New to radar detectors... HELP

**good_times** · 10-30-2013, 11:03 AM

What's up you all.. I am new to the radar world & would like some insight. I am looking into getting another radar detector since mine was stolen. I am looking between the Escort 9500xi or the Redline. I am 22 years old; driving a 2009 370z so that should say enough on how I drive.. fast but not stupid. I live in Houston Texas (currently in Webster TX) I typically drive down 45 south on a straight shot down the freeway for 25 minutes to get to work. At this time (5:40am) people are driving like crazies and I would like to be a SAFE crazy - ha. My typical speed in the mornings is around 80. Any other day maybe around 70-75 mph. I would appreciate it if someone could help me out.. I dont really have a clue what all the K-, Ka-band etc. are all about. What do I need to look for when I buy one? They have some great prices on Amazon (like new for around $365) I am content with that price but will it do the same as a brand new one bought? I heard you have to register or subscribe in order to have the fill effect of one of these radars and not sure if I can do so buying it "used". Thanks for reading my post - Peace

**RedRocket** · 10-30-2013, 08:50 PM

I'll make it simple...the REDLINE is the finest windshield mount RD you can buy.It really is the KING of radar detectors today especially since the recent Escort upgrade of BS/RDR features were made available.
Keep in mind though in the Lone Star State the Troopers also use Laser.The Redline will not protect you from Laser shots !

**Buckdarma** · 10-30-2013, 09:47 PM

Get the Redline if you can afford it. IMO you NEED it ! Lol

**Mr Q** · 10-31-2013, 07:55 AM

Though the Redline is said to be the best performing, with the V1 second (on interstates), the V1 seems to have a sensitive enough laser antenna (one facing forward and one to the rear) to protect you PROVIDING there are cars ahead of you being targeted and your detector picks up the stray laser light beyond the cars being targeted. With no traffic ahead of you, laser ("Lidar") can be deadly with instant speed readings - which is almost detector proof. Since the RedLine sells for $500 and the V1 for $400, I'd go with the V1, since it offers up-dating changes when issued whereas the Redlind does not.

**Buckdarma** · 10-31-2013, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by Mr Q

Though the Redline is said to be the best performing, with the V1 second (on interstates), the V1 seems to have a sensitive enough laser antenna (one facing forward and one to the rear) to protect you PROVIDING there are cars ahead of you being targeted and your detector picks up the stray laser light beyond the cars being targeted. With no traffic ahead of you, laser ("Lidar") can be deadly with instant speed readings - which is almost detector proof. Since the RedLine sells for $500 and the V1 for $400, I'd go with the V1, since it offers up-dating changes when issued whereas the Redlind does not.

far TOO sensitive from what I have heard.

**Buckdarma** · 10-31-2013, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by Mr Q

Though the Redline is said to be the best performing, with the V1 second (on interstates), the V1 seems to have a sensitive enough laser antenna (one facing forward and one to the rear) to protect you PROVIDING there are cars ahead of you being targeted and your detector picks up the stray laser light beyond the cars being targeted. With no traffic ahead of you, laser ("Lidar") can be deadly with instant speed readings - which is almost detector proof. Since the RedLine sells for $500 and the V1 for $400, I'd go with the V1, since it offers up-dating changes when issued whereas the Redlind does not.

far TOO sensitive from what I have heard.

**fire65** · 10-31-2013, 06:30 PM

You can try them both for 30 days and see what you think. Both are great RD. I am a V1 because is works, has arrows and can be updated. The V1 can be just as quiet as any detector with proper programing and all the new things you can add.
I will agree the Redline is one of the longest range RD on the market. BUT who need a 9 mile range in the city?

**Mr Q** · 11-01-2013, 10:50 AM

Buck - I agree since all other RDs I have used that had Lidar, I never had a alert with them but with the V1, I occasionally get false alerts from new car tailights, etc., which I can deal with...knowing the V1 will give me ample warning when an actual Lidar encounter happens providing cars ahead are targeted.

Fire65 - I have also heard that the RedLine has had some problems with the speaker and some other mechanical and electronic issues. Since the RedLine out performs the V1 in sensitivity by about 10%, the V1 would be the best bang for the buck. And for the OPer, some used V1s with up to date revisions are available for around $300 from Valentine Research.

**Buckdarma** · 11-01-2013, 12:58 PM

I am thinking of sending my old v1 in for a update but the hyper sensitivity to any laser diode transmissions is a big turn off for me.

Many people turn the laser feature off on the v1 because of this and run with jammers but I don't believe in using active devices to avoild laser.

Especially since some leo may make me ripe them right out on the spot if he sees any laser jammer heads !