I am trying to decide on a radar detector, I don’t mind spending the extra money if I know it will save me from at least one ticket. I am looking to get one of the following five. Any feedback or other suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Escort Passport SRX with Laser Shifting Technology
Escort Passport SR7 Custom-Installed Radar & Laser Detection
Escort Solo S2 Cordless
Escort Solo 8500
Valentine One

 

I have a Valentine One and an Escort 8500. I did a side by side test and the Valentine won over the Escort for my use.
I would go with the Valentine also the power cord is long enough to reach the plug in the 350Z.

 

I do not have a radar detector yet but I plan on buying one this coming week. I have a long trip coming up!

Where is the best place to buy? Valentines web site?

 

V1 w/out a doubt... best I've ever owned.

Went on vacation this weekend, about a 4 hour trip each way. I had maybe 3 false warnings (normally over 10) and picked up 3 bogeys with plenty of warning. Also had a one tailing me for about 30 mins... couldn't see him, but I knew he was back there. It's nice to be able to warn drivers on the other side of traffic of an approaching radar that you can't see.

AVG Speed 80 mph; 0 tickets.

 

Valentine.

I think they may only sell on their own website.

 

Hmmn...radartest.com ranks the 8500 much higher than the V1 as do many other reviews I have read.

I have an 8500 and its not bad. Have had it since it first cam e out and no tickets (so far). My only complaint is with the muted sound level...wish it was more like the BEL geiger counter effect of old.

May have to try the V1 in my next toy.

 

It's tough judge whether or not a test is totally impartial. I don't know if Maxim would be considered qualified to do a test, but I would think it was close to impartial. Valentine won that one in last months issue. You can probably find an equal number of tests saying either the V1 or 8500 are the best.

IMO Escort and Valentine are the best and each does better in different situations. I prefer the Valentine, but if I had another car that needed one (my Wrangler doesn't qualify) I'd probably buy an 8500 just to be able to compare.

 

This has been posted about a million times (do a search and you'll find it) but the short story is that Radartest was in part "sponsored" by the maker of the 8500 and thus isn't a very valid test.

The V-1 outperforms the 8500 in more catagories than visa versa. It's directional arrows (its the only detector that has them) are invaluable IMO.

I own two (one in the Z and the other in my Stealth) and I have NEVER been nailed for speeding in either car when I had them.

 

Interesting, I am making this decision too. The V1 is the one that I orginially wanted cause of the arrows, but then I thought twice about it cause the brightness of the display. Is it true that the V1 is real bright in the dark??? Kinda makes the cops know that you have one and could make things worse if you are pulled over or something.

8500 has more features, but I don't think it can be upgraded like the V1, which is a disadvantage of the 8500. Don't know what to do, maybe this trend will help me out too.

 

you can add on lazer jammers to the 8500,

can you do this with the valentine also? if so i might have to lean towards that, but if not im definitely doing the 8500/jammer combo

 

When you pick up radar as quick as you do with the V1, who needs a jammer!

 

lazer is not a radar

 

Have had escort, passport, for over 20 yrs. Recently purchased a RMR Viper from Ebay, a total waste of money and was unable to get a refund after a week. I purchased a Valentine 1 , this dog can hunt, best money ever spent, will stick with this unit.

 

Thanks to every one who voted on this post, I have just placed an order for my new Valentine One radar.

 

I just got it last week, love it

 

If you know how to use it, I don't think you could beat the V1

 

SR7 if youve got the loot

 

i just installed my passport 8500 and will be adding the lazer jammer (ooops i mean "shifter") in a few weeks.

the jammer can be used solo or added to the 8500 using one display.

many reviews of this unit show that it jams (shifts) all the currently available police lazers.

 

What about the Escort Solo S2 Cordless? How does it compare to the V1? The fact that it's cordless is a nice feature, given the stupid placement of the cigarette lighter in the 350.

I'm leaning towards the Escort if it's at least a decent unit (even if it's not quite as good as the V1). Does anybody have experience with both and have an opinion?

 

I just got the Solo S2, and I'm very pleased. Just used it on a 1000 mile Round trip, and was "saved" several times. Very few false alarms. I was going 90-95 most of the time (sometimes a little higher) and had plenty of warning. Just remember, if there isn't much traffic (like here in NM), the instant on radar will get you with any detector. From what I've read, the S2 is the first cordless detector that performs up to the corded units. Several sites rated it above the Valentine, but who cares if it works well. No arrows, but when it goes off, I'm on the brake instantly.