new member w/ aging 8500

[mtwhickory]

Hi, I'm Michael and I am a speedaholic... My radar history is: original Escort (analog) in early 90's, Escort digital late 90's, tried the V1 around 2003 but found it had too many falses so I sent it back within the 30-day return period. Bought Escort 8500 instead and later another 8500 for my wife's car. Now both are developing problems. Both seem to be less effective, one often goes into self-calibrate mode, the mute button quit working on the other one. I am looking at getting a new model. I can get $80 credit for one of the 8500 (unfortunately not both) with Escort towards a new model but am considering giving the V1 another try. Looking forward to reading user reviews and thoughts.

[NormSky]

Sounds like you want the fastest hotrod available to match your speed. Sounds like a V1. There is some pretty good programming/customization that will quiet the K-band falses.

My buddy also had a 8500 that went south. Was offered a rebate on a new one at the time but bought a V1 instead.

[SuperSpeeder]

Also check out the Redline.

[that guy]

whoa whoa whoa the 8500 is still a good detector just send it in for a tune up and itll be perfect

[Hunter]

Welcome to the forum.You are in the right place.

[speeddemon]

Welcome 8500 is a solid performer, one of my top 3 why upgrade send it in for a tune up

[CJR238]

90's, tried the V1 around 2003 but found it had too many falses so I sent it back within the 30-day return period. Bought Escort 8500 instead and later another 8500 for my wife's car. Now both are developing problems. Both seem to be less effective, one often goes into self-calibrate mode, the mute button quit working on the other one. I am looking at getting a new model. I can get $80 credit for one of the 8500 (unfortunately not both) with Escort towards a new model but am considering giving the V1 another try. Looking forward to reading user reviews and thoughts.
Michael Warren

The 8500's work about as good as most new ones when tuned up from Escort. But if you want to try something new, Escorts got some hot ones like the 9500ix and RedLine. (But my favorite is the 9500ci).

And if you go V1 they are not chatty at all if programed correctly and used logically. The V1 is my 2nd favorite window mount RD.

Sounds like you want the fastest hotrod available to match your speed. Sounds like a V1. There is some pretty good programming/customization that will quiet the K-band falses.

My buddy also had a 8500 that went south. Was offered a rebate on a new one at the time but bought a V1 instead.

I had a buddy that had a V1 that went south. Was offered a rebate on a new one at the time but bought a the 8500 instead.

[nate4488]

I love my 8500. I say just send it in for a tune up because in reality it still seems to be a great performer and has way better ramp up than any of the newer belscorts.

[DUI Elite]

if your 8500s are truly as old as you say, check the serial numbers. if they dont end in M4, send them in for repair and keep them. If you're dead set on selling them, don't sell them to escort for $80. People want the S7 antenna 8500s, so you should take advantage of that and find a sale price accordingly.

If your 8500s end in M4, you have the newer antenna (not necessarily a good thing. people have mixed views of the S7 - old antenna - and the M4 - new antenna)

[milkman]

If you are a HOT-ROD NUT then you need to stay with either the CI, STI-R, Redline or the one and only V1! Do not buy anything else but one of these!