Which radar detector? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Beach dude · 12-09-2009, 12:25 PM

Apologize in advance for the familiar topic.

Am wondering if anyone has experience with these detectors, all $100-$200...

Beltronics V995 - $200, V955 - $145, V940 - $110.
Cobra XRS 9960G - $180.

After reading many reviews by experts and users, the conclusion seems to be basically that the Bel detectors have a slightly better sensitivity and are less prone to false alerts. This model Cobra has a GPS database that alerts to red light cameras, a feature found in more expensive detectors.

What do you guys think?

Verio · 12-09-2009, 12:27 PM

I've always heard of the Escort or Valentine being the best?

BigMatt · 12-09-2009, 12:29 PM

Valentine 1...saved me hundreds of dollars so far

DangerZL1 · 12-09-2009, 01:02 PM

If you want to stay under $200, I think I'd go with the BEL. I believe they own ESCORT and it appears they have been able to incorporate ESCORT's technology into their detectors. If you can swing it, a Passport 9500 ix or a Valentine would be better, but they are more than double the cost of what your looking at.

Beach dude · 12-09-2009, 01:16 PM

What do you think about the usefulness of the GPS/red light camera locations database? Some claim to have been alerted in time to keep from running... the wrong (one with a camera) red light? I can't see this changing my driving habits as all red lights should be considered mandatory. I suppose this would warn you if the light happened to have an extremely short yellow portion of its sequence, i.e., if you like to speed up (instead of slow down) at yellows.

BulletSS · 12-09-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMatt

Valentine 1...saved me hundreds of dollars so far

Valentine 1... saved me from hundreds of TICKETS so far.

V1 is the only way to go in my opinion. I put an older RD in my DD, while the Camaro had the V1, and I couldn't get used to not having the features of the V1.

If you are going to buy one, save a little more and get the best- V1.

amanc96 · 12-09-2009, 02:00 PM

I love my V1! Expensive to upgrade the software but worth having one even if it isn't up to date. I had two other radar detectors(both cobras i think) in the $100-$200 range back in the day and both only lasted a year each. my Valentine's been running for the last 5 years. If I were in your shoes, I'd just save up a little longer and then drop the cash in either the Escort or the Valentine.

Skyblu · 12-09-2009, 02:08 PM

Valentine 1 all the way! But buy it right from their website Valentine1.com it's the cheapest I could find- $422.00 to my doorstep. Amazon was about $620.00 for new and almost the same price for used as it is new from valentine! Ebay wasn't much better. I have had mine for two weeks now and it is awesome!! You won't regret it.

Beach dude · 12-09-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BulletSS

Valentine 1... saved me from hundreds of TICKETS so far.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMatt

Valentine 1...saved me hundreds of dollars so far

Quote:

Originally Posted by amanc96

I love my V1!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyblu

Valentine 1 all the way!

ORD, the V1 stops...

... Does it also have a red light database, and do you see this as a useful feature?

Skyblu · 12-09-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beach dude

ORD, the V1 stops...

... Does it also have a red light database, and do you see this as a useful feature?

What is that? I'm not sure, I can read the manual and find out.

*mlee* · 12-09-2009, 03:28 PM

I did the $100 Cobra for a while and it's worthless... not a very long range unit..

Do youself a favor... drive slow for a while and save up for an Escort 9500xi and then use this install guide... Works wonderful....

http://camaro5.com/forums/showthread...680#post742680

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34844

strobi · 12-10-2009, 12:39 AM

The new escort "redline" is great for open country driving like here in WY...we don't have cameras at intersectons or along interstates...The redline is undetectable and has dual antenna $499

rcracer78 · 12-10-2009, 12:49 AM

V1 all the way!! No question about it!!

amanc96 · 12-10-2009, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beach dude

ORD, the V1 stops...

... Does it also have a red light database, and do you see this as a useful feature?

The valentine does't have the red light database feature. The escort 9500ix does.

