Need help! X50 or the V1

[Cambria]

Here are some pros and cons as I see it.

No mute on V1 :?

The V1 seems larger :evil:

The V1 seems to get better reviews :P

I am buying a new car. I want to get a good detector. I am from California (No lasar jammer for me :( ). I drive a lot on both the city and the highway. Any suggestions or helpful hints would be nice. I plan on buying either one or the other today or tomorrow so please post helpful hints/suggestions.

Cam

Almost forgot, arrows mean nothing to me. Just knowing that smokey is around means I should slow down.

[crazyVOLVOrob]

Well if you need alot of city protection get a BEL RX65 if all you do is highway long distance get a V1

[happya$$]

RX65 or the V1 have my vote.

[Cambria]

I thought the 2 best were the X50 or the V1. You guys are saying the RX65 is better than the X50?

[jimbonzzz]

As far as X50 vx RX-65:
They are basically the same performance-wise (they likely share some internal components) except there has been some recent speculation that the RX-65 is more sensitive on X-band.

There is Ku band radar that is being tested for use in the USA, and will likely be introduced for police use in the near future. The X50 doesn't have Ku, so if you got an X50 you would need to send it back for an upgrade, or swap it when Ku radar is introduced.
The RX-65 already has Ku, all you would need to do is turn it on. (V1 also has Ku)



Almost forgot, arrows mean nothing to me. Just knowing that smokey is around means I should slow down.

Many people don't understand that a major part of having the arrows isn't so you know where the cops are. It allows you to identify sources of false alerts, so that you can speed up once you know it isn't a cop or don't have to slow down in the first place. Many V1 users say that once you drive with the arrows, you'll wonder how you lived without them.

I prefer the audio alerts on the V1 more than the RX-65. IMHO the V1 is much better for guaging the severity of the threat based on the audio tones. The RX-65 never goes to constant tone when you are close to the radar source, making it somewhat difficult to guage. The X50 might have better audio alerts than the RX-65...

RX-65 is quieter in the city. V1 will be effected by falses caused by motion sensors etc in the city more than the RX-65, since the V1 has antennas both in the front and rear so it picks up more "junk". If you speed a lot in the city and are easily annoyed by falses, the RX-65 would probably be better for you.

V1 is far superior to all other detectors as far as laser detection performance goes. If laser is an issue for you, since you cant get a jammer maybe a V1 and Veil would be a good combo...

The RX-65 is much cheaper than the V1 and is a good long-term investment IMHO.

V1 is like having two regular detectors, with one facing front and one facing rear, justifying the cost somewhat.

This is all just stuff to keep in mind, both detectors are good performers. It comes down to what features you like the best....

Jim

[Cambria]

Thanks very much for the informative reply. Could you please tell me how much the size vary on the 65 and the V1? I have a smaller car (2 seater no back seat) so don't want something to large.

[compu44]

Thanks very much for the informative reply. Could you please tell me how much the size vary on the 65 and the V1? I have a smaller car (2 seater no back seat) so don't want something to large.

I believe that v1 is wider but shorter.

[happya$$]

The RX65 ROCKS IMHO. I do prefer the V1 since I have owned one for so long though. I just started using the RX65 (every time I drive my wife's SUV) and thus far I am impressed. It is MUCH better than the RD850. The V1's arrows do rock. Once you know where the threat is coming from it makes all of the difference in the world. For example I was driving through one of my neighboring cities the other day when all of a sudden my V1 identifies a threat to my rear. There was a truck behind me and behind him a police officer. A few seconds later another threat is identified in the front. It was another cop coming towards me. One thing I do miss about the X50 is the multiple threat counter (4 X bands, 2 K bands, 2 Ka bands). The RX65 is the best ergonomically. The V1 is the best on the highway. The RX65 is best in the city. Also as Jim said the RX65 AND the V1 have KU band. The V1 is also more solidly built. Why am I waisting my time writing this when Bob (Veil Guy) wrote an AWESOME TOP NOTCH review over here http://www.laserveil.com/en/ultimate-radar-detector-review-05/introduction/

[jimbonzzz]

Thanks very much for the informative reply. Could you please tell me how much the size vary on the 65 and the V1? I have a smaller car (2 seater no back seat) so don't want something to large.

