V1 vs. 8500 - The debate must continue...
+1^ My 2 cents as late as it may be 
, I have the V1, Not crazy about the old school style but I gotta say this thing has saved my A$$ on more than one occasion! I didn't do allot of research about it and out dated ads are pretty lame needless to say. But it works VERY well, doesn't give allot of false alarms, and really trashes the local police in my area. It also picks the State Troopers out almost as well, even with their new stuff. Overall I would buy it again, but I think as long as you get one of the top three your golden.
, I have the V1, Not crazy about the old school style but I gotta say this thing has saved my A$$ on more than one occasion! I didn't do allot of research about it and out dated ads are pretty lame needless to say. But it works VERY well, doesn't give allot of false alarms, and really trashes the local police in my area. It also picks the State Troopers out almost as well, even with their new stuff. Overall I would buy it again, but I think as long as you get one of the top three your golden.
Originally Posted by G35_TX
1) V1 has arrows
2) V1 is the only detector that can detect signals from behind you other than laser.
3) V1 has upgrade plans where your detector can get the latest technology programmed into it for a low rate instead of tossing out the old X50, etc.
4) V1 can also be programmed to work the way you want it.
2) V1 is the only detector that can detect signals from behind you other than laser.
3) V1 has upgrade plans where your detector can get the latest technology programmed into it for a low rate instead of tossing out the old X50, etc.
4) V1 can also be programmed to work the way you want it.
2) I detect signals from behind all the time with my X50. It's called reflection. It happens off of virtually everything. In fact, when I had both my X50 and V1 that I tested, the X50 had virtually the same detection range for rear radar! That killed about the only bonus I saw that the V1 had over the X50.
3) I have a $29 upgrade plan on my X50 that gives me free upgrade re-programming for three years. Check the single upgrade programming price of your V1 lately?
4) The X50 has far more programming customization options than the V1. I can display multiple separate band signal strengths or even the actual detected frequency... coupled with virtually equal performance, that was the major selling point for me. The V1 display just can't compete.
Valentine is simply making a killing on those things with the archaic displays. I've cracked both open and the X50 looks like a better piece. And surprisingly, they both use the same series of microcontroller for the "brain". The super bright LED display on the X50 is an expensive piece, and they still beat the Valentine by $100. You get a lot more for your money with the X50.
Originally Posted by MechEE
1)
2) I detect signals from behind all the time with my X50. It's called reflection. It happens off of virtually everything. In fact, when I had both my X50 and V1 that I tested, the X50 had virtually the same detection range for rear radar! That killed about the only bonus I saw that the V1 had over the X50.
2) I detect signals from behind all the time with my X50. It's called reflection. It happens off of virtually everything. In fact, when I had both my X50 and V1 that I tested, the X50 had virtually the same detection range for rear radar! That killed about the only bonus I saw that the V1 had over the X50.
Originally Posted by MechEE
1) I could care less about the arrows. If I pick up Ka band, I'm going to slow down.
2) I detect signals from behind all the time with my X50. It's called reflection. It happens off of virtually everything. In fact, when I had both my X50 and V1 that I tested, the X50 had virtually the same detection range for rear radar! That killed about the only bonus I saw that the V1 had over the X50.
3) I have a $29 upgrade plan on my X50 that gives me free upgrade re-programming for three years. Check the single upgrade programming price of your V1 lately?
4) The X50 has far more programming customization options than the V1. I can display multiple separate band signal strengths or even the actual detected frequency... coupled with virtually equal performance, that was the major selling point for me. The V1 display just can't compete.
Valentine is simply making a killing on those things with the archaic displays. I've cracked both open and the X50 looks like a better piece. And surprisingly, they both use the same series of microcontroller for the "brain". The super bright LED display on the X50 is an expensive piece, and they still beat the Valentine by $100. You get a lot more for your money with the X50.
2) I detect signals from behind all the time with my X50. It's called reflection. It happens off of virtually everything. In fact, when I had both my X50 and V1 that I tested, the X50 had virtually the same detection range for rear radar! That killed about the only bonus I saw that the V1 had over the X50.
3) I have a $29 upgrade plan on my X50 that gives me free upgrade re-programming for three years. Check the single upgrade programming price of your V1 lately?
4) The X50 has far more programming customization options than the V1. I can display multiple separate band signal strengths or even the actual detected frequency... coupled with virtually equal performance, that was the major selling point for me. The V1 display just can't compete.
Valentine is simply making a killing on those things with the archaic displays. I've cracked both open and the X50 looks like a better piece. And surprisingly, they both use the same series of microcontroller for the "brain". The super bright LED display on the X50 is an expensive piece, and they still beat the Valentine by $100. You get a lot more for your money with the X50.
