Thinking about going to V1

[Kgolf31]

For now, I have a 8500x50.

I've been thinking about making a switch to a V1 for awhile, but I think it's now the time.

For those who have V1s, how do you like them? I've heard they go crazy in the city...is this true or is it not that bad?

As well, doesn't the V1 have traffic drone monitoring now? Ohio has them all over the place, and it's getting to the point where the detector is becoming useless. This is all included in the new version too, correct?

I'm thinking of getting rid of the 8500x50 and pulling the trigger soon. I think I can fetch the 8500x50 for around $200, since it is upgraded, serviced and everything. With that being said, I can get a V1 for about $200 or even get a refurb unit from them directly for alittle cheaper. I wanted to go the used market, but with so many versions out there...I figure going the expensive route is the correct way this time.

Any other information is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[XMetal]

Where can you get a V1 for about $200? Even used ones without the update on Ebay are going for over $300!

I haven't had mine updated yet, but the X and K band in the city are a bit chirpy (I have both of these shut off for that reason). The laser is somewhat annoying as well as it is only good for picking out infinitis since those are the only thing that appears to trigger my laser alert. After having the V1 for over 7 years, I don't think I will ever get anything without the arrows.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by XMetal

Where can you get a V1 for about $200? Even used ones without the update on Ebay are going for over $300!

I haven't had mine updated yet, but the X and K band in the city are a bit chirpy (I have both of these shut off for that reason). The laser is somewhat annoying as well as it is only good for picking out infinitis since those are the only thing that appears to trigger my laser alert.

I'm justifying cost with selling my 8500.

[XMetal]

Ahhhh...IC

[r4gs]

The v1 worked exceptionally for me out in the rural areas where traffic was minimal and so-too false signals. Even in the big city (san antonio), the v1 still does very well to filter out the weaker signals and kept relatively quiet for the most part. I have it set in A mode on the cross-country highways and big L mode in the city for more filtering. Otherwise used stock settings and never tweaked any advanced settings. Has saved me more than a dozen times in about a year of usage for about 16000 miles of driving. Has incredible range of detection in A mode and the arrows really help with situationally being aware where threats are coming from. Unfortunately, nothing can save one from instant-on which was my only ticket and this happened out in the middle of nowhere from an unmarked cop truck travelling in the opposite direction cresting up a hill with no other traffic anywhere. Traffic actually helps because the v1 picks up the reflections from other vehicles and this gives much earlier warning. Still would recommend it especially if u drive out in the country where the small town cops are way more strict.

[txz4]

after having the V1, any other car im in with a radar detector doesnt feel as safe, it helps so much to know what direction, how many, and the strength at the same time. including the types.

Lots of false positives in the sense of doors etc, but literally the first day of ownership it saved me from a ticket. well worth it.

[l4zy]

v1 is awesome compared to the x50. ive had both and knowing the direction is worth paying for.

[udme86m]

V1 is number 1 - had many different brands and will never go back!

1 save at high speed and it will pay for itself - get it direct from V1 $408 unless ebay will give the SN. There is a new board and firmware you can check the SN of the unit and see how old it is.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by udme86m

V1 is number 1 - had many different brands and will never go back!

1 save at high speed and it will pay for itself - get it direct from V1 $408 unless ebay will give the SN. There is a new board and firmware you can check the SN of the unit and see how old it is.

I'm going directly through V1. Just because 1.893 came out, I don't trust anything else.

I'm going to call them and see if they have any refurb units. They usually do and go for about $50 cheaper with the same warranty

[3002 tii]

I've had quite a few RD's in the past few years, and I don't blame you on wanting to get rid of your 8500 x50. I had this as well but the range on this was terrible. I have the V1 in my Z4 and had the x50 in the daily and driving the same roads I do every day, the V1 would always give better range. Sometimes I would see the LEO before my x50 would alert me (and this was not a case of I/O).

The only downside to the V1 is the amount of false alerts. I live in NJ where x-band is still used so I cannot disable that. I'm sure if I did the false alerts would be far less. The other option is the 9500xi which has the GPS and autosmart features but like the 8500, the range on that is average. If you liked your Escort radar however, one radar you might want to take a look at is the Redline. It's comparable to the V1 in all aspects but where it's lacking with the arrow indicators it makes up in being undetectable against RDD's (usefl if RD's are illegal in your state or you frequent states where they are illegal, ie DC, VA, etc).

I actually ended up replacing my x50 with a Beltronics RX65 (Escort owns Beltronics). I had this on my previous car and I liked it a lot. The RX65 doesn't get a lot of credit but one great thing about is that it allows you to set K-band USA vs Int'l, which is very close to K-band segmentation found in the Redline (but at half the price). The key though is to buy it refurb directly from Escort on eBay since the refurb models are the ones that come with the S7 antenna (as opposed to the newer m4 antennas which is what's found on your x50, the s7 is better!).

