Wellardmac

Okay, let me clarify. The Passport does not have voice alert. Additionally, and more importantly, it does not have Xa band detection - particularly important if you travel to Europe, or intend keeping your detector for a while, as part of the US are starting to move to Xa band radar.

So, to repeat my assertion that the Bel. is better than the Passport, based on feature set, even though they're based on the same chipset.

Riad

I think you're mistaken. Passport has had Xa (which is WIDELY used in the US) for years.

When Xa goes off in my SRX it's always 5-0.

Wellardmac

Okay, I just checked radarbusters.com and it seems that we were misremembering (BTW - this site is a great info resource if you've not checked it out).

The RX65 has Ku band detection, the Passport does not. Beyond that there are a number of software features that the RX65 has that the Passport does not.

For comparison:

http://www.radarbusters.com/products...00-details.asp

http://www.radarbusters.com/products...65-details.asp

For me the main selling point was having the Ku band for my travel to Europe andf to be ready when the US starts using that technology (which apparently some parts of the country do, but it's not currently widespread).

japser23

This site is amazing. From what I have gathered here from all the responses is that I probably wont go wrong if I get either:
-V1 $489.00
-Bel Pro RX65 $329.95
-Passport 8500 X50 (blue) $339.95
-Passport SRX $1499.95 plus installation (concealed)
-K40 $1499.00 plus installation (concealed)

Do I have that right?
Given I have a cab, Im leaning towards one of the concealed options. One BIg question to riad is did you take that picture before or after you installed your SRX detector?

mc_renn

Valentine 1 is the one for me. I think in terms of range the V1 and Escorts are comparable and as some tests point out the Escorts beat the V1. BUT in real world use the V1 wins hands down. It's all about the arrows. I did a cross country trip from NYC to LA a couple of years ago, not in a P-Car but in a 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV, which by the way was awesome but I digress. In many instances the arrows saved me not the range. For example there were numerous instances where I'll be driving and the V1 goes off with arrows behind me....sure enough 5-0 crusing up behind with radar on full blast slow down let him pass...arrows show side and radar up front as he pass....then a couple of minutes later another Ka warning and again indicating it's coming from behind me and sure enough his buddy is cruising up behind me hitting those who sped UP after the first patrol passed them. If I had the Escort I would assume it was the same cop. I do realize the Escort also tells you the number of radar sources but your still left guessing where the the hell it's coming from. Also as it relates to sensitivity....yes V1 is more prone to falsing but as you get accustomed to the arrows and its behavior you quickly learn when to ignore it and when to slam on the brakes. I do have expereinces using both as I did sell the V1 when I sold the Alfa and picked up the Escort but returned it and bought another V1 for the P-Car.

BTW: I have noticed the CHP in California almost always using radar now as opposed to five or six years ago when a detector was useless on the major highways here.

Riad

Here are pics of my SRX install: SRX INSTALL
I've posted that link so many times it should be a sticky.

japser23

Riad, Is your cup holder still functionable?

Thanks for the pics that was very hepful, but my original question about if you took the picture before or after you installed the SRX was in ref. to your avtar picture with the police lights flashing behind you.

BTW, very nice C4S. The same color combo I have on my C2 Cab.

Deven

One of the 'problems' is that once you go V1 it is hard to change, as the directional arrows get sorely missed on the other detectors. I suppose if you went passport or something 1st, you would be happy enough without the arrows. Yes the styling is a little out dated, but then we are driving cars with 40 year old styling and loving every minute.....another vote for V1.

Charlie C

After looking at your photo closeup, I see SR7 on the faceplate. I couldn't find that listed on the Escort Website.

Wellardmac

One other things - look on ebay and you'll see new units at a lower price than elesewhere - sure you have to be careful in who you buy from, but you can get significant discounts purchasing that way if you end up with a Bel. or a Passport.

cdodkin

Here you go PASSPORT SR7



Site has SRX and ZR3 units as well.

Chris.

Riad

The cup holder had to be sacrificed. I still have the actually mechanical piece so if I ever wanted to get it back to factory spec I would just buy a new faceplate from Porsche (although they might just sell the entire mechanism as one piece).

I was pulled over for talking on my cell phone.

Wellardmac

get a blutooth headset, they're great.

Riad

I have two

I was on the phone for 30 seconds, just bad timing.

Wellardmac

ouch! bad luck!