Tell us how that turns out! I haven't heard too much about anyone using the 8500 w/the ZR3 laser shifter on the forums and am very curious of how well it works. I actually think the latest version Valentine (1.8) is smaller than the 8500. It isn't as big as you think...and at first, I hated the size..but now am used to it. The arrows are just priceless!

 

I was planing on selling my Passport 8500 (need help with the downpayment on a TL!). It's in perfect condition, only a few months old, all original accessories come with it plus the hardwire which I bought later but never used.

If anyone is interested PM me.

 

Just bought the solo 2. I wondered what the trade-off would be for cordless. I haven't used it enough to be able to tell. There's usually two patrol cars trolling the interstate on my way to work looking for people to hand out driving awards to. I've seen them out there multiple times at about 6 AM. They must be real go-getters. I'll see how far off I can pick them up.

I like the case you get. If I park outside somewhere I can put it in the case and store it under the seat.

 

You guys have all wasted 2 Ben Franklins on the hype that the V1 and 8500 are the best. For half the money, you could have gotten a radar detector that was just as good.

 

It would be 4 Ben Franklins for the V1.

And please show me this $100 radar detector that is "just as good" with references.

 

I got the Bel Vector 960 for 1.85 Ben Franklins. Check it out at

www.radartest.com

 

I used the Bel 950 in my last car... 6 years.. no tickets.. works greast!

In this, I bought the Bel 960 which is the latest one from Bel...

This thing works even BETTER.. I mean it really works.. and from far.....

I WHOLHEARTELDY reccomend Bel before spending a lot on Valentine or Escorts...

it is also LOUD which is important.. it also has front and rear sensor for radar...

All I know is it hasn't let me down after 133,000 miles.

 

That's still not the $100 you stated.

And it still does not compare.

 

I have the Bel 930.

 

Please tell me where I stated $100.00?????
I meant to say that the Bel was $200 less than the V1 and Passport and believe that's what I did say. You say it still does not compare. Unfortunately you are picking a fight here and I won't play with you. If you have another radar detector you think is better for more money, be happy, enjoy it, and God bless.

 

Glad that you saved yourself some money, but I personally think "..you pay for what you get." And it's definately worth the $400 for a V1, which doesn't leave the user guessing where the radar signal is coming from. And for all of you that haven't tried a V1, or let alone being in a car w/a V1...you guys are missing out.

 

Replying to my own post. I picked up one of those mobile detectors with my Solo2. The kind that show you your current speed on a big sign. I was probably better than half a mile from it and the traffic was very heavy because it was right in the main drag of the town I was driving through.

I also got dinged by LASER twice while I was on the expressway. There weren't any cops around so I have narrowed it down to possibly one of a few things;

1) Someone aimed one of those LASER keychains, or something like it, through my rear glass. (I don't even know if that would work I'm just guessing)

2) Someone was using the LASER assisted cruise control on their car. I only know of one car that has this feature, the Infiniti FX35/45. There are probably other cars that have this feature.

3) I was being tracked by the aliens...AGAIN...and they were zapping my short term memory to ensure that I cannot remember the horrible experiments they have performed on me.

Does anyone know of anything else that could generate a false positive for LASER detection? Thanks.

 

The high-mounted brake lights on the newer GM's and 3 series seem to make false laser warnings. Also, a red neon sign off a building might be the cause of it too.

 

I get a false positive laser signal every time I drive by the airport. I am pretty sure it's the microwave signal to show pilots the final approach glide-path. The frequency is so high and the wavelength so short it simulates a laser signal.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll see if I get the LASER hits in the same places next time I'm driving along that same stretch.

 

I have not had a ticket in 14 years, and I have never had a radar detector. That doesn't mean that not having a detector is better than having one. I'm with ill, I think you get what you pay for.

 

Exactly.

I have the 8500, works great. I like the windsheild mount and the mute button on the lighter plug. My best friend has the V1, works great and I for sure would spend the extra 100 to know where the signal is coming from(Arrows). One draw back I think of the V1, is the abilty to remove it from the suction cup mount is not nearly as easy as the Escort design. The Escort mount is also small when the radar is not on the windshield.

If I was to do it again, I'd buy the V1 with disappointment in the mount style and no remote mute on the plug.

 

Want a surprise? The Bell 960 is the same detector as the 8500. It just has less goodies Escort and Bell are the same company, so, in a way you're right.

 

Please back that statement up.

An explaination on why the Bell 960 always falls short of the 8500 in tests would also be in order.

 

I have the BEL.. its been great for 8 years.. Never a problem.. rare falses...

HIGHLY reccomend it.

 

I have a K40 custom stealth install w/ diffusors. Works like the mother fin bomb. Second car I have had it it in and not one ticket. They even back up there product with a we'll pay for your ticket and getting you out of it if you do get one. Also the diffusor is unreal. Blow by cops tagging me the things going nuts and they never come after me. 00 is all they see baby.

 

Buy the best!
V-1!

 

I got a Bel 985, because in all the online reviews it did at least as well as the Valentine, if not better, and it is only a fraction of the cost. So far it seems to be working great. My only complaint - it does not tell you which direction the signal is coming from.

 

Actually on detection range they are essentially identical passport beats it in features.

 

The tests do not show that.

But either way, can you please show reference to this? I would really like to know if this is true or not.

 

Here...read this and shuttup people.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/c...12_0402_radar/

 

Even further research reveals that the detection capabilities of the Bel 940 and 960 are the same as the 985. The only difference is features. The main difference in features between the 960 and 985 is that the 985 has features one would require in Europe. The 960 is essentially the same without the features European radar detection would require.