I just tried the passport 8500 for two weeks on 95 between mass and md, I liked it and all the features. I turnded off x band, too many false alarms, well in ct, they have radar poles every quater mile. Ka worked great, it gave me plenty of warning time, and there was usually a cop just up the road. Had some K false alarms, same spot every day though. Despite the fact that I like it, I returned to Best Buy for a full refund. I find a radar detector too much hassle in a conv, and cops don't like them.

 

I got the 8500 recently. So far I like it fine. Hard to find unbiased comparisons to the V1 but I don't really care which side radar is detected from. I wasn't going to pay an extra $100 for an uglier box to check it out. A threat is a threat.

I especially like the quick-release feature that leaves the bracket suction-cup mounted but removed the detector.

I would have preferred a cordless detector as I'll swap it between car and bike but I read, and agree, the lower input power makes for a less sensitive detector.

 

Harder than it should be, but I think http://www.speedzones.com does a good job.

Here is the summary of their most recent review of the Passport 8500:

"The 8500 is the quietest detector against false alerts we have tested. Its now a three way horse race for the performance champ of radar detectors. We wish the alerts were louder and with voice, but they are distinct and easy to understand. It has the most sophisticated user programming available and, most importantly, gives outstanding advanced warning to all radar. The 8500 gives intense advanced warning to radar five to seven times the normal targeting range of police radar depending on radar band. Its jewelry like packaging and thoughtful "SmartCord" means you "can judge a book by its cover." Escort is back...."

Here is the summary of their most recent review of the V1:

"The Valentine One uniquely includes front and rear facing antennas. It is the only dash mounted detector with such a feature. It is the only detector with a metal case greatly reducing false alert potentials. The V-1 gives scorching performance on all radar bands and its directional arrows tell you where the radar is. Rear reception range of all radar bands is exceptional significantly out-performing the competition. Laser receiver top notch. The Valentine One gave advanced warning to police radar guns six to eight times the normal targeting distance of radar guns depending on the radar band. This is serious protection!"

They have promised an updated head to head comparison of the V1, the Passport 8500 and the Bel 980 sometime in June.

This should help a lot.

In the mean time, as I've said before, I don't think you can go wrong with either the V1 or the Passport 8500.

Barry


[Edited by Barry WY Silver/Black '01 on 05-17-2001 at 06:12 AM]

 

The 8500 gets better reviews and the V1 has directinal signals that aren't always accurate.I haven't purchased either as yet, but my impression/analogy is
of the comparison of the s2000 and the boxster.
The s2000 out performs it,cost less, but the boxster is a
valentine,I mean ,porsche.
-stew


red '01
red '95 gsr

 

Redtoy,

If the Boxster is a Valentine, then it's time to trade my S2000 in and upgrade to a Boxster! j/k

Just remember, you can't believe everything you read...

 

excuse me for the sarcasm....I just meant the
boxster and the s2000 are both great cars but the
regular boxster might be over rated[especially value] like the valentine.
No, I don't believe everything I read....but i am as objective/subjective as the next guy.I belive anyone who chose either one made the right choice.Now I must make mine.
-stew

 

I've own a V1 for past 2 yrs. I drive about 700 miles every week and it has saved my a$$ many many times. It was a best investment before I bought my S2K. Recently, I bought my wife a radar detector from cobra which costed $200. It has many more neat feature such as compass and all but when I drive with that thing, I feel unsecure. After all, if you don't feel secure with your radar detector, why bother paying for it.

cheers,

 

is it worth hard wiring the 8500 or should I just purchase the solo wireless version and change the batteries monthly? Escort 8500 vs. solo is about a $100 savings, plus no installation time with the wireless. how many have gone wireless? are you pleased with the performance?

never mind - found another radar thread with solos reviews - thanks

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...ight=solo+radar