From what I have heard, the Valentines are the best, but they are hard wired into the car, so I have been told. I haven't seen a battery operated Valentine yet. I run the Solo battery powered Radar Detector as I switch it between my vettes and other cars. If you purchase a Radar Detector, remember it won't keep you from getting a ticket if you are the one targeted, but if the police are targeting everyone, then you will pick up the signal. Keep and eye on the brake lights on car in front of you (if there is one). Best is to choose the area where you believe it is safe to open it up. I get nervous when I am driving in areas where I don't know where and if there are speed traps, so unknown areas do diminish the joy of full throttle. I am not quite like Scott, I still turn mine on because I really dislike radar traps; hit too many in my youth in the 60s. The older I get, the more I tend to stay within the speed limits. But when I get on a cruise with other vettes, and my wife is not in the car (would never forgive myself if something happened to her due to my speeding), I have been known to open it up a bit. Good luck with your decision on a purchase.
Barrett