Valentine 1 Vs. Passport 9500i? (Let's chat)

[Ebruess]

I am finally deciding to buy a radar...
The age old battle...
Valentine 1 in corner 1....
Passport 9500i in corner 2...
Who wins?

I have never used a radar before and today I stopped by the local car toys to take a in person look (*I'm a online shopper mostly*) and I liked the looks and the concealed display but I can't seem to find anyone with a Valentine 1 to look at. Car Toys has a money back guarantee for 5 days of their Passport 9500i. Anyone try that? Any problems returning?

So, let's talk about first hand impressions of both. Please assist me in my purchase :D

[mrlilguy157]

the arrows win. always. I have used an x50 8500 for months from a friend, and then had the v1 with the arrows. i could never go back.

mail in upgradability is nice too. you won't be dissapointed. i'll never sell mine.

i paid $230 a year ago for my valentine1.7.

[GoFast]

checkout radarbusters .com

[Falconx84]

V1 hands down..... arrows + bogey counter

[dannyboy17]

i have a v1 and love it, very well spent money.
i had a 8500 x50 before and it really wasnt that great.

[2ManyCars]

I have Solo S2 and really like it. But I have considered a V1 because of the arrows.

[Rotus8]

When I got my MS3 I bought a V1 to replace my aging 8500. I couldn't stand it, constant falses all the time. After a while you just ignore it. Yes, there is lots of information, but my brain is too busy driving to process it all to decide if it is real or not. I bought a 9500i and it is great! I ran both of them side by side for a couple of weeks and then sold the V1. The 9500i just sits there, and when it has an alert, I pay attention because you can bet it has a very good chance of being real.

By the way, around here there are radar based speed warning signs, radar based freeway speed reporting websites, and other stuff that make detectors pay a lot of attention. Too much noise for me without some sort of suppression that actually works.

[aznsebass]

i have to agree with everyone... the V1 > x50 even though your question was about the 9500i. I have owned/used the 7500 and 8500, but I wish I had the V1. I would trade my 8500 in any day for a V1.

the 9500i might be a bit better than the 8500, but I would rather have the valentine.

[Silver Ecstasy]

Debating which Radar detector isn't going to be accurate because there are a lot of factors involved.

-how sensitive
-how accurate
-if cop even has equipment turned on
-$$$

In a way, it's sorta like comparing the MS3 to an STI. They are both fast hatchbacks, but the STI is alot more sophisticated for the extra $20k. NOW...are you ever going to actually end up using the 81 different combination throttle/diff/traction control configurations? Or are you ever going to drive a $40k+ vehicle through disastrous or dangerous weather/enviroments? Probably not, unless that's your career or you just don't really care that much. IMO, the V1 is exactly that. All that radar busting power..but what about those other variables you can't control?

I've had a Passport 8500 since 2004, and when that got stolen, I upgraded to the Passport 8500 x50. Haven't noticed much difference, but it is helpful when needed. Yes, theres false alerts every so often, but anytime I've ever been in an area where there isn't a typical alert and I get one?--it works like a charm.

With the 9500, mainly you can just mark false alarms with GPS. But, as someone else noted, theres alot of other stuff going on in the car, not everyone has the time to notate every false alarm to make their commute less exciting.

With the V1, it's extremely accurate but almost too accurate. When I rode with my buddy and his, it was going off all the time. Like almost a full 2, 3 miles ahead of time and it'd point in that direction. It was completely annoying, and a very large sized unit. In my mind, it's over the top. Nothing is going to stop a cop from utilizing "instant-on" and defeating any radar detector, and you can't always beat Laser either. At the end of the day, if you're driving recklessly, you're gonna get a ticket.

Now, i'm hoping once I get my car next month, I'll be testing my buddy's Passport/Valentine radar rear view mirror mount. Here's an example of it. I believe it should fit on the MS3 just fine as it fits any mirror 3/4" thick.

http://members.aol.com/mikent256/TBSS/radarmount7.jpg

[2ManyCars]

When I got my MS3 I bought a V1 to replace my aging 8500. I couldn't stand it, constant falses all the time. After a while you just ignore it. Yes, there is lots of information, but my brain is too busy driving to process it all to decide if it is real or not. I bought a 9500i and it is great! I ran both of them side by side for a couple of weeks and then sold the V1. The 9500i just sits there, and when it has an alert, I pay attention because you can bet it has a very good chance of being real.

By the way, around here there are radar based speed warning signs, radar based freeway speed reporting websites, and other stuff that make detectors pay a lot of attention. Too much noise for me without some sort of suppression that actually works.

The automatic signs down here use K-band and the police generally seem to run Ka. I have my S2 set to filter all X because its' just noise. Does the V1 have an ability to filter?

[ragindark]

The Valentine One is the best at detecting radar and laser and it is $50-$100 cheaper than the Escort 9500i.

http://guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detector-performance/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/charts-by-radar-detector/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/charts-by-police-laser-gun/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/tables-by-radar-detector/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detectors/tests-reviews-comparisons/tables-by-police-laser-gun/

[Reitrof]

I have never used a radar before and today I stopped by the local car toys to take a in person look (*I'm a online shopper mostly*) and I liked the looks and the concealed display but I can't seem to find anyone with a Valentine 1 to look at.

I also have the V1. You will not find it in stores. V1 is only sold through their website.

