I'm a huge fan of the V1, but you really can't go wrong with any of the other high-end detectors (8500, 9500, sti-r, Max, Redline).
I personally prefer the V1 for a few reasons:
• Arrows are
extremely useful - not only for locating the threat, but also for identifying falses. I used an 8500 x50 for years before upgrading to the V1, and I honestly don't know how I made it without the arrows. I definitely could not go back.
• The Bogey Counter displays up to 9 individual signals. Combine that with the arrows, and it makes it quite easy to quickly determine if a "beep" constitutes a legitimate threat.
• No planned obsolescence. If a newer version of the V1 gets released tomorrow, I can send mine in to get upgraded for much less than a new detector would cost. That way I can stay on the cutting edge without breaking the bank.
• It doesn't compromise sensitivity for comfort. It may be a bit more talkative than the Escort models (okay, it is), but I never have to worry that it might be ignoring a weak (but actual) threat. I'd much rather know too much than not enough. That said, the Valentine is still pretty easy to quiet down with a couple of different accessories:
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Savvy connects to your OBD port and is then able to mute the Valentine1 below a certain speed threshold. This makes it
silent even in parking lots. As an added bonus, Savvy powers the V1, so you don't have to worry with a hardwire kit!
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V1Connection is a Bluetooth dongle that allows you to control the V1 from your Android smartphone (or iPhone, but you'll need a
different V1C version). This lets you program "custom sweeps" to further improve the V1's sensitivity to the threats specific to your area, and also opens the door to more advanced functions with the enthusiast-built
YaV1 app - which adds things like Savvy emulation, remote display options, muting options, and GPS+frequency-based lockouts. The latest beta version of YaV1 even has an intelligent learning algorithm to automatically lock out the false alerts you drive past on a daily basis!
The V1 is a very, very good detector - and adding in those custom sweeps and YaV1-powered functionality turns it into a superhero.