hwmorganiii

did the laser modules fit well? Where did you mount them? thanks

jimmyw

I'm using an Escort Passport Max and was kind of worried when I bought my A8L that the car's radars would cause false alarms but I have no interference from the adaptive cruise or lane assist radars.

Lazydog

That is good to hear. I was worried about this too so I haven't bought a new detector.

hwmorganiii

I did a gob of research and chose the Bell STiR with the Blinder brand laser jammer. What was important to me was sensitivity and a clean install. The Blinder sensors are really small and the Bell control is super small too.

I had Car Toys in Portland install it and they did a great job. They actually were able to place the Bell display inside my mirror. In the picture below you can see it showing my speed, but when it detects a radar signal it shows the band type (X, K, Ka or Laser) with the strength. It also has an audible alarm that is specific to each band. I also have included pictures of the controls on the dash. The rectangular control is the Bell, the round control is the Blinder. The last picture shoes how small the Blinder sensor is (bottom left corner of the tail light). The front sensor is completely hidden behing the grill, so picture is needed.

I couldn't be happier and haven't gotten a ticket since it was installed 9 months ago - knock on wood.

luxury1

So I consider myself sort of an expert on this subject I have researched it to death and have used several models.

First, what is used in your state. Is it radar, laser, or both? In PA it is radar and in OH it is both so I have to have go against both.

Radar detector: one common one is V1 but audi side assist means that you need to disable pop. Valentine won't even respond to my request to explain this which means they know it is a problem and they have no idea why. ( ) this is your workaround but means disabling POP. With laser detection, this device will only tell you when you have been detected (and believe me, you will know way after you have been detected). Also, you have TSR (traffic sensor monitors) to fight which is accounted for in the new V1 and other detectors. The K40 does have a solid front and rear mount. Not sure if I would go with Valentine again

For laser, do not go K40. Watch this video and you will get it. ( ). The Blinder is the best. However, you will need a quad system for the audi (big reflective grill) with three covering the grill (top right, left, and bottom center, with one in the rear).

Most importantly, download the free WAZE app that allows you to see where people that use it spot enforcement. This is my most reliable countermeasure. I jam lots of laser and avoid lots of radar.

I use all three and log thousands of miles a month (2,000 avg) and this trio works well.

SamLV

Subscribing. I'll circle back and get one in ASAP.

ikold

From what I researched I'd say the best solution is the Passport 9500ci with Laser Pro Shifter. Have not made a decision as to what to do yet. Have a V1 and could get the Laser Interceptor for allot less then entire 9500ci system.

ikold

I'm not sure what version of V1 I have but I can confirm that it does false because of the side assist and radar cruise control.

Can anyone confirm that the Escort does not do this?

djkyky

I have a 2015 S4 and installed the V1 I have used for many years. The K band was going nuts from the side assist. I checked at it was time another upgrade after reading it would take care of the nuisance signal. The $213 upgrade did nothing to help this nuisance signal even after I turned off the POP (J) option. This works for older S4's but not for 2015's. If you have a newer Audi and expect the V1 upgrade with the POP turned off to silence your detector then think again. Someone tell me I'm wrong and there is a fix.

davideisenva

As a person with 0 tickets on their record at the age of 24, and growing up in NJ, the speed trap / radar detector capitol of the world (my early 60s mother has a radar detector), I believe I have had enough experience with at least window units. It's funny you ask this question as my Escort 9500ci w/ front and rear laser jammers for my S8 shipped today.
I used to have a friend when I was 17, and he used to run a Valentine One. Back in those days, I was running what I think was a 9500i. This was the first GPS linked radar detector. I now run a Passport Max. I have seen friends with Cobra's that have returned them.
A Valentine One and an Escort Max or Redline are going to have great range capabilities. Back when we were 17, and did very very stupid things, my friend took his V8 Jeep, and my V6 Infiniti, and we basically would cruise at the limiters down the turnpike. Needless to say, we would both hit the brakes at similar times, and usually well before we got to any police officer. The way to think of it is like this, the Valentine One or Redline may have more range, but your talking about the difference between 1.5 miles of detection vs 2 miles of detection. The Valentine One has always had arrows, which I found to be just ok, in my usage of my friend's detector.
Where the real difference came in was with GPS. The number of times his Valentine One went off went way past an acceptable level, especially considering it's range. The Escort especially for routes we would take every day, allowed me to pick out more often when there was a cop, simply because I knew if my detector went off, it wasn't just a CVS. He had to remember how many signals there were at that specific location, to determine if there was a cop. Needless to say he switched to a Escort 9500ix when it came out.
The 9500ci, is basically a redline that is custom installed with laser shifters. If you are a speeder, the number of times a radar detector will save your *** is simply incredible. If you go 10 over, it is still a decent return on investment, especially in the suburban or small town areas, where many cops need tickets to survive.
If you are big into luxury, I would say the Escort is more refined. If you want something that will give you more raw data, then a Redline or a Valentine One is the direction you should head in. If you want the best detection and protection from lasers, a 9500ci is a no-brainer. I have had no feedback from my Passport Max from side assist, lane assist, or ACC. I am sure the 9500ci will be the same. Judging from the fact you are posting this on a A8 forum, you are probably used to the best, get a Passport Max 2 or a 9500ci is my suggestion.