What is the best radar detector Passport 8500 or Valentine One?

Any others worth considering?

 

I don't have both -- so I can't comment. However, I lurked around the comments on both for almost a year and went with the V1.

I had a hardwire install done with the remote display on the steering column and the actual slimmed down unit (newer ones are not as high) just to the right of the mirror.

The very day I bought the V1, I was coming up a local canyon and got an arrow with 2 "bogies" showing. I slowed down and the 1st bogie turned-off, a couple blocks later I see a moto-cop with a car pulled over. I still see the 1 (with KA) lit up, and I am very careful. I have a Bimmer pull up to the red light wanting to play speed-racer. I decline and drive like grandma. I see the forward arrow and 1 bogie go-away. I now drive about 30 more seconds and see Mr speed racer with moto-cop #2. Both cops were playing tag team and letting the "cows" think that the coast was clear. Kinda ironic to spare myself the first ticket in a very long time on the first day of use!!!

(I probably would of gone for the race up the canyon...)

 

I have the V1 and an older Passport model. I love the V1 on the open road, but in the city it is way too sensitive (even in full logic mode) and drives me crazy. I tend to turn it off on the daily commute, but it's a real asset otherwise.

 

I too was in the very same dillema. I chose the Passport 8500 just because of the distance it has over the V1. I have metallic tinted windows and have it mounted low on the dash, so side and rear detection for me is not really important (since the tint will mess up detection pretty bad). For me, if I hear a blip, I slow down, regardless where its comming from.

 

I have a 8500 and my little bro has a V1. They are both really good. Especially for my commute between Austin and Dallas for school. I like the 8500 b/c it's physical design is more appealing to me. Other than that, I've used my brother's radar detector and it works just as well. Oh yah. You save about 100 bucks on the 8500. Ultimately, it's just a matter of taste as to which one you want in your car (IMHO). The V1 is distinctive and most people can recognize that you dropped 400 bucks on your radar and it has some good wow factor. But I've noticed my bro also attracts cops like mad. Maybe it's because he drives a riced out compact, but ya know. Anyways, I'll stop babbling.

-Burt

 

sent it back for a full refund. The V1 is too sensitive for the suburb or city. On the highway it's the best. I decided to send it back because of a test I tried. On my commute to work there is always a moto cop on patrol, always! I drove by twice and the V1 didn't go off, I figured he had instant on. I gave a few more days(weeks actually!) and still no warning! $400 for something that doesn't warn me for the main purpose of the purchase?!?!? I sent it back got full refund and bought the Passport 8500, my comments? Simply the best, fewer false alarms, better range, and better protection. The only thing I miss is the radar locators.......