I have had the 8500 for about 6 months now. It outperforms any other detector that I have owned. I am very pleased with it. Wish the display was brighter though.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Willie Gee
The car and driver test i found was over two years old but the Motor Trend test did rate the 8500 slightly better. I'm not sure about range, but you are right, the sensitivity rating was better on the V1, if only by a hair.

Both detectors are great.

 

Cordless detectors are primarily used for sport bikes due to the lack of a cig lighter and space for a cord/ wires. They do not come reccomended for automobiles.

 

The Bel RX65 has exactly the same hardware as the new Escort 8500 X50. Open them both up and they are identical inside, except for the placement of the buttons and shape of the exterior of the case. So anyone that says the 8500 is great, would imply the RX65 is great as well.

The thing about the V1 is that it has no POP detection. POP detection is the latest weapon the cops/radar makers have, and is there specifically to fool radar detectors. The V1 actually bitches about it on it's website... saying the cops shouldn't use it and all that (they do, so get over it! ;-) ).

Maybe V1 will later upgrade to detect POP mode, but otherwise, I'd go with RX65 (i have) or the 8500 X50 (shipping publically shortly, but as I said the same hardware and a $10 difference).

 

Mike Valentine on POP modes:

Local ticket writers are starting to brag about a new kind of radar; they say it nails radar detector users without warning.

Yes, in our testing the MPH Industries model BEE IIItm has a POPtm mode in which it

 

The Motor Trend test listed the 8500 higher for one reason.

That reason, the cost. They couldn't justify the extra $100 to it.

That being said, both are excellent detectors. The V1 isn't as astectically pleasing, but with falses in both units, it's nice to be able to see the arrows to see where the radar is comming from.

Granted, the arrows aren't perfect. If I'm out in the open, and there's a treeline that I just passed, and the cop sits up the road, and I'm closer to the trees behind me, I'll pick up it's reflection, and the radar detector will tell me it's behind me.

Was it worth the extra money? I think in the long run it will be. But if you don't like the looks of the V1, and that's an issue w/ you, get the 8500. Nobody here wants you to buy something you won't like.

If anything, try them both. They both have return policies. Test them both out, make your own decision.

 

The V1 face plate is bigger, but the actual volume of the detector is quite a bit smaller than the 8500 I believe, since the 8500 is very long. If you've only seen the older V1 with the bulky laser module, you really should see one of the new ones in person before dismissing it on size.

Yes it's very expensive, but in addition to it being a great detector I like how the company policies are in line with the price. For example, the V1 comes with everything you need- coiled and straight cords, hardwire kit, visor and suction mount, 2 sets of extra suction cups. Should you need new suction cups, they are $1 for 2 sets, free shipping. Similarly cords, plugs and other replacement parts are almost free and shipped free. Plus you can use phone cord in a pinch. After the warranty expires, the repair charge is flat-rate no matter what's wrong with it, and it's fairly reasonable. Plus they are upgradeable. A final justification is that even older models fetch ridiculously close to MSRP on eBay. I'm sure the 8500 is great also, maybe even just as good. But there's definitely a reason why so many people pay $400 for the V1- it's just a great product.

Peter

 

Wow, thanks for all the info guys, I think I'd probably get a V1 if money were no object, but since it is it looks like I'll be getting the 8500 X50

 

I am looking for a passport 8500........^_^
it's also my opinion for you

 

I have the Solo S2 Cordless in my S and a Passport in my Pilot. I really like the S2 and all reservations about sensitivity and battery life were forgotten after using both. The batteries last a couple of months and the S2 notifies me when they are getting low for changing (several days actually). The Passport is IMO equal. I did not want to hard wire and really like the cordless convenience.