X50 have more features!! LOL HA you made me laugh.
And when a signal is behind you, you don't have to slow down normally. So its nice to know that. Oh yea, lets see. Reflection means you get caught than really picking up the real signal. Ahh yea, we really now trust your opinion now don't we with bs like this you just got done saying.
You just displayed your lack of knowledge of all things related to radar. congratulations, now everything you say just makes you sound more ignorant... not to mention your mastery of the english language.
No sir you proved your lack of knowledge and stupidity. English language? Now your being insulting and attacking another member. Now that is against forum policy.
Plus everything I said was a fact. Not opinion like yours.
Plus everything I said was a fact. Not opinion like yours.
Come on.....
ca...ca... Can't we just all get along? People it's just a darn box. If you like that one, buy it. It's that simple. Offer an opinion, don't trash other members for expressing theirs.
BTW, Radar IS LOS. Anything from VHF on up is 95% line of sight. Yes there are MANY reflections off road signs, over passes, other cars etc. that will allow you to pick up units from behind. I personally believe in the First rule of Italian Driving: Watsa behinda you don'ta matter.
I like my +50 and will continue to use it. I would like to try a V1 for a month to see if it's any better/worse.
People it's just a darn box. If you like that one, buy it. It's that simple. Offer an opinion, don't trash other members for expressing theirs. BTW, Radar IS LOS. Anything from VHF on up is 95% line of sight. Yes there are MANY reflections off road signs, over passes, other cars etc. that will allow you to pick up units from behind. I personally believe in the First rule of Italian Driving: Watsa behinda you don'ta matter.
I like my +50 and will continue to use it. I would like to try a V1 for a month to see if it's any better/worse.
Originally Posted by Texasscout
ca...ca... Can't we just all get along? People it's just a darn box. If you like that one, buy it. It's that simple. Offer an opinion, don't trash other members for expressing theirs.
BTW, Radar IS LOS. Anything from VHF on up is 95% line of sight. Yes there are MANY reflections off road signs, over passes, other cars etc. that will allow you to pick up units from behind. I personally believe in the First rule of Italian Driving: Watsa behinda you don'ta matter.
I like my +50 and will continue to use it. I would like to try a V1 for a month to see if it's any better/worse.
People it's just a darn box. If you like that one, buy it. It's that simple. Offer an opinion, don't trash other members for expressing theirs. BTW, Radar IS LOS. Anything from VHF on up is 95% line of sight. Yes there are MANY reflections off road signs, over passes, other cars etc. that will allow you to pick up units from behind. I personally believe in the First rule of Italian Driving: Watsa behinda you don'ta matter.
I like my +50 and will continue to use it. I would like to try a V1 for a month to see if it's any better/worse.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Southern California
after 11 pages of post reading.... i am convinced all of you guys are bad drivers....... knock on wood.... NO TICKET in the last 7 years of aggressive driving.... prior to the G, i had the 350z, rx-8, and the turbo eclipse....... just pay attention to your surroundings and that'll save you a lot of tickets.... although i do agree about the certain traps.... just don't speed when you don't need to...... JUST DON"T DO IT! on another note...i think the V1 has my vote.... i like the arrows.... very unique......
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The 8500, solo, bel, and x50 units are good units, and will CYA under most conditions- BUT none compare to the V1 when it comes to real world police traps, and getting real situational information.
Knowing where the source of the radar is, as well as its band and intesnsity are critical in the world of well trained police that work in pairs, or roll with radar on.
For the guys that say they slow down every time they hear a ka/k2 beep how do you know when to speed back up again? Your guessing because you dont really know where he is, or if hes alone.
Police in california will cruise a highway at 80- 100 and instant on the car in front of them and creep up on you doing say 85-90 and only occasionaly hit the trigger. Ive seen this can go on for an hour or more on the 5 freeway in Califronia, where they are waiting for a guy to pass a line of slower cars when the cop is behind waiting for them to hit the magic 100 mark where the jackpot really rings the the states revenue meter- its a game. Seeing growing signal strength with an arrow pointing in the back tells you hes coming up on you.
Then you get the nasty ones working in pairs and the v1 will tell you when you've got that scenario as well - very tricky.
How bout when they sit where there is a strong x alarm anyway and gun you from there. Your detector goes of all the time in the same place right? well today when you drive by at 10-15 over the v1 announces that instead of 1 now there are 2 signatures coming at you- this information changes the deal.
Cops still use the x gun because they know they can catch speeders that arent paying attention and have been lulled into a sense of security by a constant signal in a given spot.
