V1 is awesome. i love it

 

Received my Bel RX65 a day ago...already trying to find ways to relocate it around the cabin since it's rather noticeable when placed dead center on the dash. It'd be a lot more flexible if I could lose the coiled cord...and unbelievably I can't seem to find a single straight power cord anywhere on the internet for it that isn't of the hard wire variant! I can't believe something so simple isn't out there for it. All I want is just a simple cord exactly like a thin generic phone cord that'll plug into the power outlet...is that so hard??? It seems such a thing was made for the older models but now all the straight wire cords require hard wiring.

 

Vertigo, I did a real quick google for the cable and came up with this site. http://www.bestradardetectors.net/Be...p/bel-rx65.htm

I'm sure that there are other sites out there as well.

 

All they sell is the hard wire variant. I'm looking for a simple straight wire i.e. non-coiled that plugs into the cigarette lighter jack on one end and has the phone plug on the other end that goes into the RX65. I do not want to mess with the car's electrical system as I'm not that familiar with electrical wiring which is why I don't want to go with the hard wire variant.

 

Beltronics RX65 all the way.Same unit as passport 8500, but with the new KU band already programmed in- if it ever goes into mass production for police radar guns. A great deal at a little over $200.

 

I have the x50 and it works great. though now i kinda wish i had arrows.

 

i decided years ago that i wouldnt buy a radar detector until i got a speeding ticket. no need to jinx the luck...(kinda helps that i drive 8k miles a year at 70% city). i might cave this year though.

i wonder if/when valentine will come out with a new form factor. i'm so sick of seeing the same ads in my C&D for the past ten years.

 

I have the Escort 8500, and it works GREAT. However the Valentine is rated better. I went with the Escort 8500 over the Valentine because of two things:

1) Price
2) Size - Escort is much smaller, Valentine is very bulky in my opinion.

Either way, these are the best two radar detectors on the market.

 

Actually, V1 isn't larger than the Escort
V1: 1.0 in. H x 3.6 in. W x 4.5 in. L
Escort Passport 8500 X50: 1.25" H x 2.85" W x 5.32" L

 

^correct. it may look bigger and bulky in pictures, but its just as small as the x50. for me only reason was price.

 

Actually I've found that since the V1 is shorter length-wise and in height, it's easier to get a solid/stable connection on the glass. The Escort had some issues with not wanting to stay in place for extended periods. I guess in part it depends on how flat the glass on the front of your vehicle is.

We were testing them on a Jeep, and their windshield is pretty flat relative to most cars.

 

My 8500 has served me well for almost two years ...

 

My decision is a little bit harder to decide.

I work at a place that gives a discount, which would make the passport $230.

Should i get the passport then, or is the V1 really worth that huge of a difference?

 

for 230 versus 400, i say go for the escort. both detectors are great, but if you can get a deal on one of them, take it.

 

Always had Escorts so I'm partial to the brand. Currently have the 8500 X50 which works great and I think looks better than the Valentine. Also, the directional arrows seem a little gimmicky to me.

 

Heres how I mounted mine. I got a corvette adapter that attaches right on the mirror, no cords hanging down, and within reach for the mute.

 

I have the X50 "Blue". I wish I'd stayed with the "Red".

 

Willie, did you order that adapter from Escort?

 

Nope, I ordered it from, they also have them for the Valentine: http://8.3.8.118/greatlakes/corvette.htm

 

Thanks, I'll give them a call in the morning. I have the remote hard wire accessory on the way from Escort so with some of the thread advice already posted and this great mirror mount you found, I should be able to get something nice and functional done.

 

Dude .... thats pretty cool. Any problems with visibility, ie the x50 blocking your view? I attached mine on the passenger visor to get a "high" view of the horizon. I like the near wireless look of your install as well.

Cheers,
Oranje

 

I would look at http://www.radarbusters.com/support/...ts/default.asp

 

Nice job! I've got a similar setup with my X50 blue, sans the Corvette adapter. I just used the suction cup mount and have it positioned behind the mirror, so I can just see the display while driving. Of course, it's hardwired and I have the smartcord unit located to the left of the steering wheel. Just ran out and snapped a few pics in the dark!

Edit: Keeping with the thread topic, the X50 has proven itself and saved me from being stopped at least twice in just a few months. It seems to give VERY early warning with oncoming radar, and does a good job picking up reflected radar from instant-on guns.

 

Thanks Guys! No, there are no issues with visibility, it doesnt block anything. And its great because its close enough to just reach up and use the mute button. The reason I bought the mirror adapter is because I was having problems with the suction cups sticking to my window, might be because of the heat in AZ - it kept falling off.

Exactly, the X50 has paid for itself several times over. I will never go without one again.

 

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