Looking to buy the v1

[Solidjake]

I encountered someone using that same cobra on the highway this week. This is what happened...

[shooter2jim]

Ok, I guess you could call me a V1 junkie so take it for what it's worth. From everything I've read and from a friend who owns both, on 35.5 Ka, the RL rules. On the 4 other frequencies, it's a toss up with maybe a tiny advantage to the RL, on average. Laser- V1. With that said, I'm going on 10+ years ticket free with my V1 at about 40k miles per year. Have there been situations where I thought the v1 should have done better? Sure. Probably 35.5. Still no tickets, though. I don't think the RL is worth the extra $100, (but one ticket might change my mind). I guess if you've never had a V1 with the arrows and you're more of a non-commercial driver, go for the RL. By that, I mean if you drive a ton of miles or your business involves a lot of driving, then the V1 arrows are what really set the 2 detectors apart, IMO.

Situation 1- you're approaching an overpass and the detector gives a light warning (or in the case of the RL, a hair-rasing brap-brap), you go on high alert and start to slow. You get near the bridge- the V1 switches to the side arrows and immediately you know the chances are the cop is on coffee break at a convenience store off the exit ramp and left his radar running. With the RL, you can either take the chance it's not an i/o trap ahead or you remain at the speed limit for a while making sure you're clear of the danger zone. Situation 2- you've passed an intersection or an on-ramp and the detector starts alerting. With the RL, do you slow down or maintain speed? The V1 rear arrow tells you that the cop has just turned in behind you, so you keep your eyes glued to the rearview as you maintain speed. Situation 3- the RL is alerting (to the cop that's now behind you) and you receive a 2nd signal. The V1 tells you if it's a 2nd cop behind you or it's one you're approaching, and you need to slow down. Another situation I've experienced and I'd have to give the edge to V1, is approaching multiple traps that are not too far apart but close to the RD's detection limits. IF you've got the RL display in the right mode, and you pass the first trap, you might get the 2nd trap's warning indicated by another bar on the LED, or you might be able to tell that you're approaching another trap if he's using continuous and the signal strength is on the rise. If it's an i/o trap up ahead, you might be fooled into thinking that you've picked up a tiny bit of energy from the cop behind you and resume speed. With a V1, you'll nail down the first trap, and as you pass, the arrow will go to the rear, then if the 2nd cop up ahead squeezes off a shot, you'll get the front and rear arrows and a "2" on the display because the v1 is probably still seeing the one you've just passed, and you know to slow down because you're approaching a 2nd trap. I probably didn't explain that one too well, but hopefully you get the idea. There's really no substitute for knowing how many sources are out there and the direction from which they're coming.

So I guess if you're a lead foot who doesn't mind slowing down for every single alert then the RL is probably your choice. If you drive a little more conservatively and appreciate knowing from where the radar is coming, then the V1 is your huckleberry.

Oh and laser-happy GA has a "super speeder" law so that's something to consider. 15 over on any road will get you something like a $250 bonus on top of the normal fine. User gwinneco can give you details.

[protias]

I encountered someone using that same cobra on the highway this week. This is what happened...

That's because you were using QT and Cobras don't pick up QT.

[SaltyinNJ]

I encountered someone using that same cobra on the highway this week. This is what happened...

LMAO! I want to get a Bushnell just so I can do stuff like that.

[The Stigs Cousin]

I encountered someone using that same cobra on the highway this week. This is what happened...

LMAO! I want to get a Bushnell just so I can do stuff like that.

nothing happened

[Woodscolby]

I encountered someone using that same cobra on the highway this week. This is what happened...

LMAO! I want to get a Bushnell just so I can do stuff like that.

nothing happened

Same results as this video:


Cobras are pretty consistent with the whole not alerting thing.

[Digital Dude]

Heah shooter2jim,
This wasn’t my thread although I certainly benefited from your post. Thanks for explaining the paradox in a way that makes sense!

[spbfitz]

Well I think I'm gonna go with the v1 over the redline... Thank you everyone for helping me decide