pdexta

That analogy would make sense if you could dodge the radar, or shoot him back... but since protecting yourself from these "shots" is as simple as slowing down, I just don't see how it makes sense. Sure, many times I've found myself, with my 8500 x50, wondering, "Where the heck is he?" But beyond sheer curiosity I don't see how it would help me at to know; I'm not speeding up until I'm out of range whether I know where he is or not.

With that said, I've had 2 8500 x50's. When I get them they work great. With time (6 months or so) I start to get more false signals. I've had to turn off my laser detection b/c any set of headlights within a 1/4 mile sets it off. Luckily the cops around here don't have laser yet, at least not that I'm aware of. Same thing happened with both detectors.

Penforhire

Norby, yes you can just plug it in, stick it on your window, and go drive. You'll want to read the manual just to learn about muting false alarms or if you want force the sensitivity up/down or change the display. No programming required.

NFRs2000NYC

To those doubting arrows....your statements are simply because you never had them. Once you used them, youll never go back. Its a HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE difference.

Chris S

Bullshit! I've owned 2 V1's, and have now have a 7500, 8500, and 8500 X50. I dug the arrows, but prefer the 8500's more b/c of much better selectivity (fewer falses) and easier programming. Escort continues to improve their products, while Valentine has been resting on their fans' blind loyalty for years now.

The 9500i is nothing short of revolutionary IMO.

Penforhire

Well since we're on the subject NFRs, can you explain in practical terms why the arrows would make a difference in my behavior when I detect a signal but haven't actually spotted the source with my eyes? I know the V1 is worth the price difference to some people on best tested sensitivity alone. But the darn arrows are constantly pushed as a "big deal."

I should add that I keep my 8500 on voltage display. This shows me system voltage when there is no signal, something I find valuable on an under-powered (in terms of generator watts) motorcycle.

NFRs2000NYC

There is nothing revolutionary about the 9500. In the real world, the GPS thing is a waste.

g60racer

I don't know how you can say that, i just got a software update notification on mine this year that added a few nice features. Seems like consistent R&D to me.

As far as not caring where you're being shot from, having the combo of the arrows, the bogeycounter, and the intensity meter do allow you to determine very quickly a few situations which are helpful to know:

1) if the cop is coming up behind you, moving with traffic (gotta slow down for him)

2) if the cop is ahead of you, approaching from the opposite site (can ignore that one and keep going)

3) if the cop was behind you on an onramp you passed on the other side of the road (can ignore)

4) if the cop is on an onramp on your side of the road, you're approaching him (slow down!)

5) if the cop just drove past you headed in the opposite direction (ignore him)

6) if there are multiple cops on your side of the road, waiting for multiple victims (slow down til you pass all of them safely)


Not a single other radar detector will allow you to distinguish within a couple seconds which of those situations it is. V1 gives you the most info, allows you the most situational awareness.

As far as sleekness, you're supposed to be mounting that thing up nice and high anyways, and just use that remote display down by your speedo. Makes life easy, and no worries about what detector looks sleek because it's tucked away by your mirror.

Penforhire

How do you know which side of the road the threat is on? Plenty of times cops hide in a median strip to the left. How quickly does the intensity meter change with distance? Seems to me by the time you've decided on the threat with that metering I've already eyeballed the threat.

NFRs, what if you were visiting some distant area and could upload known-to-the-locals speed trap locations into your detector? And you would get warnings when nearing such a zone. That doesn't sound like a waste. Or permanently delete fixed false alarms on your regular travels. Or not even bother you with an alarm if your speed isn't above some limit? Those sound like a luxury revolution in detection.

nocal

I'm sorry for the confusion, I was hoping to impart more of "if you know where the signal is coming from, you can react to it more readily" analogy.