Valentine V1 for Dallas Area

[Weeth]

Radar Community,

I'm still looking for a good radar detector for the Dallas Area (specifically irving, grapevine and dallas).

I originally wanted to buy a cheap one for $150, but I was told by several auto enthusiasts to buy nothing less than a Valentine One.

I'm not planning on busting a BLICK (excessive highway speeding) so I don't think I'll need a jammer.

I just want awareness for road trips and long city streets with 30 mph speed limits.

Those are a major pain in the a$S as they comprise the majority of my commute.

Any opinions as to how Valentine One's perform around DFW?

Mind that I won't bust a BLICK; I just want to expedite my travels through city streets w/o speeding tickets.

What type of radar is used? (i.e. Instant on, k-band...?)

Thanks for reading and I appreciate your responses!

-John

[Stealth Stalker]

Laser is even more of a concern in the city than it is on the highway, so yes, you do need a jammer if you don't want tickets.

In the city, I wouldn't say that nothing short of a V1 will do. But on the highway, especially in Texas, yes, nothing but a V1 will do. It's the only detector with the reaction time necessary to consistently defeat DPS Quick Triggered radar.

Inside the Metroplex, I'd kill the X-band altogether, and run big L mode to quiet down the false alerts from automatic door openers. But again, in the city, laser is your main threat, and no radar detector will save you from that.

[Weeth]

Thanks man...

I didn't know that laser is more of a threat in the city. What is used more in DFW- Laser or Radar?

I'm new to the world of radar.

[Stealth Stalker]

In my experience, it's laser, by far. That can vary by city, but it's still overwhelmingly laser throughout DFW. In DFW, I'd buy a jammer way before a radar detector. But truly, you need both or you're just waiting to fail.

[jrace4fun]

Laser buy far is your biggest threat in the DFW area. Even DPS shoots laser in and around the DFW cities day and night. Also, the DPS radar guys are really good. If you are new to the cat and mouse game they will nail your ass. Your eyes are the best defense against them. I have a V1 but for the last three years it has not been much of a help with DPS. They have learned how to hide and when to pull the trigger. It works great in detecting local city patrol LEOs and traffic LEOs but even with the local’s laser is their first choice.

[LabRat]

I agree with all who posted before me.....Laser is a big threat and cops are good at radar ambush......Having said that:

1. Use of a rabbit is a must.
--If you run unfamiliar roads then X2 that advice.

2. Situational awareness is a must
----Cops are people too and creatures of habit
Just like deer hunting...if you are in an area long enough, you know where they tend to be time after time; same with cops.

3. Don't stand out like a neon sign in the desert.
---Agressive driving that's out of the normal traffic flow pattern will get you noticed -- for the bad.
---Speed in the monfort lane all by yourself will get you noticed. Refer to 1 above.


Situational awareness is key.

Now, laser will nail you dead-bang and there's not much you can do about that. Jammer? May or may not work in all situations and with all cops.

But, if you can control circumstances where you're not the intended target, then you go a long way to not getting a ticket.

For me, I live in the Plano/Frisco area and drive to Irving everyday to work.
I pass thru Plano, Carrollton and Irving as well as Lewisville occasionally.

Had the V1 for 5 years and never got a ticket. I generally run 10-12 over the PSL - but I'm always aware of my environment (immediate and short term ahead). (School zones are a no-no>> They're short and you just have to cool it for a few moments - no matter what you do, you stand out = busted!)

Its been said here many, many times; an RD is a tool, nothing more. Use is wisely and for the right job.

If you speed long enough, you're gonna get caught, no doubt. But you can improve your odds by being aware and smart.

Hope this helps. I don't usually post here, but lurk a lot. Good info on this board.

[Weeth]

UPDATE

I got it yesterday, and so far, it's detected almost every cop and grocery store I've passed (I haven't encountered one standing aiming his gun at traffic yet). I guess they leave their radar running while driving.

I drove from Irving to Grapevine, then I passed through Southlake to North Richland Hills. It detected two cops and several CVS's.

My laser alert had a heart attack and finally, I disabled my cruise control; it stopped.

Took me a while to figure that out lol...

Are most X-band alerts falses? Which mode is the best for my area? I rarely go to dallas. Just the DFW area.

So far no laser encounters... Isn't that supposed to be a big threat in DFW?

BTW, I don't drive real fast. I actually drive more carefully with it because I check my speedo every time it beeps.

Thanks...

[GreenRadar]

Its good to hear the V1 has been helping you out and saving you.
I am sure you will run into laser eventually, just give it time.
X band always depends on the area, one of the Texans from the forum will most certainly be able to fill you in on x band in your area and if it's a threat.

[jrace4fun]

North Richland Hills hit me with laser last Sunday Morning on the 820/121 ramp. I was on 121 heading toward 820 west.

[mahjong007]

i guess it all depends where you at. in dallas, i get about +/- 70% radar, 30% laser.