View Poll Results: Which Radar to Get?
Escort Passport SRX with Laser Shifting Technology
7
4.49%
Escort Passport SR7 Custom-Installed Radar & Laser Detection
7
4.49%
Escort Solo S2 Cordless
14
8.97%
Escort Solo 8500
20
12.82%
Valentine One
108
69.23%
Voters: 156. You may not vote on this poll
Which Radar to Get?
06-20-2003, 09:07 PM
#61
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Re: One last statement and enough said
Originally posted by Z-Desperado
One more thing on my test and then enough said. My wife helped with managing my so called side by side test by pulling the plug on the Valentine 1 and the Escort can be set to come on instantly when turned on. Also my nephew said he was pulled over in Virginia because they saw he garage door opener on his visor so they are looking for radars along with picking them up with their radar detector detectors.
One more thing on my test and then enough said. My wife helped with managing my so called side by side test by pulling the plug on the Valentine 1 and the Escort can be set to come on instantly when turned on. Also my nephew said he was pulled over in Virginia because they saw he garage door opener on his visor so they are looking for radars along with picking them up with their radar detector detectors.
BTW, I'm not pissing on your test - just the opposite, it's good to hear someone other than a marketing talking head tell about real-world experience.
SteveZ
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06-20-2003, 09:17 PM
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Originally posted by Dr Bonz
Desperado: I agree with your conclusions but not with the method by which you arrived at them.
When I said "side by side" I didn't necessarily mean literally one next to the other. I meant even in close proximity! Radar detectors (even well shielded ones) give off radio signals. This is how, in states (like VA, CT, etc) and countries (Canada) where they are illegal, the police use a special unit they call a radar detector, detector. It picks up the signals of detectors and if you are caught with one, it is confiscated and destroyed and you get a ticket.
Desperado: I agree with your conclusions but not with the method by which you arrived at them.
When I said "side by side" I didn't necessarily mean literally one next to the other. I meant even in close proximity! Radar detectors (even well shielded ones) give off radio signals. This is how, in states (like VA, CT, etc) and countries (Canada) where they are illegal, the police use a special unit they call a radar detector, detector. It picks up the signals of detectors and if you are caught with one, it is confiscated and destroyed and you get a ticket.
BUT - they do use the radar-detector-detector that tells the cop you're running something. They cannot confiscate your radar detector, though, they use the detection as a means to help them with Ka hold-release use.
Even my older BEL (1 year+) masks sending the signal that registers on their unit.
I still don't have a good sense if its worth putting something more than a V1 or a Passport, etc. like the installed Escort or K40's - any idea? For 1.5k, it's not outrageously priced if it is a lot better, but it could be a load of crap, too.
Thanks!
SteveZ
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06-21-2003, 05:57 AM
#63
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As I stated earlier I have an 8500 in my Jeep which I am happy with.
I just ordered a V1 for the Z. I have my doubts that its worth the extra $150 though. Will give it a fair test and intend to keep it unless it sucks.
BTW, I noticed that V1's are going for rediculous prices on eBay. Version 1.8 V1's are selling for more than what you can buy them for direct!
I just ordered a V1 for the Z. I have my doubts that its worth the extra $150 though. Will give it a fair test and intend to keep it unless it sucks.
BTW, I noticed that V1's are going for rediculous prices on eBay. Version 1.8 V1's are selling for more than what you can buy them for direct!
06-21-2003, 08:33 AM
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Originally posted by Dr Bonz
I just did a search and I can't believe someone is actually selling one! It's just like I remembered it!
I just did a search and I can't believe someone is actually selling one! It's just like I remembered it!
06-23-2003, 07:17 PM
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I have to be honest. I was seriously considering the Passport SRX with laser shifting technology. But after reading the posts you guys have made I have changed my mind. I now see the real world benefit of V1s directional arrows. also, I have come to understand the disadvantages that the SRX has being mounted in the bumper.
However, I am still considering buying a laser jammer separately. I hope it wont be interefered with by the V1 though like the passport 8500 is. has anyone had any experiences with a set up like this?
However, I am still considering buying a laser jammer separately. I hope it wont be interefered with by the V1 though like the passport 8500 is. has anyone had any experiences with a set up like this?
06-23-2003, 08:46 PM
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Laser is very directional, so I doubt it would interfere unless you have something right in front of you bouncing it back in the right direction.
I'd be interested in hearing your results.
I'd be interested in hearing your results.
06-24-2003, 02:02 PM
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Originally posted by Buub
Laser is very directional, so I doubt it would interfere unless you have something right in front of you bouncing it back in the right direction.
I'd be interested in hearing your results.
Laser is very directional, so I doubt it would interfere unless you have something right in front of you bouncing it back in the right direction.
I'd be interested in hearing your results.
