V-1 VS. STI TEST ON RADARTEST.COM

[stealthJamal]

His book, fast driving withouts tickets is pretty cool.

Basically Craig P's test are worth reading and have good info unless he is testing the V1 or BSing about power lines which Jimbonzzz called him out on. Almost everything he says about the V1 is negative, surely he can find something good to say about it.

I do agree with him somewhat, I prefer to use my STi over a V1.
But I realize the V1 is just as good because that is a fact. You can't go wrong with V1 or STi if you want the best. In my opinion if you buy anything else other than one of those 2, you won't be getting the best.

[icantdrive55]

also, if i recall right, in previous tests, CP really disliked the bright display at night of the V-1.

but the STI has, appears, more light (though backlit) on it's display. (see picture in his review).

The V-1 controls are easy...because basically there is just ONE. The knob (with the secondary mute thingy). You push in to change modes. That is not tough because you see the "A" or "L" or "l" come up.

[GTO_04]

Does anyone else find it odd that he is reporting the same 11+ mile range on all radar bands? Since when is the range exactly the same for all bands for any RD?

The STi is an excellent RD, and it doesn't need an idiot like Craig Petersen promoting it. If I were BEL I would tell CP to go away.

GTO_04

[icantdrive55]

and I found it interesting in his testing/article he states BEL contacted him in 2002 to see what he would like in a radar detector. Pretty much what he stated was what the V-1 already had...minus, what some would say, is too much falsing and the backlight.

V-1 has metal case. No glare on windshield. Put major controls in reach.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

His book, fast driving withouts tickets is pretty cool.

Yeah what does it say? If it just says "look around you" I got that part already

Ideally you would have equal range on all frequencies. That's pretty much where the trend is going. Nobody is boosting range on X anymore, and K only slightly, everyone is working on Ka. Early Ka Superwides had maybe a tenth of the Ka range as on X. Now the gap is much narrower.

[a-casanova]

I have been reading and researching RD,s for 8 years now. Every time i have read anything from Craig in recent years in regards to the V1 it has been inflated fallacies with the V1, and plain old negatively biased information on the V1. We all know what the V1 is capable of and effectively tied in performance in most KA frequencies with the STI. His reviews on other products are interesting but when it comes to V1 associated publishings Craig's words are pure rubbish and lies. Jim pointed out some interesting points on the reflectivity and enhancements of Microwave propagation around buildings wires and metallic structures according to Craig. Its funny that that due to microwaves reflectivity, encountering building and surfaces with uneven textures the signal is attenuated due to it being reflected in so many directions. Signs can effectively reflect and extend range, but this requires appropriate angles. Craig just lost total credibility with me after this article. :?

[carbonhed]

Sounds like he's got a great testing location though doesn't it? Maybe GOL should have him tailed Particularly that S curve with the hill... that sounds outstanding for testing off axis. The results reflect my experiences with the V1 and STi. The STi is superior off axis and it shows with the toughest of all Ka challenges the 34.3 Multanova speedcam.

While you can certainly say that he's over the top in his loathing of the V1 he's got a lot of good points on it's shortcomings. Don't compare the ergonomics of the V1 and STi because the STI destroys it.

[Danthelephant]

Bel sti is def my next detector!

[liquid_force]

my personal experiences are completely the same as this test shows ... tomorrow it will be hardwired and boxed mounted behind the bumper for optimal hiding and recieving ... will post new experiences soon as well then

[carboncopy]

I own a V1 and STi and from my personal testing (real world) the V1 is every bit as good at detecting off axis Ka as my STi. In fact, I believe the V1 is better at off axis detection than the STi. CP's test seems very "funny" to me that the STi would dominate the V1 like his test shows.

Let's face the facts that these 2 detectors are about as evenly matched as it gets. The STi might have better filtering and is very "plug n'play" but as far as detection goes the STi and V1 are VERY close. From my personal testing my V1 has given me excellent off axis Ka detection at superior ranges.

I think the rumors of the V1 having poor off axis detection have been greatly exaggerated. Think about it, how could a detector be SO good at sniffing out radar, yet blinded in it's peripheral vision. Answer? It can't. The STi is great and I am not just a V1 zombie talking, but if I had 1 detector to take cross country it would be the V1.

If you want a great detector that is very user friendly, stealth, and has a pretty face to match, then go with the STi. But CP don't try to sell us this line of BS about the V1 not performing well. I would be more than happy to let you test my V1 and STi, with me as a witness and show me my V1 can't hang or beat the STi in all areas of detection.