(I have already done a search, but all of the previous threads only received single-line replies. Therefore, I'm looking for slightly more detailed responses in this one.)

Of course, it's between the big 3 (Bel RX65, Passport 8500 x50 Blue, & V1 1.8v2).

From what I've read on previous threads, it seems that most people will "swear" by their V1s. I have a friend who has a V1 in all 5 of his cars, and he swears by them as well.

Yet, based on what I've read about the V1 it seems that due to its wider detection capabilities, it is more prone to false alarms when compared to the RX65 & 8500. Can any of you V1 owners comment on this reported issue?
Also, to be honest, I don't really find the threat arrows a necessity. I mean, if the detector goes off, I'm going to slow down regardless of where the threat has been located...

Between the 8500 and RX65 (which are very similar since they're both made by Escort), I would have to lean towards the 8500 since it seems more well-rounded than the RX65 (ie better laser detection). Plus, I prefer the ergonomics and blue LED. However, the idea of voice alerts on the RX65 is intriguing...


Price is not a factor since they will all be about the same ($400 for the V1, $350+$20 for the Escort & RX65 + Hardwire Kit)

So what do you guys think???

 

Get the V1. The arrows are indispensible. I've owned the Escort and a Bel unit in the past and by far the V1 is my favorite.

 

the voice prompts of the RX65 sound gimicky to me...if it's not as good in detection i'd drop it, and while the V1 is certainly a great detector, I'm not sure it's worth 100 bucks just to get arrows telling you where it's coming from...the idea is that you slow down if the detector goes off...you should be slowing down no matter if the radar's coming at you from up front, behind, etc. I go by sound, not by sight...if i hear my detector go off, i'm slowing down...i think the arrows would just present a distraction and really don't help that much...my 2c

 

Just curious, when did you own the Escort unit? As I understand, they've made some significant improvements in the past 1-2 updates. Just trying to compare apples to apples .

 

i'm also looking at getting the Bel or escort- i like the remote mute button, and i'd get the hard-wire kit and put it in one of the blank slots next to the sunroof/VSA buttons. the article on radartest.com makes a good point about the feature list of the V1 being much smaller than that of the other 2.

 

I like my passport escort 8500 x50, hasnt failed me in range, but you know if your area has cops that normally don't use radar(have it on) , then it really isnt a matter of which one to get.

Like in buffalo ka always shows up and k will show up in smaller towns with like a small police unit, but like at home in long island k or ka never shows up.. k is only due to all those automatic doors.

When i do see ka its a state trooper always, or highway patrol, but their rarely using it.

I'm happy with the passport when it does pick them up from a good range, i've seen some older models and they don't filter as much as the v1 or 8500.

Their pretty much both dead evil 8500 has a bit more range and is a bit cheaper then the v1 which i think is still $400

 

OK, so I've eliminated the RX65 and am currently deciding between the Escort 8500 x50 and the Valentine v1.8.

So far it seems like the people who own the Escort really do love it. However, it also sounds like they haven't tried the Valentine yet (not knocking, just saying...).

Conversely, the Valentine owners sound like they've upgraded from the Escort to the Valentines and have been very satisfied. However, I'm not sure if the ex-Escort, current V1 owners owned an older 8500 model as I've heard that the x50 version is a significant improvement.


So my question to Valentine owners is - if you disregard the "indispensibility" of the threat arrows, which radar detector do you think has the best performance and the least amount of false alerts?

 

Hate to say it, but this belongs in Off-Topic. Take over there, guys.