My bro' in-law confirmed similar; the only time his laser detector saved him was when someone close in front of him, dense fast moving traffic, got painted (and busted). Who knows if his detector even helped....
06-24-2003, 09:42 PM
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Yup same happened to me: hit a car or two in front of me. Traffic was too dense to be speeding anyway (which is probably why I was able to get the early signals).
Idiot cop shooting one car "62"... next car "62"... next car "62"... "well dammit, those cars following each other in the left hand lane, all packed, together are all going the same speed! I better check another one."... "62"...
Idiot cop shooting one car "62"... next car "62"... next car "62"... "well dammit, those cars following each other in the left hand lane, all packed, together are all going the same speed! I better check another one."... "62"...
06-29-2003, 05:24 PM
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Wow I can honestly say I was about to get the Passport 8500 or the Solo S2 because of the reviews on www.mazdamp3.com (To clarify, I don't have the Z yet. Hoping to have it by next summer 
. Have MP5 right now. Tooooooooo Daaaaaaaaaaaamn Slooooooooow.) But now I don't know. I'm surprised the majority here prefer the V1 & the majority there prefer the 8500.
I was about to dismiss the arrows also until Buub made his point. I drive home to Homestead, FL from the ATL at least once a year. Would have been nice to have Jan 2002 when I got a ticket in Volusia Co. (Damn Gator Fans!!!) going back to Atlanta.
Thanks to everyone who shared there info, this thread has been very helpful...
. Have MP5 right now. Tooooooooo Daaaaaaaaaaaamn Slooooooooow.) But now I don't know. I'm surprised the majority here prefer the V1 & the majority there prefer the 8500.I was about to dismiss the arrows also until Buub made his point. I drive home to Homestead, FL from the ATL at least once a year. Would have been nice to have Jan 2002 when I got a ticket in Volusia Co. (Damn Gator Fans!!!) going back to Atlanta.
Thanks to everyone who shared there info, this thread has been very helpful...
06-30-2003, 05:36 AM
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Chuck: I've got both - keep the escort in my Jeep (for now) and the V1 in the Z. I am still in the evaluation period of the V1, have had the escort for years. I posted my initial impressions of the V1 on one of these threads and on 350zmotoring.com as well (you can search).
Will follow up in a week or so with the rest.
Will follow up in a week or so with the rest.
07-01-2003, 08:33 AM
#71
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Originally posted by SizongZ
since I have a problem with anything being on my front windshield I don't like the conventional radar detectors.... the SR7, if you got the money for it, is awesome. Dectectors attach to front and rear bumper and you can put the module anywhere in the car
since I have a problem with anything being on my front windshield I don't like the conventional radar detectors.... the SR7, if you got the money for it, is awesome. Dectectors attach to front and rear bumper and you can put the module anywhere in the car
07-01-2003, 09:06 AM
#72
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Originally posted by Buub
Q: Some other detector(s) have an "expert display" that shows you all the signals, isn't that better?
What, really, do those frequencies tell you? And why do you want irrelevant information being presented to you at high speed while trying to evade police? (Note by frequencies here I'm referring to frequency numbers, not bands.)
There are two key things you want to know: how many signals, and where are they coming from. Seems to me the V1 nailed it.
Q: Some other detector(s) have an "expert display" that shows you all the signals, isn't that better?
What, really, do those frequencies tell you? And why do you want irrelevant information being presented to you at high speed while trying to evade police? (Note by frequencies here I'm referring to frequency numbers, not bands.)
There are two key things you want to know: how many signals, and where are they coming from. Seems to me the V1 nailed it.
In fact, 8500 expert mode provides you with invaluable information for analazing situation around. It shows you
1)number
2)strength of EACH
3)band of EACH
source.
Using this I can analyze if it's usual pattern for this place, like 2 qick K-bands from the gas station doors, or I have 3rd K wich increases gradually (predators around). And all this information is EXTREMLY EASY to read... so it's NOT distracting you, it helping.
V1 didn't even come close with those beeps and leds... It all can be pretty and look complex, but V1 CAN NOT give you band of each source, and it CAN NOT give you strength of each source...
That feature alone is enough for me to prefer 8500.
Design, sencitivity, modes, jammer compatibility... Those V1's arrows won't compensate 1/10th of it. And knowing how radar works, it's obvious that arrows can't be trusted anyway...
Then there is price difference... extra $100 really didn't matter to me, I just bought the best and happy that it happens to be cheaper then some others... Happens all the time in this country. Can you imagine some people buying Audi TT for more money then Z??? Feel pity every time I see a TT owner...
