Is there any advantage that the X50 has over the V1 or

[JJ88]

any other higher-level RDs?

[happya$$]

any other higher-level RDs?

price

[jimbonzzz]

Performance-wise, no. All of the $400+ RD's will out-perform the X50.

But in terms of features it might, depending on what you like. For example, I like the X50's gradient alert tones, which are some of the best out there. I also like the real "thumbwheel" volume control, but someone who wants to adjust the volume via the SmartCord might not like that

[JJ88]

I guess $50.00 isn't that much more to me if it means I will have less of a chance of getting pulled over....is there anything wrong with the V1, and is the Bel STi better?

[Qui-Gon]

I guess $50.00 isn't that much more to me if it means I will have less of a chance of getting pulled over....is there anything wrong with the V1, and is the Bel STi better?

Nothing wrong, in my opinion, with any of the high-end radar detectors. The STi has excellent range and performance, and also offers you protection against the Spectre III, IV and VG-2 RDD's - in other words, if you live in Canada or drive in Virginia or Washington, DC, this I feel is the detector of choice.

[Veri]

Performance-wise, no. All of the $400+ RD's will out-perform the X50.

You'll see lots of people - including myself - say that all the high-end RDs have sufficient performance, but what Jim is saying is still technically true. But the difference to which he's referring is not exactly huge (see the lab test numbers on this forum FMI).

The X50 has the benefit of whatever it has that you like in it vs. the V1, whether it be aesthetics, thumbwheel control, frequency display, expert meter (as opposed to the bogey counter), option of a blue display, personal bias, what have you.

If you're spending this much on a piece of hardware, don't worry about another 25%. Do it right the first time; if the X50 tickles your fancy, then go for it.

Both companies provide 30-day money-back policies, btw.

[alanpeterman]

I've had a V1, then an 8500, then an X50, now the 9500 and I really like the way the Escort units false a LOT less. The performance is NOT an issue with any of the good RDs, what matters to me is that I now know if it alerts, that there is likely something to deal with. The V1 falsed so much I got to assuming alerts were false, and often just turned it off to be free of the annoyance.

[Phillip559]

V1 is much more sensitive (imho)

This is mostly due to its rear antenna. Many cops drive around with constant on radar and can come up from behind. The earlier alert that I have the better.

The X50 does have advantages though such as a frequency counter like all other bells and escorts.