[vcinsanity1523]

i have the rx65 pro and have had nothing but excellent luck with wouldn't even consider replacing it with anything else

[ragindark]

I have Solo S2 and really like it. But I have considered a V1 because of the arrows.

You should dump the Escort Solo S2 and get a V1 because battery operated detectors are weak. Look how poorly the Escort Solo S2 perfomed at the latest independent unibiased radar detector test.

http://guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html

This is why battery operated detectors are no good.

http://valentine1.com/cordless/

[2ManyCars]

You should dump the Escort Solo S2 and get a V1 because battery operated detectors are weak. Look how poorly the Escort Solo S2 perfomed at the latest independent unibiased radar detector test.

http://guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html

This is why battery operated detectors are no good.

http://valentine1.com/cordless/

Well I really dont want to start an argument here but...

- Dont the results of the tests above look a bit strange? Appox. 1000 - 2000 feet as the best result of a straight on Ka test? I routinely alert on my S2 1/2 mile (or more) before I see the guy with the gun. These results look pretty strange even for the V1.

- They did not run a test with S2 hooked to power. In that configuration I believe it samples more frequently.

- I like the Valentine stuff but I still dont bother with "comparisons" made by one manufacturer against another. Who out there is gonna say the other guy is good?

I'm not arguing the V1 is better. I know it is. But the S2 works a helluva lot better than those results show.

[Tagkat]

I would rate it in order of
Valentine 1
Passport 9500 (GPS Capablity which is neat)
Passport 8500 x50
Bel RX 65
Bel RX 55

The bell and X50 is a tossup I think my rx65 gave me alerts alot further than my x50 does.

Check this guys setup out.
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/column/worlds-greatest-laser-jammers-152877.php

Click on alexander roy.

[ragindark]

Well I really dont want to start an argument here but...

- Dont the results of the tests above look a bit strange? Appox. 1000 - 2000 feet as the best result of a straight on Ka test? I routinely alert on my S2 1/2 mile (or more) before I see the guy with the gun. These results look pretty strange even for the V1.

You have to read about the testing before you can understand the results.

"For the Straight-Line sensitivity test, we used radar absorbent foam (this was not used for the other tests).

Eccosorb is specially-designed foam which absorbs radar. In this test, the Guys of LIDAR used layers of Eccosorb in front of the radar antennas to reduce the radar signal, or make it weaker.

Why? Because a detector's job is to sniff out weak signals.

The further away you are from the radar, the weaker the signal becomes. Today's high-end radar detectors can detect radar miles and miles away in the right situations. Because of this, radar detector tests commonly use hills, terrain, or other means to reduce the radar signal for test purposes. But every test situation is different, and these methods can sometimes yield sporadic results.

Enter Eccosorb. The Eccosorb allowed us to reduce the radar signal in a highly-controlled manner, and allowed us to test on a straight course under highly controlled conditions. This method of testing also reduced or eliminated some of the unpredictability that occurs with other methods, and yielded highly-repeatable results.

In addition to the Eccosorb in front of the radar, the sides and rear were also surrounded with Eccosorb just for good measure to help prevent any stray radar reflections.

Please remember: what these test results provide is an indication of "relative sensitivity", or how the detectors might compare against themselves or each other. Just like any other radar detector test (foam or not), the absolute distances in the results cannot be applied to any situation other than the specific test conditions.

In this test, just like any other, it's the ratios that matter."

[ragindark]

They did not run a test with S2 hooked to power. In that configuration I believe it samples more frequently.

The cord plugged in has almost no effect on the radar detection of the Escort Solo S2.

http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=10867&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=solo+cord&start=15


OK here it is!
Please remember, this was more of an experiment than an actual test. For a few of the detectors, we did a second run, and the results seemed to be consistent with the first run.

Radar used:
Kustom Golden Eagle, 35.5 GHz.

Results in number of feet from source at which the detector alerted.

Valentine One v3.826
1072 Feet

RX-65 S7 v3.6, USA Mode
788 Feet

Solo S2 w/Cord
433 Feet

Solo S2 No Cord
421 Feet

Whistler 1788 w/Cord
93 Feet

Whistler 1788 No Cord
66 Feet

PNI Silver Bullet RX7600 w/Cord
72 Feet

[acidbbg]

If you have the money for V1 get it..It's the best available.

If ur like most others..like myself..get the 8500 X50..It works great...I am happy i didn't dump all that money into the v1..as i have more money for other stuff.

In all honesty..i know couple state troopers and local cops..and they all tell me the same thing..I don't drive around w/ my gun on...When i see someone speeding i hit a button and scan the car for it's speed and turn it back off unless i am chasing.

In other words..any detector will only warn u if the cop has his gun on.

-C

[derekMZ3]

regardless of the arrows, i still like the 9500

[Falconx84]

If you have the money for V1 get it..It's the best available.

If ur like most others..like myself..get the 8500 X50..It works great...I am happy i didn't dump all that money into the v1..as i have more money for other stuff.

In all honesty..i know couple state troopers and local cops..and they all tell me the same thing..I don't drive around w/ my gun on...When i see someone speeding i hit a button and scan the car for it's speed and turn it back off unless i am chasing.

In other words..any detector will only warn u if the cop has his gun on.

