Valentine 1 or Escort X50 ?

noregret4life · 08-17-2006

I know this topic has been covered before, however i am now in the market for a new Radar/Laser Detector and have been considering either the Valentine 1 or Escort X50.

I am not crazy on speeding, however would like something good.
Do enough city driving to need good False alarm protection.

And yes, i live in NJ so i will need X-Band... They really do still use it around here.

I can pick up a New Escort X50 Blue display online for $286 Shipped.
And currently have an offer for a Used V1 Pop2 1.8 for $360 Shipped.

Is the V1 really worth the extra money?

Some quick replies would be great.

*easty* · 08-17-2006

I use an escort passport. it's too expensive, but seems very good. Not sure if the X50 is similar or not, but I've heard the V1 hyped by everyone.

Sid · 08-17-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by noregret4life

I know this topic has been covered before, however i am now in the market for a new Radar/Laser Detector and have been considering either the Valentine 1 or Escort X50.

I am not crazy on speeding, however would like something good.
Do enough city driving to need good False alarm protection.

And yes, i live in NJ so i will need X-Band... They really do still use it around here.

I can pick up a New Escort X50 Blue display online for $286 Shipped.
And currently have an offer for a Used V1 Pop2 1.8 for $360 Shipped.

Is the V1 really worth the extra money?

Some quick replies would be great.

NR4L, hands down, I would choose the V1. Not for anything else, but the arrows indicating the direction of the radar is without a doubt very handy. Good luck.

noregret4life · 08-18-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///AMG 55

You left off the other top detector the Belltronics X65

I did hear about the Belltronics, however i always felt that the Escort 8500 X50 and the V1 were a step ahead.

As for the SR7... that is a little out of my price range at the moment

I actually decided on the V1. The deal i got was too good to pass up. Talked the guy down to $342 Shipped! I highly doubt you can find a V1 with the newest firm/version for that money.

Even if i don't like the V1 for some unknown reason... i can resell it and MAKE money on the transaction

Its already shipped and should be at my door on Monday the latest.

Also this opens up the flood gates for lots of additional mods.
On the list are :
- Concealed display mounted somewhere flush with the interior
- Swap out for color LEDs on the concealed display
- Custom Mute button
- CarPC USB interface to connect to my LCD. (will allow skinnable) V1 intervface to Pop-up on LCD screen.

And obviously the Carpc will open up to MP3, DVD, Divx, Additional Navi, WiFi internet, and others...

And what does this all mean... More connections and tons more wiring

*easty* · 08-18-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by noregret4life

As for the SR7... that is a little out of my price range at the moment

I know I thought the same.. Then I saw them new on Ebay for $600 for the full kit, that with seeing pics of an install on another slk nd I just went for it.

this thread for pics.

noregret4life · 08-18-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by easty

I know I thought the same.. Then I saw them new on Ebay for $600 for the full kit, that with seeing pics of an install on another slk nd I just went for it.

this thread for pics.

That is a great install. I think i used your wiring path for my rear camera plate.

How did you get the display unit into the dash like that? It looks amazing

Ynot · 08-18-2006

Nice installation easty, looks professional, does radar detector really works? I had a cheap one long time ago and it just beeps constantly, I shut it off and threw it out the window. I was told by a police officer (bias opinion of course) that he only shoots at the person he thinks is speeding, once he does, it doesn't matter what radar detector people have, it's too late, unless you have one that detects radar guns when they are off. The officer has a point.

*easty* · 08-18-2006

Once you use it a while you can pretty much detect police cars from a long way away. I have good practice ground as the police sit pretty much the same place on the way to work and I can get them nearlly two miles away. The radar is awesome. it does pick up school buses and alike but the signals are different and you can put it in advanced mode and it will give you a code for different warning.. traffic works ect. I leave it in Auto and it doesn't go off too much, but there is a city and highway mode also that filters out the traffic lights and stuff. also the unit has the laser shifters which work great, I almost feel guilty when they shoot me 3 times in a row. I click it off and imagine there happy actually hitting me the 4th time.

But when I was first playing with it I left it on and the guy shot me 5 times 3 times on approach and twice from behind and the shifter worked every time. well i'm guessing thats why he kept trying?

The dash install was relatively easy, well once you know how to get it out. I removed the clock console. unpluggled the connection behind. I had to drill a 10mmx10mm (1/2"X1/2") hole in the top of the unit to feed a wire through. this is impossible to see when the clock unit is back in. then just fed the wires back down the left side and slid it all in place.

It's perfect for me as I cannot actually see it as the wheel is in the way, but if i duck a little when it goes of it comes into view.

There is also a remote mute button, but I didn't bother to install that.

noregret4life · 08-18-2006

Ynot, I like the fact that you first turned off the radar detector then threw it out the window... HAHA Thats great.

