Radar detectors

[Power Surge]

Valentine One, hands down. When I used to race NMRA, I was driving all over the country. I've had most of the "popular" detectors, and IMO the V1 is the best.

The older V1s were a bit large, but the newer models (by newer, I'm talking like 5 years now) are about as thin as most other detectors. Besides, I could care less what it looks like, as long as it works. Night useage is not a problem, because the V1 has a photocell in it that dims the display at night. They also offer a remote display option, so you have the detector on your windshield, and the warning lights elsewhere (dash, visor, etc).

As for the arrows, after having the V1 I would never own a detector without the directional arrows. By knowing where signals are coming from, you quickly learn specific patterns of both legit LEO signals, and false signals. That, in effect, made me a better driver because I could usually pick up on target areas before the detector would even go off. Plus it's just nice to know where the heck the signal is coming from. There were a LOT of times out on the interstates, where the signal was a cop in moving patrol car BEHIND you somewhere. The detector would go off for miles, because he's staying with you. With a regular detector, you'd be throwing the thing out the window, but with knowing the signal is coming from behind, you'll know with that signal pattern there's a patrol car in traffic behind you with his radar on.

The other nice thing about the V1, is that they are forever upgradable. You will never have to buy another unit. As upgrades come out, you can send your unit it for the latest features.