Here they are side by side....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/jimbonzzz/sizes2.jpg

Not really that much difference when it comes down to it...

Jim

[happya$$]

Man Jim you beat me to it :evil:

[jbird]

Thanks very much for the informative reply. Could you please tell me how much the size vary on the 65 and the V1? I have a smaller car (2 seater no back seat) so don't want something to large.

Detector Sizes

Valentine: 4.5" L x 3.6" W x 1.0" H
Escort X50: 5.32" L x 2.85" W x 1.25" H
Bel RX65: 4.75" L x 2.75" W x 1.25" H

I suggest that you check out the Veil Guy's review for an in depth discussion and comparison. I also have yet to experience my RX65 not alerting at full strength with the exception of some very sneaky highway patrol officers using very low power Ka guns. You should take advantage of the trial period offered on all three products to test yourself as this will be a fair amount of money invested on your part.

[sethy]

V1 is far superior to all other detectors as far as laser detection performance goes. If laser is an issue for you, since you cant get a jammer maybe a V1 and Veil would be a good combo...

I would not buy a v1 over laser detection. Just last night I was hit by a laser and my v1 stayed quiet. And the flasing on the v1 is rediculous... I think your best bet would be the rx or the x50.

major pro about the x50 is the multiple threat display 4x 2k 2ka at the same time. if you do a lot of city driving this is a must.

the cons are the x-band distance isnt as good as the rx, but still decent. and the MAJOR con is the lacking of the KU band. this will be a must in the next few years

[happya$$]

Sethy aint the Blinder AWESOME? I wonder how I did without it for SO LONG

[Cambria]

The V1 isn't a radar/laser detector? I thought all 3 are?

[jimbonzzz]

Yeah, all three DO detect radar and laser.

Short of a Blinder or other jammer, if you want any protection from laser, V1 + VEIL is probably the best bet.


I would not buy a v1 over laser detection. Just last night I was hit by a laser and my v1 stayed quiet. And the flasing on the v1 is rediculous... I think your best bet would be the rx or the x50.


In Sethy's situation (a direct hit), the RX-65 or X50 wouldn't have alerted either. Also, he mounts high. If he had it mounted low, closer to the aiming point, maybe he would gave gotten an alert. But he doesn't need to mount low since he has a Blinder :D

Mount high=best chance of laser warning from a leading vehicle being targeted (if you're lucky!)
Mount low=closer to the aiming point, best chance of detecting laser hitting YOU. With VEIL, he might not get a reading on the first hit allowing time to slow down.

In the '04 SML test, V1 was the only detector to alert when a vehicle ahead was targeted. In the '03 SML test, the V1 was the only detector to alert when the plate was targeted at the 500 foot cone.

And I can tell you that from my own bench tests, laser sensitivity on the V1 is far superior to the RX-65.



Jim

[pemarsh]

I like the x50

i read in this thread where it states someone has read the v1 beats most in the reviews. What? I read literally every reivew out there, over a 4 week time period...the v1 does not go all that great on reviews really. I am sure its a great detector, but i read too many reviews where it was not number one.

[cjs180]

I am new to this forum, but have owned about 8-10 decent detectors over the past 15 years of driving. My last one was a 8500 and it is a GREAT detector in my opinion. I have not owned the X50. I bought a V1 and turned off the x band and can honestly say that I like driving with it more than my 8500. Detection range is a little more with the V1 but nothing that I would consider a big deal. Both give plenty of warning. I must say, and from the negative posts I have seen on here someone will bash me for this, but I do like the arrows. I live in Wisconsin so the cities are not too big and there is a lot of driving with no interferance at all. I also like the bogey counter. In 2 weeks of owning it, that did save me one time where the cops have a speed sign up that I pick up over 2.5 miles away. It was nice to see 2 on the counter. I slowed down and there was the cop radaring. Some say it falses more, but I always drove all my detectors in highway mode all the time and just sorted through the falsings. I might even get less falsing with the V1 than my old 8500, but it is minimal at best. Niether one of them falsed much.

Just my $.02 worth. Either choice will be good. Chris

[timish]

I bought two X50's with firmware 5, brand new a couple weeks ago.