Well the radar and Laser detectors are constantly on. So there is a good chance that the cop ahead of you is tagging various cars. And the detector would pic those signals up even if they don't stay on.

Also, from what i was told... Radar detectors that are hardwired into cop cars usually stay on while they are tagging people. So the signal can be detected long before you get to the zone where he/she can tag you.

Laser, and POP guns tag you with instant on. But once again, there is a good chance that someone in front or behind is getting tagged.

Even my crappy old Cobra pickes up cops cars... and you can see the signal getting stronger as you get closer.

*easty* · 08-18-2006

Your right NR4l, I tend to pick up the radar a long way from actual line of sight of the police car. Laser is generally a little closer, But generally unless it's quiet the thng will go off before I see them and there not targeting me. Although when it's saved me, I'm being naughty and I didn't know he was there. the thing scares the hell out of me, but I immediately slow and then disable it so they can hit me up again at a normal speed.

noregret4life · 08-18-2006

Strangly enough, they don't use laser around NJ much. I've picked up only a few times. Then again my old dector likes to beep whenever it feels like it, not when there are actually cops there.

Very excited to see how the V1 performs.

JBSSLK55AMG · 08-18-2006

I have two detectors: a V1 for my SLK55 and a Beltronics X65 in my Honda CR-V beater. I'm just too lazy to move a single detector from car to car. Both work great as I have been "saved" many times, especially in the SLK, and I've seen little difference in the amount of warning time they give. But the arrows are definitely an advantage and, given the choice of buying one, would go with the V1.

Ynot · 08-18-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by noregret4life

Then again my old dector likes to beep whenever it feels like it, not when there are actually cops there.

That's exactly how my experience with radar detectors were, bad experience I guess, it's been awhile, so I assume technology has gone a long way and it now actually works. I'm afraid I might depend on it all the time and will push the limits. I'll just stick with the 5mph over the speed limit rule.

noregret4life · 08-18-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

I'm afraid I might depend on it all the time and will push the limits. I'll just stick with the 5mph over the speed limit rule.

Cross over to the dark side!

< got this smilie online, Maybe Bill can hook us up with some "Darker side of man" smilies

You know you feel it... the SLK starts singing that oh so familiar tune and the peddle just keeps dropping

Ynot · 08-18-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by noregret4life

Cross over to the dark side!

< got this smilie online, Maybe Bill can hook us up with some "Darker side of man" smilies

You know you feel it... the SLK starts singing that oh so familiar tune and the peddle just keeps dropping

I don't think it's too wise to step on it on public roads, that's why I've been itching to take it to the track. The only track we have left is unfortunately an hour and a half away.

noregret4life · 08-18-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

I don't think it's too wise to step on it on public roads, that's why I've been itching to take it to the track. The only track we have left is unfortunately an hour and a half away.

I'm not speed crazy myself, but sometimes find myself at 10-12mph over on major highways. And not on purpose... just moving along.

So that is my reason for the radar detector... not planning to hammer it on public roads just because i have one.

*easty* · 08-18-2006

Same here mate. I find no fun in speeding on the highway. although it's easy to find a comfortable speed around 70-75 on an open highway and I find I drive with more attention at slower speeds with the radar working.

Gayle280 · 08-27-2006

I've had the V 1 for 3 years with remote option (easy to change sensitivity setting and no visible illumination from rear) to me the arrows are really useful. Let's you know pretty distant. Kind of prone to triggering when near alarms around town,but you learn which is real with experience. Wish is was a smaller and lighter package though especially for our cars.

noregret4life · 08-27-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gayle280

I've had the V 1 for 3 years with remote option (easy to change sensitivity setting and no visible illumination from rear) to me the arrows are really useful. Let's you know pretty distant. Kind of prone to triggering when near alarms around town,but you learn which is real with experience. Wish is was a smaller and lighter package though especially for our cars.

View Poll Results: Valentine 1 or Escort X50 ??
V1	16	69.57%
Escort X50	2	8.70%
Belltronics X65	3	13.04%
Escort Passport SR7 With shifters	2	8.70%
Voters: 23. You may not vote on this poll

08-17-2006	#1 (permalink)
noregret4life Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Vehicle: '05 SLK350 Posts: 1,092 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	Valentine 1 or Escort X50 ? I know this topic has been covered before, however i am now in the market for a new Radar/Laser Detector and have been considering either the Valentine 1 or Escort X50. I am not crazy on speeding, however would like something good. Do enough city driving to need good False alarm protection. And yes, i live in NJ so i will need X-Band... They really do still use it around here. I can pick up a New Escort X50 Blue display online for $286 Shipped. And currently have an offer for a Used V1 Pop2 1.8 for $360 Shipped. Is the V1 really worth the extra money? Some quick replies would be great.

