[Shotimes] Radar/Laser Detectors

[Donald Mallinson]

Sure, but the answer is longer than you might want, but you 
should understand why I like my V1 as much as I do.

Were the two units you mention in the exact same vehicle at 
the exact same time?  NO.  Unless you are running the two 
units under the exact same situation, and both units are new 
or in the same condition, you can't really compare.  How was 
each mounted?  A lot of factors enter into the performance 
equation.

I have run my Val 1 with other's Passports or other units, 
including, at the time, a brand new BEL top of the line 
unit.  Same car, same location (within a couple inches, 
lined up together), and the Val 1 beat the Other units every 
time.  K-40 is a good unit, and properly mounted it doesn't 
have to go through the glass, and that does make a 
difference.  But where each car was located on the road 
makes a bigger difference.  I have seen radar bounce off a 
sign, a bridge or anything else metal and kick off a 
detector when others in the same general area were dark. 
One example does not proof make....I go with virtually EVERY 
radar detector test in the past decade, showing that the V1 
is as good if not much better than anything available.  Mike 
Valentine is just good, that is why he has built the two 
most respected units anywhere, the original Escort and now 
the V1.  Both were solid units that performed WAY above the 
norm back then and now.

As for size,  The V1 is a tiny bit bigger, but it is WAY 
easier to use, no need for all those "Programs" when the 
thing works the way it is supposed too.  One knob, one 
concentric knob.   And all those others have an owners 
manual you have to memorize to use correctly.  My V1 was up 
and "memorized" within 5 minutes.  Also, I have NEVER had a 
Valentine detector come apart on me.  Solid as a rock, and 
only an ounce heavier, and that tiny bit of size/weight is 
of ZERO concern to me.  My unit fits above the inside rear 
view mirror where it is not a glaring sign to police or 
thieves, and although the dark band on the glass cuts down 
laser detection, that isn't of concern.  More than instant 
on radar, laser is a true "you been had" problem, but even 
now, they aren't in use in most areas of the country, and 
almost not at all in my part.

There are other factors.  Sure instant on is a problem, but 
a good detector will pick it up if a car in front of, or 
behind you is painted.  And with the Val 1 I know which it 
is, with any other detector you have no clue. (exception is 
the K-40 dual unit, again, a good unit) I get warnings 
sometimes a mile or more away.  Running alone at night on a 
deserted highway is when I usually go my slowest!

Also, my Val 1 has a tone that lets me know, better than any 
other detector I have tried or experienced, how FAR Away THE 
THREAT IS.  Not with the little lights, but with the tone. 
No other detector I have tried has such a range of tone that 
  gives a good indication of how far away the threat is. 
Most others have to be practically nose to nose with the 
threat before they go full alert.  My Valentine will go on 
full point as soon as the threat is line of sight.  How 
valuable is that?

I don't use my detector as much to get out of tickets as to 
know what is going on around me.  I want to know BEFORE I 
crest that hill if there is a trap on the other side before 
the jerk in front of me slams on his brakes.  At least with 
the detector I can know when some of this is going to happen.

I don't "depend" on the Val 1, I use it as part of my 
on-highway tools.  along with the CB (still valuable if you 
know how to talk to the truckers, and I have been doing so 
for 30+ years), and the scanner, when I drive the '89.

Eyes and common sense are the biggest part of the package.

I mention all this about the V1 because it is simply the 
best unit I have ever seen or tried.  The cost factor is NOT 
a factor, I have had $50 specials and just like the $200+ 
regular detectors that is all they are, a "detector".  No 
value to me at all.  I want to know what direction the 
threat is coming from.  I learned that was valuable with my 
original Valentine Escort.  It had a superior quality needle 
meter (can't sell those now, kids want those flashy lights, 
but a meter is still WAY better when you want to evaluate a 
signal) that would let me tell  if a threat was in front, 
behind or from the side... and I could tell from WHAT side! 
  Can't even do that with the new V1.  How?

By watching the needle when it was in alert mode.  Needle 
drops as you approach and go under a bridge?  Threat ahead. 
  Needle gains as you approach a bridge?  Threat behind.
Needle gains as you go by a big metal sign on the left? 
Threat to the right etc.  Understanding how radio waves work 
and bounce, I could with almost 100% accuracy determine 
where the threat was coming from, and even with some 
accuracy, how far away.  Wish the new V1 had a meter!

Oh, and My original V1 was updated for about 2/3 the cost of 
a new one a couple of years ago by the factory.  I could 
care less about how "snazzy" a detector looks.  Most "new" 
units by BEL and Passport are less about performance than 
looks.  When a unit truly peforms, and provides VALUE, it 
doesn't have to be trendy.  The V1 continues to be a best 
seller, though it is virtually identical to the very first 
one sold many years ago.  Updates have been to performance, 
never to style.  Build quality, performance, ease of use, 
and features that pay off.  That is value.

So that is my Detector bible.

Don Mallinson



Kirk Doucette wrote:
> Mr .M could you explain to me why my K40 picked up some radar during the 01
> Convention but the Val 1 did not? Its kind of moot since it was too late but
> the guy with the Val 1 got a ticket and the other guy did not with the K40.
> 
> 
> Kirk J Doucette