davtes

I imagine this has been debated all over Rennlist, but here is my thought on the matter. Previously had the V1, which was stolen with my Bimmer recently. Bought the Passport 9500 because it has the ability to lockout/delete regular false signals. While the arrows are great on the V1, for my purposes, deleting the false signals is invaluable.

RaceCarDriver

I also had a v1 that was stolen with my e46 bmw m3. I replaced it with passport 8500m this was 6 yrs ago, the 9500 wasn't available yet.

Imo, the v1 was better, the range was longer and I liked the arrows. To me the v1 was the better radar detector, its a personal preferrence whether its work the extra money

jwt73

The V1 is a better detector, but not being able to delete falses is a PITA. Both are great and will not keep you from getting every ticket, but certainly will decrease the frequency with which you get them.
Your best defense is still watching the road and the other traffic, and not standing out too much.

CarlJ

I have a passport 8500 in my MINI and the V1 in my C2S. I always thought the passport was good, until I got the V1. The detection range and sensitivity in the V1 is vastly superior. The Passport definitely gets the job done, but if you want the best, get the Valentine.

ADias

You drive a Porsche, you want the best. The V1 is the best, no contest.

limey940

I love it when people make blanket, unqualified statements like this, let me guess, you have a v1.
Suggest you read some indpenedent reviews, radar guys just did one and guess what, they dont agree with that statement.

In the interested of full disclosure i own a 9500x, as with most choices there are comprimises to be made. I think a radar detector that makes lots of false alerts isnt as valuable as a detector that when it goes off, in most cases is a real threat, anyway, do the resaech and make your choice...good luck

cheers

Coochas

I love my 9500 and I think the GPS lockout feature is wonderful. I've always driven with their products.
I personally don't think there is much of a difference between a V1 and an Escort and until all the tests out there universally declare one to be superior, I'll stick with Escort products.

medtech

I have the 9500ix and I run it in "Highway" mode 24/7. Personally I love it. On my regular route it's almost too quiet since it's locked out all the falses.

IMO most of the unofficial "reviews" that pan the Passport are probably running it in auto detect mode.

Plus even IF the V1 was a little more sensitive, it wouldn't do me much good since I would throw that thing out the window after the second day. My friend has one, and I hate his if for no other reason than it falses CONSTANTLY. The thing never shuts up.

Jake951

I had an Escort 9500ci (concealed installation unit) in my Cayman. I loved its ability to lock out false alarms and the fact that there was nothing on the dash which gave away its presence. However, in side by side comparisons with the V1, the V1 almost always won in terms of longer detection range and far superior ability to detect radar off the sides and rear. I just wish the V1 had the false alarm lockout capability of the Escort and that it could similarly be concealed.

Jon996

I have an escort and a V1. I think if I was in the city more often I would lean towards the escort, but for where I live the V1 is great. The arrows get really addicting.

Charlie C

I used to use a Passport (1990's era) and Solo. They were great products. I now have 2 V1's and it's the arrows that got me to buy the 2nd one. I agree about the false alarms but having to choose between no arrows and arrows, I'll go with the arrows. I like knowing what direction it's coming from.

ADias

Yes I have a V1 and I have tried others. Nothing beats the arrows - for another 'blanket statement' as you call it. It's not sensitivity alone, it's the directional info and the ensuing situational awareness that you develop that makes all the difference. You may believe the press or you may believe members with actual experience and no conflict of interest. My V1 and the awareness it provides me saved me many many times from the many speed traps everywhere. I have detected traps, slow down in a group, to see the group continue and be tagged... many, many times.

It is known that a popular radar website has a conflict of interest with one of VR's competitors... reach your own conclusion.

mdrums

Nothing beats the arrows and for the highway the V1 wins too.

WaltB

"On my regular route it's almost too quiet since it's locked out all the falses."

Unfortunately when utilizing truelock for K-Band, it also locks a 1/8 portion of the band and not just that individual specific frequency. (Frequency shift) It's possible for the LEO to be operating within that band you just locked out. If you lock out multiple frequency false in the area, like around a grocery store you quickly disable all of the K-band frequency there. (Ka- you can not truelock this band)
Also- the question remains how large is the area defined by your truelock? Are you also locking out the LEO stationed on the adjacent street a block away? Escort will not identify how large or small this area is and the spinning satellite is not all that accurate.
Lastly, no arrows so you really have no idea where the LEO is?

If you want true SA the V1 is the best. If you like quite and big holes in your defense, the Passport works fine.

Disclosure. I have had 5-V1s. Every time I have sold a vehicle the new owner demanded the V1 go with it. I did decide to try a 9500 and before the 30-day return window was expired it was boxed up and sent back. I really wanted it to work for me but I found it just did not equal the V1 in all around performance. When I flew Navy fighters we had RHAW gear and a strobe to indicate directionof the threat. If that piece of gear just beeped like the 9500,...kiss your butt goodbye!

Gerg

It is very easy to tell a false from a real radar hit with the V1. Using City Mode cuts down many falses as well.