X50 vs. V1... Decisions, Decisions.

**TheTexan** · 05-25-2006, 08:07 PM

quoted directly from one of Radar Roy's test pages concerning the V1
"Autoweek magazine November 2004 reviewed the new 1.8 version of the Valentine 1 radar detector and referred to it as the "Chicken Little" of radar detectors because of all its false alarms and commented that the average user would end up tuning out all alerts."

not to say the V1 isnt great, I have been in cars using them and they are great, at the cost of falsing incessantly, but if you are the type that would get annoyed by a constant falses, the extra range and features mean nothing if you will end up ignoring them.

I went with the x50 and I have yet to have any complaints about its function. It is very intuitive and user friendly, the only shortcoming would be laser detection compared to the V1. As for rear detection I have run many tests around known radar sources (speed signs) and the rear detection of my x50 is almost identical to the forward range both directions detecting the source long before it was visible.

Make the decision if the minute possibility of detecting scatter is worth 100 dollars to you.

**MMeteor** · 05-26-2006, 11:38 AM

Craig isn't the most biased person I've ever heard from, but he ranks up there a ways.
It depends on your situation and circumstance. I live in a very rural area and my V1 alerts me to what any other radar detector would-- radar operating within the bands and band ranges police radar operate.

When I drive in the city it is the same difference, I've gotten the same amount of alerts as I did with my RX-65. Where there is a difference is that the V1 has much greater range than most other detectors on X and K bands giving this "chicken little" impression I guess.

For me my decision to go with the V1 was upgradeablity. One note however: if Ka band is a LEO's weapon of choice in your area... go with the RX-65. Its a animal on Ka band.

**NooB1FieD** · 05-28-2006, 03:35 PM

Ive have both right now, had x50 for more than 8 months, just got a v1 a few days ago. The only reason I bought a v1 was because my x50 self-caled on me, thats the only reason I got rid of it. I am currently testing the v1. Its pretty quiet compared to what I expected. I got 1 J'ed KA, dont know how or what but it did. Still too soon to decide which I prefere, although I would get an x50 all over again, and especially since in the coming few months they are adding atlanta stealth mode.(called rep, he said around september)

**ImmuneSTi** · 05-28-2006, 04:16 PM

i would get the x50 and just hope you don't get the self cal or service required message....i have a brand new rx65 just sitting on table it's worthless...if laser is most important opt for teh ugly V1...if it wasent so damn ugly and outdated looking i woulda got one :roll:

**Radar_Dick** · 05-28-2006, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by ImmuneSTi

i would get the x50 and just hope you don't get the self cal or service required message....i have a brand new rx65 just sitting on table it's worthless...if laser is most important opt for teh ugly V1...if it wasent so *BEEP* ugly and outdated looking i woulda got one :roll:

Have you ever seen the V1 in person?

**Radarboy12312** · 06-02-2006, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by davekr

Originally Posted by EasY E

There both good both have there ups and downs....as far as laser goes...your laser goes off you have been hit...picking up scatter is a long shot.

Not with the V1. There have been about at least half a dozen of us who were saved by our V1 and laser scatter. Me included on more than one occassion.

I have been saved from laser with my 8500 and thats no bull.

**ImmuneSTi** · 06-02-2006, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by Radar_Dick

Originally Posted by ImmuneSTi

i would get the x50 and just hope you don't get the self cal or service required message....i have a brand new rx65 just sitting on table it's worthless...if laser is most important opt for teh ugly V1...if it wasent so *BEEP* ugly and outdated looking i woulda got one :roll:

Have you ever seen the V1 in person?

yup..if it was the same price as the other 2 i still wouldn't buy it

**Radar_Dick** · 06-02-2006, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by ImmuneSTi

yup..if it was the same price as the other 2 i still wouldn't buy it

this is the purdiest thing I ever seen.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/m.../photo_10.html

escort & rx65 aint too bad neither, but above you'll see a pic of my sweetie.

**hookem202** · 06-02-2006, 04:20 PM

I own both and Def. Love my v1 especially on the highway. But if you are to do more city drivind the x50's remote mute comes in handy. If I went back and could only have one RD. Iwould choose the v1 over the x50. Due to that Valentine Research has valid revisions.Also the v1 has been know to pick up scatter. No other RD can do that. Also the V1 is the only RD to be able to detect Laser Atlanta "Stealth Mode". I do have to admit the v1 is pretty old looking display, but the performance picks up for that.Also the v1's windhsield bracket is the best ever......No to mention it comes with a hardwire kit.

**heyitsme** · 06-02-2006, 04:20 PM

Just bought an x50 and I would say any of the 3 top ones, quite impressed with the performance. I used to buy detectors year after year and then just send them back and continue driving without one, but now I finding it hard to find fault with what I bought. Still waiting for my escort to screw up something so I can say, oh well, I guess I have to buy a V1 now. :wink: