gavriil

Motor Trend mag has a test comparo of radar detectors.

The final scores are:

Passport 8500 = 94.85 points
Valentine One= 94.75 points
BEL Vector 985= 94.30 points
Whistler 1793= 72.2 points
Cobra ESD 9870= 69 points
Sensoro Zodiac II= 66 points

The V1 scored the highest in sensitivity across the board. It lost in features, user frienliness and value.

The V1 lost lots of point because of a test called POP. POP is explained as a quick speed test by officers that although tells them how fast you're going, they cannot use to issue a ticket. In that mode, the V1 got 3 out of a possible 6 points. It lost a point in ergonomics (4 out of 5) and 0.75 point in Features. It also lost 3 points in VALUE (7 out of 10).

Bottom line, still the best radar detector on the things that count so that you do not get a ticket.

The V1 was the only detector which scored 100% in all radar sensitivity tests, including invinsibility.

Red-CL

Why am I not suprised about losing in the value category?

gavriil

V1 goes for $400, Passport for $300.

heyitsme

I'd like to see passport add arrows just to end it once and for all, because no matter what any review says, thats what stands between the V1 users and 8500 users.

gavriil

THe Passport was clearly less sensitive to all radar types compared to the V1. To me, that's the most important issue. The arrows are the second most important.

Maybe V1 has some patent with the arrows.

Crazy Bimmer

If motortrend said it, then it MUST be true.

Let me go buy a passport now

Neech

Unless passport can some how get around the V1 patent on the front and rear horns, you'll never see arrows on anything but a V1. You need both front and rear to do it.

I'd like to see some new features on the V1 myself. This display is getting a little long in the teeth!

gavriil

Hehehe...

gavriil

I bought one 7 years ago. I see nothing wrong with it with regard to its ergonomics, nor features. I have no idea what they are talking about.

All you need to know is that the cop is shooting at you and where he's at and what the strength is, in order to guesstimate distance from the cop. What else could you possibly need to know?

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

What were the results from last year? I seem to remember MT having a bias toward Mike Valentine ever since he left Cincinnati Microwave.

Neech

The only minor changes I'd like are better night visibity meaning actual X, K and Ka lights not the LEDs next to them and the same for the volume display. Other than that, a new more modern LCD display would be nice for esthetic reasons.

QuestMGD

I think one of the reasons the V1 got points taken off was because of its size. It is a BULKY detector.
On the other hand, it's the only one with a remote display, which I have. Once you tuck the V1 behind the rear view mirror, you never see the size anymore.

But I agree, the V1 could us an update. I am sure that Mike Valentine has plenty of new ideas he could incorporate in a new model.

SiGGy

Features and value. Somene got a markting payoff here. sheesh.

Does it do the best job in helping me NOT get tickets and finding radar?

Then it deserves the best rating, I could give a fuck if it talks to me or warms my cup of coffee while I'm driving.

heyitsme

I think the 8500 "features" that won it are add on ZR3 laser shifter, not buttons and whistles. escort: "With its optional ZR3 laser shifter ($500 MSRP), it's the lone high-end detector offering the ability to legally interrupt most laser guns, making it the choice in laser-rich driving environments"




On a side note, concerning POP detection, I just came across radartest.com new POP and they mention passport has a new detector coming out - "One note here: the Escort's case contained the guts of the 8500 model's replacement, to be introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in the weeks following our test. Escort asked us not to reveal the model number or features, so we agreed to keep silent until after January 11."


Ka POP Mode Effectiveness
(Pct. denotes the number of POP alerts observed during ten runs at each distance. Target acquisition range = 1,600 feet)


http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9080

gavriil

Exactly my point above.

gavriil

I still dont get what POP does and why I should worry about it.

Neech

POP!

gavriil

Thanks.

Red Rider

I read that article and they should be embarressed !! They made sure the V1 didn't win based on factors that are not as important.