Valentine 1 V1 question

ahunt01 · 07-25-03, 06:20

I thought I had heard that Valentine 1 was about to release a newer model than the V1. Is that true? I wanted to get a Valentine 1 detector but I don't want to buy an old model and then a month or two from now see that they've released a newer model.

hondaguy2582 · 07-25-03, 07:24

get the escort passport 8500, its a much better radar detector than the v1. the 8500 is about 100 bucks cheaper and can outdo the v1 in just about everything, the v1 has a little better laser sensitivity, but once your hit, your screwed anyway. Remember, escort and bel are combined now, so you have two companies working against a former escort member.

ahunt01 · 07-25-03, 07:32

Well I really don't want to have a "this vs. that" debate lol. I've heard both sides and to me I find the V1 ahead of the group. A majority of people and magazine testers share this conclusion. I'm concerned about buying an old detector and in little time have the company come out with a newer model.

Spilchy · 07-25-03, 07:34

Do a search. This has been discussed. Here are some links.

First Linky

Second Linky

ahunt01 · 07-25-03, 07:38

Spilchy, I've done plenty of searches on th V1, that's why I decided to buy one lol. But I thought I had seen one person claim that a newer model was going to come out soon.

squidd99 · 07-25-03, 07:46

I have had a V1 since it came out, which is well over 10 years ago. Every time any kind of improvement is made, whether major or minor, that upgrade is made availale to all owners. I have had mine upgraded several times, two of which have involved complete new cases, and some of which involved chip changes or something like that inside.

Given the pride that Mike Valentine takes in this history, I would be surprised if a new model came out which made previous models obsolete. You can read his statements to this effect on his web page. At the very least, you would get an upgrade price for a new model, just as all owners get an upgrade price to keep their detectors current now.

As for effectiveness, every objective test I have ever seen has the V1 way out in front of whatever is in second place. I often get a mile or more of warning when on the expressways, and it tells you whether the signal is coming from the front or the rear. The V1 has paid for itself many times over, if you get my drift.

schleppy · 07-25-03, 08:09

I've owned an 8500 and a V1. I currently run the V1. Out of the two the V1 is better all around. It's a smaller unit, easier to mount, and is far better at detecting than my Escort. On top of that, if you are getting hit with multiple beams, you know what each one is, and where it's coming from.

Also, the remote audio and remote display for the V1 is far superior to that of the Escort. It allows you to mount the unit as high up as you want and still get useable info from the remote display (unlike the Escort's remote display which one led that blinks).

Not to mention the fact that the upgrade is not just an upgrade with the V1. You simply send in your old unit, and they send you a COMPLETELY new unit, new box, new cables, everything. And their customer service is top notch. I've had Mike Valentine himself answer a few of my e-mails...

Do yourself a favor, save a little more and get the V1. You won't be sorry.

ahunt01 · 07-25-03, 08:32

I'm seriously considering buying a V1 this weekend. I can't wait

BradNC · 07-25-03, 08:49

Buy it and enjoy it. I have a Passport 8500 and the V1. The V1 is a better machine IMHO.

Brad

Accumulator · 07-26-03, 06:15

Quote:

Originally posted by ahunt01
Spilchy, I've done plenty of searches on th V1, that's why I decided to buy one lol. But I thought I had seen one person claim that a newer model was going to come out soon.

I'd just ask the folks at Valentine. They've made a big deal/genuine effort to offer upgrades so you DON'T get stuck with something obsolete. I don't think they'd steer you wrong just to sell one more "outgoing" unit.

BTW, their service is just great. Prompt repairs/upgrades, etc. Everyone we've lent one to has bought one. You're gonna like it.

dookiebob · 07-26-03, 07:59

This pic alone should be enough to seal the deal:

I've had mine for just over a month and it has saved me from 7 traps. I swear by it now

-Bob

geekysteve · 07-26-03, 07:59

Quote:

Originally posted by Accumulator

BTW, their service is just great. Prompt repairs/upgrades, etc. Everyone we've lent one to has bought one. You're gonna like it.

I can 2nd that whole-heartedly. I'll never forget the horror of dropping my 3-day old V1 back in 1997...

I would always take the detector out of my car when I went to work, because at the time I was working 12 hour shifts and car stereo/radar detector thefts were rampant in the area. So, I pull the detector out, slip it into the inside pocket of my jacket (or so I thought) and started walking into work.

About 15 steps later I feel something slide and then I watch my V1 bounce off the concrete sidewalk. I almost had a heart attack.

I called V1, explained the situation, they said, "send it in for a diagnosis - we charge $45 for diagnostic tests."

So, I sent it in and 5 days later I had a brand new detector. All they ever charged me was $45 for diagnosis - nothing else. I'm sold - it was 100% my fault that it was damaged, and they give me a new detector...

Also, for the record - I've never had a ticket since I bought the thing in March of 1997....and I rarely get accused of driving too slow, so it's done it's job wonderfully.