I couldn't decide so I bought both a V1 and the Passport 8500. I like the Passport for it's looks. Tested both detectors several times and they are both excellent. Either will save you from most hits but the instant on and Lazer will get you everytime.

 

Call Valentine and ask if they have any returned units in inventory. These are V1s that were previously sold and the buyer returned them under the "30 day, no questions asked" policy. After being returned the units are checked out to make sure there are no defects. Since they were previously sold they cannot be sold as new units again...but these are not factory refurbs, they have a full warranty and are effectively new. You can also get the accessories at 10% off. I've ordered one previously like this and just ordered another unit last week.

HTH

 

Here in the UK plans are being made to outlaw "detectors" but there are a number of products that warn you when approaching either a fixed camera or the location of occasional mobile sites - they all have to be registered and the locations are freely available. Updates are available via the internet. Duel use products are now coming on the market which provide both sat/nav and camera warning information all in the same box. No plans as yet to outlaw this sort of kit.

PJC

 

Thanks David, I will call Mike on Monday.

 

OVR ( Ohio Valley Region of the Porsche Club) had a great session at Beechmont Porsche yesterday. Mike Valentine gave an indepth presentation and answered questions. Great session. Very informative. I also vote the V1 the best, has saved my hide numerous times over the 5 years I owned it

 

I put on 80,000 miles in the past two (2) years going back and forth to my second business. I have had numerous saves on these trips...some at surprisingly long ranges..also note, I have an old V1..it has Laser detection but it is old, probably 10 years...I need to upgrade it..Santa, are you listening???

 

Here on the other side of the pond in Oz they are illegal.... the thought police reckon if they post signs about radar ahead you won't need one, never mind the fact the posted signs are placeed after the radar.... deterent no - straight out revenue gathering. G#d I hate those sukers.

On the other hand, I don't have CEL issues and I have ROW suspension, and perhaps a taller first gear standard - call it a trade off.

 

Anyone have a link or more info on where to purchase the V1?

 

http://www.valentine1.com/home.asp

.......saved my *** on Sunday morning.....it detected on/ off laser buzzed me....then again...I slowed down...came over a hill and there was a police car sitting side on buzzing cars as they came over the brow of the hill.....so I assume I was picking up scatter

 

Despite it's propensity for false alarms, the V1 is clearly best. Then, depending on the threats in your area, the next step is a LIDAR jammer. From experience, I can say Escort's ZR3 works as advertised.

Now the latest threat (or perhaps marketing FUD) apparently POP radar guns that have duty cycles too fast for most detectors to lock onto. Has anyone encountered one of these??

 

You can return your unit to Valentime for ungrading. However, call first with the serial number, as when I called about my 7 year old unit a while ago, they said it was still up to date. They could have sold me an upgrade and I wouldn't have known the difference. I appreciate their honesty.

 

This forum has an entire section dedicated to the V-1 -> http://www.radardetector.net/index.php

 

You can check the status of your old V1 on the valentine website - put in your serial number, and it will tell you if it can be upgraded.

I love my V1!

 

Uhh, yeah, the V1 is great, but the 8500 is also great. And aren't some of you guys a little tired of the ultimate-low-tech suction cup mount deal on dash-mount detectors? How 1950's is that?

The Escort remote units (SRX or SR7) offer 8500 performance, integrated laser jamming, and no tangled cords or suction cups or worries about theft. Yeah, they cost more than $400, but so what? If you plan to keep your car for a while, they're worth every penny.

 

Centerpunch,
While the suction cups may seem antiquated, it provides the best mounting position for the radar antenna(e). The higher the unit (top of the windshield, where you can still see the display--as opposed to attaching to the sun visor) the more radar energy will be received. Mounting the receiving antenna, as advanced and sophisticated as they may be, low in the car, such as behind the grill or below the front bumper, reduces the antenna's ability to receive the signal, detect it, and provide you a warning. You can see dramatic drops in performance simply by mounting your detector in a "stealthy" or "attractive" manner or location. If you drive behind another car and you antenna is blocked by that car, you'll get a late warning. Whereas, if you mount it as high as you can on the windshield, it will be able to receive the most signals and provide superior performance. Form follows function.

You have to simply ask yourself, "Am I willing to accept the decline in performance in order for my detector to be pleasing to the eye?"

I prefer ultimate performance, and will stick with the ugliness.

V1 rules!