I have just about 3 weeks left until we embark on our cross country trip (Washington to Florida) and I'd like to avoid any altercations with the law if at all possible. I'm interested in buying a good radar detector and my research has led me to the Valentine One. I'm wondering if any of you have had experience with this brand or any other highly recommended units? Thanks in advance.

Gentlemen,

The laser has an effective range of approximately 1 mile. So Ben, you will not always see police officers before you are in his/her laser range.

I use a laser on a daily basis and am quite familiar with its performance. The sighting system is outstanding; it reveals both speed and distance to the target. The laser is aimed at either the headlights or the front license plate. And what do Volvo’s have? Large headlights.

Also, you will never alter the lasers reading with an “instrument”. The only way to alter the reading is with the angle of detection. If the laser hits you at an angle, it will give a reading lower then your actual speed, usually about 3-4 MPH. It fails in the motorist’s advantage.

You will rarely beat a laser, if at all. It should also be noted that the laser is the detection method of choice, especially with state patrol agencies.

RT

In the areas I drive, to date I rarely see police using laser. When it is used, I usually see the guy standing outside his car and it's also used in more populated areas, in areas where I'd suspect them to be.
Most police that I see in more rural areas, areas where one might normally drive faster than usual are still mostly using the old fashioned radar.

I'll say this, I really like my V1 and I've had very good "luck" with it so far but sure, one is never invinceable and still must use some common sense like know where one should be driving within limits and watch the cars in front. I find brake lights are still the best indicator.

I have a Valentine One - since 1999.

Great detector. But be warned, it DOES NOT HELP you with laser. I was it by laser the other day and it did alert me. Problem with laser, it's an echo - once it hits you you have been clocked. All it tell you is you have been detected.

Be forewarned. My advice , spend a lot less for a decent detector,

FYI, NO detector can help you when a lazer gun is aimed directly at you.
Me, I also use a radar/lazer jammer which claims to somehow alter the lazer guns readings UNLESS you're too close. Jammers aren't legal in all states. For the most part, I usually see a cop using a lazer gun long before I'm in his range.

V1 is my choice. Boogey counter and arrows make a huge difference, not to mention the range.

http://www.lidatek.com/

http://www.valentine1.com/

-BTC

I would (and did) the one that has been around for many years. It's a lot like $300, but it does work... The most advertised one around.

I've had my share of radar detectors over the decades since my first Fuzzbuster (mid 70s) but I'll swear by my trusty V1. It goes in every car I drive, even rentals on vacations.
Ask anyone who owns one as they all trust their V1s.

Agree, V1 is the best, especially with the arrows advising where radar is very important. Pls note, if you are driving in DC / Virginia, radar detectors are illegal.

Second that. If you get caught with one in VA, you're SOL and the troopers have the technology to find them unless they are only on seconds at a time that doesn't give him time to get a fix on you. Have a friend who has his wired to an old style floor mounted dimmer switch that he can flip on, take a "reading" and flip it off. Not only will you get a ticket for speeding and another for posessing an illegal device, you'll hand over your $$$ detector and you can rest assured he'll go over your car with a fine toothed comb and probably find other things to nail you on like dirt on your lisence plates. The troopers I know have zero tolerance for them.