I've had my V1 for 8 years now, the arrows are worth the $150. A few years ago I sent it in to have the "guts" replaced with the newest version. That cost about $50 I think. Also, V1 will return your shipment the same way you shipped it, so if you send it Fedex overnight, they will return it via Fedex overnight.

As far as detection range goes, I and everyone I know that has a V1 keeps it in the least sensative mode.

 

I bought the x50 and like it , but I wish I would have bought the V1. I think it's worth little bit extra.

 

In the Lasre detection chart, what does PLate 1, Plate 2 and Plate3 mean. I was surprised to see Escort getting it's butt kicked, especially in the laser area.


What are the "SML" results anyway.

 

You said your V1 is kept in the least sensitive setting. I live in a developed area with alot of stores and alarms that trigger cheaper detectors. Is that why you keep it in the least sensitive mode ?

Do you get a lot of false readings?

I would not consider a V1 but after reading RadarKings post it is now on the top of my list.......

I am concerned about its size though and finding the right location in my G35.

Your thoughts please......

 

Not sure if this is the same test but refers to SML as well.

http://www.007radardetectors.com/tests.htm

 

That is not SML's testing, that is what that website rated those radar detectors and nothing more.

 

Cops are trained to aim laser at your front license plate first if you have one and then they aim at your headlights second usually the driver's side headlight first.

From the test, "Each detector was given three tries with the laser aimed at the license plate. "N" means no laser reported by the detector, "Y" means the detector reported a laser gun transmission. The results are reported by the number of tries, i.e.: 1,2 and 3. A response percentage is given to the number of reports from the detector when the laser was aimed at the license plate. We then moved the vehicles to the 1/4 mile cone, as the laser beam diverges with distance, to see if a higher percentage of detectors reporting laser was observed. Recent court decisions have stated that laser may not be used past 1,000 feet."

Radar detector manufacturers, radar/laser gun representatives, state/local police officers, magazine reporters, and countermeasure companies once again gathered on a remote desert road to participate in Speed Measurement Laboratories, Inc’s. annual radar detector test.

 

I'm happy with the Bel 985 I have. I also have the Blinder M20 Laser Jammers(2), mounted in my grille. This setup has saved me numerous times in my time with the G. I highly recommend the Blinder unit if you are in a state with laser units on the street. No matter what radar detector you have, you aren't getting all the protection you need from laser, if I understand the reports written on the subject. Just my 2 cents.

 

I've had a V1 for over 4 years and it is the only way to go. The arrows are worth the extra money.

 

I keep it in the least sensative setting because there is no need for the higher settings, and to reduce the number of "false" alarms. Even on the highway I use the lowest setting and will often pick up police radar from 3 miles away. Unfortunately, many devices such as motion sensing door openers run in the same band of frequencies assigned to police radar. If the detector was to ignore these "false" frequencies, then the detector would be blind to police radar running on the same frequency. The V1 will never completely ignore these frequencies, but in the lowest setting it will wait to tell you about them until the signal has reached a level that could possibly be a significant threat. As long as you keep it in the lowest mode, I don't think it will pick up the false signals any more than another detector. Also, almost all falses are in the X-band. The V1 can be programmed to disable x-band scanning. Police rarely use this frequency anymore.

I keep mine clipped to the passenger side visor with the wire integrated into the car. At night everyone behind you will know you have a detector, but I never felt like buying the concealed display module.

 

I am using a several-year-old K40 RD650 that I had from my M3 Sedan a while back. It has saved my butt from sure tickets many times, and I am sure it will continue to. Not the highest-tech, but effective.

But...I will have a V1 before long. It is the best, and most error-free on the market. The $450-500 is hard for me to swallow right now...but I'll have one before long.

 

You shouldn't spend anywhere near $500 for a V1. Call Valentine Research at 1 800 331-3030 and ask for a returned V1 and you will get $50 off the $399 retail price and that includes the 1 year warranty.

 

so what's the difference between the red and the blue escort 8500 x50?

 

The only difference is the color LEDs and the price, blue will cost you like an extra $40.

 

its bc blue leds are harder to make...