-C

true, and any good traffic cop can guess your speed within 5mph w/o a gun. And most of the time you see a cop on the road (at least in my area) they're on their way to somewhere more important than stopping someone for speeding or a minor violation. As long as you're not more than 10-15 over they won't care in that case. A detector is more for speed traps where all they are doing is sitting and waiting.

[2ManyCars]

You have to read about the testing before you can understand the results.

"For the Straight-Line sensitivity test, we used radar absorbent foam (this was not used for the other tests).

Eccosorb is specially-designed foam which absorbs radar. In this test, the Guys of LIDAR used layers of Eccosorb in front of the radar antennas to reduce the radar signal, or make it weaker.

Why? Because a detector's job is to sniff out weak signals.

The further away you are from the radar, the weaker the signal becomes. Today's high-end radar detectors can detect radar miles and miles away in the right situations. Because of this, radar detector tests commonly use hills, terrain, or other means to reduce the radar signal for test purposes. But every test situation is different, and these methods can sometimes yield sporadic results.

Enter Eccosorb. The Eccosorb allowed us to reduce the radar signal in a highly-controlled manner, and allowed us to test on a straight course under highly controlled conditions. This method of testing also reduced or eliminated some of the unpredictability that occurs with other methods, and yielded highly-repeatable results.

In addition to the Eccosorb in front of the radar, the sides and rear were also surrounded with Eccosorb just for good measure to help prevent any stray radar reflections.

Please remember: what these test results provide is an indication of "relative sensitivity", or how the detectors might compare against themselves or each other. Just like any other radar detector test (foam or not), the absolute distances in the results cannot be applied to any situation other than the specific test conditions.

In this test, just like any other, it's the ratios that matter."

Thanks - I missed that. It seems they wanted a nice general test assuming some type of adversarial use conditions. A nice thing about SoCal is that everyone generally drives pretty fast and the CHP is also generally pretty cool unless you are being a jerk. So my S2 was purchased for long stretches of driving on open highway in the desert to places like Vegas. Under those conditions, it alerts a long time before I actually encounter the radar unit. So it may be a fine test (although it might be interesting to let the mfgs comment on Eccosorb) but it does not represent my use case.

[2ManyCars]

So I take it you guys recommend a V1! :)

Is the Valentine site the only place to purchase or can I find them elsewhere?

Thanks

[MSPRCRX44]

I have the 9500i and i love it. It has the gps to mark known speed trap locations. It can be completely dark so that the display is black and you have audio alerts. It is also able to adjust you alert sensitivity based on your speed and audio alert is adjustable based on what is being heard in the car for example loud music. The 9500i also has the capability for firmware update through a 5 pin mini usb cable that escort will send you if you register it. The 9500i is already set also for the new Ku band. If I could do it again, I would get the 9500i over. I hope this helps.

[Falconx84]

So I take it you guys recommend a V1! :)

Is the Valentine site the only place to purchase or can I find them elsewhere?

Thanks

or the phone number, lol

but yeah, can only purchase it direct

[ragindark]

So I take it you guys recommend a V1! :)

Is the Valentine site the only place to purchase or can I find them elsewhere?

Thanks

Call Valentine Research at 1 800 331 3030 and ask for a returned V1 and you will get 10% off the retail price of $399. Tell them you don't mind being put on the waiting list. Guaranteed, they will ship a V1 out within 2 days. It will be the latest version V1.8 POP2 w/ Euro-mode and 3.863 firmware and that comes with all the accessories and a 1 year warranty.

[Boey Jetts]

You should really consider the 9500i. The only neat thing about the V1 is the arrows. After a week or two of "normal" driving, you will have blocked out all of the normal "false alarms" on your daily routes with the 9500i and its GPS system. After that, you will just know when that thing is going off, there WILL be an officer somewhere (and he won't need to be close!).
I have one and it is the best product. Period.

Also, it has the capability to track more than one "bogey"... up to 8. This thing is really advanced and you should go to the website and watch all of the demos and make a better decision that going by what any of us have to say... even including me. Make your own choice, but make sure you have all of the facts!

[MSPRCRX44]

I also forgot to mention that the 9500i displays what speed you were at when the alert when off to let you know what speed you may have been clocked at.

[Boey Jetts]

I also forgot to mention that the 9500i displays what speed you were at when the alert when off to let you know what speed you may have been clocked at.

Not just that, you can have it display that as its default display. It is pretty sweet and lets you know (if you get caught) how fast he really caught you going.

[Natedog_37]

Sorry V1 all the way. Nothing comes close to it.

[Natedog_37]

Also, it has the capability to track more than one "bogey"... up to 8. This thing is really advanced and you should go to the website and watch all of the demos and make a better decision that going by what any of us have to say... even including me. Make your own choice, but make sure you have all of the facts!

The V1 tracks more than 1 bogey and tells you were they are..

[dparm1984]

Sorry, but the Bel STI Driver and its younger sibling the RX65 annihilate just about everything else.

I've spent enough time on those radar detector enthusiast websites to have seen the test results time and time again. The V1 is showing its age, though it is still a capable detector.

I had an 8500 and it was a great little device. Sold it, and got the Bel 995.

