New radar detector
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: TN
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by Touch of Fast
I am sure there is a thread somewhere on the forum, but I am in need of a radar detector and I am curious the most popular one here.
Many threads on this, but you will probably find that the Valentine one and the Escort 8500 are the two most popular here, with good reason...they work! Personally, I love the V1, the directional arrows are functional and unique, and have saved my butt more than once(and that equals $$ in my pocket, and not in the pockets of the beaurocrats!)
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
This is one of the topics that is practically guaranteed to start a war.....the V1 users vs. the Escort 8500 users.
So in summation - the two top detectors available are the Escort 8500 and the Valentine V1. There are also some users that really like the B.E.L.
Pick one you're comfortable with - and you're good to go.
I have a V1 and I am very happy with it.
So in summation - the two top detectors available are the Escort 8500 and the Valentine V1. There are also some users that really like the B.E.L.
Pick one you're comfortable with - and you're good to go.
I have a V1 and I am very happy with it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,267
Likes: 40
From: Phoenix AZ
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 2
From: SnoCo, WA
V1
I've had a V1 for ten years, and there's one thing that is rarely mentioned - you can send in your old unit for an upgrade for less than 50% of the cost of a new unit. All you have to do is log into their site, enter the serial number, and they'll tell you the +/- about upgrading from your current unit.
Took 8 years for mine to become "recommended" for an upgrade, cost under $150.00 w/shipping. My old one still worked great, but I figured what the hell. I got to keep all my old hardware too, so I didn't need to change out my permanent mount in my car.
While the Escort 8500 seems to be more user friendly (and from what I understand very good at radar detection), I like the simplicity of the V1's interface more. Maybe it's cause I am used to it. And the arrows and "bogey" counter rock.
Took 8 years for mine to become "recommended" for an upgrade, cost under $150.00 w/shipping. My old one still worked great, but I figured what the hell. I got to keep all my old hardware too, so I didn't need to change out my permanent mount in my car.
While the Escort 8500 seems to be more user friendly (and from what I understand very good at radar detection), I like the simplicity of the V1's interface more. Maybe it's cause I am used to it. And the arrows and "bogey" counter rock.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: San Angelo Texas
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
This is one of the topics that is practically guaranteed to start a war.....the V1 users vs. the Escort 8500 users.
So in summation - the two top detectors available are the Escort 8500 and the Valentine V1. There are also some users that really like the B.E.L.
Pick one you're comfortable with - and you're good to go.
I have a V1 and I am very happy with it.
So in summation - the two top detectors available are the Escort 8500 and the Valentine V1. There are also some users that really like the B.E.L.
Pick one you're comfortable with - and you're good to go.
I have a V1 and I am very happy with it.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
Mike Valentine
I use a V1. Saved me just this AM on the interstate. Trooper was shooting instant-on in the oncoming lane. "Caught him" about half a mile before he zeroed in on me. The directional arrows make this a radar locator as well as a radar detector. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 2
From: Annapolis MD
Again, not to start a war, but here's my advice:
Buy both and return the one you like less. That's what I did, and I have a V1.
Incidentally, jimwca's upgrade only cost so much because they upgraded him to the newer 'sleeker' case. The upgrade usually runs between $50 and $75. Also, if you purchase one, and they come out with an upgrade soon after, they'll upgrade it for free (I think less than a year).
Buy both and return the one you like less. That's what I did, and I have a V1.
Incidentally, jimwca's upgrade only cost so much because they upgraded him to the newer 'sleeker' case. The upgrade usually runs between $50 and $75. Also, if you purchase one, and they come out with an upgrade soon after, they'll upgrade it for free (I think less than a year).
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by gpracer1
Few mention the BEL RX-65, it rocks.
www.radarbusters.com Check for yourself.
www.radarbusters.com Check for yourself.
BEL is as good as the others and is generally less expensive.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,767
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
My 8500 X50 Blue broke after 13 months of use (12 month warranty). I didn't abuse it. It stayed hooked up in my C5 it's entire short life. I can't decide if I should pay to have it fixed (Escort wants $50 to repair it) or just spring for a V1.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 4,026
Likes: 0
From: Renaissance Festival TAZ the Wolfdog (R.I.P.)
Originally Posted by Touch of Fast
I am sure there is a thread somewhere on the forum, but I am in need of a radar detector and I am curious the most popular one here.
I've got 2.