08-17-2006	#2 (permalink)
easty Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montreal Vehicle: ///AMG Posts: 2,075 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts	I use an escort passport. it's too expensive, but seems very good. Not sure if the X50 is similar or not, but I've heard the V1 hyped by everyone. __________________ "I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!" Life of Brian To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-18-2006	#8 (permalink)
easty Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montreal Vehicle: ///AMG Posts: 2,075 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts	Once you use it a while you can pretty much detect police cars from a long way away. I have good practice ground as the police sit pretty much the same place on the way to work and I can get them nearlly two miles away. The radar is awesome. it does pick up school buses and alike but the signals are different and you can put it in advanced mode and it will give you a code for different warning.. traffic works ect. I leave it in Auto and it doesn't go off too much, but there is a city and highway mode also that filters out the traffic lights and stuff. also the unit has the laser shifters which work great, I almost feel guilty when they shoot me 3 times in a row. I click it off and imagine there happy actually hitting me the 4th time. But when I was first playing with it I left it on and the guy shot me 5 times 3 times on approach and twice from behind and the shifter worked every time. well i'm guessing thats why he kept trying? The dash install was relatively easy, well once you know how to get it out. I removed the clock console. unpluggled the connection behind. I had to drill a 10mmx10mm (1/2"X1/2") hole in the top of the unit to feed a wire through. this is impossible to see when the clock unit is back in. then just fed the wires back down the left side and slid it all in place. It's perfect for me as I cannot actually see it as the wheel is in the way, but if i duck a little when it goes of it comes into view. There is also a remote mute button, but I didn't bother to install that. __________________ "I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!" Life of Brian To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-18-2006	#10 (permalink)
easty Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montreal Vehicle: ///AMG Posts: 2,075 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts	Your right NR4l, I tend to pick up the radar a long way from actual line of sight of the police car. Laser is generally a little closer, But generally unless it's quiet the thng will go off before I see them and there not targeting me. Although when it's saved me, I'm being naughty and I didn't know he was there. the thing scares the hell out of me, but I immediately slow and then disable it so they can hit me up again at a normal speed. __________________ "I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!" Life of Brian To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-18-2006	#7 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	Nice installation easty, looks professional, does radar detector really works? I had a cheap one long time ago and it just beeps constantly, I shut it off and threw it out the window. I was told by a police officer (bias opinion of course) that he only shoots at the person he thinks is speeding, once he does, it doesn't matter what radar detector people have, it's too late, unless you have one that detects radar guns when they are off. The officer has a point.

08-18-2006	#9 (permalink)
noregret4life Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Vehicle: '05 SLK350 Posts: 1,092 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	Ynot, I like the fact that you first turned off the radar detector then threw it out the window... HAHA Thats great. Well the radar and Laser detectors are constantly on. So there is a good chance that the cop ahead of you is tagging various cars. And the detector would pic those signals up even if they don't stay on. Also, from what i was told... Radar detectors that are hardwired into cop cars usually stay on while they are tagging people. So the signal can be detected long before you get to the zone where he/she can tag you. Laser, and POP guns tag you with instant on. But once again, there is a good chance that someone in front or behind is getting tagged. Even my crappy old Cobra pickes up cops cars... and you can see the signal getting stronger as you get closer.

08-18-2006	#11 (permalink)
noregret4life Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Vehicle: '05 SLK350 Posts: 1,092 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	Strangly enough, they don't use laser around NJ much. I've picked up only a few times. Then again my old dector likes to beep whenever it feels like it, not when there are actually cops there. Very excited to see how the V1 performs.

08-18-2006	#12 (permalink)
JBSSLK55AMG Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Upstate NY Vehicle: 2006 SLK 55 AMG Posts: 56 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have two detectors: a V1 for my SLK55 and a Beltronics X65 in my Honda CR-V beater. I'm just too lazy to move a single detector from car to car. Both work great as I have been "saved" many times, especially in the SLK, and I've seen little difference in the amount of warning time they give. But the arrows are definitely an advantage and, given the choice of buying one, would go with the V1.

08-18-2006	#17 (permalink)
easty Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montreal Vehicle: ///AMG Posts: 2,075 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts	Same here mate. I find no fun in speeding on the highway. although it's easy to find a comfortable speed around 70-75 on an open highway and I find I drive with more attention at slower speeds with the radar working. __________________ "I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!" Life of Brian To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-27-2006	#18 (permalink)
Gayle280 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Henderson Nevada Vehicle: 2006 SLK280 Pewter,heating package,comfort package,satellite radio Posts: 133 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Valentine 1 or Escort X50 ? I've had the V 1 for 3 years with remote option (easy to change sensitivity setting and no visible illumination from rear) to me the arrows are really useful. Let's you know pretty distant. Kind of prone to triggering when near alarms around town,but you learn which is real with experience. Wish is was a smaller and lighter package though especially for our cars.

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