They dont need the lastest guns to nail you, and they hold onto the older ones and sometimes utilize several in one car!
Then you got the double hill trap, and all kinds of other situations that a standard detector cant help you with.
One can summarize them all failry simply-
Forward detection ranges are a fairly level playing field as the forward antennae on all models are about the same size and db gain range.
None of the good units pollute
Almost all are now upgradeable
The major difference between all of them is the v1's rear antennae and the situational awareness provided by a unit with 2 antennaes and competent software.
I'll take more situational information than less in any driving environment especially when its my license and wallet on the line.
No amount of talk or press can fully describe the situational awareness provided by the V1 (I dont care if the guy looks like a dolt or not, his design is superb)
Your hearing a lot of "chin music" here from guys looking to support/justify their personal purchases with emotions and half logic, and this or that particular shootout- do your homework and take ALL the data then average it out the V1 is almost always top or a close second anway in the front , but from the back its a runaway.
Buy the V1 dude, its worth the bucks, and you wont be diassapointed.
Davegvg
06 g35 coupe auto- nav
04 titan crew cab LE - nav
21ft laveycraft sebring tunnel 550HP 406 rodeck/Brodix
2x segway human transporters
2X yamaha banshee stage 3
Kalamazoo BB4 dual fuel SS grill
(with initials laser cut into cooking grate)
Knowing where the source of the radar is, as well as its band and intesnsity are critical in the world of well trained police that work in pairs, or roll with radar on.
For the guys that say they slow down every time they hear a ka/k2 beep how do you know when to speed back up again? Your guessing because you dont really know where he is, or if hes alone.
Police in california will cruise a highway at 80- 100 and instant on the car in front of them and creep up on you doing say 85-90 and only occasionaly hit the trigger. Ive seen this can go on for an hour or more on the 5 freeway in Califronia, where they are waiting for a guy to pass a line of slower cars when the cop is behind waiting for them to hit the magic 100 mark where the jackpot really rings the the states revenue meter- its a game. Seeing growing signal strength with an arrow pointing in the back tells you hes coming up on you.
Then you get the nasty ones working in pairs and the v1 will tell you when you've got that scenario as well - very tricky.
How bout when they sit where there is a strong x alarm anyway and gun you from there. Your detector goes of all the time in the same place right? well today when you drive by at 10-15 over the v1 announces that instead of 1 now there are 2 signatures coming at you- this information changes the deal.
Cops still use the x gun because they know they can catch speeders that arent paying attention and have been lulled into a sense of security by a constant signal in a given spot.
They dont need the lastest guns to nail you, and they hold onto the older ones and sometimes utilize several in one car!
Then you got the double hill trap, and all kinds of other situations that a standard detector cant help you with.
One can summarize them all failry simply-
Forward detection ranges are a fairly level playing field as the forward antennae on all models are about the same size and db gain range.
None of the good units pollute
Almost all are now upgradeable
The major difference between all of them is the v1's rear antennae and the situational awareness provided by a unit with 2 antennaes and competent software.
I'll take more situational information than less in any driving environment especially when its my license and wallet on the line.
No amount of talk or press can fully describe the situational awareness provided by the V1 (I dont care if the guy looks like a dolt or not, his design is superb)
Your hearing a lot of "chin music" here from guys looking to support/justify their personal purchases with emotions and half logic, and this or that particular shootout- do your homework and take ALL the data then average it out the V1 is almost always top or a close second anway in the front , but from the back its a runaway.
Buy the V1 dude, its worth the bucks, and you wont be diassapointed.
Davegvg
06 g35 coupe auto- nav
04 titan crew cab LE - nav
21ft laveycraft sebring tunnel 550HP 406 rodeck/Brodix
2x segway human transporters
2X yamaha banshee stage 3
Kalamazoo BB4 dual fuel SS grill
(with initials laser cut into cooking grate)
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 45
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Originally Posted by MechEE
2) I detect signals from behind all the time with my X50. It's called reflection. It happens off of virtually everything. In fact, when I had both my X50 and V1 that I tested, the X50 had virtually the same detection range for rear radar! That killed about the only bonus I saw that the V1 had over the X50.
You should care how many antennas it has because the V1 beats the 8500 by over 2 miles in rear Ka band radar detection and 1/2 mile in rear X and K band detection. Escort and every other radar detector can't have 2 antennas or arrows because Valentine Research has a patent on this.
You know, while I am a big V1 fan, and Valentine might (notice I said might) have a patent on the arrows, I doubt he has a patent on having two antennas in a radar detector. He might have a patent on the specific implementation of two antennas, but there is no way he can have a patent on the concept of having two antennas in a detector.
