OK, Radar Detector Comparison: V1 vs. Passport 8500
12-05-2002, 03:31 PM
#1
OK, Radar Detector Comparison: V1 vs. Passport 8500
I'm gonna get a radar detector because I really need 1 and I would like some information and comparisons for those that have used The V1 and Escort Passport or seen them in use in some1 elses car. Thanks. 
12-05-2002, 03:39 PM
#2
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Car: '00 Chevrolet Corvette
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 2.73
I've got a Passport 8500. I've never used or seen (in person) the V1. My 8500 seems to do a good job. I was considering the V1, but at $400 it was just out of my price range (it was hard enough to fork out $300 for the 8500...).
12-05-2002, 09:59 PM
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Car: 88 GTA, 94 BMW 840, SVX, Prelude
Engine: 383 w/ Super Ram
Transmission: built 700R4 auto
I also have the 8500 and I love it. Nothing's gonna save you from instant on radar, though, so you still gotta keep a sharp eye, no matter which detector you get. My 8500 usually gives me a warning from a really long range. I've never seen or used a V1 - $400 is out of my price range. I was able to find the Passport 8500 about a year ago online brand new for $265 + free shipping ($300 in stores at that time), so if you do a little snooping on the net, you could probably find it now for less than $250 if you looked hard enough - or, if you went on ebay, who knows how cheap you'd get one. I haven't seen a V1 for less than $400 anywhere though - never tried looking on ebay for a V1 either, so you may get lucky. Good luck!
12-07-2002, 07:34 PM
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I have had a V1 for a couple of months and I havn't been pulled over since I got it. I like how it gives you multipule threats because there are lots of false alarms where I am. About 90% of the time it goes of its not a cop. I've never seen the 8500 so I can't compare them but plan on paying alot for the V1. I looked at ebay and they were as much or more than buying one from V1 (If you want the latest model) older models are bit cheaper though.
godd luck.
godd luck.
12-09-2002, 11:16 AM
#7
I knew someone with one (Valentine1) and from what I saw it was a damn good detector. Much better than the one I was using at the time, and most likely better than the one I'm using now (both cheapos).
Likes: It was upgradable. The threat direction with the arrows. The remote faceplate.
Dislikes: Man that sucker is huge. Kinda low on features (I like the compass). Kinda old fashioned looking, though I guess in a thirdgen interior that's no big deal.. hehe.
Haven't seen or used an 8500, but I'd really love to before I decide on a finalist.
Another one that I'm considering for one day if price becomes a non-issue is the Bel 966R. Has a readout that's installed in your gauge cluster and the antennae installed in the front and (I think) rear of your car.
Likes: It was upgradable. The threat direction with the arrows. The remote faceplate.
Dislikes: Man that sucker is huge. Kinda low on features (I like the compass). Kinda old fashioned looking, though I guess in a thirdgen interior that's no big deal.. hehe.
Haven't seen or used an 8500, but I'd really love to before I decide on a finalist.
Another one that I'm considering for one day if price becomes a non-issue is the Bel 966R. Has a readout that's installed in your gauge cluster and the antennae installed in the front and (I think) rear of your car.
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12-09-2002, 02:43 PM
#8
Ah you're looking for a new 1 too. Check this out if you haven't already: http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caran...dar%20detector
12-17-2002, 04:58 AM
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We have two V1s in our family, one in her car and one in mine. The deciding feature for us were the arrows, because performance-wise all the top models were pretty similar. I like the fact the arrows make it easier to determine if the radar is a threat or not. Price is the only downfall IMO, but I don't regret it, either.
All in all a quality detector will pay for itself within the first year.
All in all a quality detector will pay for itself within the first year.
12-19-2002, 09:50 AM
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I have no experience with the 8500...
With the V1 The arrows are directional. To the side is just that. It doesn't differentiate between left and right, though. Radar from the side is not particularly dangerous because normally you are at the wrong angle to get a legit speed readout. It is nonetheless useful because you may be driving into their kill zone.
At the very least it helps you determine if it is a false alarm or the real thing by helping you find the source.
IMO, in most cases any detector is better than no detector. My successful tactic so far is to drive like I don't have a detector and always remain vigilent. I have a brother who is a NC traffic cop that used to write 800+ tickets a year on I-40. So I have some insight to their deviant minds.
p.s. For those of you who think that there are quotas...my brother tells me that if they had one, it would have only slowed him down.
With the V1 The arrows are directional. To the side is just that. It doesn't differentiate between left and right, though. Radar from the side is not particularly dangerous because normally you are at the wrong angle to get a legit speed readout. It is nonetheless useful because you may be driving into their kill zone.
At the very least it helps you determine if it is a false alarm or the real thing by helping you find the source.
IMO, in most cases any detector is better than no detector. My successful tactic so far is to drive like I don't have a detector and always remain vigilent. I have a brother who is a NC traffic cop that used to write 800+ tickets a year on I-40. So I have some insight to their deviant minds.
p.s. For those of you who think that there are quotas...my brother tells me that if they had one, it would have only slowed him down.
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