One for my XJR, and the other for my Mustang GT.

I drive 60 miles RT each day in my commute, all on the freeway 101W and then back the 118e.

The route I take is the same everyday, and now I know the areas where falsing can occur. Near the 7-11 on my corner, and there is a building on the 101W after Las Virgenes that has X lit up for 2500 feet. That is the only false I get GOING to work. Coming home on 23 to the 118 to the 5 the radar detector is SILENT unless there is a cop somewhere.

Another test will be tomorrow when I go down to Costa Mesa for a Jaguar meeting. We'll see what alerts I get tomorrow!

The X50 has been a great machine. One of my best friends has a V1, and the only thing it has that the X50 doesn't have is the arrows.

The X50's multiple radar counter is a great asset. Somthing that I think in time will be more valuable than the arrows on V1.

I was tempted to buy a V1, but the X50's I bought are the win.

I did A LOT of research on these things, and backed it up with the $750 I spent on the units.

You can't really go wrong with any of the choices, although the V1 is a bit dated now as far as ergo's and features.

As for KU band, we'll just have to wait and see. Either way all of the units mentioned support upgrades in some shape or fashion. One feature of the Bel/Escort combo is that they work seamlessly with each respective company's laser shifting device. Whether or not this is of any importance to you is your call.

[sethy]

And I can tell you that from my own bench tests, laser sensitivity on the V1 is far superior to the RX-65.


My only problem is that my v1 will false constantly to brake lights. I have never had to turn off a laser detection on a detector before, but it looks like I will have to here... Jim do you have this problem?

[jimbonzzz]

Yes, even mounted high, I get this when I'm the vehicle behind a Trailblazer etc. Doesn't happen often but pretty annoying when it does.

Jim

[pemarsh]

my x50 does not false laser alerts...but as i understand, the v1 is a bit more capable detecting laser. But, what is the use of a better laser alert when you cant tell if its real or false. In addition, nobody should be using a radar detector to alert them to a laser...youre just going to KNOW when you are going to get a ticket is all-----if you are worried about laser, get a laser jammer.

[happya$$]

great point permash

[stealthJamal]

I would say buy a Bel RX65, Bel 995, or V1. I can't recomend the X50 after my experiences with 3 of them!

[jimbonzzz]

my x50 does not false laser alerts...but as i understand, the v1 is a bit more capable detecting laser. But, what is the use of a better laser alert when you cant tell if its real or false.

Have you ever driven with a V1? I don't know about the rest of the V1 owners, but on the rare occasions when I get a laser false on the V1, it is pretty obvious what the source of the false is (the Trailblazer right in front of you, etc).


In addition, nobody should be using a radar detector to alert them to a laser...youre just going to KNOW when you are going to get a ticket is all-----if you are worried about laser, get a laser jammer.

What about people like the original poster who lives in a state (California) where laser jammers are illegal? Granted, he could get one anyway, but it sounds like he doesn't want to do that. Even posession of a jammer is illegal in Cali...

Jim

[lordhamster]

my x50 does not false laser alerts...but as i understand, the v1 is a bit more capable detecting laser. But, what is the use of a better laser alert when you cant tell if its real or false. In addition, nobody should be using a radar detector alert them to a laser...youre just going to KNOW when you are going to get a ticket is all-----if you are worried about laser, get a laser jammer.

I could not disagree more. Although traditional knowledge tells us that by the time u get a laser warning it is too late, with my v1 i have often gotten early warning.

A number of times on the express lanes of 271 in cleveland at night I've had my v1 go off 3-4 times on laser. What i think is happening is the cars in front of me getting hit, but the v1 picking it up. I had time to slow down before i got nailed.

i agree a laser jammer would be nice, but to say that the laser warning is useless is false, well maybe w/ the x50 its usually 2 late.

As far as falsing, the only time it falses is when im right behind a gm suv like a trailblazer and he is on his breaks. This is quire rare.

I have to say i've gotten laser warning with my v1 at least 5 times where its saved me.

[happya$$]

Today on my wife's SUV the RX65 gave us a false laser signal on the on ramp right before we got on on I480 West.

