Valentine vs. Passport
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 0
From: This is not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues; Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
As a general reply, I've run from Mississippi to Northern California with my PassPort 8500X50, did some "spirited" driving, picked up some LEOs with the PassPort, but not one ticket. 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Oz
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 31
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Mine had the latest firmware when I purchased it and there hasn't been an update yet.......I know folks who have had V1 since the first model and have updated theirs with no problems.
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Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,854
Likes: 8
From: Pearland, TX
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '20
I have had them both and use the V1 now.
I like the arrow feature of the V1, it makes it clear where the hit is coming from.
I was pleased with the range of both of the detectors but prefer the V1.
I like the arrow feature of the V1, it makes it clear where the hit is coming from.
I was pleased with the range of both of the detectors but prefer the V1.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Passport 9500i
I had the 8500 X50 and upgraded to the 9500i for the new hardware features.
I looked into both before I bought the passport.
they're both 2 of the best detectors you can buy, my preference was the passport because of the ability to lock out false alarms based on location and freq. using GPS.
and aside from arrows, it has all of the same features of the V1.
I didn't feel the need to spend an extra $100.00 for directional arrows, when the detector goes off, you slow down. period.
plus, and this is just MY opinion.....
I don't like the look of the V1.
I had the 8500 X50 and upgraded to the 9500i for the new hardware features.
I looked into both before I bought the passport.
they're both 2 of the best detectors you can buy, my preference was the passport because of the ability to lock out false alarms based on location and freq. using GPS.
and aside from arrows, it has all of the same features of the V1.
I didn't feel the need to spend an extra $100.00 for directional arrows, when the detector goes off, you slow down. period.
plus, and this is just MY opinion.....
I don't like the look of the V1.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 256
Likes: 3
From: PARRISH Florida
I have had both and perfer the V1. The ability to update when they are available and the arrows was the push I needed. Also works well with the mirror mount and short wire that plugs into the back of the mirror. Made for a very neat & clean install!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 43
From: Scottsdale Az
I love my V1 if only for the arrows. I know how many and where the LEOs are with it.
Example: I was coming up to a photo radar van on our freeway just as an unmarked cop was getting on the freeway. The V1 picked up the van in front and the cop from behind. As I passed the van I new there were 2 behind me and that it still wasn't safe. That cop had his radar just buzzing away behind us for several more miles and I ended up locating him thanks to the arrows. I could have sped up just to pass someone or something and would have ended up with a ticket if it wasn't for the V1. Just one of many times it has been nice to have.
Example: I was coming up to a photo radar van on our freeway just as an unmarked cop was getting on the freeway. The V1 picked up the van in front and the cop from behind. As I passed the van I new there were 2 behind me and that it still wasn't safe. That cop had his radar just buzzing away behind us for several more miles and I ended up locating him thanks to the arrows. I could have sped up just to pass someone or something and would have ended up with a ticket if it wasn't for the V1. Just one of many times it has been nice to have.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,372
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis IN
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Passport 9500i
I looked into both before I bought the passport.
they're both 2 of the best detectors you can buy, my preference was the passport because of the ability to lock out false alarms based on location and freq. using GPS.
and aside from arrows, it has all of the same features of the V1.
I didn't feel the need to spend an extra $100.00 for directional arrows, when the detector goes off, you slow down. period.
plus, and this is just MY opinion.....
I don't like the look of the V1.
I looked into both before I bought the passport.
they're both 2 of the best detectors you can buy, my preference was the passport because of the ability to lock out false alarms based on location and freq. using GPS.
and aside from arrows, it has all of the same features of the V1.
I didn't feel the need to spend an extra $100.00 for directional arrows, when the detector goes off, you slow down. period.
plus, and this is just MY opinion.....
I don't like the look of the V1.
The 9500i is an excellent detector, does the job, and is sleek.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 922
Likes: 2
From: Resume Speed Tennessee
My old Bel 980 was so good at sniffing out Bears that the GX was the choice for a replacement. (Actually the choice would have been to refurb the 980 but they no longer repair it.) The GX is sitting on Ol Red's dash and I can't wait for a road trip to try it out.
