After doing a good bit of research, I decided to buy the Escort. Found it on sale at Best Buy. No one seems to discount them online.

Anyhow this thing works as advertised.

I was able to pickup "your speed is" stations from a good 1/2 mile away.

The real kicker was coming back from the Toledo Tour. I crested a small hill on the Ohio Turnpike and the thing went apeshit. With a big a Laser on the LED I worked the brakes going from 85 to 55 in about 50 feet.

He didn't come out.

My poor passenger was rudely awaken from his golden slumbers, but no tickets for me

Great addition for any ITR.

 

Yeah, I've been more than happy w/mine...which is about 20 months old. Get the remote display if you haven't already...



And yes...my mileage was 111111 at the time.

 

how much was this product ?

 

You can find them on ebay for around $270 shipped. Retail is $300. My friend just got the Valentine 1 and thats a nice radar detector, but I don't have $400 to spend on it. I'm gonna go with the escort thanks for your review.

 

where do you guys mount your escort??? and what is that on your dash? it looks like you have the smart cig cord modified?

 

Escort

Makes the best units; actually the Escort 8500 is manufactured at one of the Beltronics plants. My opinion they have the best circuitry around.

And honestly, V1 is a waste of money. The whole arrow thing; cause I care where the cop is? WHO CARES! You are gonna slow down anyways.

Probably installing a Passport SRX (http://www.escortradar.com/srx.htm) in my car soon :-)

 

Valentine 1 is THE BEST radar detector around - whether Chris likes it or not.

Ask people who have owned both, which one they kept. I know at least half a dozen people who have tried the 8500 and the Valentine 1, and every one of them kept the V1. Not just for the arrows (which ARE useful), but also for greater range and sensitivity.

Nothing wrong with the 8500 - it's a good unit, if you don't want to spend $400 for a V1. But don't pretend it's better than the V1; it's not. V1 rules.

 

I was hoping you would jump in Ken :-)

http://www.speedzones.com provides data from independent tests. Draw your own conclusions from the data, but I think the Escort 8500 is on the same level as the V1, if not better.

Might also want to specifically look at the http://www.speedzones.com/falsealerts/false.htm (False Test data). The V1 clearly looses here on the K band; performance was horrible.

From the test results:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The best performers here were the Passport 8500 correctly identifying 13 false alert locations and the Bel 985 locating 13.</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

http://www.radartest.com/artic...=1064

Believe me, I read up on the performance of these detectors before making a purchase.

Had I thought the Valentine was noticeably better than the Escort, I would have gladly forked over the extra $100.

 

Damn, was just gonna post that as well. Like I said, V1 is not the top dog. But the arrows are cute

 

on our way to the nashville meet, we had zach with a V1 in lead car, then mickey right behind him in the escort 8500, and all i know is that mickey was amazed at the V1 over the 8500. the V1 was picking up your speed is towers at like over 1 mile away. pretty amazing if you ask me, i would have liked to put them both in the same car to see which actually performed better.

 

You can rest assured that 99.9% of the time when your laser warning goes off your speed has already been recorded by the cop. Radar detectors only offer true protection when cops are using K and Ka, which they almost always do use.


edit: I meant laser warning! not radar


Modified by AamirCWITR at 11:24 PM 6/10/2003

 

V1 owns passport

 

Speed Zones is not independent, as they charge the detector manufacturers a fee for testing their products and posting the results to their website.

The most thorough AND most independent tests of radar detectors, for the past twenty years (yes, some of us have been reading them that long), are in Car and Driver, which does a complete review of the latest detectors every three years or so. Their most recent test appeared in their February 2002 issue, and included the Valentine 1 as well as the 8500 and four other detectors. You can read the original article for yourself here.

As noted in the test, the V1 has much greater range for every kind of radar and laser than the other detectors, and has a wider "field of view" for laser (meaning it picks up laser at a greater angle, which is important for laser) than any of the other detectors. It has better radar sensitivity, better laser sensitivity (equalled by the 8500), better features, better radar selectivity, etc. That's why the Valentine 1 came in first place by a mile.

Here's what they said about the V1: "In a perfect world, the ultimate radar/lidar detector would sniff out only police radar or lidar, pinpoint its location, and then consistently communicate that information back to you. Although such a device doesn't exist yet, the Valentine One comes the closest to that ideal and thus ranks highest in this test of top-notch detectors." Here's what they said about the arrows that Chris doesn't like: "Once you live with the arrows, you'll wonder how you ever managed without them."

Here's what they said about the 8500: "The Passport offers less range than the Valentine and, like all the non-Valentine units, lacks the useful directional arrows... the Passport offers good value."

But don't take anyone else's word for it. Try them yourself. The Valentine 1 and the 8500 both come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Buy both, keep the one you like best, and return the other one within thirty days. And let us know which one it is; I'd like to add to that total.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Valentine 1 is THE BEST radar detector around - whether Chris likes it or not.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I own both.

I like the V1 much better esp for laser.