12-09-2009, 12:25 PM	#1
Beach dude Drives: Soon to be 2SS Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: L.A. Posts: 33	Which radar detector? Apologize in advance for the familiar topic. Am wondering if anyone has experience with these detectors, all $100-$200... Beltronics V995 - $200, V955 - $145, V940 - $110. Cobra XRS 9960G - $180. After reading many reviews by experts and users, the conclusion seems to be basically that the Bel detectors have a slightly better sensitivity and are less prone to false alerts. This model Cobra has a GPS database that alerts to red light cameras, a feature found in more expensive detectors. What do you guys think?

12-09-2009, 12:27 PM	#2
Verio Taking it 1 day at a time Drives: 2010 Chevy Camaro 2SS/RS Auto Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 748 View My Garage	I've always heard of the Escort or Valentine being the best? __________________ Order#: NJWGTF 1100, Preliminary order accepted 04/27/2009 6000, Delivered to the customer 07/23/2009 - 3 Months (worth the wait!!)

12-09-2009, 12:29 PM	#3
BigMatt 2010 Camaro 2 SS/RS M6 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS/RS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Clayton Delaware Posts: 1,218 View My Garage	Valentine 1...saved me hundreds of dollars so far __________________ Forged LS3, FED M311 heads, CAI Inc, ARH 1 7/8, Corsa Xtreme, Taylor Wires, MGW Shifter, Street slayer twin carbon clutch, Tick braided clutch line & speed bleeder, ZL1 Diff Swap, BMR Split drop, Sway Bars, Trailing Arms, Toe Rods, Pro bushing kit, Carslyle racing 15in conversion, Whipple, LPE dual fuel pumps, Rx catch can, Id1300x, Alky Control

12-09-2009, 03:28 PM	#11
mlee CamaroFans.com Drives: ZLE & ZR2 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 37,994 View My Garage	I did the $100 Cobra for a while and it's worthless... not a very long range unit.. Do youself a favor... drive slow for a while and save up for an Escort 9500xi and then use this install guide... Works wonderful.... http://camaro5.com/forums/showthread...680#post742680 http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34844 __________________

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12-09-2009, 01:02 PM	#4
DangerZL1 Drives: 2023 Black ZL1 Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: FEMA Region 4 Posts: 2,936	If you want to stay under $200, I think I'd go with the BEL. I believe they own ESCORT and it appears they have been able to incorporate ESCORT's technology into their detectors. If you can swing it, a Passport 9500 ix or a Valentine would be better, but they are more than double the cost of what your looking at.

12-09-2009, 01:16 PM	#5
Beach dude Drives: Soon to be 2SS Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: L.A. Posts: 33	What do you think about the usefulness of the GPS/red light camera locations database? Some claim to have been alerted in time to keep from running... the wrong (one with a camera) red light? I can't see this changing my driving habits as all red lights should be considered mandatory. I suppose this would warn you if the light happened to have an extremely short yellow portion of its sequence, i.e., if you like to speed up (instead of slow down) at yellows.

12-09-2009, 02:00 PM	#7
amanc96 Drives: 2011 SIM 2SS/RS Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa City Posts: 384	I love my V1! Expensive to upgrade the software but worth having one even if it isn't up to date. I had two other radar detectors(both cobras i think) in the $100-$200 range back in the day and both only lasted a year each. my Valentine's been running for the last 5 years. If I were in your shoes, I'd just save up a little longer and then drop the cash in either the Escort or the Valentine.

12-09-2009, 02:08 PM	#8
Skyblu Drives: 2010 Aqua blue 2SS/RS M6 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 990	Valentine 1 all the way! But buy it right from their website Valentine1.com it's the cheapest I could find- $422.00 to my doorstep. Amazon was about $620.00 for new and almost the same price for used as it is new from valentine! Ebay wasn't much better. I have had mine for two weeks now and it is awesome!! You won't regret it.

12-10-2009, 12:39 AM	#12
strobi MJ STROH Drives: 2010 Camaro 2LTRS Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Buffalo, WY Posts: 185 View My Garage	The new escort "redline" is great for open country driving like here in WY...we don't have cameras at intersectons or along interstates...The redline is undetectable and has dual antenna $499

12-10-2009, 12:49 AM	#13
rcracer78 Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CA Posts: 211	V1 all the way!! No question about it!!