[skudrunner]

I am going to get a radar detector and am down to the V1 or the Escort 8500. I have read all the information I can find on both and of course they each say the other is a lier and they are the best.
Does anyone have experience with either one or both so I can get a more valued opinion.

 

[Toisich]

To be honest, you might as well ask which oil is best for the Wing.

Those in the Escort camp will argue to the death that the 8500 beats the Valentine 1. And the Valentine 1 owners will defend their product with equal temper. So I serious doubt you'll fall cleanly in either camp.

Both have their good, and bad, points. It's mostly down to the features you're seeking, and the amount you're willing to spend. To be completely happy, just buy both and use them side by side.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, I too was seeking information as to which one to buy. My choice, I ended up with the 8500 and am totally happy with it. Does that make it better that the V!? Not necessarily, it just means that was my choice and my reflection on that choice after having it for about a year.

Good luck.

 

[wingnutzz]

8500

I like my 8500 a lot. I have it on a RAM mount, along wtih my Garmin SPIII, and both route into my headsets via the Kennedy harness. That way I get the little lady talking from the GPS and my warnings both. Interesting thing we found out on my first big trip with them installed is that if I key my CB while she is talking or if the 8500 is alarming the voice or alarm go out over the CB. So, even if I am in the back and I get what appears to be a valid hit, I just key the CB and the other folks know what it happening. Pretty neat!! Also, I have both the GPS and the 8500 powered from the bike, so don't have to worry about batteries for the GPS most of the time. The cord that comes with the GPS is one for a cigarette lighter, but I did not want it hanging down, so I got one of the bare-end wires that I hooked it for both the alarm and power. Was able to run all the wires down the handlebar tray so came out very clean.

I GENERALLY do not ride too much over the speed limit, but I find it very useful for when I get into small towns and miss a sign -- has saved my bacon there several times. 55 seems more like 35 on the Wing, that's for sure.

Your decision, but I am very pleased. Price worked well for me also. Oh, keep in mind the 8500 is NOT waterproof, but I just reach up and remove it when the rain comes down hard, fortunately not too often. :cop2:
:cop2: :cop2: :cop2: :cop2: :cop2:

 

[John Ulrich]

I own an 8500. One web site that states the facts with no advertising to sku the results like magazines do is http://www.speedzones.com/

Bottom line with lazer....you get a ticket! Mine has only gone off showing lazer three times in 4 years of ownership. It works great on Z & X etc, but everyone is going to laser.

Later,
JU

 

[IB Mike]

I have thrown my 2¢ into this matter a few times.

The 8500 & the V1 are great pieces of equipment. They perform pretty close. Bottom line for most comes down to $$. In that catagory the 8500 wins hands down. For the V1 to have audio output it'll be an extra $50.

I've run with guys that have V1s and I think we have been pretty close in detection range.

The V1 does have the cool directional arrows. Not sure they are worth an extra $150.

If you have the $$, you can't go wrong with the V1. If you don't, the 8500 is equal or better.

Most of the old school LD riders swear by the V1... but the 8500 works for me!

Gotta give V1 the edge in customer service. They have a great rep for that.

Hope that helps!

 

[mybluewing]

I use a V1 in my car, a Passport 8500 in my wife's car and a Solo2 on the bike. They all work well-the best performer of the three is the V1.It has great range and has saved me from a laser gun ticket twice. The Solo2 is great for the bike because it is battery powered and still has plenty of sensitivity.

 

[Rick M]

Well............ I do have them both and the V1 wins hands down. It has warned me of radar 1/2 mile before the 8500. But even the 8500 warned me in plenty of time to slow down if I had been going over the limit. :wink: Also the V1 keeps track of things that make it alarm .so to speak, and will tell you if they are different or the same so you can decide it its a bogus signal or real radar. Your milage may vary.


:yw1:

 

[Wayniac]

A comment on cost. The Valentine 1 does cost more on initial purchase but every Valentine 1 ever made since I think 1992 is 100% upgradable to the latest standard. Any other detector I know of just gets replaced when the technology improves.
To bad the GPS units aren't made this way. It would be nice to continuously upgrade the unit at a lesser cost than buying a new one. The example that comes to mind is the Garmin 2610 that many are buying to replace their SPIIIs.
BTW if anyone wants to unload an SPIII cheap in good working order for quick money just email me.

 

[IB Mike]

A comment on cost. The Valentine 1 does cost more on initial purchase but every Valentine 1 ever made since I think 1992 is 100% upgradable to the latest standard. Any other detector I know of just gets replaced when the technology improves.

While this is true, it isn't cheap. I remember reading somewhere it cost nearly $300. Yes, cheaper than a new V1... but not inexspensive.

But they are pretty upfront about the deal and when you check to see if a unit needs an upgrade they usually tell you it could be updated, but it is not required... again, great customer service!

 

[Wayniac]

Thanks mike I didn't think the upgrades were that expensive. I figured the hardware was already there and it was just a software upgrade. I guess I shouldn't assume anything.

 

[IB Mike]

Haven't done it myself, so maybe I got bad info...
I think they just take your old unit & send you a new one

But they have a rep for awesome service. If you have a problem and send it in they do all the stuff they need to do and get it back to you quick.

Someday I will probably own a V1, but for now I am very happy with the performance of my 8500. It has paid for itself many times over!

 

[Paul Long]

I'll add my .02, too. I have the Solo2. Reason? Cost and battery operated. It works great for both front and back laser and radar, although the rear radar detection may be a shorter distance than the V1. I considered the V1 and 8500, but the specs of the 8500 and Solo2 were the same and I liked the convenience of the Solo2. The directional arrows on the V1 were almost a selling point, but the cost was too much, especially after adding the extra $50 audio connector. Bottom line: Any will serve you great, so you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[Ruben]

I am going to get a radar detector and am down to the V1 or the Escort 8500. I have read all the information I can find on both and of course they each say the other is a lier and they are the best.
Does anyone have experience with either one or both so I can get a more valued opinion.

I'm going to interject a disenting opinion here, take for whatever you want. I use a K40 "built in", front and rear, with F&R laser, detector in both my wife's car and mine. Not cheap (over three times the cost of a V1), but they work great.

Despite the fact the V1 costs more than an escort, I bought them for both of our 1800's. They were expensive, but I want to "know" if there is traffic radar out there, and where its at! In truth, despite the lower cost of the V1, compared to the K40, I like the V1 better. The bogey counter is priceless, and the side arrow thing is pretty cool for showing non threatning hits. My K40 shows front and rear too, but doesn't display the bogey's, and I really miss that when in the car.

My recommendation: if you can easily afford it, go with the V1. If not, the escort is a WHOLE lot better than going defenceless!