Why the V1?

[Patuba]

I don't have 400 around but was thinking about saving up for one. I'd have the money next month.

Jammers are illegal in this state or I would have one.

[fasthappy]

So many laws, so many fines. Its a real GW world we live in.

And I apologize as I missed the part where you ask "everyone buy their V1 instead of a Bel or Escort?" when I first read it. I dont own a V1. Have to say the Ka range and laser detecion on the V1 would be a big sell in favor of getting one. But then you read about all the falsing and the "J"?? and electronic fits. Eh?

So I hear ya, if you have the cash laying around, why not but otherwise(hell aint like the Belscorts are cheap!) X50 was my choice.

Whatever you decide, good luck man. You have Roy, the GoL and this site. Thats a hell of agood start before you even hit the road!

Zoomzoozoom!

[Hessen]

I bought the V1 because of the vidoes I saw posted on this forum.
Personally I think the Arrows were a brilliant idea by Valentine.
Other factors were
The V1 is truly ungradeable.
Belscorts LOUSY customer service and the fact they are BOLD faced liars.
I guess I'm fortunate, as life has been good to me and spending another $100 on an RD (Belscort vs V1) is not an issue.

The bottom line though wasn't so much that the Valentine sold me on his V1 than it was Belscort working hard to lose me as a customer.

Having said that I am happy with my V1, it is an excellent RD and IMO worth the MSRP.

Good luck in your decision.

[sethy]

To me it depends on what you would buy if you had 500 bucks. If laser is a big concern this is how I take it...

V1 + VEIL - This will alert you every single time that you are hit, you may have enough time to slow down, or he may have gotten you, depending on the distance and the gun used.

RX65 or x50 + Blinder - The detector may not alert you every single time, but the jammer sure will. You will probibally go ticket free with blinders new unit.

So with laser out of the way, what are the pluses to the v1.

+ Automatically Dims
+ Arrows
+ POP Protection
+ 100-200 feet more radar distance over the other top preformers.
Some of the negetives...
- No dark display
- J bug still in existance
- Bogey counter ghosts

[wallcrawlr]

If you don't like it, there's always ebay and you'll get probably well over the $400 retail price tag.

That is something I dont understand.

See this link. It went for $406.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

Am I missing something or is that more than it would be if you bought direct?

Confused here. :?

[jimbonzzz]

Yep, it sure is. :roll:
I could understand that if the buyer was from a country where V1 doesn't ship to, but he is from the US...

[time2fly]

I have a question, why did everyone buy their V1 instead of a Bel or Escort?

I was reading in a thread that the V1 lacks several options like a dim display, voice alert and automute. Isn't $400 a lot for a detector that has so few of options? Yes the arrows would be nice and the number of signals but I have the with Tech Mode on my Bel.

I was seriously thinking of replace my Bel 985 with a V1 but with the lack of options it doesn't sound like it's worth $400.

Any opinions?

"Any opinions?" Are you kidding?

Of the "top 3" detectors, I have owned the X50 and V1. I had my original 8500 stolen (along with everything else out of view in my car :twisted: I hate thieves). I was a little disappointed with the Ka sensitivity of the X50 verses my old 8500. I have read other users complain about the same thing.

Anyway, back to your "why V1" question: First of all, I am not wealthy so this was a cautious and well-researched decision to go with the V1. So far, I am very pleased with it. I am confident that sensitivity to all radar bands is equal to, or better, than my X50. I haven't encountered any laser traps with it yet but it is well known that V1 laser response is unequaled.

Here's an example of why I like the V1. This may not matter to you, depending on your local environment. Today I got a K alert "ahead". About 200 yards up the road I see a farm tractor and trailer on the side of the road (I'm in Iowa). Knowing that my local sheriff dept. uses K band AND that some slow moving vehicles have drone radar units, I slow down a little. Within 100 feet of passing the farm equipment, the arrows go to "side" and "behind". With any detector other than the V1, I wouldn't have known if it was the drone or speed enforcement radar up ahead. Some wouldn't find this very important, but in my opinion it is very useful.

As for laser, if a cop hits you within 300 to 500 feet, Veil probably won't help a lot. However, at that range you can usually spot the LEO in time. I have had about 5 laser trap encounters since using Veil and based on the officer's aiming behavior and the fact that 2 of them were aimed at me approaching and in the rear after passing them, I am confident that Veil had an effect on the target range. All were at around 700 feet and were with my original 8500 and X50. I probably would have had even more reaction time with the V1. ?

Also, of the 4 different detectors I have owned (starting with a cheap Cobra that was a piece of s**t), the V1 audio tones are the most distinctive and easiest to recognize, IMO. Just sharing my opinions, I'm not a V1 "endorsee" or a fanatic. In the end, you will make the right decision for you.

[billgerr]

These are my reasons:

little l_ , perhaps the most natural filtering and muting one could ask for.
The muting occurs before the bogey's threat is significant and remains loud as long as threat persists.

X-Band range: There are very few door-openers on Interstates

[RacerX]

I first got it for the arrows and the concealed display, along with upgrading to a PoP capable detector.

The V1 will dim for ambient light conditions but doesn’t have a manual dim option like the escort. Since I always run/ran dark, this option doesn’t much matter to me.

No voice alerts. For me I never had them, so I don’t miss them and don’t really have an opinion one way or another.

Automute. This is probably the main thing I miss about my escort. I’m sure it could be programmed in to work with the control lever for full control of the automute volume if MV wasn’t so stubborn on this and would give us the option to decide or not.

After having used it for a while, I can add to this.

Laser. The V1 does have superior detection. It may give you some additional warning, but I would never consider any detector for sole laser protection. You must use additional countermeasures. Now if laser is a concern, and you can’t have a jammer, than this would be one category that would weigh heavily in favor of getting a V1.

Radar. Overall I believe the top 3 are too close to call. With all the independent tests and reviews we have here, you will find excellent performance with any of the top 3.

Arrows. I have found them invaluable for my type of driving. Mainly open rural areas and highway. Around town they can sometimes be spastic in certain areas, and in close city driving they may not be as invaluable, but when I’m on the open road, and I get an alert, other than close to full strength, it helps me to determine whether it is in front or behind and whether or not it’s getting closer or farther away. I’ve found it much easier to maintain speed without wondering where it’s at, not to mention a polluting detector that doesn’t get filtered out.

Concealed display. This is my favorite part overall. There is no comparison on the concealed display. The belscort flashing red dot told me nothing, compared to the info of the V1 concealed display. Since I run dark, it’s nice to see all the info that the main display has. If belscort had a real concealed display that mimicked the main unit, then this would tip the scales closer to equal for me. If someone doesn’t run dark and uses the main display, then a concealed display might not be an important option to them.

They all have their share of user complaints, whether it’s a “service required” message or customer support issues on the belscort side, or the occasional failure to no longer alert to k band, or the “J” issue on the V1 side.

Overall I don’t see anything close to a clear cut winner. It all comes down to what features you like or dislike, and where and how you use it. There is definitely enough info floating around here for someone to make an informed decision. Make a list of what you want, like/dislike, where you live (what current and future threats are there), and go from there.

Now remember this is just MY opinion. Some will agree, some will disagree, and some may not care one way or another, but since you asked, I’m offering my 2 cents worth.

[Patuba]

Thanks for the opinions. After reading about the radar and laser falses with the current V1 I think I'll save my money until they fix these issues. I have NEVER had a false laser with my Bel 985 and don't really want to give it up.

Yes extract laser range would be nice but not at the expense of getting false alarms.

Plus, the "J"ed alert seems like it has more cons than pros right now.