WaltB

Great videos documenting Passport Truelock issues.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZnmUd8ysRc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxy7gGG-JlI

purrybonker

I put my feet firmly in both camps. I use the V1 for radar (using the "logic" setting) - I leave it off in urban areas other than some urban highway use, depending on traffic. It's very simple to ignore or mute any irrelevant alerts when in use - the arrows are a big part of the equation.

Like the V1 ads say: it's all about "situational awareness", it gives you the data - you do the thinking. Seems to be the best solution for me.

Anyway, radar detectors are often just a useless distraction around town. The laser detector components of these (hello Valentine?) are a complete waste of circuitry and just add to the pile of irrelevant noise.

Getting an urban radar ticket typically requires either the alignment of several bad-luck stars and/or really, really inappropriate, inattentive driving behaviour on the part of the recipient.

I do love the Escort laser jammer for around town. Falses are virtually non-existent (hello Valentine?) - I have to wave the TV remote in front of it once or twice a year just to make sure it's working. And it can be left on all the time, city and highway. I never turn it off. I have to concede that the laser detector in the V1 did a good job of advising me that it was time to pull out my driver's license - that's about all any laser detector is good for.

Chris C.

Check the you tube videos posted above - you don't want the device deciding for you what is real and what isn't. It's easy to tell with the V1 what is real, and cancel long alerts that aren't - I'm with Mike V: I'd rather know it's there and choose to ignore or respond.

Tons of cops in Tucson generating revenue - a V1 is must!

freakdog

Be aware of all the "review" sites out there are also selling detectors through an affiliate link, for which they are paid. V1 does not provide affiliate payouts and for some weird reason that probably has nothing to do with any of this, never seems to be the winner in these "independent tests."

You've been warned.

jackolo

I've only ever had a V1 but then again, I've never had reason to try anything else for radar. Of course it's not much use for laser but that's what my Laser Interceptor is for. I love the sensitivity and the arrows of the V1 and yes it get annoying quick going off all the time but you have to know how to set it so that you don't get unnecessary warnings. I have no use for X-Band in my area so it's off and rarely is K-Band ever used except for photo radar. Ka-Band is the only one I really pay attention and that's mainly for highways except for some roaming cops in the city. I'll pick up highway officers from about a kilometer away usually with my V1. It's also been great around bends in the road and even hilly areas.

stevepow

Those videos are pretty old (2007) - wonder if the problems have been addressed by now - so many firmware updates later and some newer models?

I'll say one thing - you can find proponents of either V1 or Escort in droves on the Internet - mostly seems like people like what they own - with the occasional convert - go figure.

roadrat

I wrote this review a few years ago for Roadfly.....

History.....

My first radar detector was the original Passport

3 years ago, I bought the Solo Cordless

I have a k-40 installed. I ONLY use if for directional purposes (comparable to the V1 arrows) since it gives MANY false alerts

I sold the Solo.

Ok, I bought a V1 and hardwired it a week and a half ago. It is on Advanced Logic (L).

Problem 1: Every railroad crossing I come across, K-band alerts with the arrows corresponding to my location relative to the railroad crossing. This is a major annoyance as the highway I live near runs parallel with the railroad track. I have repeated this drive everyday since I installed it with the same annoying results.

Problem 2: On a 15 mile stretch of the freeway....both ways....K-band was alerting 90% of the time (up arrow only), with some KA alerts occasionally. This is the major problem, because either I am going to start ignoring K alerts (which would be stupid) or I am going to drive the speed limit and have no need for a radar detector. I replicated this drive 2 times now with the same results. Why? Because there was the possibility that I was behind a cop both ways. The second test reduced the chance of that possibility and I wanted to give the V1 the benefit of the doubt.

Problem 3: I test the V1 again on the way to a friends house this afternoon. Same results near the railroad tracks and NOW I get K-alerts when I pass sliding doors (convenience stores, grocery stores, etc.). The Solo never did this....if anything...it would give x-alert which I ignore anyway.

That's it, I give up. V1 is getting sent back tomorrow. Is it possible that it was just a defective unit. YES. Is it possible that I am not used to the high sensitivity of units like the V1 and 8500? Yes. I just don't have time to mess with this thing anymore. I know many of you swear by it, but know this.....I really tried to love this thing. I just can't. It annoys me.

Ok, so next up is the 8500. Just got off the phone with Escort and told them my story. She looked in the computer and saw that I was a long time customer...blah blah blah. They are sending the 8500 and not charging me for shipping...they are sending it 2-day and sending me a FREE hardwire kit which they typically nickle-and-dime you for.

Do I expect better results with the 8500? Maybe....I know Escort has better falsing technology. But, like I said, I may not be used to the high sensitivity of either unit. If it gives me the false K's, its going back also. Dang, I wish I didn't sell my Solo on ebay.

I really did like the arrows on the V1, but my K40 will give me that advantage. Also, the main thing I loved about the V1 was the bogey counter. Well, the Passport 8500 has that now too!

Sorry for the tirade........

Test Specifications
∙ Location: Houston, TX - Freeways, Highways, Surface Roads

∙ V1 settings: Primarily Advanced Logic (L), but did repeat testing on All Bogeys (A)

∙ 8500 settings: primarily Auto Sensitivity (Auto); Expert Meter ON

∙ Exact same roads and similar weather conditions used to test each detector

∙ Each detector was used for 10 days at separate times.