The rear facing antenna for the V1 is very useful - not so for the 8500


Modified by Big Phat R at 9:20 AM 6/10/2003

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AamirCWITR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You can rest assured that 99.9% of the time when your radar warning goes off your speed has already been recorded by the cop. Radar detectors only offer true protection when cops are using K and Ka, which they almost always do use.</TD></TR></TABLE>

You raise a good point, but you twist it a bit. The fact is, IF the cop isn't shooting other cars and is only timing yours, and IF he is using instant-on radar* (see below), then you are indeed dead meat - he has your time before you have a chance to slow down, and no radar detector will save you under those circumstances. However, those are some mighty big "if"s, and they often aren't applicable.

If the cop is timing cars ahead of yours, even if he's using the instant-on feature, your detector may give you enough warning before you get within range for him to shoot your car. And if he's timing your car but he's not using the instant-on feature, then again, your detector may give you enough warning before you get within range for him to get a reading on your speed. In either case, the greater the range of the radar detector, the more protection it will give you - and it can indeed save your butt from a ticket.

* Instant-on radar refers to the ability of the radar gun to be emitting no signal until the officer switches it on at a time when he is shooting it at a specific car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jtintegra &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> the V1 was picking up your speed is towers at like over 1 mile away. pretty amazing if you ask me, i would have liked to put them both in the same car to see which actually performed better.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I would assume those towers use older forms of radar (costs). Whether you pick it up at 1 mile or 3/4 of mile, the difference is little value. However given the fact that the v1 is over 10 years old, it is not as good at picking up newer forms of radar.

I tend to trust controlled environment test conditions of independent resources.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by shamun &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">given the fact that the v1 is over 10 years old, it is not as good at picking up newer forms of radar.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not true. The Valentine 1 constantly upgrades its radar detector, so it is always as good as any detector on the market. As noted on their website, "Valentine One was new in 1992. Since then, every part inside the magnesium case has been improved, several times for many of them."

Furthermore, unlike all the other manufacturers, they make the upgrades available to current owners at a nominal charge, so you don't have to replace your detector every few years to keep up with technology. They even give you a one-year warranty on the upgraded detector, just like you get on a new one.

Source: http://www.valentine1.com/upgrades/

Please, guys - if you don't like a unit, give us REAL reasons why. But don't make statements that just aren't true.

 

it's too bad these don't pick up the absolutely ridiculous vascar junk..

sil - who was pwned by vascar last night..

 

My Valentine 1 is now six years old. I entered the serial number into Valentine's website to see what has changed if I want to upgrade it. Here's what it said:

V1 Description: Radar circuitry known in-house as V1.7 gives high performance on all radar bands. Also, it remembers your “mode” setting when shut off. Laser warning is front and rear.

Upgrade Recommendation: While this version is not quite up to today’s V1 standard for Ka, it’s almost always good enough, and always better than detectors from other makers. X and K performance is excellent. Upgrading merely to improve radar performance is not cost effective, in my opinion. Upgrading does bring other benefits, including our latest Generation 3 laser warning, and LEDs for band identification.

Our Instant Upgrade* will make the following improvements to your V1.

· Our best Ka-band performance.
· Our best X-band performance.
· Our best K-band performance.
· Adds radar coverage on Ku-band (used in Europe).
· Our best, Generation 3 laser warning, front and rear.
· Reduces V1's case height by about ¼ inch.
· Reduces V1's weight by about 1.5 oz.
· Adds stack of LED indicators for each band.
· Latest windshield mount with new suction cups.
· Latest visor mount.
· New Lighter Power Adapter.
· New Direct-wire Power Adapter
· New coiled cord.
· New straight cord.
· New wiring-harness connector.
· Dual-Lock® fastener.
· New Owners Manual.
· Spare fuse.
· Spare suction cups.
· One-year limited warranty, same as new units.

*INSTANT UPGRADE: As soon as we receive your old unit (in operable condition with no tampering of the serial number) we’ll exchange it for a brand-new, current-production V1. This is our way of assuring you’ll be without V1 protection for the shortest time.

-------------------------------------------------------------

The 8500 has been on the market for quite a few years, too. Try asking if upgrades are available and let us know what they say.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Not true. The Valentine 1 constantly upgrades its radar detector, so it is always as good as any detector on the market.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Ken, as to your point that SpeedZones charges; yes they do. Did Valentine pay the fee; yes, they did. As well as all other radar companies (excluding one). So I am unsure of your point; independent was mentioned meaning thye are not payed by anyone radar company to endorse one product over another; all tests are scientifically done meaning strict methods and procedures are used; how do I know, I have been to one of the tests (2001) and witnessed the testing in progress.

As for being able ot detect newer types of radar; untrue. All detectors failed to see the new MPH Industries Bee III gun. I know Escort and Cobra both have models comming out soon to add detection of this gun to their products. I have heard nothing regarding Valentine, but I will call and ask today.

