uglybastard
Autocross Champion
Neat! I'll probably stay with current setup but may modernize eventually..
6
The Official Cool Story Bro Thread
- Thread starter drepai
- Start date
Mk6Autobahn
Autocross Champion
How long have y'all had your V1? I'm still running an old Escort SmartRadar I got on clearance in 2015 and have a love-hate relationship with it currently. It's supposed to be pretty good, but I've had some frustrating moments with it.
uglybastard
Autocross Champion
Bought my first v1 for 125$ on craigslist in 2011 or 2012 I think. Bought another for the daily a few years ago. The first one I bought gets less "bogeys".
Mk6Autobahn
Autocross Champion
Hmm...You've got me thinking now. I may have to give the V1 a try if they can be found that cheap.
uglybastard
Autocross Champion
I have no idea why it was that cheap. Ebay was where i got the othermmone. Make sure you get pics of all the lights working.
GolNat
Autocross Champion
On eBay and CL they go for $200-$300 depending on condition and if it has had the latest updates. The original V1 is a great detector but more modern ones like the Gen 2 and Uniden R7 are better at filtering out false alarms. If you life in a conjested area this can be a problem. Also depending on what state you live in can determine what detector is best for you. There is a lot more to them now lol.
Check out Vortex Radar and the info that he has on his site.
GolNat
Autocross Champion
Mk6Autobahn
Autocross Champion
Thanks guys! I'll do some research.
Lmao I know! I got it so cheap because it was being discontinued. It surprisingly is okay, but I just feel like I constantly have trouble with K band, I can't mute certain locations. Police still definitely use K around here, as does seemingly every single car on the road. I've looked at some reviews of it recently, and for example, it faired better than the Escort 9500ix and the BEL StiR Plus in detection range for every band they tested. Old but gold I guess, just want a GPS marking featureWow I just looked that up...dat shit old. Doesn't it false out alot?
GolNat
Autocross Champion
Oh yeah if K band is still in use around you GPS lockout is almost a must. K is not used around me so I just turn it off. Definitely do some research but I'll give you a quick summary of some stuff I learned since poking around RD forums.
The Valentine Gen 2 are having some initial quality issues so I'd wait on them. If you are good with used a Uniden R3 is a great choice that has GPS and good BSM filtering. Valentine 1 Gen 1 is another good one if it has the latest software with Junk k fighter on it. I still found it to be noisy with K band so I run it with K band off but in your case you could download JBV1(Android) or V1Driver(iOS) and run GPS lockouts as long as you are okay with pairing it to your phone. R7 is the newer R3 and Radenso makes some high quality stuff.
Arrows are not needed but I do like them so that I know if I passed a threat. Like the other night with the office at the gas station. It was a Dodge something rather with the rear brake lights that are unmistakable but I knew it was an officer because as I went by my arrows changed direction.
Use this map to help determine what is used in your area. Since you are in Texas you get it all lol
https://rdfgs.rdforum.org/
Mk6Autobahn
Autocross Champion
Wow this was really helpful thank you.
uglybastard
Autocross Champion
I've seen cops using x, k and ka bands in my area.
Mk6Autobahn
Autocross Champion
Yeah, I've been hit by everything. X, K, KA, POP, laser. Don't blame them though, these highways in and around Houston are literal buttery smooth racetracks at night.
GolNat
Autocross Champion
Yeah I have seen them 1320 videos
. I'm like man now that is a highway. Go big or go home in Texas baby!!!Damn, so yeah you really need the whole shebang. Laser jammers are you only defense against lasers and they are illegal in TX. Not that people don't run them. This one guy on the RD forum has a blacked out Mustang and his system is pretty stealth.
Sounds like it's easier just to do the speed limit really.
There are some Po-Dunk towns down state that still use x-band but for the highways around here Ka is all you need.
Mk6Autobahn
Autocross Champion
Maybe it's my Army plates but as long as you're not drunk or disrespectful HPD/State Troopers seem to play nice. Multiple encounters in triple digits, clean record. They're usually surprised a "Golf" is even hitting those speeds. They WILL chase though.Yeah I have seen them 1320 videos
Damn, so yeah you really need the whole shebang. Laser jammers are you only defense against lasers and they are illegal in TX. Not that people don't run them. This one guy on the RD forum has a blacked out Mustang and his system is pretty stealth.
Sounds like it's easier just to do the speed limit really.
There are some Po-Dunk towns down state that still use x-band but for the highways around here Ka is all you need.
And yeah, as nice as they look on 1320, I can assure they're just as good in real life. Only problem is every road in/around Houston that ISN'T a highway is absolutely garbage. I cracked a Serron wheel hitting a massive pothole last year, amazingly no frame/suspension damage or blowout, but it did create a bubble.
Mk6Autobahn
Autocross Champion
Out of curiosity what sensitivity do you guys run your radar detectors on? I used to always run on "Highway" mode, but have started experimenting with "Auto". I've heard some people have significantly reduced range even at highway speeds but others swear by it and say it's equal but with quieter operation in the city. 