I only throw out the RX65 b/c I genuinely think it's about as good as my V1, minus the arrows but can had for $200 and comes with manufacturer's warranty. If the arrows are key, then go for the V1. That combined with a competent laser jammer set up from Blinder or LI should make you a hard target.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

I've had quite a few RD's in the past few years, and I don't blame you on wanting to get rid of your 8500 x50. I had this as well but the range on this was terrible. I have the V1 in my Z4 and had the x50 in the daily and driving the same roads I do every day, the V1 would always give better range. Sometimes I would see the LEO before my x50 would alert me (and this was not a case of I/O).

The only downside to the V1 is the amount of false alerts. I live in NJ where x-band is still used so I cannot disable that. I'm sure if I did the false alerts would be far less. The other option is the 9500xi which has the GPS and autosmart features but like the 8500, the range on that is average. If you liked your Escort radar however, one radar you might want to take a look at is the Redline. It's comparable to the V1 in all aspects but where it's lacking with the arrow indicators it makes up in being undetectable against RDD's (usefl if RD's are illegal in your state or you frequent states where they are illegal, ie DC, VA, etc).

I actually ended up replacing my x50 with a Beltronics RX65 (Escort owns Beltronics). I had this on my previous car and I liked it a lot. The RX65 doesn't get a lot of credit but one great thing about is that it allows you to set K-band USA vs Int'l, which is very close to K-band segmentation found in the Redline (but at half the price). The key though is to buy it refurb directly from Escort on eBay since the refurb models are the ones that come with the S7 antenna (as opposed to the newer m4 antennas which is what's found on your x50, the s7 is better!).

I only throw out the RX65 b/c I genuinely think it's about as good as my V1, minus the arrows but can had for $200 and comes with manufacturer's warranty. If the arrows are key, then go for the V1. That combined with a competent laser jammer set up from Blinder or LI should make you a hard target.

I actually own the S7 Version of the x50. So I can appreciate a decent horn

The only thing that annoys me is the horrible ramp-up. It's a couple bleeps then full blown K, and this would be against C/O.

I looked into the 9500xi, but the GPS lockout is something I don't desire. There have been known instances where there was a real threat that has been locked out from GPS.

VR actually just came out with Savvy, a OBDII port that plugs into your V1 and automatically mutes anything under the set speed (so say you set it at 35mph), it will mute any signal. You can still hear the bleep, and see it...it just won't go crazy

[ZStig]

The best deal is a refurb unit from Valentine 1 themselves. Cheaper than most used ebay units when I was looking

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

I actually own the S7 Version of the x50. So I can appreciate a decent horn

The only thing that annoys me is the horrible ramp-up. It's a couple bleeps then full blown K, and this would be against C/O.

I looked into the 9500xi, but the GPS lockout is something I don't desire. There have been known instances where there was a real threat that has been locked out from GPS.

VR actually just came out with Savvy, a OBDII port that plugs into your V1 and automatically mutes anything under the set speed (so say you set it at 35mph), it will mute any signal. You can still hear the bleep, and see it...it just won't go crazy

Ahh, gotcha... in that case go V1 if you're not happy with your S7. I thought all x50's were M4 based but I guess I'm wrong.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

Ahh, gotcha... in that case go V1 if you're not happy with your S7. I thought all x50's were M4 based but I guess I'm wrong.

Most were, but early versions were made with the S7 Horn, but was quickly shifted to the M4 horn. The serial number will tell you what horn you have

[gcochard]

My friend had the 8500 and v1, and he said he got the 8500 because it had better sensitivity on curves. I have X and K off on my V1 and I only ever get false positives on KA with other (crappy) RDs around me. On laser, it's ALWAYS an infinity.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by cliffhopper

My friend had the 8500 and v1, and he said he got the 8500 because it had better sensitivity on curves. I have X and K off on my V1 and I only ever get false positives on KA with other (crappy) RDs around me. On laser, it's ALWAYS an infinity.

I dunno, to be honest I really thought my 8500 x50 was the worst RD I ever owned. Terrible off-axis performance, limited range, and poor ramp up.

[ShakyDog]

In town the V1 is annoying, but worth having on...Lower case 'L' mode

In the country, on full 'A' mode, pick up slow moving farm equipment a few time, very helpful. One trip four alerts twice very much needed.

The last time out in Lucy long river flat section, instant on KA band through a gap in the trees at 1/2 mile. No alert to full alert. Glad I was smart enough to set cruise control at 60, speed limit 55 (about 57 real speed) cop just glared at me when I went by... :-)

Boss has the 9500 Escort and he has gotten pulled over three times in the last two months, driving too fast with no-one in front of him. Just plain silly. Got off twice with warning, luck bastard.

Steve

[ricanbandit]

My V1 has saved my bacon more than a few times. It does have its flaws, but the benefits far outweigh them. I got one as a present last year when I got my Roadster