Got hit doing 50 in a 40...cop having a bad day or what???!!!! I THOUGHT the rule was more than 10 over.....boy was I on the cusp.

Anyways, my )*& Escort 8500 non X50 didn't utter a peep (think he had POP or newer laser pointed at my side)

Been searching net for an hour and have some up with the usual top 3. V1 ... 8500X50 ***and this new Bell Pro RX65 that is rivaling or outperforming the Escort in a lot of tests. Anyone using this new Bell and your thoughts on it. I know.... I laughed too when I read the name Bell, but I guess they are owned by Escort now..or vice versa

I gotta go with something new next week. The online reviewers are hammering the V1 as starting to be out of date but most everyone of the forums loves them. Decisions..decisions.

50 in a 40!!!!! (*&&)(*&_(&

 

50 in a 40, that's rough. BEL is virtually the same as Escort. Either way, make sure you get yourself some protection for laser. Either lidatek or for a combo the Escort SRX. If you want to really go nuts, there are some very slick "stealth" installs. Pricey, though. Do a search here.

 

I am familiar with POP, but am not familiar with the "side laser".

Info from POP maker here...

http://www.mphindustries.com/

 

<snipped from MPH's website>

"POP is a technology that has only been implemented by MPH. It was introduced on MPH's handheld radars in 1999, and it has also been incorporated into MPH's newest dashmounted radars.
POP technology is aimed at an old problem - defeating radar detectors.
Ordinary radars try to circumvent detectors with a Standby or Hold switch. However, this method simply doesn't work with modern radar detectors. By the time the radar has been on long enough to process a speed, the transmitter has already set off every radar detector within two miles of the operator.

MPH's exclusive POP technology makes the MPH's radars the only ones that can measure vehicle speeds without setting off any radar detectors. This technology is only made possible by MPH’s expertise in manufacturing microwave sources that can turn on and stabilize quickly and by digital signal processing (DSP) techniques. The radar can obtain an accurate speed reading in milliseconds, which is far faster than an operator can operate a switch.
When the an MPH radar is placed into POP mode, the radar emits a short burst of energy when an antenna button is pressed. It quickly measures the vehicle's speed. The radar then goes immediately into standby and displays the target's speed for a couple of seconds. The entire measurement happens so quickly that the radar detector doesn't see it.
If the vehicle's speed is not a violation, the operator does nothing and no one knows that he's running radar. However, if the speed is of interest, he can place the radar into normal transmit mode, allowing the officer to track and lock the vehicle's speed.

MPH recommends that the officer obtain a tracking history of a speed violator by operating the radar in normal transmit mode after determining with POP mode that the vehicle is speeding. This is because most radar case law is based on tracing a vehicle in normal radar operation. The information obtained in POP mode is accurate and reliable, but may not be supported by case law in court." (emphasis in last paragraph added)

 

BTW, anyone know what the V1 "upgrade" costs?

 

It depends on how old your unit is and what upgrades are available.
Enter your V1's serial number http://www.valentine1.com/upgrades and see what you can get.

 

I recently picked up the latest Valentine One (1.8) with their new POP dectection. Prior to this V1 I had been using an Escort 8500 for two years without an incident. Before the 8500 I had two V-1's, I switched to the 8500 after getting a ticket.
Ok, so you might ask why would I get the V1 again if I didnt have any problems with the 8500? Well seeing that they added the POP feature I figured Valentine might have improved other areas of the detector, namely FALSING.
Well the V-1 is going on EBAY today.. I just couldnt take the FALSING. I even went as far as TURNING OFF X BAND. The V-1 still falsed like mad on K..
The 8500 does a MUCH better job of filtering out false alarms.
Now on the detection side of things, I can say without a doubt the 8500 has better range. I travel the the toll roads here in Tampa everyday, so I am very familier with the speed traps. The FHP sets up in the valleys, so they nab you as you come over the rises in the road. With the 8500 Ill get a mile or better range BEFORE I begin the incline. With the V-1 range is noticably shorter, I pick up the KA signal about a half mile or less in this situation.

Straight line performance is equal, both units perform about the same.

I have only been hit with laser using the V-1, and it went off. I was about 10 miles over the limit, I hit the brakes and slowed and the cop never pulled out. I am certain he got a reading on me, I just think I wasnt going fast enough.

The arrows on the V-1 are a cool feature, but they are very annoying when you are in an urban setting. Its nothing for me see all four arrows lit. The only time they seem important is on the highway. As far as picking up from the rear, both detectors are equal in performance. The V-1 does have a dedicated rear antenna but it doesnt seem to make at better performer in rear detection.

Erogonomics wise both detectors are great. I give a nod to the 8500 because it has a MUTE switch at the base of the cord. This comes in handy so you dont have to lean forward to mute the detector and if you have a V-1 you will be leaning forward ALOT!

I honestly can say I dont know anyone should buy a V-1. Performance wise the 8500 beats it hands down, and in Falsing the V-1 is flat out ANNOYING. The only reason I could see anyone buying a V-1 would be for the arrows. Which really are pointless since you will be clocked 99% of the time from the front, plus the 8500 picks up as well as the V-1.

