Best Radar Detector
03-22-2005, 08:13 AM
#21
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Originally Posted by Stratocaster,Mar 22 2005, 01:15 AM
I personally have the V1 (www.valentine1.com) and would never have anything else. The Passport 8500 performs as well for less. The thing I like about the V1 over the passport are the two things the passport does not have. The arrows and the bogy counter.
Here is how I installed it. http://www.s2000.org/mods/radar/
Here is how I installed it. http://www.s2000.org/mods/radar/
03-22-2005, 09:52 AM
#22
Originally Posted by Stratocaster,Mar 22 2005, 01:15 AM
I personally have the V1 (www.valentine1.com) and would never have anything else. The Passport 8500 performs as well for less. The thing I like about the V1 over the passport are the two things the passport does not have. The arrows and the bogy counter.
Here is how I installed it. http://www.s2000.org/mods/radar/
Here is how I installed it. http://www.s2000.org/mods/radar/
well said and the reason I am a very satisfied V1 owner! 
03-22-2005, 10:07 AM
#23
I have both the V1 and Escort both will keep you out of trouble ....but drive smart.
I have had the V1 nearly 10 years of trouble free service. I have had the Escort
1 year...and it has worked fine. But in this case if you want the best dectector out
there for the money get the V1........hands down winner
I have had the V1 nearly 10 years of trouble free service. I have had the Escort
1 year...and it has worked fine. But in this case if you want the best dectector out
there for the money get the V1........hands down winner
03-22-2005, 10:23 AM
#24
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I have the Passport Escort 8500 X50. I am very pleased with it. Before buying, I spent a month looking at info on the X50 and V1. It's a toss, and it depends on individual preferences, I think. I believe the X50 detection is slightly better. At any rate, one is definitely needed. Most times I detect radar from unmarked police cars driving in the opposite lane. There is nothing you can "see" with your eyes. Just two examples: a dusty and dirty gold-colored Tahoe, a white Exporer (I think), and a Camaro! Get yourself protection!
Tonino.
P.S. the cord stretched to the back oscillates and at times gets in the way, but it's OK and I don't think that the battery operated model is powerful enough.
Tonino.
P.S. the cord stretched to the back oscillates and at times gets in the way, but it's OK and I don't think that the battery operated model is powerful enough.
03-22-2005, 10:29 AM
#25
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Forgot to add: I believe it's only illegal (on non-commercial vehicles) in Virginia. Also, CG makes a good point: if you are the first car they turn it on, you may not have time to do anything about it. So, drive smart, you need to know when it's OK to speed and when better not.
Tonino.
Tonino.
03-22-2005, 06:36 PM
#27
I love my Passport 8500 x50.
The V1 is more expensive. It's physically bigger. It is reported to give more false alerts than the 8500. But it's got arrows.
The 8500 has saved my ASS several times.
The V1 is more expensive. It's physically bigger. It is reported to give more false alerts than the 8500. But it's got arrows.
The 8500 has saved my ASS several times.
03-22-2005, 07:17 PM
#28
Recently switched from the Escort SOLO S2 to the 8500 X50 - night and day. B-day gift from the wife.
When I got the Solo2 (also birthday gift from the wifey) I was using a Whistler that was absolutely useless. The Solo S2 was a huge improvement and the battery life was pretty good also. The real issue with cordless is that in order to save the batteries it must cycle itself on and off constantly and is reported to be off up to 80% of the time. This coupled with a lower power antenna reduces its effective range.
Recent reviews/tests put the V1 and the 8500 right on par with each other along with the Bell RX65 (think that is correct model). Apparently the Bell has a little better POP Radar capability.
I went with the 8500 because I already had the hardwire smartcord installed in both vehicles for the Solo S2
Here is a link to a head to head comparison on the top 3 contenders:
http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090
When I got the Solo2 (also birthday gift from the wifey) I was using a Whistler that was absolutely useless. The Solo S2 was a huge improvement and the battery life was pretty good also. The real issue with cordless is that in order to save the batteries it must cycle itself on and off constantly and is reported to be off up to 80% of the time. This coupled with a lower power antenna reduces its effective range.
Recent reviews/tests put the V1 and the 8500 right on par with each other along with the Bell RX65 (think that is correct model). Apparently the Bell has a little better POP Radar capability.
I went with the 8500 because I already had the hardwire smartcord installed in both vehicles for the Solo S2
Here is a link to a head to head comparison on the top 3 contenders:
http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090
03-23-2005, 04:13 PM
#29
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Originally Posted by Cyclon36,Mar 22 2005, 07:18 AM
I have a V1 and installed it the same way. Definitely the top pick for me. You can't do without the arrows once you get use to them. Maybe if another brand was way better or something you could debate the V1's dominance, but the fact is that it's evenly matched with the best ones and the fact that it has a bogey counter and arrows makes it the best.
The other ones just beep and your force to look everywhere for the cop. With the V1 you know exactly where he is. Also with the bogey counter, you know when it's a false signal and if you're picking up two different signals. With the others, they might announce that you're picking up K-band because of some grocery door that's close by, but not mention the fact that there is a KA-band or X-band in the area as well. This could easily let you overlook a cop in an area that you know has interference.
V1 is definitely tops here. I got the conceled display as well and put it on top of my steering collumn for quick visuals.
BTW, it's also upgradable so when it gets dated, you can upgrade it to the new model for a fraction of the cost.
I picked one up right after my first ticket.
It saved me a couple times already.From what I have read, the sensitivity is comparable to valentine one, some reviews showed less false alarms with the x50 than the v1. The only thing I miss are the arrows--but in reality when the thing goes off full signal I slow down no matter what and I would do the same no matter which direction the arrows are pointing. If the arrow was pointing to a shopping plaza and the K band went off would you slow down? I would--that's why I chose to save $100 with the x50 and skip the arrows.
If both were priced same, I would go with the v1 anyday. They've proven themselves to be best and it's an incredible product.
03-23-2005, 05:30 PM
#30
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Hi,
If money is no object, the Escort SRX is available on eBay for about $650, and you'd have to install it yourself. I did it no problem.
The SRX has a radar receiver that mounts in the front air duct under the bumper, along with two laser jammers. Another laser jammer mounts one your rear plate. The nice thing is that the display unit can be wired into the fold down radio cover of the S2000, and is totally stealth. Plus you don't have to worry about someone cutting your convertible top open to steal a detector off your window/dash.
Not cheap/works great/safe and secure.
JT
If money is no object, the Escort SRX is available on eBay for about $650, and you'd have to install it yourself. I did it no problem.
The SRX has a radar receiver that mounts in the front air duct under the bumper, along with two laser jammers. Another laser jammer mounts one your rear plate. The nice thing is that the display unit can be wired into the fold down radio cover of the S2000, and is totally stealth. Plus you don't have to worry about someone cutting your convertible top open to steal a detector off your window/dash.
Not cheap/works great/safe and secure.
JT