I love this debate! And it has no end, but at least it's not degenerating into moronic name calling as some other threads do!

I have the 8500 in my S and the "old" Solo cordless in my '97 GS-R Integra beater. One advantage I've recently discovered about the 8500 is that because my S2K sits in storage most of this time of the year, the voltmeter display on the 8500 comes in quite handy for giving me an idea of my battery condition.

For those who believe cost is no object, the V1 is the detector to get. The only thing the V1 has over my 8500 is the arrows. I've never had a V1 so I don't miss the arrows. The Expert Meter display on the 8500 shows up to eight different threats at once, with a signal strength indication for each one. The display on the V1 can't do that, as far as I know. And since cost is an object to me (unemployed now for over two years), the price I paid for my 8500 ($250) was a huge advantage to me over the V1. Of course if someone gave me a V1 I wouldn't kick it out of bed.

 

Funny, when I started this thread I only wanted opinions on the Escort Solo S2.

The little advice I received made me decide against it.

Then somehow, even though I mentioned I wasn't after pros and cons of the V1 and 8500, that is were this thread went. I had by this time already ordered the V1, and it should be here today. I don't think I'll be disappointed, nor would I have been if I chose the 8500.

Yea, I could have saved almost $100, but hell I would have spent it somewhere else. lol...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2KCouple
[B]Funny, when I started this thread I only wanted opinions on the Escort Solo S2.

The little advice I received made me decide against it.

Then somehow, even though I mentioned I wasn't after pros and cons of the V1 and 8500, that is were this thread went.

 

hell yeah joe.....perfect answer.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Johnny--2K
[B]the only thing i dont like about the V1 (correct me if it has been changed) is that when a certain band goes off, its hard to tell which one it is because the dot next to the band lights up, but at night, your not going to be able to see a letter the half the size of these (until you get used to the sound for each band)

 

I've slapped my dough down on the V1. thanks everyone. And I too am glad we could all be "mature" and have a great debate and actually learn at least a little. sometimes it's not just who's range is greater or whatever, just what you like. I like all the extra stuff on the V1 and that's what swayed me. Total package. It's a tough choice, the 8500 is really nice too..... It's good to have choices like that

 

wicky and S2KCouple,

Just curious if you have installed your V1s yet and wondered how you like them so far?

Any "only with a V1" stories yet?

Dennis

 

Yes mine is installed, haven't had any "The V1" saved my ass stories yet, but I do like it so far and you get used to the lights and sounds quickly.

BTW, the hardwire install was so easy, took less than 45 minutes start to finish.

 

After reading the thread I have just one question:

Are we checking our rear view mirrors before we "hit the brakes"?

One of the most irritating things to me is people hitting their brakes on the freeway for "no apparent reason". I prefer to take my foot off the gas and check traffic before I nail the brakes. The sensitivity of both units allows more than enough time to safely and slowly decelerate before you reach the "bogey". The only exception to this is "instant on" but you are probably screwed by the time the warning goes off.

I would not trade the directional arrows on my V1 for anything. That is the sole reason I selected this unit over the others. Also, there is no "expert mode". It just works. Every time. If you do not care about the directional arrows I think it is a toss up. Both are far more sensitive than they really need to be. You really need to be sleeping to get nailed with anything other than "instant on" or laser.