[SAB]

I need to get myself wired up with a radar detector. I have been wrestling with the Valentine One -vs- K40 decision, but the data I've seen from discussions, tests, and otherwise haven't entirely convinced me one way or the other. I very much want a stealth install, which is not possible with the V1 - but I also want great protection which the V1 seems to get the nod on.

So I'm considering a "pepsi challenge" if anybody out there is willing to take me up on it.

I'm looking for an E39 owner with a recent K40 installation. I'm offering to purchase the V1 and then ship it to you for a week if you'll give us all on the board here some real-world feedback about how they compare when used simultaneously.

Once the test is over, you ship it back and if the K40 wins I return it to Mr. Valentine under their 30 day MBG and get the K40 install. If the V1 does well, I'll just keep it.

Any takers? Email me and we can coordinate.

If I'm being a bozo and there's already such a comparison somewhere PLEASE point me to it! Either way this isn't an inexpensive purchase - don't want to do it twice, if you know what I mean.

Given the issues of windshield glass makeup and tinting, I'd very much prefer an E39 only test.

Thanks!
Shawn

 

[sam]

Shawn,

On the second page of this board (one of the first few messages in this new format) I posed a similar question regarding the K40 vs. V1.

Some good answers there but not as comprehensive what you're proposing. I would take your offer but already decided on the V1.

I have to say I'm very satisfied with the V1. I haven't even had my baby for three weeks and can 100% confirm 4 saves (even one from laser - thanks to some scatter from cars in front) - and probably many more where I never spotted smokey.

The only dissappointing thing is that it's not stealth. However, you must take into account that radar detector receivers are more effective when mounted up high - the K40 receivers mount down low, in your grill.

Another thing, the V1 picks up EVERYTHING, and often leaves the judgment in your hands.

I don't have any experience with the K40. I'll sitck with the V1 and will probably add a separate, plate mounted laser jammer.

Hope this helps - and I'd love to hear what happens if you get any takers. Considering the costs and risks to our drivers licenses, it may not be a bad idea to use both!

-Sam

 

[jds]

If you guys do this I think it would be great, however, be advised, when two radar detectors are placed near each other, they often interfere with each other.

This is mentioned on the V1 web site. They call it leakage and it is real. I have a Bell and every time a cheap radar detector got close, even in another car, it activated it. It has also happened to my V1.

I haven't used the K40, but my experience with the V1 is that it is the best I have owned by far. Dual detection is key for me. I like to know where they are and if they have passed by or are still ahead. I don't know if the k40 does this, but if it doesn't I don't see how it would be better.

Hope this helps.

J.D.

 

[rebel1]

I have the K 40 stealth with lasar jamming. I will participate in your test Email me at
[email protected] regards
Bruce

 

[SAB]

Folks:

Bruce/rebel1 has volunteered to be the guinea pig on this one. We should have some comparisons going by the middle of next week and we'll post results hopefully by the end of the following week.

This is an unscientific process - we don't have seven types of radar devices to test against - just our friendly neighborhood police folk. Bruce is going to set the V1 up and turn his K40 on and off depending upon the interference per jds's post. And we'll see how they compare in day-to-day driving.

If anybody has any suggestions on any creative tests that might be run sans proper equipment, we're all ears.

Thanks!
Shawn

 

[Roman]

This may sound real lame, but I have an Escort which is about 15 years old, and it has provided me with great service and saved my butt more times than I can count fingers on both hands and feet. I only got one speeding ticket during the whole time I had it it, and it was during an "instant on/off" by the trooper and I was driving a minivan (borrowed to haul some furniture during a move).

I also have to wonder how many states actually use laser, because from what a PA. State trooper friend told me once, it is a very expensive and high-maintenance means of catching speeders, and requires training personnel, and considering the limited budgets of many municipalities, how many will go out and get them. Just my 2 cents.