[tlonon]

true, and any good traffic cop can guess your speed within 5mph w/o a gun. And most of the time you see a cop on the road (at least in my area) they're on their way to somewhere more important than stopping someone for speeding or a minor violation. As long as you're not more than 10-15 over they won't care in that case. A detector is more for speed traps where all they are doing is sitting and waiting.
I got pulled over for going 5 over the speed limit
"You in an emergency?"
"no sir, I'm just trying to get to school on time."
"well, you almost lucked out, cuz there is no way that I could peg you for going 5 over, so instead I'm writing you down for a license plate infraction."
"A what?"
"You can't have any part of Texas covered by your license plate cover."
"uhhhh, When did that go into effect, because I wasn't told that in drivers school."
"3 months ago."
"um, ok."
"You're free to go."
"With all due respect sir, that ticket is ridiculous, and I'll be taking it to court, (sarcastically) Good Day to you sir."
(rolling up my window as I hear this)
".... Kids these days"

oh
and the cop?
His name was Sargeant Johnson.
Isn't that the most stereotypical cop name ever?

[ragindark]

Sorry, but the Bel STI Driver and its younger sibling the RX65 annihilate just about everything else.

I've spent enough time on those radar detector enthusiast websites to have seen the test results time and time again. The V1 is showing its age, though it is still a capable detector.

I had an 8500 and it was a great little device. Sold it, and got the Bel 995.

You are either blind or you need to spend a little more time on the enthusiast websites because the Valentine One wins almost every time. Go to any high performance car forum and the Valentine One will win with about 75% of the votes while all the other brands split up the remaining 25% of the votes. I would like to know the name of these websites that show the V1 as not being number one.

How is the V1 showing its age when it was the first radar detector to be made out of magnesium when it first came out in 1992 while the rest were made out of plastic? The Bel STi is the only other detector made out of magnesium and that didn't happen until 2006 which is 14 years after the V1 first did it. The Valentine One is the only radar detector with one front and one rear antenna to detect radar and all of the rest don't have an antenna to detect and locate radar from the rear.

The Valentine One is the only one that has arrows to actually point at the threat and flash for the worst threat. The V1 is the only radar detector that is truly upgradeable unlike the Bels and Escorts that just come out with a new model every 3 years. The Valentine One is also the smallest and lightest radar detector of all the top brands made today. On top of the Valentine One detecting radar and lidar better than the others, it is $399 while the Bel STi is about $450 and the Escort 9500i is about $50 to $100 more depending on if you want red or blue leds.

http://guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html

http://www.radardetector.net/

[mrlilguy157]

the 9500i the rx65, and the v1 will all get the job done with confidence. I just prefer the arrows, as stated before.

[goku4658]

I know the Valentine has a bogey counter, does anybody else? I know alot of cops who setup speed traps purposely in areas where detectors pick up false signals. I would think that a bogey counter is the best thing to prepare someone for that.

[Ebruess]

I got pulled over for going 5 over the speed limit
"You in an emergency?"
"no sir, I'm just trying to get to school on time."
"well, you almost lucked out, cuz there is no way that I could peg you for going 5 over, so instead I'm writing you down for a license plate infraction."
"A what?"
"You can't have any part of Texas covered by your license plate cover."
"uhhhh, When did that go into effect, because I wasn't told that in drivers school."
"3 months ago."
"um, ok."
"You're free to go."
"With all due respect sir, that ticket is ridiculous, and I'll be taking it to court, (sarcastically) Good Day to you sir."
(rolling up my window as I hear this)
".... Kids these days"

oh
and the cop?
His name was Sargeant Johnson.
Isn't that the most stereotypical cop name ever?

That's Spring for you and now they're cracking down harder near 1960 more

[Ebruess]

Well, I have been reading all your comments and I have mixed feeling towards the 9500i BUT I think I am going to go to CarToys and pickup a 9500i and try it for a couple days and see if I like it. If, I don't like it.... Return it and order a V1 for sure

[tlonon]

yeah
I got pulled over on T.C. Jester
I was so ticked off lol

[tlonon]

That's Spring for you and now they're cracking down harder near 1960 more

the worst part is that my school is on 1960
so I have to go there every morning(doughpoke

[Ben Nast]

It sounds like V1 is hands down the best. Are there any negatives compared to other models? What speeding situation would a V1 not help you in?

[derekMZ3]

i'm pretty sure i read in a motor trend magazine, that had ads for both the 9500i and the v1, that you can try their product out for a month or so and if you don't like it you can send it back.

http://www.escortradar.com/30day.htm
escort has the 30 day money back

i couldn't find one on v1's though


might as well try it for yourself!

[Boey Jetts]

How about when you roll by a Wal-Mart or any other grocery store/convenience store that sets off your radar EVERYDAY. You will get used to it... until there happens to be a cop sitting there and he gets you blowing by 15 over. In this case, I would have already blocked all of those same frequencies out with my 9500i and then when it was going off, I would just know that it was legit. You can even "mark" locations where you see a speed trap... even if their radar is not on at that time, the next time you roll by it will give you a warning... I think it is a mile if you are going over 50 and 1/2 mile if you are going less than that. Can the Valentine "point" to a cop that you know what there before. Even if it is a month later and that thing alerts you wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry. It is great for long drives through multiple states... Marking the HI-PO's for later...

I just don't know if you guys are not wanting to read about this thing or what... there are so many pros that NO other radar has on this thing. I guess it is just too bad it doesn't tell us which direction we are getting screwed from.

