lorinserbenz

Well its about time! Valentine One has FINALLY updated their ancient V1. The new model addresses the POP KA and K bands. In the last comparison test the V1 didnt pick up the POP KA at all. I am going to order one tomorrow and compare it to my 8500.
www.valentineone.com

Bikr Boy

I spoke with folks at Valentine today and was told that the update for POP was not available until January. I'd wait to order as you'll get the old model and then have to send it in to be retrofitted.

lorinserbenz

The online store shows the new one with the pop feature available now . On the upgrade page (sending old V1 in) it says not available till 2005.

ThemisN

Personally I think it's overdue for a streamlined design. So many years in business and they can't figure out how to get it in a more appealing and slimmer package? I think they aren;t trying hard enough.

lorinserbenz

You are right about the styling, it is very dated. I think Mike Valentine's ego has something to do with their products lagging behind. Valentine needs to come out with something innovative to give reason not to buy their competitors cheaper and better detectors.

gmdebruyn

is it a hardware upgrade, or a software update?

damn, i bought mine like 20 days ago. i wonder if i can return mine and order the new one.

Gareth

lorinserbenz

Id bet its hardware, reason being is Escort released new units to pick up POP Ka. Since the web site says Jan 2005 for upgrades I am almost sure its hardware.

JD5000

i like how the v1 looks. its bold and unmistakeable. i bought mine off of a friend who took off the serial number so i don't know if i can get it upgraded so i think i'll just sell it and spend the extra money and get a new one.

Beowulf

FWIW, I've had my latest V1 since 10/28 and it does include the POP feature. Easy way to tell: the word "PoP" repeatedly cycles in the display when the unit is turned on.

lorinserbenz

I ordered one this morning and the lady said upgrades are not available till Jan. Ordering a new one today gets the latest V1 with POP.
I hope this one works well, I love my 8500 it hasnt let me down.

gmdebruyn

i called this morning and the lady said that all units since July have this POP feature. they are just highlighting it on the website now. so last night's website update was a marketing update. but the units support POP.

zdkdeeier493

There seems to be some confusion:
The latest V1 does, in fact, have POP mode. This is a fact. What I believe is being said is that there will be an UPDATE to this current POP mode as well as a possible hardware update. I just purchased a V1 a few days ago. Luckily I havent had it installed yet and if there will be these updates by January, I'll return mine for a new one.

Hussain

The obvious appearance for me: If you buy a NEW V1 unit today or have purchased one since July of this year you will have the POP feature. However, if you currently have a V1 and are looking to upgrade to the latest feature via software upgrade, you must wait until January 2005 to do it.

lorinserbenz

I find it strange that they are promoting the pop feature now, maybe they are trying to drum up Xmas sales.
Mine will be arrive tomorrow, Ill give a comparison review to my Escort 8500.

zdkdeeier493

Exactly.

gmdebruyn

I called and asked. If you buy the product today you get the latest 2-band POP. If you bought it last week, then you either get to a) send it back and get your money back, and then buy a new one (they'd prefer you don't do that), or b) upgrade free of charge if you just bought your Valentine prior to thi supgrade (in January).

The lady's name I spoke to is Penny Anderson and she said to refer to and ask for her if you encounter any issues.

Gareth

Beowulf

The included documentation with mine says it has the the 2-band POP and I bought it almost a month ago. I get the repeating "PoP" display whenever the unit is turned on. Either Penny is out of the loop or there's been an update to the 2-band POP, per Eleanor Owner's comments above.

gmdebruyn

what page or documentation do you see this? this is annoying.

BoBcanada

Is it undetactable? Because here in Canada they are not alowed but i would get one if it is... :v

Beowulf

See my post: https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...478#post913478

DMI+RY

V1 vs 8500?
I am using both ones and my favorite installed on my S500 is 8500 x50
Performance-wise, New 8500 X50 outperforms V1 in almost every aspect.
V1 hardcore fans - I was one of them previously, would scream - Directional Arrows!!! They are cool, no doubt...
The only dumb problem is that once you getting tracked - you must slow down - no matter where the cop is.

BTW, just found a report on SpeedZones. There is a section for UNDETECTABILITY tests.

lorinserbenz

Cant agree with you more, I tried the new POP V-1 and was tempted to chuck it out the window several times. I picked up the new 8500 X50 and just as EVERY TEST states, hands down its the best detector available.
I tested both for a month and the 8500 is MUCH better at detection and doesnt false like the V-1 does.

eddie

has anyone found out the cost of the POP upgrade?

3 years ago when I tried to upgrade from the old brick style to the new slim-body-style I was quoted $200 from the factory, so I ended up selling my old one for $350 and buying a new one for $400. might have to do the same thing again...

lorinserbenz

Yeah, sell it on Ebay. I sold the one I bought for $391! People are goofy..
Net loss $25 for one months rental

xraymd

The cost to upgrade is all based on what you have now. They upgrade your current detector. I just sent mine in that I bought in June of 2002. The upgrade for me was $55 plus shipping (and sales tax because I live in Ohio).

Go to their web site and punch in your serial number and you'll find out instantly what the upgrade will cost.