[pemarsh]

I am just glad I dont have to worry about false laser alerts. When you get a laser alert on the freeway, youre going to have to slow down quite fast, if you do not have a laser jammer. I dont like the idea of having to slow down quickly while doing 75 or 85 mph or whatever speed in fear of causing an accident. And all for a false laser alert possibly? Im glad I have peace of mind that if my laser alert goes off, it is an alert...I dont think anyone wants to spend their hard earned $$ to be told that if your laser alert goes off, it might be from a tail light?? I dont think so. The last thing I think I need to know is if there are tail lights in my way.

[happya$$]

Well I keep my laser alert on on both my my detectors even though I have the Blinder. I do this just in case my detector or the Blinder quits working

[Zelmo]

When Ku comes to the US, does anyone know how the V1 & RX65 will identify it?

[jbird]

When Ku comes to the US, does anyone know how the V1 & RX65 will identify it?

I have an RX65. When I passed a tractor trailer one time, the display read "Ku" and the unit said "Ku band". This was the only time in months I have ever had the detector give me a Ku band warning. It was a brief low signal strength warning though so I knew it was a "false" alert.

[happya$$]

On the V1 it will sound like a K band alert and a little dot will flash next to the bogey counter.

On the RX65 it will say KU band and I am not sure about the sound

[compu44]

On the V1 it will sound like a K band alert and a little dot will flash next to the bogey counter.

On the RX65 it will say KU band and I am not sure about the sound

The manual for the RX65 states that it's a high-pitched buzz.

[lordhamster]

I am just glad I dont have to worry about false laser alerts. When you get a laser alert on the freeway, youre going to have to slow down quite fast, if you do not have a laser jammer. I dont like the idea of having to slow down quickly while doing 75 or 85 mph or whatever speed in fear of causing an accident. And all for a false laser alert possibly? Im glad I have peace of mind that if my laser alert goes off, it is an alert...I dont think anyone wants to spend their hard earned $$ to be told that if your laser alert goes off, it might be from a tail light?? I dont think so. The last thing I think I need to know is if there are tail lights in my way.

Are you saying the X50 does not have falses on laser? Does it react differently from the V1 when the tail light of a Trailblazer goes on right in front of it?

I had an old 8500 for about a month, but I never got lasered while I had it so I don't know how that unit is on falsing laser.

[sethy]

I am just glad I dont have to worry about false laser alerts. When you get a laser alert on the freeway, youre going to have to slow down quite fast, if you do not have a laser jammer. I dont like the idea of having to slow down quickly while doing 75 or 85 mph or whatever speed in fear of causing an accident. And all for a false laser alert possibly? Im glad I have peace of mind that if my laser alert goes off, it is an alert...I dont think anyone wants to spend their hard earned $$ to be told that if your laser alert goes off, it might be from a tail light?? I dont think so. The last thing I think I need to know is if there are tail lights in my way.

Are you saying the X50 does not have falses on laser? Does it react differently from the V1 when the tail light of a Trailblazer goes on right in front of it?

I had an old 8500 for about a month, but I never got lasered while I had it so I don't know how that unit is on falsing laser.

I have never had a flase with the x50. The v1's laser is quite rediculous if you ask me... I ended up disabling it because it was always falsing on laser.

[Brent_Vino]

is there anything you havent disabled on your V1?

geezus, i think you are a mole... planted here just to bad mouth the V1 about its obvious superiority.

[sethy]

is there anything you havent disabled on your V1?

geezus, i think you are a mole... planted here just to bad mouth the V1 about its obvious superiority.

my v1 antizombification filter. Sorry, I tell it how it is. Obvious superiority? If you call falsing at brake lights superiority.... I have had LOADS of radar detectors, so I have no reason to be biased and just bad mouth the v1. The fact is, it falses to brake lights where other detectors dont.

This member asked what radar detector would be best for him, he sees lots of city and highway travel. I gave him my opinion that the RX65 or x50 would be a better choice since I have a v1 and I know it falses to much for a city. Once again, this question comes down to driving style. Brent, sorry if you dont like my opinion that the RX65 or x50 would be better in his situation.

[fallen8511]

V1 is like having two regular detectors, with one facing front and one facing rear, justifying the cost somewhat.