Also, the Car and Driver reference; while they are a respected tester; I find it har dot believe them when two other testing services (http://www.speedzones.com, and http://www.radartest.com) both rated the V1 lower than the Passport 8500. Also note that Valentine1 only mentions the Car and Driver test on their website; even though they paid to have SpeedZones test their product! Sounds misleading and like bad marketing practices to me.

Make your own call, but almost any person in the industry will tell you that Escort makes the best (include Beltronics in this since Escort bought Beltronics and Beltronics factories actually make the 8500).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sil &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">it's too bad these don't pick up the absolutely ridiculous vascar junk..

sil - who was pwned by vascar last night..</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, vascar sucks but not used in the US really.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Not true. The Valentine 1 constantly upgrades its radar detector, so it is always as good as any detector on the market. As noted on their website, "Valentine One was new in 1992. Since then, every part inside the magnesium case has been improved, several times for many of them."

Furthermore, unlike all the other manufacturers, they make the upgrades available to current owners at a nominal charge, so you don't have to replace your detector every few years to keep up with technology. They even give you a one-year warranty on the upgraded detector, just like you get on a new one.

Source: http://www.valentine1.com/upgrades/

Please, guys - if you don't like a unit, give us REAL reasons why. But don't make statements that just aren't true.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

You can only spit shine a turd so much

Seriously though, we are citing unbiased controlled testing information, not antic dotal statements or manufacturers claims: "Always better than any other detector".

That said Valentine's customer service appears to be excellent. I was not aware of their policies, so it did not factor into my purchase decision. I wonder if Escort will follow suit with the 8500 being touted as having a programable processor.

I don't think I am biased here. I purchased the thing last friday based solely on independent testing results (I have yet to see anyone post anything in favor of the V1), and would have gladly paid an additional $100 if I had found evidence stating the V1 is overly superior.

All of that said it saved me a nice fat ticket, and is close to paying for its self.

 

Re-read the previous posts. The false statement was made that Valentine is 10 years old so it doesn't use newer technology compared with other detectors that are on the market now. That statement is clearly untrue. Talk about misleading and bad marketing practices, that's a perfect example! I really don't understand why people see a need to diss a product, especially by making false statements like that one.

If and when new kinds of radar come on the market, you can be sure that all the manufacturers will be developing and introducing detectors with the new capabilities. However, only one manufacturer is likely to make it available to owners of its existing products without paying for a whole new detector - and that's Valentine.

Again, I don't understand why you insist on making false statements, and this is another one. The fact is, Speed Zones did not rate the V1 lower than the 8500; they don't rate detectors on an overall basis. They only rate detectors on individual testing categories, and Speed Zones rates the V1 better than the 8500 in almost every category.

For example, look at the Speed Zones 2002 test. Here are all the categories in which the Valentine 1 outscored the Passport 8500:

X band range, first alert
X band range, constant alert
K band range, first alert
K band range, constant alert
Ka band range, first alert
Ka band range, constant alert
Instant On X band, 1/2 mile
Instant On X band, 1 mile
Instant On Ka band, 1/2 mile
Instant On Ka band, 1 mile
Spectre "detector detector" range
Over the Hill X band, 1/2 mile
Laser, 1000 foot cone, patrol car in front
Laser, 1000 foot cone, moving away
Detection, X band, going away from radar gun
Detection, K band, going away from radar gun
Detection, Ka band, going away from radar gun

And here are all the categories in which the Passport 8500 outscored the Valentine 1:

Over the Hill K band, 1/2 mile
Over the Hill Ka band, 1/2 mile

In a separate report, they also said that the 8500 also did better at false alerts - which, in my opinion, I find meaningless - because what matters is that a detector alerts when it counts, when there's a REAL alarm - and I don't mind an occasional false alarm.

So, while you can say, technically, that Speed Zones doesn't rate either detector over the other one, these results make it clear that Speed Zones rated the V1 better than the 8500 in almost every single category of radar detector range, which is the most meaningful measure of the effectiveness of a detector.

As for the radartest website, I'm surprised you would even mention it, because Craig Peterson, the site's author, has been so widely discredited, such as here. He's nothing but a hater - just like a few folks here.

...you are about to make another false statement there, Chris - because almost any person in the industry will tell you that Valentine Research makes the very best radar detectors on the face of the planet, with the farthest range, the best features, the best upgrade policy, and the best customer service. And everyone knows this. So let's stick to the facts and stop telling all that made-up nonsense, okay?

I said it before, and I'll say it again - no one needs to believe anything posted here, either the false statements (of which there are way too many) or the true ones. Don't take anyone's word on it. Just buy one of each, and keep the one you like better. That's a simple test, and the best test of all, isn't it?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by shamun &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">(I have yet to see anyone post anything in favor of the V1)</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sounds like a reading comprehension problem to me.

Here, read this: http://www.valentine1.com/lab/...s.pdf

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by shamun &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wonder if Escort will follow suit with the 8500 being touted as having a programable processor.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Escort has never done so in the past, or had any other upgrade policy, AFAIK.