I love when X50 users talk about how all the magazines and "independent tests" declare the X50 the winner. Go to Escortradar.com and read between the lines of misinformation to see the truth.
Autoweek tells you, "For a long drive across open country, the Valentine One might be our top choice." and for the X50 it says, "the Passport 8500 X50 also stood out as a good unit." The V1's arrows were mentioned by several editors as "a favorite." Which one sounds better? Remember that the Autoweek staff decribes themselves as, "near novices; only a few of our dozen test drivers had experience with radar detectors that they would call extensive."
Motor Trend does not do their own tests, SML does them and Motor Trend reports what they found with their spin on it. In 2004, it praises the 8500's POP abilities (default leaves off because of increased falsing according to Escort), small size (longer, higher, and weighs more than the V1), high quality construction (silver plastic), optional laser shifter ($500 extra). The one downfall of the 8500, "X-band performance falls just a bit short of leader."
Interesting because in their 2001 test this is what they said about its x band abilities, "outstanding X-Band performance" With all these lies, they say it is #1 by .1 points over the V1. Does this sound honest to you?
Forbes says that the 8500 may be the best ever made but it compares it to some radar detector that falsed and talked alot so that wasn't the V1 they compared it to. The 8500 doesn't win because it wasn't compared to the V1.
European Car praises the 8500 but doesn't compare it to the V1. Although, under CONS, it said the 8500's display is hard to read and the smartcord isn't very "smart". They also complain about not having a visor clip that comes with it and the 8500 has no "ARROWS" like the V1 because they like to know where the threat is coming from. Who won this test??
Car and Driver said that the 8500 was 2nd to the V1 and gave it 73/100 compared to the V1's 97/100. Advantage: V1
Automobile magazine doesn't count because it is run by Craig Peterson who is a known biased V1 hater who talk alot of BS.
Motorcycle Consumer News bases their performance information on tests done by Radartest.com (run by Craig Peterson's punk ass) and Speedzones.com which said they don't pick a favorite or declare winners in 2003 but declared a winner in 2004. They say that the 8500 works great on a motorcycle (who cares?). They also say that the "smartcord" is useless on a motorcycle and you can hardwire the 8500 with the optional direct wire kit from Escort for $29.95 plus S/H which is anywhere from $4.50 to $28.00 (parcel to overnight). Sounds kind of expensive and the V1 gives one out as standard equipment. Anyone know the winner??
Roundel compared the 7500 to the V1 which everyone knows that the V1 won in that test but that is not the 8500 vs. V1. They say, whether or not you choose the Escort or Valentine, they offer genuine protection." Just for the record, SML's test in 2000 listed the V1 as X band 3 miles, K band 2.6 miles and Ka 4.0 miles. The Passport 7500 was listed as X band 1.9 miles, K band 1.4 miles, Ka 1.8 miles. Who is the winner by 1.1-2.2 miles in every radar band?? Answer: Valentine One
Backroads says that the V1 and 8500 are neck and neck and that the 8500 does better in wet weather (why do you have electronics in the rain?) and you can hook up a headphone (car drivers don't care about this option).
Vette magazine doesn't compare the 8500 to the V1 but it does tell you to go to Radartest.com because it is the best source of radar and radar detector data they have ever come across (Craig Peterson BS site again)
It look like all those magazine reviews weren't that great after all. Do you still think the 8500 is the world's best??
Here is a site that favors the V1:
http://www.radar.co.nz/nz/report1.html
They are in New Zealand and have been testing for 23 years.
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