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Because its an older model, everywhere I only see the results/findings for the v1.8 model. Does anyone have a link for v1.7 testings against the v1.8 or the escort 8500 x50? Thanks. BTW im getting a v1.7 for about $220, does that sound like a good deal?
If you don't mind spending another $279.00 plus shipping for the upgrades.
And hope that this budget V-1 has a clean history (meaning never reported as stolen)
I need to say, stay away from eBay if you want a V-1, you don't know the history of the unit or if it can get upgraded.
Just bite the bullet & buy direct. best practice.
As far as instant on X, K band radar is concerned yes they are almost the same. From what i read here the laser and Ka is the big dif. I think the $220 they are asking is fear. What you need to do is find out the serial number on the unit go to the V1 web site and find out how much a upgrade will cost you. You could have a new V1 for under $400. Exciting isn't it :shock:
http://www.valentine1.com/upgrades/
My testing (with a speed sign) shows that 1.8 is slightly more sensitive than 1.7 on K band. I have not had the opportunity to test 1.7 vs. 1.8 on Ka band..........yet.
GTO_04
update, the v1.7 im buying is NOT off ebay. Its a legit user that originally bought it back in 2001. I currently have the 8500 x50 so i wanted to know if it would be a worthwhile upgrade by getting the valentine v1.7. If i do get the v1.7 ill be selling either the escort x50 or the v1, but instead of going through all this hassle of buying online first and then testing, i was wondering if anyone already did some testing of their own. Most of the radar-ing that happens here is by Ka radar, so that band would affect me the most. So no-one did testing to compare the v1.7 to v1.8 for performance differences? I believe upgrading to the latest and greatest is about $189 plus shipping (approx $200) with this radar detectors serial number.
Buy it and sell it on ebay because some fool will give you $300-$325 and then buy a returned V-1 directly from the manufacturer with full warranty for around $360. :idea:
If you can get a V1 1.7 at a good deal buy it.
I have both V1 1.7 and 1.8 and to me I do not see any real difference in the 2 other than the smaller size of the 1.8
I am sure the 1.8 does get a little better performance on the KA band but for the most part I have not seen any real differences between the 2 I have.
The 1.7 is a good solid unit that will still beat most of the newer and more $$ units that are out there today.
If I was going to buy a 8500 x50 or an older V1 I would personally buy the V1.
Now I do not own a X50 but I base that on what I have seen written here and witnessed and the X50 to me is no better than an older V1.
Also the X50 will probably go into calibration mode at some point and time like most Escorts seem to do.
Even if you buy the 1.7 now and use it for a year or so then do the upgrade you can be saving the money toward the upgrade which is still cheaper in the long run than having to buy a newer model of BEl, Whistler, Escort or what ever brand you choose.