Valentine V1 in mine. So far no tickets.

 

I have the V1 and the 8500x50.

I put the Blue Escort 8500x50 in my wifes car and have the V1 in my G. My wife didn't need the arrows since she just slows down as soon as the alarm goes off and doesn't really try to figure out where the signal is coming from. I much prefer the arrows and based on arrow direction and changes in signal strength decide whether to slow down or not (yes, I do like to push my luck a bit).

Both are doing an excellent job and both tend to false at the same locations.

 

I use a V1 in both of my vehicles. The arrows and counter are worth the difference. I would only value comments from those who have actually used a V1 for some period of time. I was very torn on the V1 vs 8500 question, but once I used the arrows and counter I would never go back to a unit without them.

 

valentine 1

 

What is the purpose of the arrows? If the detector goes off, wouldn't you just slow down regardless of where the "threat" is coming from? Or is it that if it's coming from the right you swerve left and visa versa? To me, and I don't know, regardless of where the signal says the beam is coming from, it means you've been hit and your speed is being gagued. Please tell me different.

 

I have a V1 and love it. Just because you detect a beam, doesn't mean you're being gauged. Radar scatters and bounces off objects, which is why you can detect radar from around a corner or over a hill. Laser on the other hand, is line of sight and if you get a laser warning, you're probably already caught. The arrows do come in handy as do the band and intensity indicators for judging whether or not it's a cop, and whether or not he's a threat. Also, V1 has a great filter that gets rid of most false alarms from automatic doors etc.

 

v1 although its been sitting in my house for awhile

 

henryG,

Why arent you using your v1?

 

Might there be a show of hands by people that have used both a V1 and also an 8500 "for some period of time?"

If that doesn't produce a list of qualified evaluators, I would only value comments from those that have actually used an 8500 "for some period of time." Sheesh...

 

Valentine V1 most likely if you got the money, but if you want a little break like hundred dollars go with escort. Both good radars.

 

Sounds like the perfect reason for the arrow indicators!

 

On my 8500 X50 I have the display set on pro/expert (whatever its called)... it shows you the levels of detection on all bands on the display, i find it convenient like that. i havent owned a valentine but my friend does, no doubt he likes his arrows, but i like my display.

 

When the indicator goes off and shows a weak signal ahead yes I do slow down and anticipate that something is coming up soon.

Sometimes, even after you've passed the signal, your unit might pick up a few spurrious "beeps" from the signal you just passed - even a ways down the freeway. That's when the rear indicator comes into play. When my "rear" indicator arrow goes off and shows a weak signal in the back I'm inclined to ignore it and keep on trucking however I do tend to keep peeking at my rear view mirror a few extra times to ensure a cop isn't just trying creep up on me

I spend a lot of time with both units and just feel more secure with the V1. The more data the better as far as I'm concerned and I prefer that over even the (apparent) extra sensitivity of the Escort.

As far as sensitivity is concerned, I haven't noticed a difference in either units abilities to detect a signal. I kind of liken the range of the two units to magazine racing between cars. You can buy a SRT-4 and do zero-to-sixty in 5.3 seconds but I prefer the all around performance of my 5.7 second car... I'll give up a little in performance for features I find attractive.

 

i agree! although the escort does not display the direction of the radar signal, it does have a VERY nice display, and i LOVE being able to read the actual frequency detected - makes it easier to tell whether the detected signal is erroneous or not.

seems like someone needs to make a radar detector with detection hardware/software equaling the escort and V1, but that also integrates the display features of both (arrows and high-res LED display). now THAT would make someone rich.

 

I see your point. But I was refering to all those 8500 users who discount the value of the bogey counter and the arrows without actually using a V1. I think a majority agree that the ability of both units to pick up radar sources is about the same. So no real need to run both to compare that.

I don't know if it is the same for the 8500 but I if I decide to sell my V1, I can get almost what I paid for it on ebay. However, I have not wanted to sell mine yet.

On any auto board I have been on the 8500 vs V1 debate rages on. Each has it's fans. Neither is a bad choice. However, most have a pretty strong opinion one way or another for thier choice.