It is important to remember that the X50 and RX65 have a bi-directional antenna, while the V1 has two single-directional antennas. Some test show that the V1 removed from its mid-windshield position is no better than the X50 and RX65 at detecting rear radar.

I think just saying the V1 is like having two regular detectors is very misleading, as the other detectors have bi-directional antennas, while the V1 does not.

[jimbonzzz]

It is important to remember that the X50 and RX65 have a bi-directional antenna, while the V1 has two single-directional antennas. Some test show that the V1 removed from its mid-windshield position is no better than the X50 and RX65 at detecting rear radar.

I think just saying the V1 is like having two regular detectors is very misleading, as the other detectors have bi-directional antennas, while the V1 does not.

I am going to have to call BS on this. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/jimbonzzz/gr_bs.gif
In reality, saying that certain detectors have a bi-directional antenna, when they in fact do not, is misleading.

Don't believe everything you read. I know it says this some places (including on Roy's site), but the "Bi-directional antennas" thing is nothing more than marketing hype. Horn antennas are directional by their nature. The fact is, all detectors except for the Valentine rely on weak "reflections" off of objects to detect radar hitting them from the rear.

360 degree this, bi-directional that. Any detector can detect radar from the rear if there are enough reflections. If anyone ever does a test of rear detection, I can guarantee you that the V1 will simply blow the others away.

People can discount the importance of rear detection all they want. In a perfect world with only constant-on radar to worry about, rear detection might not be an issue. But in the real world, there are other scenarios to worry about, such as police sneaking their way up through traffic hitting select vehicles with instant-on. Im sure you'll hear some users say "I've never had a problem with rear detection". That is almost like saying "I drove past a cop with a RMR jammer and I didnt get a ticket, so it MUST work". It only takes one time where you didn't detect the radar soon enough to get a ticket.

For some people, detectors with no rear antenna provide enough protection. Others demand more from a detector...

Honestly, does this look bi-directional to you?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/jimbonzzz/Passport8500.jpg

Jim

[timish]

It looks like a P.O.S.

[BiGeAsYgUy]

This looks bi-directional to me!! You can tell that the antennas on the V1 are bigger by looking at a picture of the top view of them side by side.

http://img65.exs.cx/img65/6901/td9612d5gj.gif

http://img65.exs.cx/img65/240/dsc000426ja.jpg

http://img65.exs.cx/img65/3538/passportv1top1xi.jpg

[sethy]

This looks bi-directional to me!!

http://img65.exs.cx/img65/6901/td9612d5gj.gif

http://img65.exs.cx/img65/240/dsc000426ja.jpg

Looks like 2 single directionals to me :)

[jimbonzzz]

It looks like a P.O.S.

You're kidding, right? :shock:
That pic is of the Escort internals, and it looks like that's what you're using...

[BiGeAsYgUy]

If anyone ever does a test of rear detection, I can guarantee you that the V1 will simply blow the others away.

Here is the results of the rear detection at a SML test:

http://img65.exs.cx/img65/3314/3212004313am000119os.jpg

The picture isn't the greatest so here are the detectors in order from top to bottom: Valentine One, Bel 985, PNI Traveller, Passport 8500, Bel 940, Cobra 9210, Cobra 9230, Uniden GPS, Cobra 9860, Whistler 1750, Passport SRX, Whistler 3300

The Valentine One picks up X, K, and Ka from behind at 2.5 miles+.

The Bels and Escorts can pick up X and K at 2 miles from behind but Ka is only .5 miles.

[lordhamster]

Lets not kid ourselves either folks. The millisecond Valentine's patent on the rear facing antenna and direction arrows expires, the escort people will be all over it.

The escort will have the multiple antennas and arrows... just you wait.

So you can say it may not be nessesary, but to say that the design does not have advantages is just plain bs.

I can tell you from personal experience with the old 8500, when I passed a radar source with the 8500, my "alert" would drop off much much faster than with the v1.

For example, if I'm on the highway and a state trooper is behind me several cars back, and he fires his rear facing radar to measure a car coming up behind him. What are the odds that the escort will pick up a reflected beam of a reflected beam?

With the rear facing antenna on the V1 Im much more likely to pick up such a threat, hopefully in time before the Trooper decides to shoot his radar in my direction and its too late.

