Valentine 1 or Escort 8500 or wait for the new X-50?????

[m3f_Flybry07_aa2e46014a]

Ok the ///M gets picked up on friday, and this week seems to be going sooo slow!!! So in the meantime I need to figure out which detector to hang from the windshield of my new baby!



I just cant decide, I've read the reviews, I know what they are all about, but I just cant decide which one to get. I want the best windshield mount radar detector I can buy, period! (I really have no choice with arrest me red!!)



*I like the easy to use and simple design of the Escort 8500 and its performance is equal or better than the Valentine 1 (very debateable) It also has the capability to add a laser shifter if I want to later on.

I had a escort solo (cordless) and I really liked that so I know they are a great brand.



*I really like the features/gadgets of the Valentine 1 plus the fact that it comes with everything plus the hardwire kit (which im doing right away) but Im not sure if it is as strong performance wise as the Escort 8500



*The NEW ESCORT 8500 X-50 sounds great:



http://www.radarbusters.com/products/escort/x-50.asp



But is it worth the wait? Will it be that much better than both the old 8500 and the Valentine 1???



Help me decide!!!



What are you guys running and what is the best damn windshield mount dector in your opinion??



ALSO:

I want to hard wire it asap!!! Where can I go from to make the cleanest trouble free install? I was thinking maby from somwhere in the sun roof switch panel?? I dont really want to cut or alter any factory wires either. Let me know where to go from for that!! Where are you guys doing it from?



Thanks in advance!!!!

Brian

[m3f_Norlin]

I have the escort passport 8500 and love it. However I purchased this from my friend who sold it to me since he was buying the V-1. He loves the V-1 and says it detects sooner than the escort. What I've found with my friends (several have V-1, several have passport) is that the V-1 has superior detection abilities, however I went with the escort simply because I find the v-1 to be so ugly...it looks like it hasn't had a looks update since the '80s. Personally I'd wait for the X50, but I would say if you want the best detection power of detectors currently available go with the V-1.

[m3f_beguile_5c88ac03e9]

Someone on this forum had made a good video about how to hardwire the radar detecor in our cars.. try searching for it.

[m3f_Flybry07_aa2e46014a]

Yea im leaning towards this new X-50 or the V1. Where the V1 is tried and true though Im worried that the x-50 is either just a marketing gimmick or it could turn out to be better than the V1!!



This is a tough call, thats why I really want opinions from you guys. Ive read all the tests and all the archives here too. I know its a touchy subject, I just want the best windshield mount detector hands down!



I want to buy it once, mount it up, and help protect my revenue generating, hellrot red, laser target!!

[m3f_95RogueM3]

I have used the 8500 since i first bought the car. Then i sold that 8500 for a zr3 and sr7 combination hidden radar system. Which after keeping in a closet for 9 months was sold as I had heard windshield mount detectors to be superior to in-bumper systems.



I have now as recently as yesterday purchased a v1 1.8 that I am very excited about receiving this week. I will let you know how they compare very soon.



This is actually the first I have ever heard of the x50 8500, it is making me think twice about my v1 purchase...sounds like a better model of the already amazing 8500.



-Richard

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

will the programming in the 8500's be able to be updated to the new X-50 data? i remember something about them being able to be updated..

[m3f_AMPowerJ_e8f979e5cd]

Yeah that is what I was hoping since I bought the 8500 a year ago. Haven't had a ticket since. :ha:

[m3f_mazur_fc5757570e]

If I were you I would go with the stealthy Valentine 1 rear view mirror. But the V1 detector must still be purchased. So yah...money might be an issue for some.

Here is the site that you can buy it from. (pictures) (http://www.ecisbmw.com/product_files/accessories/V1%20Display.htm)

[m3f_04M3blur_1ceee0bbd5]

I've also been debating between the V1 and the 8500, keep the reviews and comments coming. I just read a review in a magazine, can't remember if it was in one of my car rags or in Consumer Reports (too many mags). They gave the Passport 8500 a higher score but only because of it's lower price. The V1 scored better on the detection tests.

[m3f_DSK M3/4_7bd32f4682]

i have the V1. it's not as handy around town (too many falses, even in the advanced logic mode), but on the road it has awesome range and has saved me a couple of times. also, it fits perfectly just above the rear view mirror on the right hand side. out of the way, up reall high, and is just below the tint.



install info:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14739

[m3f_pester]

the passport is good for recreational speeders around town and so forth. however, any professional speeder never leaves home without the v1. mine is a little over five years old and works great. i'm about to get the $199 upgrade to the latest. the largest advantage of the v1 is knowing where the radar is coming from, front, rear, or side. if price is the only objection for the v1, save your pennies for another month. you ever hear of anyone selling their v1 to a friend in order to buy a passport?

[m3f_mfree_dad161963d]

I got my 1st v1 back about 10 yrs ago. When I got my new one in january, they still had me in their computer. I think I paid the same amount this time as the 1st.

That detector is still used every day. Works great, anf it will be sent in to update it soon.

The v1 and its maker mr valentine always seem to have controversy suround ing them

http://radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9070

I love the way it works and the arrows are really helpful.

It is not cheap, and you got to have a brain to use it to its fullest abilities.

the fact that it is updateable(not cheaply though) is a plus

I just got mine in jan and can not believe I drove for years with out one. ( sold my first one to my dad in a time of fiscal deficit.)

I say do not drive a day with out a V1

[m3f_04M3blur_1ceee0bbd5]

the largest advantage of the v1 is knowing where the radar is coming from, front, rear, or side.



I've heard this is a plus and that people really like this feature. I'm curious, how is it an advantage to know where the radar is coming from? Or is it just nice to know?

[m3f_KUpolo]

I love my 8500 and it has given me plenty of warning on every occassion. I personally think the V1 is a waste of money.

[m3f_ubersnax]

when compared side to side.. the passport has a better KA band detector.. which is what most cops use.



if you get hit with laser.. you're toast anyway.



V1 = waste of money