10 mph over the limit coming down a hill.

The roads are quite fast in Houston here and my recent purchase of a MazdaSpeed 6 has redistributed the weight to my right foot again. I therefore think the time has come to get me some help in that department.

The obvious choices so far are the V1, Sti and the 9500i. I'm even considering an 8500 or RX65 since they can be had a little bit cheaper and may suit my needs.

Any thoughts or observations that my help? Any questions that I may have missed?

**noTe** · 11-06-2007, 06:35 PM

If you have the money, buy a V1. Simple as that.

They do have a 30 day trial if you change your mind.

**radardude** · 11-06-2007, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by Scott P

The obvious choices so far are the V1, Sti and the 9500i. I'm even considering an 8500 or RX65 since they can be had a little bit cheaper and may suit my needs.

Any thoughts or observations that my help? Any questions that I may have missed?

You just answered your own question.

Drive only on highways - V1 (Too noisy in the city)
Drive through area's where radar detectors are illegal - STI Driver
Drive the same route each day and want a very quiet detector - 9500i

Dont drive the same route or drive through area's where detectors are illegal then save the money and go with either a RX65 or STi Driver.

**Orbital75** · 11-06-2007, 06:40 PM

Well, here is the school of thought....

If you are looking for high sensitivity and the best Laser
detection the V1 is for you. The thing is, this comes with
a price. The V1 will go off all the time and have more
false alerts hence the extra sensitivity.

The X50, RX65, and 9500i will have better filtering
but will not be as sensitive.

**CJR238** · 11-06-2007, 06:44 PM

V1 if you want the ultimate in sensitivity detecting everything under the sun.

9500I if you want quiet accurate detection with a tone of cool features.

STI if you need stealth.

8500X50 for best cost-benefit.

RX65 if you can’t afford the above.

Personally the only 2 I would choose if $$$ are not a factor are the V1 or the 9500I. Both have a 30day trial, give them both a test run and see what one works for you.

**Scott P** · 11-06-2007, 07:34 PM

I like the V1 for its sensitivity, but am a bit I can see myself possibly getting annoyed by the possible falsing. The arrows would be pretty handy to have though.

I've read good things about the STi, but since detectors are legal here, I don't know what extra it has to offer.

The 9500i is my current choice by a slim margin. It has very good performance from what I've read with falsing protection. The price does get up there and approaches five bills.

I am not ruling out the 8500 X50 or the RX65. I've done fairly well the past few years and maybe I don't need the strengths of the more expensive detectors.

**carter840** · 11-06-2007, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by radardude

Originally Posted by Scott P

The obvious choices so far are the V1, Sti and the 9500i. I'm even considering an 8500 or RX65 since they can be had a little bit cheaper and may suit my needs.

Any thoughts or observations that my help? Any questions that I may have missed?

You just answered your own question.

Drive only on highways - V1 (Too noisy in the city)
Drive through area's where radar detectors are illegal - STI Driver
Drive the same route each day and want a very quiet detector - 9500i

Dont drive the same route or drive through area's where detectors are illegal then save the money and go with either a RX65 or STi Driver.

I've got to say that is the best summory of how one should choose an RD that i have seen on this site. I feel like it is the perfect honest answer.

**lordhamster** · 11-06-2007, 08:15 PM

No such thing as filtering, the differences are in sensitivity thresholds.

The 9500i will automatically adjust the sensitivity of the detector based on your speed, the V1 will not. Thus the V1 will seem chattier. However, if you are stopped at a light you may not want to miss the weak x or k band blip from an instant on up ahead.

**CJR238** · 11-06-2007, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by lordhamster

No such thing as filtering, the differences are in sensitivity thresholds.

The 9500i will automatically adjust the sensitivity of the detector based on your speed, the V1 will not. Thus the V1 will seem chattier. However, if you are stopped at a light you may not want to miss the weak x or k band blip from an instant on up ahead.

Filtering for electronics is a circuit or device that passes certain frequencies and blocks or reduces others.
There maybe no such thing as filtering for some RD's but the Belscorts definitely do. If the RD has the ability to keep KA at full sensitivity but adjust sensitivity for the other bands that would be filtering as i see it. :roll: I could be wrong. :wink:

**Spinner55** · 11-06-2007, 09:50 PM

hello,

I know, I sound like a broken record.

When you get a 'alert' for a door opener, it's NOT a false alert, it's a NON-LEO. Since they both use the Same band, you should get a alert from them. (unless you block out the entire band with a 9500i, then you wouldn't get alert at all...or own a RMR or some other crappy unit) some places now are going to non-radar door openers so no more non-LEO alerts.

Also a V1 has 2 receiving horns, compared to only one on all the other brands. SO YES, it will be more chatty, then it is listening both front and rear. Those arrows are nice in helping find out where the signal is coming from etc.

If you are going to be using a detector in a area that outlaws their use, get a STI...

If you want one that locks and blocks out the entire band for NON-LEO openers in a given area and you might miss a real LEO signal, get a 9500i

If you want one that see everything, protects you front and rear and will show you where the signal is coming from, get a V1.

Each has their pro's and con's, each has features the others lack. Each has tons of zombies that will suggest that each is the best.

Do yourself a favor, test them yourself and read up on them on here and use the GOL reports.

What ever you decide, have a good time doing so, enjoy the unit, keep it safe from thief's and don't expect it to save you every time. Use rabbits, be smart and drive safety.

Take care,

Spin