I have read many threads on detectors in the forum and realize that most prefer the Valentine 1 ($399) with the Escort 8500 X50 ($299)coming in second. I have searched most of the links provided in the various threads. I read one thread that said that the Whistler Pro 73 ($199) was a very good detector for the dollars. Decided to go with Pro 73 from Best Radar Detectors for $149 which should arrive tommorrow. I am now having second thoughts.

Any comments on the Pro 73 or should I give it to my son and get an Escort 8500. From what I have read I don't see an extra $100 for the V1 vs the Escort. Best Buy has the 8500 for $299. If I shouldl go with the 8500 any cheaper internet dealers that you know that are reliable. Stick with the Pro 73 or go with the 8500? Yes I no for what both cost could have had a V1.

Thanks for any comments on Pro 73.

 

The Valentine One is the best radar detector on the market, period. It tells you HOW MANY signals it's picking up and where the signals are coming from, and offers 360 degree protection. Read Car and Driver's tests and see for yourself. Don't trust radartest.com -- I think it's owned by Escort or something like that.

 

I ordered My V1 Yesterday!!!

 

I ordered my V1 yesterday!!!

 

Saving you from one ticket makes the price difference a non-issue.

 

Absolutly!

 

Sorry I can't comment on the Pro 73 but I can offer some comments on your conclusion regarding the Escort. I have owned about 5 Passport/Escort/Solo radar detectors and loved them at the time. I gave my last one to my wife when I got a Valentine One. I hate driving her car because it doesn't have the arrows, which are worth far more than $100 in their ability to identify where the signal is coming from and whether it is a threat. If you are in the market, spend the extra $100, you won't regret it.

Alan

 

v1 owner for 7 yrs...It rules.. only way to FLY > love the arrows <

 

The V1 and the Passport are the ONLY ones to consider. When that off brand comes in, return it. Then get a real detector

 

V1 seems a bit Cheesy looking for me. I have seen tests on several different Mags and websites and there is NO clear winner. ie Both are very good radar detectors. They both pick up 360 degrees.

After reading the debacle and problems with someone's V1, I am glad I bought the Escort 8500 X50. At least I know Escort will stand behind their product.

The random repeated FALSE alerts I am sure affected a small percentage of V1 owners. I will stick with the Escort, have read nor heard ANYONE having any of those problems that where not fixed via Warranty.

 

I wouldn't call them false alerts. That implies a defect in the unit. The Valentine 1 gives you information that you must interpret and it gives you a means to do so. I'm not familiar with some of these other detectors, but do they give you such a means for analysis? Is there any system that filters out all signals except police radar? I travel a local interstate alot, devoid of commercial businesses, and along such a route the Valentine to me is the perfect system.

 

Escort 8500 X50

 

The X50 does not pick up radar 360 degrees because it only has one antenna and the Valentine One has 2 antennas and a patent on this. The last time the V1 went up against the X50, it beat the X50 by 2-3 miles in rear radar detection range.
Valentine One always stands behind their products regardless if one person on this forum says they were wronged by them. This person is the only person I have ever heard of complaining about Valentine Research.
Escort and Bel do not stand behind their products because anybody with an earlier Escort or Bel were told that their radar detector was fully upgradeable but that is a lie. They won't even upgrade their 8500's to 8500 X50 because it has a different antenna or some BS. I have heard from people on other forums that bought a Bel with a 3 year warranty/upgrade and Bel never contacted them and they don't upgrade their radar detectors. The only thing they give you is a discount towards another plastic model.
Escorts and Bels are known for overheating or getting stuck in a self-calibration mode which has never happened to anybody I know that owns a V1. This is most certainly a problem because they are made out of plastic and not magnesium like the V1.
I still think that Valentine One is and has been the best since 1992 when they first came on the scene and you can't top 2 antennas, arrows, magnesium, full upgradeability, and awesome resale value.

 

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So true!!!

 

 

I've owned V1s for over 10 years, had 3 of them at one time. I only have two now (one got stolen ). I have always have had good luck with them. I have sent them in for upgrades (once they sent me a total new one ) and have had no problems there. In the 10 plus years, only one had a problem (the LEDs burnt out?) and they fixed it for free .
I need to buy another one....my only wish is that they had an option of blue LEDs to match the C5 interior better. Will the blue LEDs of the 8500 sway me to buying it instead? no, not even though it is $80 cheaper. Plus, I do not think the 8500 comes with the hard wire cord so that would be less difference between the two.

 

Valentine 1 is the only way to fly. Saving the cost of one hefty speeding ticket would make up the difference in cost versus one of the lesser models.

 

But now they have come out with newer models. I am happy with this Cobra it talks to you, has a built in compass and emergency vehicle approaching warning. Paid under $100.00 at Costco.

 

Once you get used to having directional arrows and counters, you can't function with any other detector!!!