310Guy

I'm thinking about a Radar Detector.

Surprise, surprise... my choices are either the Escort 8500 or Valentine 1.

Anyone have either of these? If so, what's your impression of them. Also, post where you live/use the detector.

Thanks for any input.

(Please, don't post things like: "V1 all the way" without explaining why you may think that... )

z00m-z00m

I haven't gone with any of the choices you said. I own a Cobra and it has done the job. I am now looking into a radar scrambler.

310Guy

Where do you live? And what type of driving do you primarily use it for (freeway, city, etc.)?

Thanks.

Toadman

Reviews. Google is your friend.

310Guy

Yeah, I've done a ton of reading but I want some real life comments relating to the Escort 8500 and V1 in So Cal.

I just don't know if the "arrows" and rear radar offered by V1 are worth the extra $100.

rlfletch

The Valentine may be ugly but those arrows are indispensible. Spend the extra money.

310Guy

No kidding, that V1 looks like ***... too bad, I'm sure it has hurt some sales with how it looks...

winter

I've got an 8500, and I love it. Got it from bluoptic.com for $279.91, and I actually prefer it over the Valentine. The display is a LOT easier to read, and the expert modes allow you to see the relative strength of multiple signals or even the frequency itself. The passport also tends to show less falses. The arrows on the V1 are useful, but can get a bit muddled due to reflection in moderate to heavy traffic.

Both are top of the line detectors, with similar enough performance to make the deciding factor features and price. I've driven with both (tho not at the same time), and would feel confident with either one.

Baller

You can't judge a book by it's cover....beauty is only skin-deep
The V1 is the definition of "detector"......
The best money can buy.

VividRacing.com

V1...hands down...end of story. That's what makes the drive from Phx to LA about a 4.5 hour trip. LOL

310Guy

I'm probably going to get an Escort only because I like the mute button on the "Smartcord." I won't want to be reaching over the dash with the V1 to hit the mute. That's about the only reason why I'd take the Escort over the V1.

Yeah, I know, don't judge a book by its cover but I do live in L.A. where image is everything...

RenesisPower

I tried Valentine1 and found the arrows useless. I am not sure why I care where the cop is sitting, if there is radar/lidar signal present I will slow down. Also too expensive.

I drive with a Passport Solo cordless now, it is very convinient since there is no cord to mess with.

Radar was invaluable in the midwest(lived in Ohio for 5 years, 1 week and 3 hours) but in California CHP uses pacing and other non radar methods most of the times.

Anyway my two cents.

winter

Down in San Diego, we get a fair number of motorcycle cops sitting on the side of the freeway with a radar gun.

RenesisPower

Can someone explain why the arrows on the V1 are useful. Do you really care if the cop is to your left or right ? When it beeps one would slow down regardless of location.

BTW, Mike Valentine and his college buddy started Escort in Cincinnati OH right after engineering school. So, he is the co-founder of that company. A few years back he went his own way and is selling V1.

They could not buy radar guns legally back then to test their first product so they bought them for a small town police department in Ohio that could not afford it with the agreement that they can use it for testing.

He is an interesting guy and we shared the same mechanic in Cincinnati. I saw his Ferrari there in 1988 when he ran it into a wall at high speed becuase he was on the car phone.

mazdaexe

I have a passport and finally proved its use the last weekend.
The purpose for me to get a radar detector was to prevent 'unlucky' tickets, meaning unintentional speeding etc.

I was going down hill on the 5 fwy towards buttonwillow, going about 80 or so. then suddenly buzz.. slowed down, and within 3-5 seconds see a cop hiding at front. Within 10 seconds or so, the cop catches up, tailgates us for a while, then drives off.

then within another 2 mins or so.. buzz. slowed down, another cop hiding at front.

Again, the radar wouldnt work if I was intentionally going fast, but it helped me for 'unlucky' tickets.

Not sure about valentines but this is my experience with passport.

310Guy

That's my thinking as well. If the detector goes off, I'm going to slow down no matter where it's coming from - so that "feature" really won't matter...

On that note, I purchased an Escort 8500 last night. :D


Thanks everyone for your feedback and comments.

47samurai

Hey Vivid, Do you mean the trip to LA takes more than 4.5 hours normally?? My speedo is probably just broke.
Last trip from Sevenstock to TUS was 5.5 drive time.

z00m-z00m

Just ordered and got the 8500 escort. Was going to wire into overhead but I would lose the great red light blinking on the cigerette lighter. Im fond of it. got this one because I plan on getting the shifter.