I cannot sing its praises enough. Go to the website and become a believer. The GPS feature does so much... when you are going slow, it won't even set the radar off because it knows you are not breaking the law.

Here are 2 quotes and then I will jump off of my rant...

"Speed traps and camera locations are everywhere. It's a stretch of highway where they always sit, or it's a back road that quickly changes from 45 mph to 25 mph within a few hundred feet. You don't always remember, but now your PASSPORT 9500i will. The PASSPORT 9500i's "Mark Location" feature allows you to quickly store a specific location in memory. Simply tap the "Mark" button a couple of times and the 9500i will store this location in memory. The next time you approach this area, the PASSPORT 9500i will provide an alert well in advance to remind you of the potential danger. This specific location reminder could keep you from being ambushed by instant-on radar or laser the next time you approach."


"The PASSPORT 9500i radar detector can automatically vary its sensitivity based on the speed of your vehicle. At interstate speeds, all radar bands are operating at full sensitivity, providing the best possible performance. At really slow speeds, like parking lots and stop lights, the sensitivity is turned down to almost zero. No more irritating alerts when you are going below the posted speed. The result is real-time on-demand radar protection."

[tubebrner]

So you just joined yesterday to get a few quick plugs in for Escort and quote from the website?

[clos561]

So you just joined yesterday to get a few quick plugs in for Escort and quote from the website?

lol, sounds like the passport is really good, i like the gadgets and all the features it has. Yea arrows are coool, but all the other stuff the 9500i has seems alot better than arrows.

[ragindark]

How about when you roll by a Wal-Mart or any other grocery store/convenience store that sets off your radar EVERYDAY. You will get used to it... until there happens to be a cop sitting there and he gets you blowing by 15 over. In this case, I would have already blocked all of those same frequencies out with my 9500i and then when it was going off, I would just know that it was legit. You can even "mark" locations where you see a speed trap... even if their radar is not on at that time, the next time you roll by it will give you a warning... I think it is a mile if you are going over 50 and 1/2 mile if you are going less than that. Can the Valentine "point" to a cop that you know what there before. Even if it is a month later and that thing alerts you wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry. It is great for long drives through multiple states... Marking the HI-PO's for later...

I just don't know if you guys are not wanting to read about this thing or what... there are so many pros that NO other radar has on this thing. I guess it is just too bad it doesn't tell us which direction we are getting screwed from.

I cannot sing its praises enough. Go to the website and become a believer. The GPS feature does so much... when you are going slow, it won't even set the radar off because it knows you are not breaking the law.

Here are 2 quotes and then I will jump off of my rant...

"Speed traps and camera locations are everywhere. It's a stretch of highway where they always sit, or it's a back road that quickly changes from 45 mph to 25 mph within a few hundred feet. You don't always remember, but now your PASSPORT 9500i will. The PASSPORT 9500i's "Mark Location" feature allows you to quickly store a specific location in memory. Simply tap the "Mark" button a couple of times and the 9500i will store this location in memory. The next time you approach this area, the PASSPORT 9500i will provide an alert well in advance to remind you of the potential danger. This specific location reminder could keep you from being ambushed by instant-on radar or laser the next time you approach."


"The PASSPORT 9500i radar detector can automatically vary its sensitivity based on the speed of your vehicle. At interstate speeds, all radar bands are operating at full sensitivity, providing the best possible performance. At really slow speeds, like parking lots and stop lights, the sensitivity is turned down to almost zero. No more irritating alerts when you are going below the posted speed. The result is real-time on-demand radar protection."

There are big problems with the new Escort 9500i and the majority of people are returning them because of less range than the Valentine One.

http://www.guysoflidar.com/march-2007/radar-detector-test.html

They are locking out signals from door openers and the 9500i is not alerting to cops that shoot radar in that area. Owners of the 9500i are also complaining that signals that they lock out are not staying locked out from the day before. They also say that their Sirius/XM radio is cutting out because of the 9500i and its GPS function.

http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23027
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23178
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23183
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23036
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22800
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22900&postdays=0&postorder=asc&sta rt=0
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22824
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22762

http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22803

Are you satisfied with your 9500i or returning it?Satisfied with 38% [ 21 ]Returning 61% [ 34 ]Total Votes : 55


Here is a video of the Escort 9500i blocking out police radar because there was a "false" locked out in the same area. This feature does not work as advertised and you could receive a ticket if you use this detector. It is flawed by design and it blocks out all X and K band signals in a 1 square mile area.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxy7gGG-JlI

[clos561]

wow that sucks, features like this are why cops post up on known false areas

[Tom03es]

When I first saw the GPS feature on the 9500i I was pretty excited. But then I realized that the resolution on most GPS units isn't really all that good and the 9500i would just "blanket" the area that you mark as a false alarm and other threats could sneak into it.

I've had my 8500 X50 for about a year now. I was really happy with it at first, but now I think I need to send it back to get checked because the range seems to really suck. I have X turned off and POP turned on. It seems like it only goes off once I've pointed the detector (and the car) in the direction of the threat. Plus it seems like the threat is well within visual range before it goes off.

[AutoXRacer]

I love my Bel 995...never has it let me down (knock on wood).(rockon)
I've gotten alerts from +5 miles away...

[Silver Ecstasy]

I'm super intrigued about this 9500i now..I may seriously have to check it out.

