happs22

I have the V1 and love it. You really can't go wrong with that detector. I've read really good reviews about the Escort too, but have never used one. I, like many others, love the directional arrows. It's nice to be able to judge where the signals are coming from when on the highway. . . meaning, if I get 3-4 blips and spot a shopping center up ahead, I can safely assume (sort of) the interference is coming from door openers, etc.

Only drawback is no POP detection. I'm not sure how widely used that is, though, because I've never heard of it being used near me.

Oh, and V1 allows for software upgrades too. So, you can get your detector upgraded every few years for about half as much as a new detector would cost. Definite plus.

dky1e

I've got the x50 and i am satisified. The reviews/tests i read on the web (just google around) show that it is about equally sensitive to v1.

The only thing that it doesn't have are the arrows, but I don't think I need these. If you see that you're getting hit by K band the best thing is to slow down, not look around in the direction of the arrow looking for a cop--they're usually well hidden. It also shows counts for each band and it even shows the strenth of each signal, but it can only do 2 K, 2 Ka and 4 X bands. It is a very useful feature because it will quickly show you if there is anything unusual; ie if you drive where there is usually one K band (probably from some door opener or store alarm) and your detector gets a count of two then there is another source of the radar which might be a cop.

Cyclon36

Definitely upgrade. The cordless detectors were destroyed in comparison tests. They never stack up as good and are only good for convenience. It's really easy to run the hardwire cord for a V1 up and through the windshield A-pillar.

Mark16q

Is there any place to get a deal on the Valentine? Or just pay them retail and be done with it. I've got an 8500 in my truck, and have no complaints. But where I live the arrows may come in handy, so will give it a shot. Also, can someone point me to the link showing the easiest way to hardwire the thing?

Thanks all,

Mark

VTECorona

Do any of you guys have any fancy mounting locations for your radar detetors? I was thinking of mounting one somewhere that I can easily take-out\replace or one that hides in the dash for when I park at the mall or whatever. I've had 2 stolen cars in my history so I'm a paranoid nut.

ZSAK

I use the 8500, I've had it for at least 3years. I am completely satisfied with it. I am upgrading to the X50 soon so hopefully that will even better. i say you can't really go wrong with either. One good thing about the escort as well, is that you can get a laser shifter as well. How well it works i have no idea. I never used it, but it maybe good to deter laser guns..

Filthy Beast

Mark ....no you cant ....But you can get a refurbished one from them at reduced

cost i belive. Dont quote me on this but i did read that somwhere in this forum.

You can only get a new one from them direct no group buys no nothing. They

dont have to they sell everyone they make.

Bill

PilotKD

I've had the X50 for about a month and a half now and I'm pleased with it. It's got excellent range. I've detected cops over a mile away and have had plenty of time to slow down. It rarely ever falses and only detects door openers when they're practically right along side you so it's obvious. Unless you're doing 30-40mph over the speed limit, you've got plenty of time with this detector to be able to gradually slow down. I think the key to a detector is knowing how to read it. Actual police radar and motion door openers have very different alerts. I have found that police radar will give me 1-bar chirps from very far out (at least a mile) that last for quite some time, followed by a steadily increasing alert and then once it gets up past 3-4 bars, I know it's police radar. The range is so impressive on this thing, that it's gotten me so confused as to where it's coming from because I won't see the cop for such a long time. I guess having the arrows is a plus, but not sure it's worth the extra $100. I've gotten quite a few POP falses with the X50. I'm not sure why, but I know that the cops around here don't use it. Most of them are using K-band and drive around with the thing blasting all day long. I pick them up miles away. I've detected one officer using X-band, which is rare these days and when I drive into more populated areas (Tuscaloosa, Birmingham), most of the County Sheriff's and HP are using Ka. When you get a Ka hit, you know it's a cop because I don't think there are any other devices on Ka (door openers are K and X, mostly K around here). I picked up an oncoming HP-man in an unmarked Crown Vic last week using instant on Ka. The X50 gave me a medium-low intensity Ka chirp for about a second and stopped. The road was somewhat curvy, so at the time I could not see oncoming cars until they got close. About 10 seconds later, the road straightened out and there was a group of cars approaching me in the oncoming lane. The first one went by and then as the second one went by, which was a silver sedan with tinted windows, he blasted me with instant on Ka when he got within what I'd say about 100 yards away. I had already slowed back to the speed limit and just smiled at him when he went by. The more I use the X50, the more I like it. I think I'd feel naked driving without it now.

fakeplastictree

Hardwire a new Passport 8500 X50. You won't be disappointed.
Just finished my install yesterday
V1 is just as good, but IMO not worth 100 bucks extra for the arrows.
V1 is only available from valentine website.
You can pick up an 8500 X50 at any Best Buy and return it within 14 days if not satisfied. You'll have to use the suction cups with either model, because the S2000 visors rest at such a sharp angle that your detector will be facing more down than forward. I placed mine directly under my rear view mirror.
The hardwire makes it a little less pain in the a** to remove and lock in glove box every time you park, plus it just looks better.

Bass

mounted mine just like Jonas 3/4 of the way down on this page

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=18740

remote display up front under my piller gauges