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Valentine One

*Est. $400

Reviewed

October 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Very sensitive
Arrows show whether threat is behind or ahead
Can be continually upgraded

Cons

False alarms
Expensive
No speed/red-light camera warnings

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis
Specs
106 Amazon Reviews

For the earliest possible warning that a radar gun looms nearby, experts have traditionally recommended the Valentine One -- until now. The Escort Passport 9500ix (*Est. $500) has caught up to the Valentine One's long-range radar detection in SpeedZones.com's authoritative tests, and the Escort will also warn you about upcoming speed and red-light cameras -- something the Valentine One cannot do. The Escort also cuts down on false alarms, users' major complaint about the Valentine One. However, people who own a Valentine One radar detector often say they wouldn't want anything else. They like that it won't become obsolete, because the company offers continual upgrades, and they swear by the Valentine One's dual front-and-rear antennas and unusual directional arrows that show whether a radar or laser signal is coming from ahead or behind.

The objective, expert test data presented at SpeedZones.com and GuysOfLidar.com show how the Valentine One measures up against other radar detectors -- but the recent SpeedZones.com test includes the latest detectors, while the older GuysOfLidar.com test does not. A lengthy written review at LaserVeil.com is accompanied by a video review, and both are based on testing. The 007RadarDetectors.com site clearly ranks radar detectors according to their capabilities, but test methods are not clearly stated. The Valentine One has accumulated a large number of user reviews at Epinions.com, where it is a favorite of consumers.

Escort Passport 9500ix Radar/Laser Detector (Blue Display)

from Amazon.com

New: $499.95

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Valentine One Radar Detector

(106 reviews)
8 Used & new from $374.97

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

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Our Sources

1. SpeedZones

Other top-of-the-line radar detectors now work just as well as the Valentine One in SpeedZones.com's expert tests. However, unlike some rivals, the Valentine One doesn't warn drivers about speed/red-light cameras.

Review: Annual Radar Detector Test 2011-2012, Editors of SpeedZones.com

2. Guys of Lidar

Tests here are designed to simulate real-world radar detection; for example, detectors are tested on their ability to detect radar when a police car is hiding around a curve. The results for each test are presented in charts, with detectors ranked according to their performance. The Valentine One lands at or near the top in every category.

Review: 2009 Radar Detector Test, Editors of GuysOfLidar.com, Aug. 28-30, 2009

3. Laserveil.com

"The Veil Guy" sells his laser light-absorbing spray for cars on this retail site, and he also reviews radar detectors. Here, he discusses one of his favorite radar detectors, the Valentine One, in a lengthy written review and accompanying video review.

Review: Valentine One Review: Tribute to the V1, the Porsche 911 of Radar Detectors, "The Veil Guy", Updated Aug. 3, 2009

4. 007 Radardetectors.com

This retail site ranks radar detectors according to their performance in a dozen categories. The site states that the rankings are based on driving experience, but there is little documentation about how the tests are conducted. The Valentine One earns the highest overall score.

Review: 2009 Radar Detector Reviews and Tests, Editors of 007RadarDetectors.com

5. Epinions.com

The Valentine One radar detector is a favorite among consumers here. It maintains an average of 4.5 stars (out of 5), with 140 reviews posted.

Review: Valentine One V1 Radar Detector, Contributors to Epinions.com

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