We’re all guilty of speeding on occasion while behind the wheel of a car. Everyone is aware of the speed limit while driving, especially on the roads that are traversed on a daily basis. However, it is easy to slip past the speed limit while driving due to any number of distractions. Sometimes we speed because we simply lack the patience to deal with speed limits when we have somewhere better to be than stuck on the roads.
Other times, we speed because we just become too distracted by the events in our lives. Maybe you have a big presentation coming up at work or find yourself consumed with financial woes as you drive. Regardless of the reasoning, these issues can distract your attention away from your speed as you drive along the road.
Of course, there are those who just speed on purpose because they don’t feel like adhering to the speed limit. Whatever your reasons are for speeding, law enforcement officials couldn’t care less. If you are caught speeding by radar guns in use by law enforcement, it is likely that you will be pulled over and issued a citation for violating the speed limit. You could have avoided all of this if you’d purchased a radar detector.
Which radar detectors are the best devices? What kind of features should you look for in a reliable detector? In this review, we offer you a comprehensive look at the features, pros, and cons of the Valentine One radar detector. We’ve done all the legwork to put together a review so you can make an informed decision without wasting countless hours in the process.
Features of the Valentine One Radar Detector
The Valentine One is considered by many consumers and critics to be the highest performing radar detector available today. The very first Valentine detectors were introduced in 1992. While the physical design of the device has changed little over the years, the internal technology has kept pace with advancements in the industry to ensure that the Valentine One continues to perform at the highest level possible.
Valentine One radar detectors come with the windshield-mounted unit and two external antennae. Valentine radar detectors can identify all X, K, and Ka radar bands, as well as laser signals. The Valentine One also comes with super wideband detection for Ka and Ku radar bands, and directional indicators that alert you to the direction that signals emanate from during detection.
The multiple antennae allow the Valentine One to locate threatening signals coming from behind and in front of your vehicle. This means you are protected against a speed trap awaiting you down the road and the police cruiser entering the freeway behind you. The directional indicators on the device provide you with clear information about the direction of signal threats. The arrows indicate the direction of origin for radar and laser signals, while a numeric display can inform you of the number of threats in the area.
Pros of the Valentine One Radar Detector
Without question, the greatest benefit of the Valentine One is its detection range. Countless real-world tests by users and professional reviewers has found that no unit can detect radar and laser signals at the same distance, with the same consistency, as the Valentine One. Even consumers that have found other faults with this device or complained about its reliability have expressed adulation for the performance of the Valentine One.
Unlike many competitors, the Valentine One has the ability to detect and monitor various signals at the same time. Not only can the directional arrows inform you of threats from various directions, but the numeric indicator can tell you how many radar or laser signals have been detected (up to nine in total). The Valentine One also has the ability to inform you of junk signals.
Countless devices promise to filter out erroneous radar and laser signals detected while driving, such as garage door opener systems or traffic management equipment installed in roads. Only the Valentine One has the ability to inform you of junk signals. While you still have to put up with the alerts, the benefit is that you know they are junk. The Valentine One displays a “J” or “V1” to inform you that a signal has been identified as junk. When competitors detect false alarms, you’re left dealing with the annoyance until you mute the device or get far enough away from the point of origin.
Finally, the design of the Valentine One is a benefit. While some drivers have complained that the design of the Valentine is uninspired and “boxy,” these are undoubtedly benefits. The black finish of the Valentine One helps it blend in with your dashboard, and the lack of a metallic finish helps eliminate bothersome reflected light that can distract you while driving.
Cons of the Valentine One Radar Detector
If there was ever a unit that could be identified as perfect, the Valentine One would be that unit. However, there is no perfect radar detector available on the market today. When it comes to core functions, the Valentine One is a top performer. Compared to other devices though, the Valentine lacks some of the extra features that drivers have been made to believe are necessary. This shouldn’t be considered a drawback to the device. Rather, it should simply be viewed as something that is lacking that does not impact its performance.
It is also important to note that this unit does not offer GPS technology like many other modern radar detectors offer. With GPS, you can lockout known false signals and be warned about red light cameras and speed cameras which may not use radar. This unit will not detect those devices.
Honest Assessment of the Valentine One Radar Detector
Countless drivers have turned to the Valentine One over the course of two decades to help protect against law enforcement radar guns. The Valentine One does not boast the most attractive design on the market or the largest selection of extra features that make it tech friendly. At the end of the day, the Valentine One is the strongest performer available. If you want a radar detector that does the job every time, the Valentine One is your choice. If you’re more concerned with flashy designs or smartphone compatibility, this is not the model for you.
Welcome the V1 Gen 2 Radar Detector
If you’re following this product line closely, the Valentine One has been out of stock on most VR’s websites since 2019.
And then one year later, VR started taking pre-orders for the V1 Gen 2 Radar Detector.
With this new Valentine One Gen2 Radar Detector, full coverage against both radar and laser is introduced to the market, promising absolute range superiority.
Whilst the V1 Gen1 was created for direction-finding, the V1 Gen2 extends this know-how, offering a full scan capability by adding another antenna-eye that will look through the rear glass. This is in addition to the radar antenna and a laser eye that the Gen 1 already had.
V1 Gen 2 also introduced new detection tools such as the New LNA technology. This is sort of like a signal magnifier that detects weaker signals. It acts as a one-way valve that traps the LO output to improve stealth capabilities – it makes Gen2 practically undetectable.
V1 Gen2’s new, and patented, SAW D2L allows it to detect more radars and adds exponentially to the data flow. This feature jumps the processing rate more than a hundred times so that V1 Gen2 can sort speed-trap radar signals immediately if there’s a lane change, thus increasing crash prevention.
Both these added features give way for a breakthrough in radar early warning. Plus, V1 Gen2 even comes with a K-Verifier that weeds out false alerts.
Here are the improvements on V1 Gen 2:
- Improved Ka sensitivity for In-The-Box alerts.
- 33.700 – 33.900 GHz
- 34.600 – 34.800 GHz
- 35.400 – 35.600 GHz
- There is no sensitivity change for Ka alerts Outside-The-Box.
- Reduced occurrence of infrequent Ka false alarms caused by close-proximity K-band emitters.
- Added the ability to change the audio volume via future versions of apps.
You can download the following resources for reference:
- Quick Start Guide for the V1 Gen2
- Owner’s Manual for the V1 Gen2
- Owner’s Manual for the V1 Gen1