I had the opportunity to compare both the Valentine 1 (3.864) & 9500ix this last weekend.
Both devices were mounted mid-windshield with the following turned on/off/auto.
V1
A-Mode
X- Off
Pop-Off
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Escort 9500ix
A-Mode
Everything Stock (Except Voice Off)
Parked (KA) Test
We found a parked LEO shooting KA and ran one at a time. The V1 picked up around 50-60ft quicker than the 9500ix.
The environment consisted of a light hill, clear day, and low traffic.
Falsing /Receiving Radar Test (Whatever you want to call it) = P
As far as alerting, the V1 went off 3 times compared to the silent 9500ix in the same metro area.
Missing LEO (NOT A AUTOLOCK TEST)
I was running both at the same time for this test. We came up to an intersection and a LEO was coming up on the right side (Asterisk/Arrow) shooting KA. The V1 Alerted and the 9500ix didn’t until the radar became close to the intersection then making a left in front of us.
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Appearance and Exterior Compare:
Valentine 1 (3.864)
Positive:
*Arrows (Having a hard time living without them)
*Rear Horn for detection
*Magnesium Case (Durability)
*Awesome window mount
Negative:
*Slightly noisy depending on area
*Lack of LED Color notification
*Magnesium Case gets to hot (I keep mine put up; However, during trips it could melt your hands or circuit-boards?)
*The always falling out of tune comments you never hear from the Belscort Owners.
*Could just be my car but the cig-lighter falls out during hard shifts and the Escort didn’t.
*When you hit mute it moves your current volume position.
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9500ix
Positive
*Bands stating alert by letter instead of a red dot.
*Freq/Expert Mode
*Love the lighting integrated on the top of the unit (Buttons)
*Even though the V1 is made out of Magnesium Alloy, the Escort has a nice weight to it.
Negative
* Needs Arrows (Having a hard time living without them)
*Rear Horn for detection (NEEDED)
*Plastic Case (Durability)
*Autolock even though improved; seeing the Satellite still scares me LoL for possible LEO encounters.
*Escort!!! Change your freakn window mount it bounces on 75% of car windshields!!!
*Tiny Font
OVERALL SUMMARY:
I’m sick and tired of people saying that these RD models are soooo different. I’m an aggressive driver, therefore I have chose to keep my V1 (55 ft average ahead on KA) is reassuring enough to hear the Parrot screeching a few times near the city. However, I would buy either unit and would drive just the same. The differences I believe on these are more based off of gimmicks then anything. By gimmicks, I don’t mean useless… just slight differences that might sway you from one to the other. The way most people drive (95% would be more then fine running the Escort; the other 5% that autocross/race/track on weekends and work on weekdays might say something different… *Cough* = )
I will be honest, I’m so glad that Escort upgraded their Autolock feature. The 9500i really led me away with all of the comments/videos. The fact that they have re-tuned/refined if from a mile to several feet has me agreeing with its assurance.
I can honestly say that the Escort vs. V1 is 48% compared to 52% with the V1 leading purely on sensitivity; However some people would state that well it loses 2 points for being noisy. My response to that is why own a RD then? = )
If someone were to ask me which one I would buy I would say both… I believe that both of them will get the job done and have plenty of saves and dependability to offer.
I’m actually thinking about picking up one for my Wife’s car. Since her Escort 8500x50 has gone laser bezerk (Alerts laser continually for no reason LoL) and needs to be replace/serviced. = )
Thanks!
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