 

[SAB]

a quick update for those following this thread.

my V1 showed up on friday. i'm running it through its paces this weekend.

it will be in bruce's hands on wednesday, and he'll run it side-by-side with his K40 for a week or so to see how it compares.

we'll post comments and results afterwards.

re: the potential of interference that was mentioned by jds, the K40 can be switched on and off manually.

shawn

 

[TWC]

Just like Roman, I have been using Escort radar detectors for >15 years, having upgraded to their newer models twice. I have found them to be very effective, and like the ability to switch it between my three vehicles that I like to drive fast, my '00 M5, a '95 Porsche 911 cabriolet for sunny weather, and a '93 Typhoon for inclement weather. Despite my habit of driving fast, I haven't had a speeding ticket since I was 19 and I'm 50 now, and the Escort has saved me numerous times. The Escort costs about 1/3 the price of a Valentine.

 

[tfung]

Any updates on this?

 

[rebel1]

I have had the V1 from Shawn for a week now.
My K 40 stealth and the V1 have not interfered with each other at all, no "leakage" as they say.
So far I have found the following:
The V1 is faster identifying burgalr alarms from the front and much slower from the rear. They are equal from the sides. I have driven around trying to sniff out traps to no avail. On the way to the Auto show I saw a pair of cops sitting on the shoulder of the opposite side of the Parkway, the V1 picked them up sooner. This weekend I'm going to try to coax a state trooper and present client into helping me out.
With laser or "instant on" no detector will be much help, unless it jambs the signal which the K 40 does. Also in the event that you get pulled over for speeding a visable detector is gona get you the ticket. However, with the K 40 stealth mounted system the cop can't see it. If the cop is not a pr..., or a bi... and your attitude is good he may let you go. Clear advantage K 40. I'll post more info after this weekend.
Happy motoring
Bruce Peter

 

[Alan]

Has anyone out there had any experience with the lidatek laser echo? I have a v-1 which I swear by, but it is pretty much defenseless against intant on laser. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.

Alan

------------------

 

[rebel1]

the K 40 jambs the signal. The cop gets a scrambles reading no MPH. By the time he tries again your pats em.

 

[tfung]

from what I read in this article, I think this might be a better laser jammer than the K40.. I haven't tried either of them, so anyone care to comment? http://www.ukspeedtraps.co.uk/jammer.htm

 

[Alan]

Another alternative. This is an article I found in the Roundel archives. http://www.bmwcca.org/roundel7/0197oth.htm

 

[SAB]

Ladies & Gents:

Bruce/rebel1 has run the V1 and K40 together now for a bit over a week. Unfortunately, he was unable to get the help from a local NY police officer that he was hoping for, so we don't have any particularly scientific data.

The V1 was mounted low on the windshield as they suggest for optimal results (ie: not up at the visor).

His general results are that the V1 is more sensitive from the front, they are about equal on the sides, but the K40 gets a slight nod from the rear.

The link that tfung posted suggests that the laser jamming on the K40 works wonders, a feature not available with the V1 (though the legality of said feature is not entirely certain).

So fitness-to-purpose doesn't seem to be a real factor between the units. They're both really good, really capable, useful radar detectors.

Ignoring the pricing issue for the moment (which is not insubstantial), in the end our exchanges on the matter came down to the benefits of a stealthy install. If you get pulled over and the cop sees the V1 unit you're just not ever going to talk your way out of the ticket. Whereas the K40 he won't see and you'll have a fighting chance. You have to figure that's only one (two at the most) speeding ticket(s) to erase the V1-vs-K40 cost differential when you factor in insurance hikes.

V1 PLUSSES
- a factor of two or three less expensive than the K40 installed
- portable - can move it to other cars & take it on the road when you're travelling

V1 MINUSES
- no laser jamming
- non-stealthy install, even with the remote concealed display option

K40 PLUSSES
- total stealth install
- laser jamming
- fire-and-forget installed unit - no plugging it in and being concerned about it getting bipped if you leave it in the car.

K40 MINUSES
- expensive (2 to 3 times)
- not portable - even more money to yank it out when your 911 TT order comes in ;-)

So, I'm not certain whether I'm going to keep my V1. I'm not excited to spend the extra money, but the stealth argument has real legs.

Bruce: pipe in if I've misrepresented any of the data!

Hope this has been helpful for everybody!

Shawn