Well it is radar detector time and of course it is has been quickly narrowed down to the V1 (1.8) and the 8500. I'm leaning towards the V1 because of the optional Concealed Display. I saw an install where the display was mounted above the rear view mirror, which is what I am wanting to do because it will be sitting next to the display module for the Escort Shifter ZR3.

Question #1:
The infamous "They" have said that the V1 wont shut up and I'm wondering what your thoughs are on the matter, and how often it is really going off. Are we talking every five seconds or just when you drive within 2 miles of any and all store fronts? Do you know when there is a serious threat in those occasions?

Question #2:
Once the Concealed Display is pluged into the V1, does the V1 become dark and quiet? I will be mounting it in the back window and just want to make sure that it wont light up with the concealed display hooked up. That would be bad driving through VA & DC.

Question #3:
Anyone using the V1/ZR3 combo? Has it saved your hide?

Thanks for all of your input.
BSZ

 

Have you thought about the Bel 985? Perfect so far and I drive the Z very fast and I drive a Ford Ranger around north Texas for about 35K miles a year. No tickets with the detector monitoring. Without it I have 27 speeding tickets in 8 years. It works and should be considered.

 

I did think about it. Everything I've read about the 985 said it did a great job, but I am wanting a smaller display like the V1 optional concealed display has. Thats the only reason I dont have the 8500 already. I just dont want a detector hanging under my mirror, that's all.

 

So the new V1 is this good???????

 

For what its worth I have both the V1 and an 8500. I had the 8500 first and use it in my other car. The V1 is in the Z. I have come to like the V1 much more than 8500 (arrows are great). I do wish the V1 had a few of the features that the 8500 offers (display intensity, sound control etc.) but otherwise the V1 is generally better. Sorry I do not use the other display (although I have it). I was told that you can shut off the main display on the V1 unit itself when using the remote display.
You would want to get the remote sound control part also though, otherwise the alerts will still come out of the main unit.

 

I have the V1 1.8 & loooooooove it. It does go off a lot in "all bogies" mode, which is just that -- a mode that alerts you to every little thing out there. The "logic" and "advanced logic" modes do a terrific job at filtering out most of the junk (unless you are really close, like in a store's parking lot) and keeping the important signals. I drive in an urban area every day (LA) and it is not bothersome. I have my remote display mounted right in front of the shifter, so a simple flick of the finger mutes it anyway.

The main unit goes dark when you use the remote display. Most of us here mounted the V1 at the top of the rear window behind the passenger seat, so this feature is key.

The sound still comes from the main unit though. It actually works great because the tiny speaker outlet is aimed right at the driver's right ear in this configuration.

I love the V1, it saves my ***, and I could never live without the directional display now that I have it. Get it! It's worth the $$$.

 

First off I want to thank you both for the input, it is what I was hoping for. I'm going to order the V1 within the next week. I am in the process of purchasing an Escort Shifter ZR3 off the net new for $295 shipped and will be installing them both at the same time once they are both here. I have this idea in my head and hope that it comes out close to it.
Thanks again.
BSZ

 

Good choice with the V1! I just got mine last week. I have been using it in the Explorer, as the Z has been benched for the winter.

Anyways... what everyone says is true, once you have the arrows, you will never go back. That said, I am very happy with the performance of the detector as well. True in normal mode, in the city it goes off too much, but in adv. logic mode, it works excellent.

I just can't stand having it sticking on the window though ... I am temped to stealth it into the explorer ... even if it is only for the next month and half ... who knows

jim