I pulled this off the Vette list, FYI:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I recently conducted an independent survey of radar detector owners/users.
Well, the results are in. The response was overwhelming (About 50+
responses)! And the winner is . . . (drumroll) . . .
The VALENTINE 1!
Seems that Mike Valentine, co-inventor/founder of Cincinnati Microwave
in 1978 has since decided to build his own detector (since the g-analyst is
selling well and is not being improved any time soon). The result, the
Valentine 1, appears to be an impressive weapon against all X/K/Ka band
radar guns. It has antennas in front and back and indicates much more
than just signal strength (such as how MANY signals there are and which
direction they're coming from) and is invisible to VG-2 radar detector
detectors. Unfortunately, the unit has some drawbacks as well. Cost is
$299 - available by direct mail only - current delivery time is JUNE (I
called today) and the ergonomics of the unit aren't perfect . . . maybe
they'll come out with the Valentine 2 by the time I take delivery.
Unfortunately, BTW, nobody has actually USED one of these Valentine units
yet. Everything is "read" and "heard" type info. If you get one soon,
please let those of us who are on the waiting list know if it's really as
good as everyone says.
In case anyone who has seen their ad is wondering about the "stealth kit,"
it's a 2" module you can stick anywhere on the dash that links to the main
unit and acts as an alternative display. That way, you can run the
detector in "dark" mode without sacrificing anything.
As far as the other detectors are concerned, all of them got fairly good
reviews from owners. Here's a summary:
Bell:
+ All around good units. Long range. Good features. Quick delivery!
& ST units are shielded against VG-2 detectors
& Offering $20-$40 rebates until December 31, 92
- Tends to false a lot on Ka band. High price. Ergonomics.
quotes: "I am continually amazed by the range which it provides"
"I have two Bell detectors that are installed under the hoods
of my Vettes. They seem to work fine; I have never gotten a
speeding ticket in either Vette."
Whistler:
+ Ergonomics & features. NO false alarms. Wireless remote (5000SE)
- High price. Not quite as much range. Not VG-2 shielded
quotes: "great looks, loaded with features"
"... failed to induce either Whistler to bleat a single false
alarm in town, an engineering triumph."
"I've picked up coppers a mile plus away with it."
Escort/Cincinnati Microwave:
+ Ergonomics & features. Quality. Prices are dropping! Reputation.
- Some false alarms & not quite the range. Not VG-2 shielded.
quotes: "I had really good luck with my past Escort and Uniden units"
"I've been using Passport for about five years and am very
pleased with it."
Uniden:
+ Features & price. Good range. Some VG-2 shielding.
- False alarms on X and Ka. Ergonomics (buttons on new units).
quotes: see Escort above
"I have escaped MANY tickets with this unit. The range is
excellent, even from behind. In many ways, this unit is
similar to the Passport (I've owned one), only cheaper."
THANKS to EVERYONE who participated in my survey. I wish you all the best
of luck in ticket avoidance. Now if only I could find a good LIDAR
detector . . .
If you have any questions or want more detailed info, please contact me
directly. Cheers,
Thorwald "T.H." Herbert, Jr.
Systems Analyst
Texas A&M University C.S.C. - M.S.T.G.
TH@CSC-MSTG.TAMU.EDU X043TH@TAMVM1.TAMU.EDU
(409) 845-9999 (409) 845-8049
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