Again, for what its worth (and with my background in physics, I do know a little bit about wave propagation) two antennas are better than one, but the other detectors are very good as well. I love my V1 not for the sensitivity (since, depending on which website you beleive, there are other detectors with just as much, if not better, sensitivity), but I love it for the arrows. And that, my friends, is a matter of personal choice.
Dave
Again, for what its worth (and with my background in physics, I do know a little bit about wave propagation) two antennas are better than one, but the other detectors are very good as well. I love my V1 not for the sensitivity (since, depending on which website you beleive, there are other detectors with just as much, if not better, sensitivity), but I love it for the arrows. And that, my friends, is a matter of personal choice.
Dave
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2
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V1 protected "sustained momentum tour"- La Chicago
I towed a 4000 pound boat from La to Chicago 2 years ago route 66 there, & 80 back, and the V1 covered me beautifully. Remember the towing speed limit is almost always 10 mph slower than the no-towing limit which is a joke and you no longer have the option of slamming on the brakes radically under load- oh you can use them, but you cant keep any radar from clocking at lock on.
From state to state noting each states particular towing limit I rode about 15-20 over each states repective limit for DAYS on cruise control, and did it smoothly enough to beat my previous mileage record on the same long route at an even higher average speed
Some state were a complete cakewalk with a few well spaced K/K2 pulse hits, and other states had clearly invested more than others in speed monitoring with multitudenous laser K2, rolling k2 double and triple radar car teams (a horrific waste of public money imho) and a few states, well lets just say speeding revenue collection is a real serious thing for them. Making real time over long distances became a real challenge.
I just blazed safely but hustling, and the ability to have bidirectional info it allowed me enough time even with the load and the extra speed to see the electronically monitored version of the freeway just like the nav kit did the road- live with one and youll understand- I guess its a V1 thing.
I must say I am a very loyal buyer of escort products (cincinati microwave I think at least that used to be the parent co.). I had a love affair with my original solo and was awed by its magnesium case and elegant design as well as impressed by its performance. They make a nice machine and I might just buy one simply because I have ALL the toys (g35 & titan ton of other stuff) and need a permanent unit in both (and Im that kind of guy anyway.) it might just make sense to buy an 8500 and swap between vehicles.
I am half considering loaning out my v1 for someone to try out, or maybe swap for a month or so with someone with an 8500 and see CM's new box myself I plan my road trips and basically really never speed more than 5 over in town so Its no big deal to be without it for a while, and Id probably have a swap from another nonemotional potential buyer looking to try it and dialog about it from a guy like myself.
Davegvg
06 g35 coupe auto- nav
04 titan crew cab LE - nav
21ft laveycraft sebring tunnel 550HP 406 rodeck/Brodix
2x segway human transporters
2X yamaha banshee stage 3
Kalamazoo BB4 dual fuel SS grill
(with initials laser cut into cooking grate)
From state to state noting each states particular towing limit I rode about 15-20 over each states repective limit for DAYS on cruise control, and did it smoothly enough to beat my previous mileage record on the same long route at an even higher average speed
Some state were a complete cakewalk with a few well spaced K/K2 pulse hits, and other states had clearly invested more than others in speed monitoring with multitudenous laser K2, rolling k2 double and triple radar car teams (a horrific waste of public money imho) and a few states, well lets just say speeding revenue collection is a real serious thing for them. Making real time over long distances became a real challenge.
I just blazed safely but hustling, and the ability to have bidirectional info it allowed me enough time even with the load and the extra speed to see the electronically monitored version of the freeway just like the nav kit did the road- live with one and youll understand- I guess its a V1 thing.
I must say I am a very loyal buyer of escort products (cincinati microwave I think at least that used to be the parent co.). I had a love affair with my original solo and was awed by its magnesium case and elegant design as well as impressed by its performance. They make a nice machine and I might just buy one simply because I have ALL the toys (g35 & titan ton of other stuff) and need a permanent unit in both (and Im that kind of guy anyway.) it might just make sense to buy an 8500 and swap between vehicles.
I am half considering loaning out my v1 for someone to try out, or maybe swap for a month or so with someone with an 8500 and see CM's new box myself I plan my road trips and basically really never speed more than 5 over in town so Its no big deal to be without it for a while, and Id probably have a swap from another nonemotional potential buyer looking to try it and dialog about it from a guy like myself.
Davegvg
06 g35 coupe auto- nav
04 titan crew cab LE - nav
21ft laveycraft sebring tunnel 550HP 406 rodeck/Brodix
2x segway human transporters
2X yamaha banshee stage 3
Kalamazoo BB4 dual fuel SS grill
(with initials laser cut into cooking grate)