I was just curious what y'alls experience preference was concerning radar detectors. The v1 or the passport 8500. I bought the V1 last year and had it hard wired in my old car. But there was a flaw, the detector showed threats that were in front as appearing in the back. So it was displaying threats backwards, and I sent it back. After reading all of the reviews I am torn as there are so many bias opinions What has been the most succesful detector for this forum?

 

i dont even use my v1 any more, i gave it to my friend. my 8500 has better features and better detection. and its smaller and better looking. the only thing i liked about the v1 was the arrows, but i dont miss them that much

 

V1!!!

 

The V1 and 8500 are the 2 best detectors on the market. Either way you cant go wrong. I have a V1 cause i wanted the bogey counter and the V1's filtering does not include K and Ka, i wanted my detector to let me know everything it sees... Then ill be the judge if its a cop or not.

Ive used both, and the 8500 is also very nice. I got used to the style of the V1, and now i think the 8500 is ugly

Its just a matter of opinion. Either way, you cant go wrong.

 

V-1

 

Just to clarify some facts.............

the 8500 HAS a bogey counter. The difference is that it shows it in a bar graph format. It can simultaneously record up to 8 signals at once AND tell you the signal strength of each one SILUMTANEOUSLY! (this is the mode that I use)

So, while the V1 might have arrows and a bogey counter, the 8500 has a bogey counter that tracks the signal strengh of each bogey. Both are good detectors...but don't be mislead that the V1 has more features than an 8500, because if you break it down to a list, the 8500 has more.

FYI: if you have an aftermatket amp/subwoofer, a radar detector with a built in volt meter might be better for you.

 

V-1

 

i too have it on the advanced mode to watch for multi signals at the same time this is one of the reasons i stoped using my v1. its ability to show over 8 signals and there strength had saved me multipul times. that and i really like the volt meter now

 

V-1.

 

when they upgrade their technology, you can trade your old one in for an additional fee, and get a new and improved unit w/ the latest innovations!

 

8500 is upgradable

 

Opinions are about even, I still can't decide. I def like how the v1 looks over the escort, but is it worth the extra hundred bones. Trying to decide before 12 today so I can have it overnighted.
Tough decision

 

Cant go wrong with either one. If you are not sure just order both and use it. If you order from them directly you have 30 days to try it out and if you dont like it send it back. Then you can go on your own judgement to see which is more for you. I also went with the V1. It also comes with the hardwire kit.

 

I would agree, get them both and return 1. As for the hardwire kit...the 8500 also comes with one...for $10 more.

 

but with the V1 its 10 less you have to spend for the wires...lol
i'm just playing.. :p i know the V1 cost more.

 

I just took the initial plunge, and got the V1. If this one works properly then I hope I will be happy. I am looking for highway more than city protection so the falsing that people complain of won't bother me.

 

Excellent choice. I have a 8500 myself. Couldn't convince myself to spend the extra $100. So far saved me from 2 or 3 tickets. I think you will be pretty happy with your choice. With both radar detectors you can't go wrong.

I didn't see it in a previous post but I used www.radartest.com to check out the V-1 and the 8500 before my purchase.

 

I also have the 8500 and it has saved me from a handful of tickets, the range is great, and i still have my license thanks to it

 

BTW- I lost my instructions how do you set it to do multiple signal readings...thnx

 

The escort website has PDF instructions for the 8500. Download there.

 

Thank you Chet03TL-S

 

JD7-Nice, I just noticed I have the same car you do. I love that color, although I plan on keeping the car completely stock except for the 8500. Damn Cops.

 

I have the 8500 and use the "Expert mode" which shows the strength of all signals.

This detector rocks, the AUTO mode works great in that it filters out false signals while still giving you HIGHWAY type range.

I have literally caught cops close to two miles away.

 

I've had my 8500 for close to 2 years now love it...never take a long drive without it. Like GoHawks63 I have also picked up cops from close to 2 miles out, thats what convinced me.