V1 (although mine got stolen recently ) How soon it alerts you is more a function of how the cop is using his radar, if he's pulsing, you might only get a blip or two, and then zap when he fires it at you.

This of course is true no matter what detector you use, so the key is the blip or two, and how you intrepet them. The V1 does pick those up, but it is senseitive (depending on which filter mode you use) so if you get used to ignoring blips in general, you might get zapped.

For the record, in the 6 years I had mine, I only got one ticket, which was not the V1's fault... instant on from an oncoming cop over the crest of a hill, we were face to face by the time he came into view. He pulsed me and it was game over....

Now that I don't have it I definitely don't feel as confident about tearing around, although with any detector you still have to use your eyes

 

Everyone has personal preference. The V1s have been significantly improved with their recent software update. The Escorts have expert mode and allow you to turn POP off. If you want a directional unit go with the V1 if you want a unit that has a longer range go Escort. Either way you can't go wrong.

 

13,200 mile road trip in the sping, zero tickets...passport 8500 works for me

 

yeah i used to drive 60 miles to and from work doing around 95 in a 65 and always detected them

 

For the last time....

Everyone agrees, including the X50 owners that the V1 is technically, the better radar. The reason? Arrows, and true front and rear sensors.

So, at any budget, the V1 is better. However, to some, the $50/$100 price difference is not worth it for the arrows, and since the X50 has the same detection performace (dont know about rear, but rear is rarely used...cops are always ahead), people opt for the X50.

In short, if you can afford it, the V1, if you want to save a few bucks, then the X50. Both perform well. The arrows, IMHO, make a big difference.

 

Beltronics GX65. The 8500 is also made from the same company. Will not be able to buy this at a retail store, it can only be purchased online.

I love the multiple bogey that this can pickup like the V1. The GX65 is more of a contender to the V1 but it does pick up Ka a bit faster than the V1 both in front and behind the car.

Either way they all work. I must say that I love the blue 8500.

 

 

Where's the best place to buy a Valentine V1? I've seen them for $499 and not the $400 everyone mentioned.

 

direct from the manufacturer:
http://www.valentine1.com/

 

V1