antonio

i think i am going to buy the escort passport 8500 radar detector this week. all of the reviews i have read have chosen this one over the valentine 1. do any of you disagree with this?

i have decided to place it in a stealth location because they are illegal here in Canada. if i place it underneath the centre vent/grill on the dash, will it still have the same performance than if installed in the windshield in the centre of the dash like it is suggested by the manufacturer? i don't know much about detectors so please help clarify this for me. also, can cops detect radar detectors? thanks everyone.

VoyagerDude

Dear Antonio,

For your information Canada DOES extend beyond Ontario and radar detectors are perfectly legal in both Alberta and British Columbia.

antonio

oh, sorry. didn't realize that it was legal elsewhere in canada.

peet

Sorry don't know what reviews you're reading but V1 has consistently won EVERY shootout - except one where they lost on X band. Now I haven't seen an x band cop in years so no biggie.

Also, mounting it in a grill will make it totally innefective.

If you need to do something that's not visible, spend the bucks and get the K40 or the escort that gets installed by a dealer (at least I think it was an escort).

Peet

QC1

Has anyone tried those Valentine ONE detectors? They seem to be the most expensive and popular on ebay.

Alphaman

Actually, if you read something besides Car & Driver, you'll find several places where the 8500 beat the V-1 (Motor Trend, Automobile Magazine, SpeedZone, and RadarTest.com are several objective reviewers who gave the nod to the Passport 8500).

A good starting point, but by no means the only source of material, would be to look at the list of accolades listed on the Passport 8500's web page itself:

http://www.escortradar.com/8500.htm

I'm not saying the V-1 is a bad detector -- by all rights, it is a very good detector. Just for a $100 less, you can get an arguably equally good (and some would say better -- others, worse) detector with more features and settings. The only thing the Passport doesn't have that the V1 has are the arrows. IMHO, if I'm close enough to radar to be within sensor distance, I'm going to watch my speed, I don't care which way he's coming or going...

There's an interesting rant on RadarTest.com's site (http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=10) about how the editor of "major car magazine" (which they don't mention by name, but describe very exactingly) is on the payroll for a radar detector manufacturer. Considering C&D is the only magazine to continuously rank the V-1 better than the Passport in opposition to the rest of the press, I think I know who they're talking about!

But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Aaron

Alphaman

Mounting a radar detector is a compromise.

Mount it low, you won't get optimal radar reception, but you'll probably get much better laser reception.

Mount it high, you may get behind the tint band at the top of the windshield and lose signal strength. Mount it just below the tint, you'll get much better radar reception, but poorer laser.

Whatever you do, don't mount it behind any metal (e.g., in the dash, behind the mirror, behind a visor), as the metal will block any radar signals.

If you need a hidden unit, consider buying some of the remote mount units available. The problem with these is that they typically violate the "mount 'em high" adage, using bumper or grille mounted antennas. You can't get much lower, and you can't get much worse performance. One redeeming feature -- cops usually aim at the headlights (if off) or front license plate with laser, so a grille-mounted receiver is an optimal location for a laser detector!

You'll find when you buy your detector, there should be plenty of info in the owners manual about proper mounting. Pay heed, and even experiment a little bit.

Good luck with your purchase,
Aaron

SOC320

I have had a V1 for many years now and it's paid for itself time and time again. The directional indicator combined with strength and band indicators are really useful to determine what the threat is.

However, as many cops are moving to laser based devices and many highways have X & K emitters at every overpass, detectors in general are become less useful.

With or without the detector, you always need to be smart, sharp, and just try not to do anything really crazy.

The V1 is a great detector. If you can afford it, go for it without any doubt. You'll keep it for a long time.

antonio

what do cops usually use most, radar or laser? how can i tell the difference anyway?

Alphaman

Most of the time, they use radar. Only a few states have actually bought laser, but it's growing in popularity. Even out here in the boondocks, I've been tagged by laser once in the past 3 years.

About the only way you can tell for sure is with a detector. If you watch what the officer is doing, you may be able to distinguish between the two. The tell-tale sign for laser is a cop standing on the side of the road with a hand-held unit that he's aiming with squinted eye at on-coming traffic. He needs to, because he's looking through a scope to target highly reflective areas on the cars -- a license plate, headlights, or other vertical surfaces.

Radar is less discriminating, and he can just casually aim it at oncoming traffic. However, that's the downfall of such a system -- how does he really know that he's tagged you and not that semi tractor trailer rig a quarter of a mile behind you? To the radar gun, you both present an equal signal, and it prefers the higher speed return.

But why re-write all this stuff? A really good reference has already been written on RadarTest.com. It's a "basics about radar and laser" that everyone should read!

