radar oppinion/help

[Cool Cat Racing]

V1 has the directional display and I wouldn't buy anything else. I got my V1 stolen and I bought another one. Once you get used to it a regular detector seems crappy. Both times I bought my V1 it cost $400 and I ordered it direct from V1. My friend has the passport and both of us prefer my V1. I didn't have any more false alarms with it than anyother. If you turn on the middle filter it isn't any worse than any other detector.

[Jaimecbr900]

Yall have to understand that the V1 does false more, but it's because it's more sensitive (i.e. longer distance detection when it is real) than the others. As someone already said, there are modes of filters you can use on the V1 to keep falsing to a minimum. For example, you can take out the X band out all together. That's where the majority of falses come from and almost no police use that frequency anymore.

Again, the advantages of the V1 (by itself) vs the 8500 are small but definite. The V1 is longer detecting, has directional arrows, counter, and rear facing antenna. The 8500 is cheaper, but lacks the arrows, and from first hand experience lacks the same field of view on laser than the V1 does (therefore it will leave you unprotected comparatively).

Now, you connect the 8500 to the ZR laser shifter and use them in combination, that's the ultimate protection IMO. But you will also have $1500 invested when you're done too.

If Valentine comes out with a laser shifter, I'd buy it and be very confident. If Passport ever prices the ZR reasonably, I'd buy that too and be just as confident.

Compared to other units, the V1 and 8500 (and it's Bel clone) are head and shoulders above everybody else, period. It's all a matter of your budget and personal likes. I've had both for a long time and use them in different cars. I use the V1 everyday, and the 8500 in the wife's car. I don't feel naked against radar in either one. On long trips, I will take the V1 out of my car and use it though......if that tells you anything.