There are no models of V1. www.valentineone.com

 

Thanks everyone for responding it's much appreciated. Well,It's a hard decision but i think i will give the nod to the 8500. If i have the extra dough I'd go with V1, the arrows are a nice feature. ruex67, if you don't mind me asking, do you have any trouble locating where the source is coming from with your 8500?

 

I have both the 8500 and the V1. Both work really well and the 8500 has a lot of features (including a volt meter), and a wide choice of display settings. I found that the V1 was easy to hard-wire and it's a lot lighter in weight than the 8500. I have the remote display for the V1 velcroed under the A/C controls. Perfect spot. It's so true about the arrow feature. Once you've seen the benefits, you'll wonder how you ever did without it!

 

Frankly, I don't really care where the source is coming from. If I can't find it visually, I can guage the accuracy based on signal type and strength.

The 8500 has saved my ASS numerous times.

The 8500 is exactly as easy to hardwire as the V1. The design is identical.

I have never held a V1 in my hand, but it is so much bigger than the 8500 that I find it hard to believe it is lighter.

My only point is that they are both excellent detectors, it just seems that V1 owners bash the 8500 needlessly.

 

I wont bash the 8500, since Ive never had it.......but.....

Assuming they are both exactly the same in EVERY respect....meaning, weight, strength, sensitivity, range, etc....I would get the V1 simply because of the arrows. They are a godsend, and much easier to "drive right " with them.

They are both good, but dont let money pull you in a direction. You are only getting a radar once, and the 100 bucks will be history in one month.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ruexp67
I have an 8500 and am VERY happy with it.

 

"The 8500 is exactly as easy to hardwire as the V1. The design is identical."

This is half true. While you can hard wire the Escort the Escort's remote display is useless. Only a power LED and one signal light, and mute.

If you are going to hard wire seriously look at the Escorts's remote display and the V1's to see which one you would rather look at.

I have my V1 remotely wired on the passanger's visor hiden inside a visor organizer with the V1 remote display located under the climate controls. I never have to worry about it being stolen since you can not see it, cops and toher motorist can not see it either. It is so nice running into the local store and not worring about taking my radar down and hiding it.

Just food for thought.
Matt

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ruexp67

 

"why do i need a remote display when i have the full display a couple feet from my face"

While not proven I feel that if i do get pulled over by the police, not unlilkely that why I crave the 9g shifts, it is to my advantage to have my radar decetor hidden from the law. I have never gotten a break with my radar displayed on the windshile but every time I have gotten pulled over with it stelth no ticket. If money is an object no argument here that the 8500 offers great range for the money.

 

OK, I mis-spoke about the remote displays.

Allow me to clarify my statement:

I meant that the wiring of the detectors is identical. The displays are different in how they work internally, but the wiring of the device is, in fact, identical.

The 8500's remote diplay is VERY useful to me. I have it mounted at the base of the A-pillar on two of my cars. If can give me a visual alert when I am looking or scanning left with the actual detector to the right. When the radar goes off, I just look over at the detector by habit anyway.

In the S it is below the enviromental controls for a more "stealthy" install. If I ever re-do it I will move it to the base of the A-pillar.