First Post--I am in a quandary, please help!

[eb2cool]

This the first post to this sight. I am the owner of the Escort 8500 (old version) and the Valentine One 1.8. Recently my V1 died so I started to do some research about the various products available. I did this same exercise about three years ago and initially purchased the 8500 then got the V1 after reading conflicting reports. My wife uses the 8500 (she drives faster than I do). I have been very satisfied with both products.

Here is my question and quandary: Why are there so many conflicting, so called, expert reviews that either have the Escort or the V1 as the top detector?

Radar Roy likes the RX-65, SML indicates the Escort is the overall champ, and Motor Trend 2005 testing likes the V1 by a slim margin. But they then go on to say:

Given their equally fine performance in a wide variety of conditions detecting all radar bands, you must carefully weigh the added level of laser sensitivity of the Valentine One against the lower cost of either the BEL Vector 995 or Escort Passport 8500 X50. “So, if you were picking a radar/laser package, which one would you choose?” This year, with its combination top-tier all-band radar detection, integrated laser jamming abilities and very reasonable price, our choice as the most outstanding total protection package is the BEL Vector 995 combined with the available Laser Pro 905 laser blocker. Case closed.

They (Motor Trend) did not test the RX-65. What the outcome been different?

I am sending my V1 in for repair and upgrades and I am also considering a Laser Jammer in the future.

So back to my original question: Who is right?

[crazyVOLVOrob]

the BEL 995 is the same detector as the BEL RX65 minus some features.

As long as your wifes escort is in good conditions don't get a new detector...especially if it has a high rev. number like 15..In one lastest test it show'd that it had the same Ka range as the most recent V1

There are so many reviews cause people have many different opinions they start driving with a detector and gain confidence in it than praise the hell out of it. People allso go for different features like some people want a jammer than can integrate with the detector some don't

[Radar Roy]

So back to my original question: Who is right?

They are all right, just different opinions for different situations. You are doing the right thing, reading reviews from others then making your final choice for YOUR situation.

[jimbonzzz]

In some cases, there really isn't a "right" or "wrong". Many of the reviews out there are pretty subjective, so what they consider the "Best" will vary depending on what parameters they are looking at. For instance, some reviewers might be looking at raw detection performance of the units. Other reviewers rate units based of the number of features, cost, etc.

Some people want the best range and performance possible from a detector, while others are annoyed with additional falsing of the more sensitive units. Really, it all depends on what YOU are looking for in a detector.

Oh yeah, be sure to check out the "Guys of LIDAR" tests! :wink:

Jim

[Iknox]

Im glad you wrote "Roy "likes" the Rx65" looks like your doing your homework on RD's but like what most will say alot of those are paid to say its the best at laser and radar. We all know by now that the V1 is that best in Laser Detection also has what no other RD has is a Rear Antenna. So we know that the V1 will get better Rear Range.I guess my point is that alot of it is marketing and Magz will get paid to say that the 35 buck RD from radio shack is the best in a test they never really conducted, Im not saying Motor Trend Did this or SML did this altho SML is known to Have some problems in telling the truth. I really think u should read some reviews from this Forum you will find the good and the bad out of every unit here.

[jerry540i]

Bottom line, there really is very little difference between the "top 3" detectors. I use a V1 and really enjoy the arrows. I've had BEL products in the past and cannot complain about their performance. The V1 is definately more sensitive to laser, but in reality it is a moot point. Although some other readers have claimed to have received prior warnings from laser scatter, basically if your detector warns you of laser and you're going too fast, you'd better pull over and wait for your ticket.

All of the top three have their downsides as well. The V1 has some problems about filtering out some potential Ka threats. The RX65 is about as useful as a brick in detecting laser. The x50 falls just a little behind the V1 in detecting radar (all bands.)

You won't go wrong with purchasing any of the top 3. All will give you ample warning to radar, and the final decision comes down to your price point.

Hope this helps.
JerryD

[guardian]

Just a thought, but Valentine probably has the BEST customer service/support I've ever seen in ANY company.. drop it in the mail to them with a letter explaining the problem, and they'll call you up and give you an estimate of any repair, etc. They may not even charge.

--Sal

This the first post to this sight. I am the owner of the Escort 8500 (old version) and the Valentine One 1.8. Recently my V1 died so I started to do some research about the various products available. I did this same exercise about three years ago and initially purchased the 8500 then got the V1 after reading conflicting reports. My wife uses the 8500 (she drives faster than I do). I have been very satisfied with both products.

Here is my question and quandary: Why are there so many conflicting, so called, expert reviews that either have the Escort or the V1 as the top detector?

Radar Roy likes the RX-65, SML indicates the Escort is the overall champ, and Motor Trend 2005 testing likes the V1 by a slim margin. But they then go on to say:

Given their equally fine performance in a wide variety of conditions detecting all radar bands, you must carefully weigh the added level of laser sensitivity of the Valentine One against the lower cost of either the BEL Vector 995 or Escort Passport 8500 X50. “So, if you were picking a radar/laser package, which one would you choose?” This year, with its combination top-tier all-band radar detection, integrated laser jamming abilities and very reasonable price, our choice as the most outstanding total protection package is the BEL Vector 995 combined with the available Laser Pro 905 laser blocker. Case closed.

They (Motor Trend) did not test the RX-65. What the outcome been different?

I am sending my V1 in for repair and upgrades and I am also considering a Laser Jammer in the future.

So back to my original question: Who is right?

[eb2cool]

Im glad you wrote "Roy "likes" the Rx65" looks like your doing your homework on RD's but like what most will say alot of those are paid to say its the best at laser and radar. We all know by now that the V1 is that best in Laser Detection also has what no other RD has is a Rear Antenna. So we know that the V1 will get better Rear Range.I guess my point is that alot of it is marketing and Magz will get paid to say that the 35 buck RD from radio shack is the best in a test they never really conducted, Im not saying Motor Trend Did this or SML did this altho SML is known to Have some problems in telling the truth. I really think u should read some reviews from this Forum you will find the good and the bad out of every unit here.

It seems to me that SML is the least subjective and they appear to apply the most rigor of any of the reviews I have read. For my uses, "Over the Hill" performance is critical. I don't see much or any laser in PA or NJ where I spend 90% of my driving communting. I ordered the X50 and I plan to do my own testing once my VI is repaired. The loser will end up in my wife's car and our old 8500 will be a gift to my son. Thanks for the help.

[stealthJamal]

It's a hard decision choosing a detector. My perfect detector would detect Ka like the original 8500, Detect K band like the X50, detect POP and laser like the V1, and be completely stealth. But you can't have perfection.