Yes, the V1 is old ,but still great unit . I just don't like to have to use a phone with it and the custom sweeps . Radar is a hobby of mine for the last 40 years .
Escort 9500IX for me and it works great. I use Waze instead of the Escort Live.
I think in California you can't have windshield mounts so you will need to get a mirror mount.
Love the Escort 9500ix. If I was to upgrade, it would be to an Escort Max 360.
The location/frequency learn function helps eliminate false alarms...speed camera, red light camera alerts are all very nice functions.
I've been using the Escort 360 Max for the past month and it's worth it for the peace of mind. Combined with the Waze app, it has made driving in cop infested territory much less stressful. I'd say that 80% of the time, it's a false alarm though so be prepared for many of those. With that said, I'll never do highway driving without one again.
Usually that is the case if you get a laser warning they are actively getting your speed. Sometimes you get a little bit of a warning but don't count on it. LEO only use laser guns standing still however so if you use Waze hopefully someone has already seen the stopped LEO and reported him.