TerenceT

what makes a radar detector better?

i mean, i've put a V1 next to my home shopping channel (PNI) for a comparison

how the v1 went off every time we have a bogie (automatic doors/garage doors/etc)

and the one time that was real, the PNI beats the v1 to it

and the PNI gives me a compass

now help me out, i don't mind spending 4 bills on a v1 but why?

btw, all the tickets i've got are from behind, and the one time i was shot by a radar, i saw his pig ***, so i stopped before his lights were on...

Sputnik

You need to give us some more details before we can explain the differences.

It is very rare that the V1 doesn't come out on top during testing.

---jps

TerenceT

i guess we are talking about sensativities and accuracy and response time?

MrWigggles

The V1 has the arrows which is great for trying to locate the radar's source. It is really design for those who need maximum protection.

It however is also a very chatty detector and if falses get annoying to you I would not recommend it. It also doesn't have the best ergonomics; almost all function have to be enabled through the single large ****.

The new Bel 985 has some awesome anti-falsing technology and so does the top of the line Passport. Both have many different user settings to taylor the detector to your needs.

To me the V1 lacks refinement and is quite bulky compared to its competition from Bel and Passport (Passport owns Bel or Bel owns Passport, one of the two). If it was the same price as the competition, I would go for it, but at $399 before s/h, it is quite pricey.

I currently own a Bel 980 and I am quite happy with it. For my 8 I plan to upgrade to the 985. At $208,on-line from a reputable vendor ( http://shopping.yahoo.com ) it can't be beat in terms of value.

-Mr. Wigggles

Genom

Bel985 for sale at Circuit City for 239 if anybody is interested. I normally dont spot too many cops on my route and havent gotten any peeps form it since I got it, but I know one of these days it's gonna save my *** from a huge ticket.

highspeed8

Just an FYI: Better take Genom's advice and pay a little more for a known vender. Using Reseller Ratings I just checked the venders listing the BEL for $208 and they should be avoided...

Zaphod

Check out radartest.com. I think I'm getting the Escort Passport 8500. It's $300, but that's only a couple of tickets, the way I look at it.

myrx8

I had had a Valentine since 1998 - I love it. Plus all the arrows look cool!!!

Most test results show that the Valentine is a better detector. You pay more, but you do get lifetime upgrades.

Genom

I know 160 less for the BEL could go in just 1 ticket, but I really dont plan on abusing anything that much and the BEL is almost at the same level. I dont need a RD anyways, having managed just fine without it, but I also didnt have an RX-8 to play with.

POD

what do you guys think about Cobra line radar detectors?

myrx8

In my history - I can't stand them. Don't like the design.

Genom

I had a Cobra a couple years ago and hated it. Went off every 2 seconds with false alarms. I dont know if they have improved their filters yet, but it used to suck.

myrx8

That is the same problem I had - constant alerts.

TybeeRX-8

the car mags, all the reviews place either the V! or the Escort 8500 on top. Bel, Cobra, etc., are all fine for cheap detectors. just remember, "you get what you pay for" and "buy the best you can afford" that way you won't regret your purchase..."if only I had bought (insert V1/Escort 8500 here), then I wouldn't have gotten this $300 ticket!

myrx8

I have a Valentine in all my cars and would never leave home without one.

I even took it with me on the airplane to get my RX8 - Airport security really didn't care. I thought for sure they would question it.

POD

Thanks guys! I'll take your words for it

MrWigggles

Sorry, but Bel are quality detectors. And like I said before Bel and Passport are partners.

-Mr. Wigggles

TybeeRX-8

What's "Passport"? I only know what i read. Every review by any reputable authority says either V1 or ESCORT 8500 is best. LIKE I said, pay your money and take you chances.




'

RX-8 Zoomster

Passport is the company that manufacturers the Escort line of detectors.

For comparision purposes, do not use radartest.com. From what I read from other sources, the site is extremely biased site and the site & Craig Peterson has associations with the Passport company. Select an unbias third party test from Road and Track, Car and Driver or some other auto magazine.

The Escort 8500 is a very good detector, but for me, I plan on getting the Valentine V-1. I feel it is a better detector. The unbiased reviews have it rated first, with the 8500 a close second.

Either choice, Escort 8500 or Valentine V-1, would get you a great detector. I would not go with the lesser detectors, Bel, Whistler, Cobra, etc.

myrx8

Valentine 1 is number 1.

khoney

I don't own a detector, but my coworker has a V1. He says there are three operating modes that can be selected. One mode reports everything the detector sniffs. then there are two other modes with greater rejection criteria. He uses the less sensitive mode in town, and most sensitive mode on the open road, where there are less false sources. He told me he's never gotten a ticket since he's owned it (and he loves speed).

Maybe you'd like it better if you used a different mode in town.

MrWigggles

The most recent unbiased radar test article that I know of is from is from Car and Driver Feb 2002: http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

From that testing the Valentine 1, Passport 8500 and Bel 980 did significantly better than the rest of the pack. In the face off the following comment was made about the Bel 980:

"The Bel 980 didn't finish far behind its cousin, the Passport, in this face-off. Bel and Escort merged about five years ago, so this result wasn't surprising."

And this was the Bel 980. The 985 is a step up in features, selectivity, and supposedly sensitivity. (My friend has a 985 so I can verify the first two but the sensitivity would need specialized equipment to detect.)

I am not trying to endorse the Bel over the Passport or the Valentine 1; they are all quality detectors. I am just confused why those who believe the testing done by Car and Driver and other magazines would consider it a second-rate detector based on the reports.

When purchased over the internet, the 985 is about half the price of a Valentine 1, and 2/3rds the price of a Passport 8500*, it is a best buy IMO.

My two cents,

-Mr. Wigggles

*The 8500 can be had for $250 "new" on Ebay which make it a very tempting option, but I would make sure the warranty status is not effected by purchasing it that way.

RX-8 Zoomster

You are entitled to your opinion.

I don't see what the confusion is. Car and Driver's overall score on the Valentine 1 was 97. The score on the Bel 980 was 67. The Passport 8500 score was 73.

If you feel safe with a detector rated 31% lower, then that's your choice. It's better than not having a detector at all. For me, I want more feeling of security. The Valentine 1 gives me that feeling. And I'm willing to pay the higher price of the Valentine for that security.

For those that don't want to pay the higher price of the Valentine, then the Bel would seem to be a logical choice. But then one must accept the level of sensitivity and accuracy may not be as great as higher rated detectors, and may have to be more careful and alert while driving.

My two cents.

eccles

Actually, you have that backwards - Escort is the company, and Passport is their 12V-powered radar detector range. Their cordless range is the Escort Solo.

MrWigggles

So you have withdrawn your support for Escort 8500 then as well?

You would do great in congress.

-Mr. Wigggles