Shawn S

The February 2002 issue of Car & Driver has a test of all the BIG competitors.

Out of a possible 100 points, the V1 got a nearly perfect 97.
Second place was the Escort 8500 with a commendable 73.
They fall of quickly after that all the way down to a pitiful 34.

I think we can trust this info because C&D has advertisements every month from ALL the brands and they are known for their reliable testing.
That other site that is advertised in the ESCORT ads is well known to be on the take and their BIASED reviews are paid for.

Here are a few of the charts, but be sure to pick up the issue for the full report.

Shawn S

Mike

WOW! what can you say but

EricL

Shawn -- nice job.


So much for Mr. Radar over at http://www.radartest.com/DS4HEM.html


Let's do a reality check...


Mr. Radar’s ordering vs. the C&D test:

BEL 980 Overall score: 94 #1 (C&D #3 -- 61 points)
Escort Passport 8500 Overall score: 97 #2 (C&D #2 -- 73 points)
...
Valentine One Overall score: 77 #4 (C&D #1 -- 97 points)


It looks like "Mr. Radar has been using the "invert" function in all of his computations -- he has everything "perfectly" backwards! (Is he a shill or does he have serious brain damage?)

Edub-TL

That's pretty awesome..

It's good to have a more objective test by an automobile magazine..

I knew the V1 was always the best, the 8500 is cool too..

Can someone tell me which band is the most commonly used one??

ComptechType-S

I dont know if i really trust C&D.. They contradict them selves too much to put any stock in what they say. Eventhough i like the V1, Im not gonna run out and buy one because of what they say.. I still think C&D is on BMW's payroll (Ever wonder why they wins every comparrison???)

Neech

Cuz they build an awesome car? Overpriced but awesome.

ComptechType-S

They aint that great!! I would put my money on a "similiar" priced Audi anyday :P

NOVAwhiteTypeS

I'm sorry but my escort has detected KA from more than 3 miles away on a highway.

plus I leave mine on highway mode all the time.

mattg

Escort is best in the city, I live in the city. Good deal.

Shawn S

I believe you.
I have detected KA from well over 3-miles myself with my V1, but that was on a direct straight line to the RADAR gun.

If you read the article, they explain the placements for the test.
It’s more realistic like a hidden speed trap would be in the real world.

Shawn S

jcl_cls01

Do what I do, DON'T SPEED!!!! yeah right.........

bc01cls

Here in Tennessee I find the Ka band used most often......The V-1 does an adequate job sniffing it out, but the real reason I prefer the V-1 is directional accuracy. When you have more than one signal coming in, it lets you know which way to look for the real threat by the arrow that flashes. That is why I love this thing, especially around malls.

shockboltthrower

Shawn, this is one dead horse that will never see the end of it's beatings. But it is entertaining and, hell, I just can't sit here and let you V1 owners have all the fun.

So far this leaves us with three major tests:

radartest.com (which everyone seems to have a beef with, yet I think there is some valuable information there to be had),

speedzones.com (IMO, the only one out there that doesn't seem to have any affiliation with makers of detectors. they appear to be the most objective)

and of course the C&D test you just mentioned. Although I intend to read the full article myself before making additional judgements, I can't help but wonder how C&D could be any more objective than say, radartest.com? Their reputation for objectivity has been questioned more than once on this forum.

Then of course, there is the human nature factor in this. Owners of V1 will always have an inclination towards the machine the love just as we CL owners have towards our car. We can't help but crow when our choice is top pick. But, not to be cliche, there are two sides to the coin.

I have come to place the most credibility of these tests on speedzones.com. Go see for yourself. I saw no connections to any of the major names in the business. Furthermore, don't really rank each of the models, more than they simply publish the numerical data of the results. It is up to you, the reader, to interpret them. With the results they published, I used simple percentages to guage the comparison, and still the Escort 8500 came on top.


Speedzones also seems to be far more thorough in disclosing its methods and the whos and whats that are involved. They will be conducting their next annual test soon and I am looking forward to see the new reults. One side note: Valentine was the only one refused to actively participate in the testing. I wonder why?

I purchased my unit based on the the results from all the tests and reviews that I came across and it came down to Escort offering the most bang for the buck. I recall that being a common reason for buying a CL-S on this forum.

I'm not an 8500 champion and really, I wouldn't denounce a V1 either; I gave it much consideration for purchase. Both are excellent units and have their strong points and weak points. I happen to think the V1's is price and age.
You may think else, so for that God bless us everyone!

But I would caution against putting too much faith in C&D's test. For that matter, I would caution against putting too much faith in detectors at all. But when used as a tool that they are, they are beneficial and in turn we need such tests, 100% credible or not, as guidance in purchasing one.

Hope I didn't bore anyone.

now, if you'll just give me a minute, I'll have my anti-flame suit on in a jiffy and my blowtorch lit up, ready for action.

Fabvsix

V-1 RULES !!!!!! PERIOD !!@!!!!!!! IT RULES !

Shurik

Hey, shockboltthrower
So, how do you like your escort 8500?
Is it good? I am thinking of getting one.
V1 seems too expensive
8500 you can get fro about 250...
cheap sh!t is out of the question
my friend has cobra and he says it sucks ars
so, does it server you good?

NOVAwhiteTypeS

ESCORT RULES.


'I should I lock the thread.....'

Nashua_Night_Hawk

DO whatever you want I have a V1:pfawk:

JRock

Yay, I already posted about this several weeks ago.

GoldieAlek

ok so who is right in this one ???????????

Shawn S

Well, lets consider this:

Car & Driver is a world-respected magazine that accepts advertising from ALL of the major detector manufacturers.

RADARTEST cashes checks that are written out by the ESCORT Corporation.

Hmmmm……Who do you think would be less biased ???

Shawn S