[DougD]

I recently replaced my beloved Passport with a Valentine One. Advances in radar technology and the use of lasers in my area prompted the change.

I don't agree that the Valentine gives more false readings. I use the most sensitive setting all the time, and the two units act nearly identically in this respect. I have memorized the locations where it detects non-police radar sources, and they're the same ones as when I was using the Passport. They are both very sensitive, and in my opinion, each is heads above ANY OTHER BRAND. I have read the tests, and I don't think it's terribly important whether you get a tone 1.2 miles or 1.3 miles ahead of a radar threat. Either is sensitiive enough to allow plenty of time for you to make speed corrections. They both do such a good job at detecting radar that I believe you are just splitting hairs on sensitivity alone. As far a laser detection, I think it's kind of silly to argue one over the other, since if it goes off, you have already been zapped, and there's little you can do about it at that point.

The reason I chose to try the Valentine is for the directional display. After using it for over a year, I can't say enough about this feature. When it detects a radar unit, you instantly know from where the signal is coming. Instead of reducing speed and scanning for the cop every time it goes off, you can breathe a sigh of relief if it's from behind.

I don't think you can go wrong with an Escort (any model) or a Valentine One. In my experience, both are superb. I wouldn't spend my money on any brand but one of these two. But after using it daily on my commute to work, I feel that directional display is worth the extra money for the Valenine.