[Derek88]

Granted the V1 is very sensitive, I would rather it be "too" sensitive than not sensitive enough. There are different "beeps" for certain bands and after a while you get used to what's dangerous. I love mine! It's paid for itself numerous times!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o266/Shakerh00d/HPIM0905.jpg?t=1204056488

[Munnugles]

this is a good thread, i always wondered what was better... i really want to pick up a v1 but there not cheap...

[ragindark]

this is a good thread, i always wondered what was better... i really want to pick up a v1 but there not cheap...

The $399 V1 is still cheaper than the $450 Bel STi and the Escort 9500i which is $450-$500 depending on if you get the red leds or blue leds.

[dparm1984]

Just buy a used one, much cheaper.

[MSPRCRX44]

or work at best buy, the discount is killer

[Falconx84]

or work at best buy, the discount is killer

V1 is not at best buy.... but its 10% to buy a returned one that has the same warranty and updates as new

[samsel450r]

i have both the 9500i and v1 and my V1 is the 1st version that came out and it works better than my 9500i... ive got pulled over 4 times in 1 month cause i thought the 9500i was going to be better than my V1 and its not i hook up both next to each other and the old V1 picks up WAY sooner and i like the v1 cause it tells you were the signal comes from but it gets annoying with x and k band..... and is it just me or do u guys every sometimes get a quick flash a laser band when ever u pull up behind a trailblazer or envoy?????

[killerMS3]

i have a 9500i, and i don't seem to have the problems other people are having with it. my only issues are the ramp up (which there is a cure for) and the fact that you can't use the USB cable and edit it's list of GPS coordinates for marking speed traps (which is about to have a cure). I don't use the function where it blocks known false alerts. Its range is better than anything else that i have used, and works well around turns and over hills. in expert mode, it will have this "boogy counter" and will tell you how many of which signal, and the signal strength. pretty sweet. i like it.

[mk_slayr]

How about when you roll by a Wal-Mart or any other grocery store/convenience store that sets off your radar EVERYDAY. You will get used to it... until there happens to be a cop sitting there and he gets you blowing by 15 over. In this case, I would have already blocked all of those same frequencies out with my 9500i and then when it was going off, I would just know that it was legit. You can even "mark" locations where you see a speed trap... even if their radar is not on at that time, the next time you roll by it will give you a warning... I think it is a mile if you are going over 50 and 1/2 mile if you are going less than that. Can the Valentine "point" to a cop that you know what there before. Even if it is a month later and that thing alerts you wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry. It is great for long drives through multiple states... Marking the HI-PO's for later...

I just don't know if you guys are not wanting to read about this thing or what... there are so many pros that NO other radar has on this thing. I guess it is just too bad it doesn't tell us which direction we are getting screwed from.

I cannot sing its praises enough. Go to the website and become a believer. The GPS feature does so much... when you are going slow, it won't even set the radar off because it knows you are not breaking the law.

Here are 2 quotes and then I will jump off of my rant...

"Speed traps and camera locations are everywhere. It's a stretch of highway where they always sit, or it's a back road that quickly changes from 45 mph to 25 mph within a few hundred feet. You don't always remember, but now your PASSPORT 9500i will. The PASSPORT 9500i's "Mark Location" feature allows you to quickly store a specific location in memory. Simply tap the "Mark" button a couple of times and the 9500i will store this location in memory. The next time you approach this area, the PASSPORT 9500i will provide an alert well in advance to remind you of the potential danger. This specific location reminder could keep you from being ambushed by instant-on radar or laser the next time you approach."


"The PASSPORT 9500i radar detector can automatically vary its sensitivity based on the speed of your vehicle. At interstate speeds, all radar bands are operating at full sensitivity, providing the best possible performance. At really slow speeds, like parking lots and stop lights, the sensitivity is turned down to almost zero. No more irritating alerts when you are going below the posted speed. The result is real-time on-demand radar protection."

It seems to me that the feature you praise as being the most important could be solved if you payed attention. I'll probably sound like a jackass for saying this, but relying on a detector to "remember" where speed traps are is lazy. I know certain spots of road where cops set up speed traps. I generally slow down in these areas. If I see cops parked somewhere tagging cars I generally look for them the next time I pass through the area, I always thought that was just common sense.

Automatic door openers are on a different band than police radar correct? Doesn't the V1 have different pitches for different bands so that you can quickly discern what frequency is tripping the alarm by sound, without taking your eyes off the road to check the scanner?

V1 has the best range and best detection, to me that is all that matters, I think I can get by without a gps locator to mark speed traps, I think I'll just use common sense and pay attention.

[killerMS3]

It seems to me that the feature you praise as being the most important could be solved if you payed attention. I'll probably sound like a jackass for saying this, but relying on a detector to "remember" where speed traps are is lazy. I know certain spots of road where cops set up speed traps. I generally slow down in these areas. If I see cops parked somewhere tagging cars I generally look for them the next time I pass through the area, I always thought that was just common sense.

Automatic door openers are on a different band than police radar correct? Doesn't the V1 have different pitches for different bands so that you can quickly discern what frequency is tripping the alarm by sound, without taking your eyes off the road to check the scanner?