[theresa]

While I grant that the falsing (even though its *technically* not falsing) with laser on the V1 is obnoxious, it's generally pretty easy to tell that it isn't a cop...as I understand, the trailblazers, at least one other GM SUV will emit laser.

So, like I said, it's technically not falsing, because it is detecting actual laser, it just isn't a cop.

But, if your stopped behind a trailblazer at a light, and you can't see a cop anywhere, it's pretty easy to figure out why the detector is going off.

Disbanding things makes me nervous... :D

[sethy]

If anyone ever does a test of rear detection, I can guarantee you that the V1 will simply blow the others away.

Here is the results of the rear detection at a SML test:


The picture isn't the greatest so here are the detectors in order from top to bottom: Valentine One, Bel 985, PNI Traveller, Passport 8500, Bel 940, Cobra 9210, Cobra 9230, Uniden GPS, Cobra 9860, Whistler 1750, Passport SRX, Whistler 3300

The Valentine One picks up X, K, and Ka from behind at 2.5 miles+.

The Bels and Escorts can pick up X and K at 2 miles from behind but Ka is only .5 miles.

I think he is talking about radar from behind

[brick]

Well, not quite. The trailblazer isn't actually emitting laser. The neon tail light just produces a signal that looks like it came from a laser. I.e. there is significant radiation around 904nm and it's pulsed. You're right about being able to figure it out, though. If I get a laser alert and I see one of those things braking in front of me I know what happened. No stress involved.

[lordhamster]

While I grant that the falsing (even though its *technically* not falsing) with laser on the V1 is obnoxious, it's generally pretty easy to tell that it isn't a cop...as I understand, the trailblazers, at least one other GM SUV will emit laser.

So, like I said, it's technically not falsing, because it is detecting actual laser, it just isn't a cop.

But, if your stopped behind a trailblazer at a light, and you can't see a cop anywhere, it's pretty easy to figure out why the detector is going off.

Disbanding things makes me nervous... :D


Yeah, Assuming that the trailblazer light is indistinguishable from real laser light, then I'd rather have it false on me than be less sensitive. If the trailblazer light is on the same frequency and everything as laser, I'd expect my detector to go off.... otherwise I would not feel good on the laser detection.

[fallen8511]

It is important to remember that the X50 and RX65 have a bi-directional antenna, while the V1 has two single-directional antennas. Some test show that the V1 removed from its mid-windshield position is no better than the X50 and RX65 at detecting rear radar.

I think just saying the V1 is like having two regular detectors is very misleading, as the other detectors have bi-directional antennas, while the V1 does not.

I am going to have to call BS on this. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/jimbonzzz/gr_bs.gif
In reality, saying that certain detectors have a bi-directional antenna, when they in fact do not, is misleading.

Don't believe everything you read. I know it says this some places (including on Roy's site), but the "Bi-directional antennas" thing is nothing more than marketing hype. Horn antennas are directional by their nature. The fact is, all detectors except for the Valentine rely on weak "reflections" off of objects to detect radar hitting them from the rear.

360 degree this, bi-directional that. Any detector can detect radar from the rear if there are enough reflections. If anyone ever does a test of rear detection, I can guarantee you that the V1 will simply blow the others away.

People can discount the importance of rear detection all they want. In a perfect world with only constant-on radar to worry about, rear detection might not be an issue. But in the real world, there are other scenarios to worry about, such as police sneaking their way up through traffic hitting select vehicles with instant-on. Im sure you'll hear some users say "I've never had a problem with rear detection". That is almost like saying "I drove past a cop with a RMR jammer and I didnt get a ticket, so it MUST work". It only takes one time where you didn't detect the radar soon enough to get a ticket.

For some people, detectors with no rear antenna provide enough protection. Others demand more from a detector...

Honestly, does this look bi-directional to you?

Jim

I'd have to look into it more, but I think it is apparent that you are probably correct. There is so much trash about radar detectors, my mistake.

[timish]

It looks like a P.O.S.

You're kidding, right? :shock:
That pic is of the Escort internals, and it looks like that's what you're using...

No I am not kidding, and I know I am using it x 2. Still looks like a P.O.S. to me.

Tim