07-01-2003, 09:14 AM
#73
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Originally posted by Z-Desperado
[B] Bearcat BC7 scanner for airplanes and wolf packs and I am satisfied this is the best for now. Enough said
[B] Bearcat BC7 scanner for airplanes and wolf packs and I am satisfied this is the best for now. Enough said
07-01-2003, 09:24 AM
#74
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Originally posted by Chuck722
Wow I can honestly say I was about to get the Passport 8500 or the Solo S2 because of the reviews on www.mazdamp3.com (To clarify, I don't have the Z yet. Hoping to have it by next summer . Have MP5 right now. Tooooooooo Daaaaaaaaaaaamn Slooooooooow.) But now I don't know. I'm surprised the majority here prefer the V1 & the majority there prefer the 8500.
I was about to dismiss the arrows also until Buub made his point. I drive home to Homestead, FL from the ATL at least once a year. Would have been nice to have Jan 2002 when I got a ticket in Volusia Co. (Damn Gator Fans!!!) going back to Atlanta.
Wow I can honestly say I was about to get the Passport 8500 or the Solo S2 because of the reviews on www.mazdamp3.com (To clarify, I don't have the Z yet. Hoping to have it by next summer
. Have MP5 right now. Tooooooooo Daaaaaaaaaaaamn Slooooooooow.) But now I don't know. I'm surprised the majority here prefer the V1 & the majority there prefer the 8500.I was about to dismiss the arrows also until Buub made his point. I drive home to Homestead, FL from the ATL at least once a year. Would have been nice to have Jan 2002 when I got a ticket in Volusia Co. (Damn Gator Fans!!!) going back to Atlanta.
IMO, 8500's expert mode beats V1's arrows big time. And that's only to start with.
And I don't think most people prefer V1 here. Actually I think exactly opposite. Do we have poll on that?
07-01-2003, 09:33 AM
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Bearcat BC7
Originally posted by Vlad
[B]Can you describe situations when scanner saved you? It looks like incredible complex unit, which gave you tons of information... and you have to listen to it all the time... so is it at least worth it?
[The Bearcat BC7 sets off an alarm if the troopers are using their radios with in 3-mile radius. So you don’t have to listen until the alarm goes off. It is pre programmed to each state for state police, DOT, CB, weather, and Fire departments. I had an older unit like the BC7 that the alarm keep going off. I slowed down to the speed limit and the trooper were set up on an overpass shooting their radar gun from behind and down the road their were about 5 Patrol cars picking people up. This happen a couple of other time and one time the alarm went off and I heard the state Patrolman call to a car down the road that I went past him in the other lane at a high rate of speed. I slowed up and got triggered by the next patrol car. Then I heard them talking about me as why I slowed up. Sorry for such a long post./B]
[B]Can you describe situations when scanner saved you? It looks like incredible complex unit, which gave you tons of information... and you have to listen to it all the time... so is it at least worth it?
[The Bearcat BC7 sets off an alarm if the troopers are using their radios with in 3-mile radius. So you don’t have to listen until the alarm goes off. It is pre programmed to each state for state police, DOT, CB, weather, and Fire departments. I had an older unit like the BC7 that the alarm keep going off. I slowed down to the speed limit and the trooper were set up on an overpass shooting their radar gun from behind and down the road their were about 5 Patrol cars picking people up. This happen a couple of other time and one time the alarm went off and I heard the state Patrolman call to a car down the road that I went past him in the other lane at a high rate of speed. I slowed up and got triggered by the next patrol car. Then I heard them talking about me as why I slowed up. Sorry for such a long post./B]
07-01-2003, 12:04 PM
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You know...
...now I don't know which one I want. I'm really doubting the magazines & the sites. The sites rate the 8500 better & the mags rate the V1 better. Sounds like somebody's pockets are getting greased.
Vlad you're right to some extent. My ticket situ involved a new Maxima with first of powerful engines had come out at the time (2002). This black Max kept passing me then dropping back a little. At 1st I thought maybe he thought I had a GTP (I just had a Grand Prix GT). Then just before I got stopped, he all but came to a complete stop. Should of heeded his move. He must of had a radar, but I don't know which one. The arrows do come in handy, but the 8500 & difuser seems really sweet. Add the Bearcat & you could almost be bullet-proof.
I've gone back to the Mazda Forum, re-read the threads over there & re-read the threads over here. Looks like it's going to be a leap of faith for me.
Has anyone tested the New Escort Solo S2 cordless?
Vlad you're right to some extent. My ticket situ involved a new Maxima with first of powerful engines had come out at the time (2002). This black Max kept passing me then dropping back a little. At 1st I thought maybe he thought I had a GTP (I just had a Grand Prix GT). Then just before I got stopped, he all but came to a complete stop. Should of heeded his move. He must of had a radar, but I don't know which one. The arrows do come in handy, but the 8500 & difuser seems really sweet. Add the Bearcat & you could almost be bullet-proof.