I gave the V-1 another chance because they upgraded to POP detection. Just as 11 INDEPENDENT PUBLICATIONS have reviewed, the ESCORT 8500 is better detector. Mike Valentine needs to get off his ego and REVISE the V-1....
Now the V-1 fanboys will come out in droves and flame me saying the V-1 is the best ... blah blah blah..
Well prove it for yourself, both detectors have a 30 MONEY BACK NO QUESTIONS asked return policy. Buy both as I did and you will discover what I already knew, the Escort 8500 is the clear winner... for now.

< I am now using the 8500 X50 with POP detection>

 

I've had V1 on my car since July and it had POP since I got the unit. Granted that I don't have the standard unit you mount on the winshield. The unit is somewhere in the car with sensors in the front and rear. I also got Laser Jammer, not sure which brand - I guess I should check it out. I've never got "POPPED" yet but I will admit that the V1 falses like crazy...annoying actually.

 

I have 4 Valentine 1s one for each car. About every two years I upgrade to a new one. IT usually costs between 150 and 200 USD each time. IT's a great deal. The initial cost is high but you keep cutting edge detectors in your beast. I wouldn't trust any other detector.

I was caravaning with a friend who had a passport and in L mode was picking up instant on traps a quarter of a mile before his went off. He immediately got a V1.

Do your own tests you'll be convinced.

 

Put it on L mode. I have yet to get a ticket and it significantly reduces the false alarms. If it goes off in L mode heed the warning.

 

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

all these publications state the obvious, the V-1 is dated. The 8500 is a better detector hands down.

FYI in L mode all the V-1's I owned FALSED way too much. I can leave the 8500 in Auto and it seldom falses.

 

Wouldnt it make sense for Valentine to say BRING IT ON, lets have a test and Ill show you my detector is the best??!

Facts are facts, the numbers do not lie. The V-1 is old and needs to be revised. Mike Valentine needs to stop living on a THREE YEAR OLD CAR AND DRIVER REVIEW.
Heck I sold my 8500 bought the latest V-1 and am now back to the new 8500 X50. The V-1 WAS the best..

 

Rob's advice is spot on. The falsing sensitivity is controllable. Even then, with experience, V1 users can quickly discern between false signals and the real thing. I've used V1's for almost 10 years, and I've never received a ticket when I've had one on board and I drive pretty damn aggressively. Currently using latest POP version in the E55 (in L mode, of course), doing a hardwire install with remote display shortly.

 

Just got K40 installed in my beast and the filtering is awesome driving next to a buddy with a V1 and talking on the phones he was picking up alot of false alarms. I've had K40 for a day and a half now and it saved me once already today.

 

K40 radar detectors are soooo underrated it's absolutely crazy. I was trying to become an authorized dealer for it, but didn't work out.

 

I was reluctant and thought about getting the passport with a lidatek setup but something kept on pulling me toward the K40 that and the fact that it has to be the most stealthy install ever. Ill post pics sometime this week.

 

I have the full stealth K40 setup and the latest V1 both in my car right now. In the 4 weeks that I been running them together, the V1 picks up CVS Drugstore doors significantly earlier And it picks up Police radar before the K40 has a clue. Before I put the V1 in, I got my 1st ticket in 4 years with the K40.
The V1 is simply a better detection device. Combined with Lidatek or Blinder jammers and a degree of alertness, you have a fighting chance.

 

JackPro1,

You should invest the $25 for http://www.ticketassassin.com/

...this site explains how you can fight your ticket through a "Written Not Guilty Plea" letter. Especially for your case since you were only doing 10mph over the speed limit. It has A LOT of legal advice that you would benefit most from. I read this through their shareware (I am a current member and am fighting my ticket that I received last month) which includes the specific laws and may help you beat your ticket.

I live in CA but you may check to see if this applies where you live.

Nick

 

I am in Tampa too and lately noticed more falsing on the V-1 when in the " A " mode. I switched it to the " L " mode and the falsing declined significantly. I do notice certain areas where falsing always occurs.

I bought the remote display and have it installed in my ash tray. You can barely see the main unit tucked up tight to the rear view and I can hit the "mute" button with ease.

Watch who the tester is owned/sponsered by before determining if the results are unbiased or not.

Picture taken before I switched to " L " mode.

 

I have a Bel system (radar & laser) and have been pleased with it. I don't know if I posted it correctly, but here is the thread with some photos:

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/91850-lidatek-blinder-laser-jammer-install-question.html

 

I got nailed today for 53 in a 35.

I've never seen cops in my neighborhood inside the gates.

 

it's 7mph and over. your f'd

 

I use the Escort Passport 8500 X50 (blue led). It has worked very well for me.

http://www.radarbusters.com/products/escort/8500.asp

 

Just back from another road trip and my V1 has earned it's reputation again. Numerous cops to and from central Florida and I was alerted each time. I like it as it actually provides useful information rather than me having to guess where the source of the radar is.

 

This is the most comprehensive review I have found so far of the Escort 8500 x50 and the V1.

http://www.speedzones.com

This test was last summer. They just finished their '05 test and will be posting results in mid July.

Pretty interesting what they say about dark cars vs. light colored cars and laser.

A light colored, taupe, Buick was an easy target for the laser gun. The Kustom Pro III laser got a target reading on the Buick on average at 1,640 feet. The dark blue Dodge was a more difficult target averaging a target reading at 1,256 feet, a target reduction distance of 24%.

I am waiting until the new test results before purchasing a radar detector. I just hope the test the Escort Solo. Being from VA, I need a solution that is easily concealable. I will probably just hardwire which ever detector I buy.

Mez