Aaron

peet

In my town it's 75% laser and 25% moving instant-on X band which really sucks. X-band is very noisy as is - so finding a moving instant on X sucks.

That having been said, I stand corrected on some of the numbers on the 8500. Althought I have to pick a bone with what these guys are arguing about:

- 8500 has more user definable modes (who cares are you a radar scientist?)

- they distrusted the bogey counter (learn to use it! I have spotted cops on a regular basis, I drive by places where daily the counter registers 3 - one day it sez 4 ... ticket avoided)

- audio level is lowest of the bunch (with my 13 speaker a/d/s sound system (former car) I kept the V1 at 60% and still heard it!

- linking the v1 to the remote contributes to cabin clutter? (huh? - you're not doing it right then. I don't have a single wire showing... my v1 is mounted up high in it's optimal spot and the remote is in a heads up position right next to the a pillar (invisible from the outside even when fully lit) - yet nota wire in sight!

Anyhow, the radar numbers tell the truths - but these guys had to attack V1 on these really poor issues which makes me wonder how well the recent tests went. I had the passports leading up to the 8500 and wasn't that impressed. I'd rate the previous units about equal to a BEL.

You're right, it's $100 less - but I've now had mine for about 5 years. It's saved me about a grand (after the money I've spent on it included) and it keeps saving more. My wife has the top of the line Bel and when I drive her car I take that POS and shove it in the glove box.

No matter what you do - 1) enjoy it. 2) get a good teal to you and 3) mount it right. You can't really go wrong these days.

Also, if you live in a town with too much copy budget (as I do) that has tons of laser, invest in a jammer. Something like the Blinder works great. Had it on my M3 and it was cops 0 M3: 4.

Peet

Alphaman

Got a link for the blinder? Sounds tantalizing. Is it an active unit? Here in Alabama, we don't have front plates, so it can't be a license plate cover or frame for me, and would have to be mountable behind the grille, stealth-mode.

My last car was a Ford Probe GT (okay, don't laugh) with retractable headlamps -- one nice thing about it was that it had no shiny or vertical surfaces up front, and with no license plate, it was a difficult target. When I turned my driving lights on, I'll bet I was nigh invisible to laser! (FYI, lights are good spots for cops to shoot; adding infrared energy -- by turning them on -- makes them very noisy reflectors for infrared laser! It won't stop laser from working, but it will mean you have to get a lot closer before he gets a solid signal.)

I got tagged by laser once in Florida, too. Very unnerving when the detector goes off full-strength with absolutely zero warning! Fortunately for me, I was in traffic and pacing everyone else. I pity the sucker who goes zooming by a laser trap without some kind of defense, so I'd like to learn about the "blinder", if you please.

IMHO, "Laser detector" is a malapropism. They should be called "ticket detectors"!

Aaron

zam2000

I just got back from Grand Canyon & Vegas. The valentine one save me at least a couple ticket, since I was doing a lot of 100-110 mph on highway 40 (the Monter Carlos we rent have more than enough power !!)

It's amazing how patrol man set thing up to trap left foot drivers nowaday, even those with radar. First of all, they're in all source of car, mostly unmarked: regular sedan, sport (mustang !), and at one place: truck, yep, the big/huge dakota.

Without the direction & counter as the V1 provided, you'll pick up ticket as you drive fast on highway w/ hungry cops like the 40: one regular black/white patrol car would go really fast, with radar constantly beam both side. If they catch you speeding, in either direction, then you'll get a ticket. Those with regular joe radar detector will probably slow down when you hear the beep, and will speed up after the patrol car have passed you, even w/ your radar still beeping, for you're thinking that they're from the passed car. However, an unmarked car/truck from behind is locking on you, and will be more than happy to have you autograph their tickets :-). With the directional from V1, you have a good chance of getting away w/ this kind of trap.

I've seen a bimmer and a vette, both with radar, got zapped.

I had a 8500 before, but returned it after tried out my friend's V1. I've made 5 long trips (1000 miles or more) w/ the V1 so far, and it probably paid for itself after the first one. I don't use it for everyday driving, since you're lucky to get 30 mph in Southern Cali.

Alphaman

Not that a Passport 8500 is a 'regular joe" -- I have my 8500 set in Expert meter mode, and I would be able to tell that I'm getting painted by multiple radars, and the number and types and signal strength of each, simultaneously on one display -- something the V1 can't do. I don't resume my speed until I get the "ALL clear" from the detector, and even then, I'll usually wait a little to see if there's some other kind of trap awaiting me. You just never know when you're going to pass a cop just driving, and then round a corner and coincidentally hit one with instant-on sitting in the bushes (well, for us states that have bushes!)

