Are radar detectors really worth the money? Does good science support spending $400?

Tom
About to take a 2000 mile road trip in his new 500E

Yes, radar detectors work (depends upon which one you buy as to how well, though). I've had a Valentine One for about 3-4 years now and wouldn't drive without it! It works very well. Before that, I had a Passport 4500. It was good, but nowhere near the V-1.

Scott P.

Ditto what Scott said. I won't even go to the convenience store without it. If you drive above the posted limit, V1 is the only choice.

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

V1 saved my a$$ numerous times.
Da best in radar detection,but
watch out for them choppers.

The V1 gets is tops in my book too. I think it is worth the extra money just to have an idea of the direction the radar is coming from, plus the bogey counter is a wonderful device for roads often traveled. No detector will prevent you from getting a radar speeding ticket though, they will help put the odds more in your favor. If you are the only car on the road and you get nailed with LASER-it's all over. Once saw a radar cop parked on the side of the highway who tried to follow me and nab me from behind. Lucky the V1 kept up it's directional alert as long as he stayed behind me.
Gary

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00 Silver/Black AMG E55
96 DCM Impala SS
94 Admiral Blue ZR-1
81 Candy Apple Corvette Cpe

V1 is the only way to go. I wouldn't cross the street without it! I've got a window mount in each of my cars and I just move it around depending on the car I'm in. Here in Dallas everybody drives 20 over and the cops just love to hide in different places every day.

You still need to speed smart on the freeway. If you don't have some bear bait and blast over a hill you'll eventually get busted.

Randy

With the hi-perf toys I drive, I'd be in jail if it weren't for my V1.

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Alain
independant MBZ tech since 1981
http://www.motorsportlegendsks.com/

Another vote for the V1. I have over 100,000 miles with it, saved me more times than I can count.

OK, I have read the praises for the V-1. I see they sell it for $399.00 right from their web site (https://store.valentine1.com/store/).

Anyplace to get it cheaper?

For some reason I now NEED ONE of these. :-)

Dave

Someone is selling one that is a few months old with all the accessories for $360 on www.mbnz.org Look in the classifieds under miscellaneous items I think (its not in the parts section). Make sure it has a serial number b/c the V1 people won't upgrade units if they've been removed (ie stolen).

Randy

well what do you guys think of lesser model radar detectors? Such as a cobra or the sub $150 like? I don't care about the bogey detector, as the local cops use Ka instead of x (the supermarket type) band anyway, and the direction finder while usefull is not something I really care that much about, I mean, I don't go over very often, I just want to make sure I don't get busted doing a quick pass.... I just want something that will warn me of a radar and laser before the flashing lights....

If you are a fast/aggressive driver or do alot of driving, why get a inferior radar detector? The first time the V1 saves you, it has paid for itself 3 times. It will cost you atleast $1200 for a ticket with fines and insurance surcharges over the years.

hehehe.... I don't drive much or all that fast. I might do the occasional highway speed jaunt chasing an m5... but thats about it. For that I can't justify paying big money for a v1... But, I like having a little security just in case, especially when you are following in a "caravan", I mean, who is the cop gonna pull over? The white cavalier in front, or the dark blue Mercedes?

Well, I'm convinced. I ordered a Valentine One yesterday - hope it gets here on time. I am flying out on Friday to pick up the 500E.

Mine should be here tomorrow!

++db