Purchase and Mounting Advice

**Zonne** · 04-15-2005, 07:09 PM

I currently live in Georgia around the Atlanta area, so I believe that I will be puchasing the Valentine v1.8. Obviously since it has had some sucess with the stealth atlanta. Does anyone know exactly/approximately how widely used this stealth system is around atlanta? If not so much, is it really worth that much more for the Val One over for instance the RX65? I have read all sorts of reviews and thoughts over the page, so I would be doing pretty much equal highway and city driving.

I am fairly sure that I will be purchasing one. From everything that I have read above the rearview mirror is one of the better ideas. But for instance I have some stickers on my windshield on the bottom left drivers side (basically parking stickers required), I would assume this kind of stuff blocks efficientcy?

Thanks a bunch.

**JTW** · 04-15-2005, 07:18 PM

Dude, Laser Atlanta HQ is in Georgia. Their are more LA speed lasers in that state then any other state. I would say get the V1 :-( I wish I could recommend the X50 or RX65, but in your state you're going to run into a hell of alot of stealth speed lasers. All other states besides Ohio really have nothing to worry about.

Chris

**brick** · 04-15-2005, 07:18 PM

As far as which detector you want to buy, I think there's enough information floating around that I don't really need to say anything. I don't think any of the "big three" will disappoint you in terms of radar detection. It's all about what features you want. X50 and RX65 seem to have better filtering, but the V1 has dual antennas, proven stealth mode detection, and a price tag to match. Your call.

As for the stickers, you definitely can't place a sticker over the detector if you want to pick up lidar. Radar probably won't be hurt unless the sticker is metallic.

**jimbonzzz** · 04-15-2005, 07:19 PM

Welcome to the forum...

It really depends on how you plan to use the detector. For the most part, laser detection isn't that useful, because normally once the cop targets you and you get an alert, he already has his speed reading. If you really want protection from laser, you'll need a Blinder.

However, tests have shown that you CAN get a laser alert when a car ahead is targeted, giving you a chance to slow down. The SML 2004 test showed V1 was capable of this, and I also saw a test on the Speed Channel where a BEL did this as well. I wouldn't depend on this scenario for protection, but it is better than nothing.

Now, if you combine a detector with VEIL, then if a cop targets you he might not get a speed reading on the first hit, but your detector would alert giving you a chance to slow down before he can get a reading.

Above the rear view mirror is probably best for laser if you're not using VEIL, because it can "see" through the windows of vehicles ahead etc. But if you use VEIL, you would want to mount the detector low, closer to the aiming point (license plate). Higher gives you more line-of-sight for radar detection, and it might give you an extra half mile more range. The average driver isn't likely to notice, but it might make a difference in a pinch.

Hope this helps...

Jim

**Zonne** · 04-15-2005, 07:28 PM

Thanks for the welcome, its an awesome resource, by far the best I have found.

From what has been said so far, I believe that I am going to go for the Valentine 1.8. It looks that I will be living in and around Atlanta for awhile, so chances are that the stealth is only going to become more popular as the days go by.

Mark

**Zonne** · 04-15-2005, 07:35 PM

Well, I thought of one other question. What kind of accessories should I be looking to purchase? Such as a carrying case? Dark Mode Module? I do plan to probably remove it and hide it while I am not in the car, so is the carrying/traveling case a good idea?

Mark

**brick** · 04-15-2005, 07:51 PM

I've had mine for about 9 or 10 months and the lenses are starting to get a little scuffed from taking it down and sticking it in my jacket pocket all the time. The carrying case might be good but are you really going to use it consistently? I really think it's more designed for people who are going to be packing it for use in rental cars at the other end of a plane trip.

The one thing that I would highly recommend is the remote display module. I've had one from the beginning and I really like being able to have the detector mounted high where it's effective, but put the readout on my dash where it's discreet and very easy to glance at without taking my eyes from the road.

**lordhamster** · 04-18-2005, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by Zonne

Thanks for the welcome, its an awesome resource, by far the best I have found.

From what has been said so far, I believe that I am going to go for the Valentine 1.8. It looks that I will be living in and around Atlanta for awhile, so chances are that the stealth is only going to become more popular as the days go by.

Mark

For me, I chose the V1 not because of laser ability, but because of the arrows/rear antenna.

Here in ohio there is lots of Moving radar in use. When driving at night, I think it its absolutely critical to know where a signal is coming from.

All three top detectors will get the job done, but I think the V1 gives you the most advantage as far as info.

I look at the V1 vs x50/Rx65 debate like this: Its like getting a digital SLR vs a digital point and shoot camera.

The SLR camera is more expensive and very complicated to use...but when used right the results are better (like the v1).

The point and shoot (like the Rx65 and x50) is cheaper and easier to operate and will allow amateurs to get better results.

If I bought myself another detector it would be a v1.. even though it is fussy and takes some IQ to interpret. If I bought one for my wife who could not care less about radar, I'd get her an Rx65 or x50.

**sethy** · 04-18-2005, 09:04 AM

I agree. The v1 takes a LOT of user input to determine if the signal is real if you are toward falsing points. But the situation awareness could not be better...

I am hoping escort will add a rear anteanna, and maybe a dot can blink if the radar is coming from behind. Wouldnt be violating the v1 patent, and that would totally kick ass..

**BiGeAsYgUy** · 04-18-2005, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by Sethy

I agree. The v1 takes a LOT of user input to determine if the signal is real if you are toward falsing points. But the situation awareness could not be better...

I am hoping escort will add a rear anteanna, and maybe a dot can blink if the radar is coming from behind. Wouldnt be violating the v1 patent, and that would totally kick a**..

The patent includes adding antennas to a single unit.