V1 has the best range and best detection, to me that is all that matters, I think I can get by without a gps locator to mark speed traps, I think I'll just use common sense and pay attention.

eh i disagree with you man. i kinda find the arrows pointless, because as long as there is a beep, i'm slowing down. does not matter where he is coming from... and about the speed trap thing, i like it, because sometimes i don't remember all the turn off spots. i dunno about where you are, but there are shit loads of them on the highways where i live. everytime i see marks where a cop is spinning the tires in dirt to go chase someone, i mark it. everytime i see a cop sitting there with a radar, i mark it. i have asshole drivers to worry about, and i don't mind letting my 9500i do the remembering of speed traps. however, on the roads i travel on very frequently, i know where every trap is in my mind, so the thing isn't as needed. but on my trips going from NJ to upstate NY, there is no way i am going to remember all of those.... and i make this trip about 6 times a year. this thing helps dude.

automatic door openers are on the same bands as police radar, just a different frequency. the key to setting a false alert thingy is making sure there are no cops around. the frequency of door openers (correct me if i'm wrong) are usually different than cop radars. when you are near a door opener, and there are no cops around, you hit the button and the passport stores the frequency, so that if there is a cop there next time, his radar is on a different frequency and you pick him up just like normal. the passport doesn't have different pitches either. some bitch comes on and actually tells me which band is giving me the alert. i think thats cool.

as far as detection goes, having 5 miles of range is not important to me. i'll start slowing down when he is closer, lol... no point in slowing down and hearing annoying beeps when you are still miles away... in my experience, the 9500 has alerted me long before i even see the cop, and i have slowed down by then.

IMO, the GPS function is expensive, but thats what sets it apart, and IMO, makes it way better than the V1. i have mine set up so it tells me vehicle speed too, it is interesting to see how my speedo became less accurate as my tires wore... it is also interesting that my BMW reads ~4MPH faster than what i'm actually doing. cool stuff.

[Falconx84]

i have both the 9500i and v1 and my V1 is the 1st version that came out and it works better than my 9500i... ive got pulled over 4 times in 1 month cause i thought the 9500i was going to be better than my V1 and its not i hook up both next to each other and the old V1 picks up WAY sooner and i like the v1 cause it tells you were the signal comes from but it gets annoying with x and k band..... and is it just me or do u guys every sometimes get a quick flash a laser band when ever u pull up behind a trailblazer or envoy?????

Here's why:
http://www.valentine1.com/lab/Previously7.asp
"Red neon is occasionally used for the CHMSL (Center High Mounted Stop Lamp) on new cars. We know of these models: GM Trailblazer and Envoy, the Lincoln Mk VIII and the latest BMW 3-series convertible.

These lights use a neon-plasma light source. The red lens allows red visible light to pass, and also invisible energy near infrared. The source is powered by a pulsating voltage on a frequency that happens to be similar to the repetition rate of legitimate laser-gun pulse trains. In other words, the CHMSLs have an invisible energy leakage that’s nearly identical to the beam used by traffic laser. If we suppress the interference, we’re likely to damage laser sensitivity."

theres more on the site if you're interested in the "ask mike" section

[killerMS3]

thats good info! i have often wondered myself where the fuck this laser alert is coming from...

[Jasonstiller]

V1 has saved my hide on numerous occasions due to the arrows alone.

[killerMS3]

V1 has saved my hide on numerous occasions due to the arrows alone.

describe please... i don't see how arrows can be more useful than the GPS feature...

[ragindark]

describe please... i don't see how arrows can be more useful than the GPS feature...

If you owned a V1 you wouldn't be asking this question. GPS isn't crap compared to the arrows.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FVE6724e85M

[Silver Ecstasy]

If you owned a V1 you wouldn't be asking this question. GPS isn't crap compared to the arrows.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FVE6724e85M

That's obnoxious.. HELPFUL, but obnoxious. I'd be a nervous wreck the whole time, that noise is enough to drive anyone nuts. If I weren't speeding, then that V1 would be OFF. Just my opinion.

[MP3Architect]

That's obnoxious.. HELPFUL, but obnoxious. I'd be a nervous wreck the whole time, that noise is enough to drive anyone nuts. If I weren't speeding, then that V1 would be OFF. Just my opinion.

you just hit the quiet button. i had the extra power wire for my passport so i didn't have to plug it into the cigarette lighter. it came with an extra silence button that i placed right next to the shifter. anytime i heard the beep i hit the quiet button instantly. so i knew to pay attention to the radar...and i didn't have to listen to it.

and i loved my passport. but wished i had gotten the V1 after a few months. i constantly rode in a friend's speed who had a v1 and was jealous.

[Ferdball]

You guys with your arrows make me laugh. Hahahaha! There. See.

If you get an alert, slow down. Who cares where its coming from?

GPS example
I go through a school zone twice daily. It has two speed signs. With my Solo2, it would alert during my trip through the zone. Every day. Twice. With my 9500i, I mark it and never hear from it again. Its supposed to silence the specific band, or a small range within the band, and still alert on a real radar attack. I haven't tested it so I can't say for sure.

I have it learned on my normal routes. So I get ZERO false alarms. That's helpful when a real alert happens, because I slow down. I don't check the arrows, or think about if its real or not. I act.

[Silver Ecstasy]

I can see where both have really good concepts. I'd like the arrows to see where it's coming from. With the 9500i, you'd really have to make sure you mark all your normal routines, and there'd be no way to confirm unless you went back to those areas again within the same time frame. I don't know how often i'd be consistently marking every false alarm.