Cheers,
Aaron (I get my car today!!!)

peet

Blinder is an all remote unit. It comes with two transceivers that are about the size of 2/3 of pack of playing cards. They should fit inside the grill of the mb without problems. It'll be interesting trying to mount them though.

www.usblinder.com is the web site.

Have fun!

Peet

C230 Sport Coup

Hey someone mentioned this site...

http://www.radartest.com/BFTPVR.html

Woa. Check that black car....looks like a C230K.
Buell?

antonio

peet, you said you have your detector mounted in the a pillar. won't that reduce sensitivety, as i understand? also, do you have any pics of how it looks and/or any info on installing it there. thanks.

raunen

I recently read about two cordless detectors (they are battery operated).

The first, Escort Solo S2: "The new Solo S2 completely blows away the previous Solo model (the one Car & Driver rated the best cordless on the market), with 400% better range and a host of new features. It has new power management to give you months of protection, in typical driving, from just 2 AA cells. The unit shuts off when not in use, and politely reminds you to turn it back on when you're rolling again. A new high - resolution ExpertMeter display provides detailed signal strength and band identification on up to 8 incoming signals - plus Safety Warning system info. The S2 is so intuitive, you can use it right out of the box, or you can customize any of 10 user-selectable features. Invisible to VG2 radar detector detectors."

The second, Silver Bullet: "This new detector packs PNI's patented long range detection and digital compass technology into an incredibly compact, slim package. Operates on 2 AA batteries (included) or with the lighter adapter. This high performance detector provides 360-degree protection for all radar and laser bands. Is undetectable by VG-2, the radar detector finders used by law enforcement. Select from 3 highway and city filter modes to significantly reduce false alarms. Includes mounting brackets, suction cups and hook & loop fastener strip."

I saw these in Sky Mall (the catalogue they have on airplanes). The URLS are
http://skymall.com/webapp/skystore?p...earch&iscrssl=
and
http://skymall.com/webapp/skystore?p...earch&iscrssl=
(descriptions above quoted from sky mall web pages).

Anyone with experience with either? I like that the second has a compass built in. I read another article about the Escort in Bavarian Auto Sport; sounds like a good device.

jayitx

I have the Escort Solo S2. I also got the optional power cord so I don't use it as a cordless detector. Overall I like it, but I think I get a lot of Laser alarms, especially near airports. It has definitely saved me quite a few times though so it's been worth the money. The programming features actually let you turn off some of the bands if you want. I turned off the Laser for a while, but I got my only ticket while it was off so I turned it back on. If there is more than 1 signal being picked up at a time, you can set it up to display them all. There are other features that I haven't gotten around to playing with yet, but I'd recommend it.

raunen

By the way, if you buy the Escort Solo from skymall.com, you get a $50 certificate to use on anything else they sell (PM me for info; it's actually for any purchase over $200).

For lasers, I also found a license plate cover called Laser Shield which "absorbs and diffuses incoming laser beams, giving you more time to respond to laser detector alerts. It's thin enough to slip into most license plate frames, it won't yellow and it's shatterproof under normal conditions."

There is also a Super Protector. "It is a cover for your license plate that makes the numbers on your license plate(s) unreadable by a photo radar or red light camera. When you view the license plate straight on, the numbers are perfectly readable, but from the angle of the speed camera or red light camera, the numbers can not be seen. This product is best suited for protection from conventional photo radar/laser cameras mounted low on side of road, photo radar/laser cameras mounted high overhead, usually on poles, bridges, & overpasses and in areas where multiple camera angles are used. Check local statutes before ordering. Buyer assumes all responsibility for using these lenses in compliance with local motor vehicle codes in their area of vehicle use."

Found these here: http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp search for "laser shield" and "super protetctor". Below is a picture of the laser shield.

ctC230K

valentine1. and peet, you stole my avatar!!! lol

amgdoc

i think so far VEIL is the only one proven to be effective with laser. http://www.laserveil.com/purchase-veil/

amgdoc

i agree. especially when it comes to stealth mode

http://www.laserjammer.citymax.com/f...50_stealth.wmv

inFiniTE LooP

beltronics rx65 professional series anyone???

http://www.shopharmony.com/product.asp?i=BELRX65

if you call and place the order, i believe their discounted price is around $250 or so, unbelievable deal

and if you MUST have the 8500 X50
http://www.shopharmony.com/product.asp?i=ESC8500X50B

i know that they also had a special price for the 8500 X50 which was around $100 cheaper than what their site says, if you call you still may be able to get it for that price as well.