hello i'm actually looking for a reliable and accurate radar detector! I was going to buy Valentine 1, but a little pricey for me... So my question for you guys is I was interested in Passport Escort 8500 or the Cobra series such as 9730, 9775, 9830, and or 9930.... please give your 2 cents on this subject.

 

i have the escort 8500... and i love it for 2 reasons... 1.. there is no voice alert ... i hate voice alert............. and 2.... its small and looks good and comes in 2 different colors... i have the red lighting..... the whole cobra series sux ballz.. it doesnt pick up a signal at all... just plain sucks. So spend the xtra and the get the escort... it has saved me sooo many tickets.

 

Bel RX65pro

 

i hear the cobra series is ok... but far from top of the line. if you get the passport 8500 make sure its the newer x50 model.

 

I know the Valentine costs more, but I would consider it. Don't forget, it's upgradeable—I don't think the others are. That might justify the price long term. Also, the "arrows" really are terrific—they help you avoid multiple radar traps. Finally, I don't know if it's still true, but the Valentine used to have the longest range. I think it still might - but I'm not sure.

 

I agree, The best by far!!! Same as the 8500 with a few more features.

 

Yup, I have sold them all and personally, although I have not sped in years, I have used them all and always ended up with a Bel.

 

I've been really happy with the Escort Solo detector. I don't remember the model, but it's the battery powered one. I hate dangling cords and this one eliminates that eyesore.

 

Valentine One is the only choice.

Call Valentine Research at 1 800 331 3030 and ask for a returned V1 and you will get 10% off the retail price of $399. It will be the latest version V1.8 POP2 w/ Euro-mode and 3.826 firmware and that comes with all the accessories and a 1 year warranty.

 

Anyone here use a Rocky Mtn detector? I know you can't believe all you read but from what I've found it appears to be at least as good as the ones listed here so far. Does anyone have first hand knowledge that would keep me from making a mistake by getting a Rocky Mtn unit?

 

I got the Escort Passport 8500 X50 is I think its great. It saved me a bunch of times too. I also heard the Valentine one is the best but if you don't want to spend the money then I say go ahead and get the Passport 8500 X50.

BTW the 8500 x50 is also upgradedable like the V1.

And the one HCTR154 is referring to is the Escost Solo S2. It runs on 2 AA. or you can get a smart cord for it.

 

Take a look at radartest.com They have a nice comparison of the Escort 8500 x50, V1, and Bel RX65.

 

Yeah, I saw that.

But I don't trust most of these radar detector websites. It seems every manufacturer has a website that is "completely independant" and shows how product "x" just barely beats the other products available.

I've found websites that show Bel, Escort, RMR, and Whistler as the "clear winner", so I hate to leave it to the marketing analysis (aka "independant" websites), and I don't know of any truly non-affiliated analysis. And even some of those get it wrong sometimes (just look at Consumer Reports listing a half dozen cheap waxes higher than Zaino).

Thanks for the help though.

 

Nothing by RMR or Rocky Mountain Radar will jam laser or radar and their radar detection sucks.

http://matt.simerson.net/reference/radar-scam.shtml

http://www.radarjammer.com/

http://www.wreg.com/Global/story.asp?s=3508464

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1246356

http://www.1-radar-laser-jammers-det...lers/index.php


Here are some videos of all RMR products not jamming anything:

http://www.laserjammer.citymax.com/f...d_Phazer_2.wmv

http://www.laserjammer.citymax.com/p...ge/1124915.htm

 

Read some more, and decided to go with the V1.

Called and mentioned that I read here to ask for the 10% discount since I was willing to accept a returned unit, but the guy said they didn't have any and made it sound like they seldom do. Couldn't affort to wait, so paid full price. Have a four state "Family Vacation" drive next week to test the thing. Should have a good long check-out during the 30 day money back guarantee period.

I little reconnaissance driving last night with it in the RX-8 and it seems very, very sensitive. I hope it isn't too sensitive where we end up ignoring it (yes I did read that in one of the reviews, but of course I also found a constrasting review that said that same sensitivity is the real margin of protection that the Bel and Escort don't provide). I'll try to remember to post my thoughts on the V1 when I return from the trip and maybe more experienced V1 owners can straighten me out if I am under any misconceptions.

 

That is just what they say to encourage people to buy at the full price. I know many people who have told them that the wait time didn't matter and their returned V1s came within days.

 

You did set it to the least sensitive mode, right? (I think it's "L"—you push the buttom 3x to get there.)

 

Consumer Reports didn't test Zaino. (Probably because it's not available in stores—most "casual" car people aren't gonna bother with having to go online to buy car wax.) They tested Zymol, maybe you meant that.

 

Made the 1500 mile trek home in the family ride to see the folks and the V1 payed for itself. Dodged 2 for sure and maybe three 'events' with LEOs.

Was wishing the whole time I had bought the Remote display and I'm glad now I didn't. My biggest complaint with the V1 was trying to figure out whether it was X, K, or Ka pinging me (yes I needed X in rural America where radar guns are used 15 years beyond their published shelf life). Had one Laser event but I think it was a tail light from traffic immediately in front of me. Haven't figured out why VR chose to put a LED for the Laser AND a programmed symbol (three horizontal dashes). Is there some distinction between the two indications for Laser?

After returning, I stumbled on the thread here that lead me to a thread in Radardetector.net about a guy who mods the V1 Remote Display with different color LEDs for the different bands. He buys the unit from VR and mods it and then sells it at a $40 markup over the VR price. Definately getting one of those. Even in the daytime my 45 year old eyes were having a hard time transitioning focus from looking outside a mile down the road to inside at 8 inches to try and figure out which band was being reported. The different colors will help and still let me avoid that dang 'voice' announcement of the other RDs that I hate.

Love the V1 and will definately get it hard-wired for the long ride (as long as I own my 8).

 

http://k40.com/cali_main.html
look at that website. they'll pay for your tickets for one year if you get tickets with the calibre.

 

I would have to agree with Forbidden as well. I did a lot of research and on every site, The Beltronics RX65pro was Number 1. In using it, I have found it to be extremely accurate. Detecting cops up to 1.5 miles ahead of me on the highway, Allowing me time to slow down before they are even in sight! One thing to remember when purchasing one is that you are buying it for the simple reason of preventing you from getting speeding tickets, which raise your insurance premiums. Pinching a few pennies is about as good as not having one at all IMO. Spend the money, get the best. As with anything else, it will more than pay for itself in the long run!

Regards,
Sillybastard

 

This thing is awesome, I have one as well. Excellent all the waya round. Visit Radarroys (put that in google) He has a breakdown on every radar and all the statistics to go along with the data.

 

our cops are really nasty, i tell you..

they wait with their radars turned off, and when they see a "big fat" one, they plug it in and get your speed. when you hear the beep and start to break, it's already too late.
had one chuckling coming to my window "hey, save your brakes..."

freakin nutcases..

but i wonder.....

will these guys pay my tickets in my case as well? :D

one thing that i don't understand about this caliber thingie... it sais the laser defuser is "perfectly legal".. i wonder..

 

For me it's still the Mark I eyeball and some common sense.

edit: case in point, a State Police cruiser sidled up to me on the way home today. But my spider sense was active.

 

sorry, unable to comply to common sense when you have 100 km of vilages merged one into the other, with a 50 kph limit..... i wouldn't do 200, but i'd do 85.