return refurb 8500 for v1?

[sweetlou122]

Well, while the 14 days to return it are about over, i wonder if i should return it and get a v1. While theirs nothing wrong with the unit, and works as expected. Im kind of tempted by the arrows because when i get a signal i just tend to look around for where it might be coming from. Maybe im just not used to having a rd. I wonder if the 200$ difference is really worth it. Maybe im just wanting whats "better" for some people, but i don't know. Does the hardwire kit for escort with the mute button work with a v1?

[snoopyc4]

Yes. The V1 will blow the refurb away. Also, not only are you getting better detection range, but you are also getting the arrows. All that is worth more than $200 IMO.

[thx1138]

YES! Get the V1, its worth it I'm not positive about the hardware, but I doubt there is any compatibility between the two units.

[Char1iebrown]

BUY THE VALENTINE, YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT. AND YOU WILL HAVE A NEW LOVE FOR RADAR DETECTORS. WAIT EXCUSE ME, RADAR LOCATOR!

[nosbusa]

I have the refurbed 8500, and a new V1. There have been a few occasions where the 8500 was close to the V1 in alerting. But I can honestly say I normally chose the V1 when I drive. There's nothing wrong with the 8500, but I just feel safer with the V1.

I had the V1 alert to a K band speed sign anywhere from 16-20 seconds before my 8500 alerted. There was a little off axis involved on the interstate, but I was still pretty amazed. I went back by the speed sign a few times to verify because I thought this can't be right. But it was.

As far as the arrows are concerned, it's worth it imo. I don't know how many times I've had a LEO get in behind me at night and start running radar. There's no way my 8500 would've picked up the radar as early as the V1 did. By the time the 8500 would've alerted I likely would've been busted. jmo

Plus with the V1, you get a bogey counter. To tell you how many radar sources are around you. This has also saved me from getting a ticket. Sneaky LEO's sitting by a local CVS, & Walgreens.

[Akosikojak]

Once you get used to having the V1 you will like it better than the 8500, I have driven with both detectors and after you get used to the arrows/rear antenna you will wonder how you drove with a detector without them. Grab ya a V1 and Get er Done!!

[milkman]

Yes get the V1!

[OldGoat]

it's good you tried the 8500 first

drive the same route(s) with a V-1 and what had been a 'tap in the ear' will now be an 'image'

[sweetlou122]

hopefully i can get a returned one for 350!! If so i'm ordering today, if they still will return my 8500. There's a lot of things i still don't understand about the v1, which is an argument for the simplicity of the 8500, but I can read a manual.

Things i dont understand:
1: Bogey counter
2: K automute
3: Ka guard
4: All the letters for programming (big L, a, etc, but if i get one ill prob figure it out)

[sweetlou122]

?