well im looking at few radar detectors and need some other input. im wondering what you all think is better the valentine v1 or the escort 9500ix. i've been reading alot about these to and i just cant make up my mind so any input would be very helpful. thanks for your time!

 

98Monty: I have been buying radar detectors since 1978 and more recently in the last 15 years have only bought Escorts - great service - not the cheapest but if you know how to use them they have saved my butt plenty of times. But just like any other radar
detector they are useless against instant on situtations. Another good one that I researched but never bought is a Bell - look into that one but as far as i am concerned Escort overall you can't beat. I currently am using their new Solo detector had a Escort Passport before and liked that one too. Hope this helps.

 

Deff go with escort, either the 9500ix which is amazing or there new Passport IQ which has navigation in it i thonk there $650 so its about 150 more than the 9500ix

 

I think Escort now owns Beltronics. I own a 9500i and I love it.

 

Escort is great. i have the Solo S2. Not only one of the best out there, but also cordless so no unsightly wires.

 

I have a friend who just invented a new radar detector... not on the market yet. It's even legal in Virginia! All it is is a little monkey that sits on the hood of your car with a pair of binoculars and a whistle.

Seriously though, I think they give you a false sense of confidence. The question you ask is probably more a "Pepsi or Coke, Ford or Chevy" style of question.

 

I have an app on my droid that picks up high frequencies. Free and does about the same thing. Seems to actually work for me.