Valentine 1 or escort 9500xi

[NoynuR]

help me decide which one is better if the tread is in the wrong location plz feel free to move it

[Mark H]

Those are the two I am also trying to decide on. Been a long time user of V-1
but I think I am going to switch over. Also will mount it front grill with laser jammer (remote instal)

[Steve Dallas]

Initially, I had been looking at the Escort 9500ci. Pricey, but one of the best you can get.

I ended up not going that route, but it's funny you asked this...I just bought a radar detector today - the Passport 8500 X50. No laser jamming, but does everything else. And, much less expensive than the 9500ci.

[Xander]

I installed the 9500ci

[TommyTSquared]

So how well does this 'jamming' actually work?

[hypurone]

Originally Posted by TommyTSquared

So how well does this 'jamming' actually work?

Jamming is illegal in most states. And some ban the detectors themselves. They call it "shifting" or "phasing" but basically they are emitting an out of phase laser signal that is supposed to mix with the police signal and return an unreadable signal to the gun.

As long as the detector or any of its components are not found by the officer after he stops you for "visual" reference of speeding (after his normally reliable gun gives him wacky readings) and remains completely undetectable by their "sniffers" you should ok.

[onechuck]

Valentine 1 Hands Down, I have had them all, Bell, whistler, Rocky mountain radar, Valentine 1 for me.

[GangGreen]

Passport 8500 here. a few false alarms, but once u know where they r, you r ok.
NEVER got a ticket with it!!!

[tples69]

What should one expect to pay for a Valentine 1 or 9500ci?

[G.E.]

get both and give me the one you dont want.

[Bert]

the more basic question is:

do radar detectors even work?

I've seen other posts / comments that say that by the time the thing goes off, it is too late, because you have already been shot with the radar or laser. The only time it will save you is if it picks up a stray signal off a car in front of you.

Any input on this?

second question -- do all of those detectors mentioned come with the remote install option (I assume this means you install the sensor behind the grill and then run a wire from there to the unit inside the car, installed under the dash) or do you have to buy a special model?

[CPanther95]

Oh.... radar detectors.

I thought this was the age old debate about whether it is cheaper in the long run to just rent love.

[Ghost of Vincent Price]

Radar detectors work because they can pick up signals not being shot directly at your car and give you plenty of warning. Laser detectors work, but when it goes off they already have your speed. Its directed at one vehicle at a time. The laser jammers work great from what Ive read too.

Radar detectors are only illegal in Virgina and D.C......and military bases.

[Steve Dallas]

Originally Posted by Bert

the more basic question is:

do radar detectors even work?

I've seen other posts / comments that say that by the time the thing goes off, it is too late, because you have already been shot with the radar or laser. The only time it will save you is if it picks up a stray signal off a car in front of you.

Any input on this?

second question -- do all of those detectors mentioned come with the remote install option (I assume this means you install the sensor behind the grill and then run a wire from there to the unit inside the car, installed under the dash) or do you have to buy a special model?

This is more true with lasers because they are usually lasing the vehicle itself...sometimes you will get a stray signal, so any warning you get could be too late, but if you do get one you need to take it seriously in case it is a stray signal.

With the other bands, it can be very helpful. New radar guns have a POP mode which is instant on, but you still may have time to slow down before they can really tag you.

Most of the time here in Washington, I have enough warning to slow down though.