Radar detectors are fascinating devices. These gadgets are used by motorists to detect if their speed is being monitored by someone using a radar gun. In a sense, radar detectors are safety devices that encourage owners to be mindful of speed. Of course, they also help avoid unwanted “speed trap” speeding tickets (although there’s no guarantee on this point) and the resulting hike in insurance premiums.
The Valentine One radar detector is among the best money can buy. First sold in 1992, over time its design has barely changed. That’s because it was so darn good from the beginning. These detectors never become obsolete because the software and hardware can always be updated. (If there are significant desirable upgrades, owners can send their old units to the company and pay a fee for the new stuff.) They are built like little tanks, can withstand scorching summer heat, and are packed with thoughtful design features.
Valentine One booting up - normally all of these lights are not simultaneously lit. Note the directional arrows, strength meter, and ability to track up to 8 different radar sources. (Click the pic for more info.)
The Valentine One (“V1”) offers complete coverage. It detects five bands (X, K, Ka, “super wideband” Ka, and Ku) of radar. It also detects laser in all directions. The Valentine One detector is incredibly sensitive, and sometimes (especially in open terrain) will detect radar signals miles in advance. Yet it’s also intelligent enough to screen out many false alarms.
This detector actually contains two radar detection antennas, one pointed forward and the other towards the rear. This enables one of the nicest features of the V1: directional arrows. Not only are motorists alerted to the presence of radar, they also learn its general direction (ahead or behind the vehicle). This is valuable information. Most detectors offer no indication of where to look for the radar source.
In addition to handy directional arrows, the Valentine One displays the number of radar signals it is tracking. It can track up to eight different sources simultaneously. This is another powerful capability, since at times there may be more than one speed monitoring device in the area.
With tax revenues down in a sluggish economy, many local governments are padding their coffers by issuing more traffic violations. When we travel with our RV, we often pass through unfamiliar terrain where speed limits change abruptly with little warning. For example, have you ever driven through an area where the speed limit suddenly drops from 55 MPH to 35 MPH with little advance notice? Oddly enough, that’s often where local governments like to issue speeding tickets.
Valentine One in "Logic" mode, which does a fine job of screening out false alerts. This unit is more than a decade old, and still going strong. (Click the pic for more info.)
Information is power, and governments usually like to keep that to themselves. Buy a Valentine One radar detector, and you can have a little power too.
The Valentine One has always been a “best in class” device. This detector is not cheap, but the quality is unmatched. Since they have such a devoted following, some nice aftermarket accessories are available for these detectors, like rear view mirror mounts.
Another new accessory straight from the factory is called Valentine One SAVVY. It promises to lower the alert volume when a bogey is detected at slower speeds (for example, less than 20 MPH). This will greatly reduce any annoyance from false alerts when driving around town.
Radar detectors like the Valentine One help avoid speeding tickets and higher insurance premiums. They can also help increase safe driving habits. Sometimes it’s just nice to know what’s happening on the road.
Many Valentine One owners have owned their units for more than a decade. The Valentine One radar detector is a fantastic piece of technology, designed and built right here in the USA.