V1 Advantages
∙ Rear facing antenna

∙ Arrows

∙ Easier to read bogey counter

∙ V1 includes hardwire kit and both visor and windshield mount

∙ Upgradable - customer pays for parts and shipping


V1 Disadvantages
∙ Cheaper quality, in particular the volume **** and mute ****/lever

∙ Customer service was not as friendly as Escort and one lady was just out and out rude.

∙ More false alerts than the 8500. This may be caused by the longer range of the V1, the rear antenna, or simply a lack of anti-falsing technology like the 8500

∙ Price ($399)

∙ No auto mute as defined below. V1, instead, can be programmed to not alert you audibly until the signal reaches a pre-set strength


8500 Advantages
∙ Price ($299)

∙ Customer Service was great! They gave me a free hard-wire kit and free 2 day shipping. I didn’t even have to ask them for it.

∙ Nice travel case included, but it is really big

∙ Upgradable with a $29.95 “warranty” - yes, the 8500 is upgradable (not planned obsolescence as Mike Valentine claims) contrary to popular belief

∙ Auto mute - auto mute means that the detector warns you, then lowers the volume automatically after 5 seconds or until another signal is picked up


8500 Disadvantages
∙ No arrows

∙ No rear facing antenna

∙ Escort nickle-and-dime’s you on accessories


Summary:

Both detectors have great detecting range and both pick up K, Ka, X, and Laser. Both have rear laser detection. Both units can be upgraded (for a cost).

The V1 is certainly inline with Mike Valentine’s philosophy of alerting you to everything and letting you decide what to react to and what not to react to. This may be desirable for some, while annoying to others. I love the easy-to-read bogey counter. The arrows are nice.....damn nice. I can certainly see why some people are sold on this unit based on this feature alone.

The 8500, while lacking the arrows, also has the bogey counter (in expert mode), I can generally determine where the threat is, though not always. As for customer service, Escort was better. The greatest thing about the 8500 is it’s auto-mute feature.....warn me, then shut up. Simple.

So which detector wins? For me, the 8500 is the clear choice.

Despite my decision to go with the 8500, I do believe that this decision comes down to personal preference. The V1 falses more.....much more. Regardless of price, if the V1 auto-muted (alleviating the constant annoyance), I would have gone with the V1. By the same token, if the 8500 retained its current features, and came with arrows, I would go with the 8500.

I would highly recommend that anyone who is trying to make this decision, try them both out. Each one has a 30-day test drive. Take advantage of this.

Happy Driving!




Disclaimer:
These tests were not scientific. They were done primarily for my benefit in selecting the best radar detector and the hope they benefit others.


I'm not trying to **** people off that have a different opinion from me. I am trying to make an intelligent and informed decision on which radar is best for ME. What is best for me may not be best for you. I will test the 8500 and then pick a winner....strictly for ME. I post the info here, because I think others will benefit. If you don't like it, don't read it. It is entirely possible, at this point, that the V1 is better than the 8500 by MY measures. Only time (another few days) will tell.

texas911

I love the V1 and own one, but how old is the design, like 10 years? Time to make it a bit smaller I think. I'd use it more if it wasn't such a heavy big beast! I have multiple cars, so I don't permanent mount the V1.

JH11932

.
I found this in the Passport manual:

Any thoughts about this? With a new C2S in my future, I'm pretty sure Santa had better bring a radar detector too...

Coochas

I've used suction cups on both 997s that I've had with no issues of permanent marking.
When you're ready. a few of us have posted 997 DIY hardwiring for V1 and Escort products. Here's mine: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...radar+detector

JH11932

Heh, I saw that. And wished I was as hardcore as you are!

richc

I've had a V1 for over 10 years, it works. Great range and I like the arrows. They have a good upgrade policy too, I've upgraded mine 3 times.

stevepow

Wiring it up is not hard at all - I did mine based on Coochas' directions - hardest part is just deciding where to mount it - since you have to more or less commit.

If you do an Escort, you can get a fuse tap at any auto parts store and some wiring bits at radio shack that make the entire thing just a plug in job - no cutting, splicing - very simple other than having to get into the fuse panel - which is not a big deal really.

wpriller

Totally agree, I upgraded my V1 and got an excellent trade in value for my old V1.

WaltB

Roadrat,
The V1 does not give false alerts. It alerts the band it sees and reports signal strength. K-band is very sensitive and can be desensitized in the programming mode. (I have mine programmed to alert when the strength is greater than 4 bars when in town.) You may have had a bad unit but in the time you spent with your write-up you could have called and personally talked with Mike Valentine, (Yes, you just read that. I have talked with him many times), to figure out the problem and at a minimum had another unit next day aired out to you. You are not going to **** people off with your decision and choice in detectors however if you are looking for vindication you probably won’t find much of it here. I think a far majority of V1 owners love them and swear by them. There is a very good reason for that and you possibly should have worked the problem out instead of jumping ship after only one and a half weeks. Time will tell. Please keep us updated on your 8500 and keep your head on a swivel so when it beeps at you maybe you will be able to figure out the direction of the threat.

For you now, beep beep= brakes.

Oh, just noticed you wrote that summary a "few years ago". Hardly pertinent now. Kind of like comparing my 996 to my 997. The V1 has gone through many software updates since then.