I've gone back to the Mazda Forum, re-read the threads over there & re-read the threads over here. Looks like it's going to be a leap of faith for me.
Has anyone tested the New Escort Solo S2 cordless?
Last edited by Chuck722; 07-01-2003 at 12:15 PM.
07-01-2003, 12:16 PM
#78
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Vlad, it appears Escort does a very poor job describing how this works. You make it sound a lot less distracting and more useful than I would have otherwise expected.
Still... it's all about the arrows! That is the deal-breaker for a lot of folks.
The V1 cannot tell you how many of each signal, but it will tell you how many signals total, and it will light up multiple band lights if you're receiving multiple band signals, flashing the light that is the strongest threat. It will also give a very different "bogey acquired" sound every time the count increases, so you don't have to stare at the display to know you just went from one to two.
In other words, say I pick up an X-band signal in town, and my counter goes to 1 while the X-band light comes on. Suddenly I pick up an additional Ka-band signal of equal strength. Since Ka is a higher threat, the Ka light will start flashing, I'll get the Ka "braap" right after hearing the "bogey acquired" sound (always at full volume even if I hit mute for the X I was already hearing) and the X-band signal light will remain on while the display shows two signals. If they are in different directions I will also get two arrows, the greater threat arrow flashing.
The Escort is an excellent unit, very well built. Don't get me wrong. I just think the V-1 is a notch above it.
Still... it's all about the arrows! That is the deal-breaker for a lot of folks.
The V1 cannot tell you how many of each signal, but it will tell you how many signals total, and it will light up multiple band lights if you're receiving multiple band signals, flashing the light that is the strongest threat. It will also give a very different "bogey acquired" sound every time the count increases, so you don't have to stare at the display to know you just went from one to two.
In other words, say I pick up an X-band signal in town, and my counter goes to 1 while the X-band light comes on. Suddenly I pick up an additional Ka-band signal of equal strength. Since Ka is a higher threat, the Ka light will start flashing, I'll get the Ka "braap" right after hearing the "bogey acquired" sound (always at full volume even if I hit mute for the X I was already hearing) and the X-band signal light will remain on while the display shows two signals. If they are in different directions I will also get two arrows, the greater threat arrow flashing.
The Escort is an excellent unit, very well built. Don't get me wrong. I just think the V-1 is a notch above it.
07-01-2003, 01:00 PM
#79
Registered User
Originally posted by Dr Bonz
Vlad, vlad, vlad....when are you going to see the light?
Nevermind, I'm not going to start. At least I'll admit that you really can't go wrong with either detector. I just like the V-1 better and ALL these votes can't be wrong!
Vlad, vlad, vlad....when are you going to see the light?
Nevermind, I'm not going to start. At least I'll admit that you really can't go wrong with either detector. I just like the V-1 better and ALL these votes can't be wrong!
On a serious side, I once even wanted to get V1 for evaluation, but then I desided I can't live without an expert mode. It's like sushi. You can't live without them once you tried.
07-01-2003, 01:05 PM
#80
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Re: Bearcat BC7
Originally posted by Z-Desperado
The Bearcat BC7 sets off an alarm if the troopers are using their radios with in 3-mile radius. So you don’t have to listen until the alarm goes off. It is pre programmed to each state for state police, DOT, CB, weather, and Fire departments. I had an older unit like the BC7 that the alarm keep going off. I slowed down to the speed limit and the trooper were set up on an overpass shooting their radar gun from behind and down the road their were about 5 Patrol cars picking people up. This happen a couple of other time and one time the alarm went off and I heard the state Patrolman call to a car down the road that I went past him in the other lane at a high rate of speed. I slowed up and got triggered by the next patrol car. Then I heard them talking about me as why I slowed up. Sorry for such a long post
The Bearcat BC7 sets off an alarm if the troopers are using their radios with in 3-mile radius. So you don’t have to listen until the alarm goes off. It is pre programmed to each state for state police, DOT, CB, weather, and Fire departments. I had an older unit like the BC7 that the alarm keep going off. I slowed down to the speed limit and the trooper were set up on an overpass shooting their radar gun from behind and down the road their were about 5 Patrol cars picking people up. This happen a couple of other time and one time the alarm went off and I heard the state Patrolman call to a car down the road that I went past him in the other lane at a high rate of speed. I slowed up and got triggered by the next patrol car. Then I heard them talking about me as why I slowed up. Sorry for such a long post
Can you listen to a track drivers? Does it makes sence or just make you tired of listening?
Did you have any negative experiences? Like it didn't went off even when you see cop toking on the radio in the car near you?
False alarms?
I'm thinking about getting one, if I can be sure it really helps. At prices I see it seems to be reasonable investment if it makes cops go home empty.