I've used the 8500x50 for about 2 years now, no problems. Never used a V1, like the arrows but to big for me. Can't go wrong either way.
Been using detectors for about 20 odd years, just use them as a tool and you will be fine.

 

I've read more praise for the V1 over the last few years than I can remember... I think that's the way I'm going to go.

One question... Where are you guys mounting them? If I put the detector at the top of the windshield, then it's behind the tint band up there which, as I understand, is detrimental on cloudy days and nighttime driving. Those two conditions alone make up 90% of the weather up here. If I mount it at the base of the windshield, then I will have impeded my rearward visibility. Not sure which placement is best, specifically for a C5. (Z06).

 

Mine's mounted under the rear view mirror a couple inches hardwired into the visor.

I'd snap a pick but the car's in the shop lol.

 

v1 usually wins this one

 

...and so it does! Thanks for the replies, guys. Valentine, here I come.

 

Ive had a V1 since they first came out, and last year bought a 2nd to replace it (upgrade, half price for trading my old one) ill only have a valentine, period. its saved me more than i care to admit.

 

Before I go on, Passport and V1 are the only players in the game. The Valentine just gives too many false readings for my liking. But I live in the Chicago area. Outside of that, who knows. But it is either V1 or Passport. All others are nothing. As FYI, the original "founder" of the original Esort is the guy who "owns" Valetine. The same folks who make Passport products also make radar guns.

 

Nothing can touch the Valentine One in radar/laser detection in the under $500 radar detector category and that includes the Escort 9500i, the Escort 9500ix and the Bel STi.

http://guysoflidar.com/august-2007/r...ctor-test.html

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detector-performance/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detec...adar-detector/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detec...ice-laser-gun/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detec...adar-detector/

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detec...ice-laser-gun/


If you think the V1 is big then why are you using the 8500X50 because it is massive compared to the V1?

Size (from smallest to largest):

Valentine One -> 16.20 cu. in.
Bel RX65 Pro -> 16.33 cu. in.
Bel STi Driver-> 16.33 cu. in.
Escort 8500 X50 -> 18.95 cu. in.
Escort 9500i -> 21.72 cu. in.

Weight (from lightest to heaviest):

Valentine One -> 181.5g (6.40 ounces)
Bel RX65 Pro -> 236.6g (8.35 ounces)
Escort 8500 X50 -> 253.7g (8.95 ounces)
Escort 9500i -> 269.2g (9.49 ounces)
Bel STi Driver -> 291.6g (10.29 ounces)

The Escort 9500i is the largest in size and the Beltronics STi Driver is the heaviest. The Valentine One is the smallest and lightest radar detector of the top five radar detectors made today.


That is a common myth, no radar detector manufacturers make radar guns or have any connection to the radar detector industry.

There are only 4 companies that make radar guns for use in the U.S.

Ka Frequencies By Manufacturer (USA)

MPH Industries 33.8 GHz Ka band
Stalker Radar 34.7 GHz Ka band
Kustom Signals 35.5 GHz Ka band
Decatur Radar 35.5 GHz Ka band


Mph Industries:

http://www.mphradar.com/


Stalker Radar:

http://www.stalkerradar.com/


Kustom Signals:

http://www.kustomsignals.com/


Decatur Radar:

http://www.decaturradar.com/

 

Very nice writeup, and very factual ! I have a V1 and love it

 

I have the 8500 (old version, NON x50).. does the job right.. except sometimes i scratch my head as to why it doesnt go off when i am directly following a cop.. weird.

other than that, its very good, especially during night time driving when you cant spot cops so easily

 

The extended range of the V1 will prove a big plus on the highways. It looks forward and to the rear.
Once you become use to the arrows, you won't want to be without then.
Urban use could lean to the Passport.

 

I am going to be buying a new V1 soon, how do I know if it has all the upgrades???

if I buy new does that 100% mean its up to date?

where do you do upgrades?

 

8500 X50 here.... And wouldn't give it up for anything.

 

All the info should be available at the V1 web site. You won't regret the V1. I'm an hour north of you. Most of my driving is on the highways. It's the best for open road.

 

City cops with radar either have it on or have it off. DPS / Highway Patrol have instant on or always on. At least that's how it is here in Texas.

 

you enjoy I-55 as well eh?

 

Acutally, Rt 78- I74 and I80. I work Peoria or Ottawa area as a Medic. 120 Mile commute(round trip).

 

I owned a V1 until someone liberated it from me...... Then picked up a 8500 at a pawn shop (probably liberated from someone else), but I just couldn't stomach the cost of a new one at the time. Personally, I like the 8500's display and warnings and the warnings are WELL in advance of meeting any LEO's on the road. I don't think either will let you down, comes down to YOUR preference.

On a side note.... radartest.com complained about the V1 picking up false signals while traveling a road in Colorado. They said the bogey count showed 3 radar's in the town of Campo, CO ... a town with no cops. Well, I'm from that area and guess what. The main state trooper for Baca county lives in that town and it isn't uncommon for multiple troopers to be in that town (at his house), before they patrol south toward Oklahoma on 287. I even wrote to radartest and told them this little fact and received no reply.

 

wow, ....man. long drive. I work in Mossville...CAT.

ever been on 180? not I-80, but 180. OH MAN....good place for top speed runs. If you contunue on 29, you run into it going North