I'm sorta torn, I may just stick to my 8500.

[Ferdball]

I can see where both have really good concepts. I'd like the arrows to see where it's coming from. With the 9500i, you'd really have to make sure you mark all your normal routines, and there'd be no way to confirm unless you went back to those areas again within the same time frame. I don't know how often i'd be consistently marking every false alarm.

I don't think you quite understand. Why do you think marking a false alarm is difficult?

[ragindark]

You guys with your arrows make me laugh. Hahahaha! There. See.

If you get an alert, slow down. Who cares where its coming from?

GPS example
I go through a school zone twice daily. It has two speed signs. With my Solo2, it would alert during my trip through the zone. Every day. Twice. With my 9500i, I mark it and never hear from it again. Its supposed to silence the specific band, or a small range within the band, and still alert on a real radar attack. I haven't tested it so I can't say for sure.

I have it learned on my normal routes. So I get ZERO false alarms. That's helpful when a real alert happens, because I slow down. I don't check the arrows, or think about if its real or not. I act.

The arrows are way more useful because they are proven and they work as advertised.

Here is a video of the Escort 9500i blocking out police radar because there was a "false" locked out in the same area. This feature does not work as advertised and you could receive a ticket if you use this detector. It is flawed by design and it blocks out all X and K band signals in a 1 square mile area.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxy7gGG-JlI

[Tom03es]

You guys with your arrows make me laugh. Hahahaha! There. See.

If you get an alert, slow down. Who cares where its coming from?

He's got a point. Do you really care which direction the threat is coming from when you get hit? Is knowing where the threat is coming from going to change your mind on whether or not to slow down?

[Ferdball]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7Txmo6RB6k

[clos561]

great feature, i saw that video where it blocked out the cop signal tooa dn was disspointed but i really think that gps is better than arrows. and it can read ur mph when u get hit with radar right?

[Ferdball]

great feature, i saw that video where it blocked out the cop signal tooa dn was disspointed but i really think that gps is better than arrows. and it can read ur mph when u get hit with radar right?

It actually speaks to you, in case your eyes are busy. There is a hot blonde with a nice rack and a cute accent that says, "K Band 65 miles per hour."

Edit: I have the detector so quiet, I forgot what it sounds like when it alerts. It doesn't actually speak the speed, but it speaks the band of the alert, then displays the speed. So, I am correcting myself.

[clos561]

thats pretty cool, especially if your "speeding" with another car. most likely watching rpms and gauges etc.

[Silver Ecstasy]

I don't think you quite understand. Why do you think marking a false alarm is difficult?

I guess my reasoning is, how do you know if it's false, unless you commute in that area and are constantly hitting mute in certain areas. Otherwise, if you're unfamiliar with the area, and get a K band near a Rite Aid, you could be marking it mistakenly right?

I personally think it would be easier if we knew an actual radio signal range was always a false door alarm. Like 24.--- vs. 26.--- being actual threats. Then i'd just run the technical mode and mark anything I seen that was 24.

[Ferdball]

I guess my reasoning is, how do you know if it's false, unless you commute in that area and are constantly hitting mute in certain areas. Otherwise, if you're unfamiliar with the area, and get a K band near a Rite Aid, you could be marking it mistakenly right?

I personally think it would be easier if we knew an actual radio signal range was always a false door alarm. Like 24.--- vs. 26.--- being actual threats. Then i'd just run the technical mode and mark anything I seen that was 24.

I don't think you can generalize what to lock out based only on the frequency. But you're right, there is a certain amount of risk when marking a specific frequency. Here's a guideline:


Do the LEO's use K/X band at all in your area? If not this would be considered a No Risk lock out point. Lock it out.

If they do use K/X band but never sit in that area it would be a Low Risk lock out point. You will most likely lock this point out.

If they do use K/X band and they do sit in that area it would be considered a High Risk lock out point. So you may not want to lock out this point, but the other 5 low risk on your every day rout are, and boy are you happy because of the peace and quiet.

Does the area you are locking out have multiple lock out points with different frequency’s clustered together? If so TrueLock can lock them all out like the above video. Or you can use my TrueLock tricks below to lock out a specific band frequency within TrueLock’s block out radius.

It’s your choice to lock out a location not the 9500I's, that’s why you should only lock out dally commute or areas you know well.
You can also lock out a single false signal within multiple false signals and nothing else by locking the specific location than immediately powering down the 9500I (see tricks).

Taken from here: http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=29245

[Silver Ecstasy]

See thats the part that I think would be sort of difficult with the 9500i. There's benefit mixed with risk. That's where i'm having mixed thoughts about both. Of course, I could possibly just sell my X50 and get a 9500i to try out and see how I like it.

[samsel450r]

Sorry V1 all the way. Nothing comes close to it.

i agree and i have both... my 9500i blasts laser alert ALOT and the funny thing is i have laser turned off????? so my 9500i sits in the glove box and i sometimes let one of my friends use it when we go "driving"

[killerMS3]

why would you have both? had money to burn, and bought it for the hell of it?

[Tom03es]

That's what I was thinking. "I like having $1000 worth of radar detectors and only using half of them".

[Silver Ecstasy]

Maybe he's doing the trial period?