Radar Detectors
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, B.C.
Originally posted by MAdooid
I just want to confirm what RJ said. I have a Bel and have know problems with direction of threat. You can tell quickly from threw signal strength.
Once you get a good detector you wont know how you got along with out it. Don't waste your money go to radartest.com and read for your self. Here is a quote from there new shoot out.
"Like the other two contenders its radar scores were always within feet of the others' although it bested the V1 more often than we'd expected. And it proved highly POP mode-resistant as well, detecting the stealthy BEE III an average of 75 percent of the time, ranking second in effectiveness only to the BEL Pro RX65.
When we first tested the Passport 8500 we declared it the world's best radar detector. The latest 8500 X50's stellar performance, exceptional level of sophistication, extensive features and civilized manners combine to convince us that we called it right the first time. If the absence of voice alerts and the convenience of remote audio volume adjustment are of no importance, we'd say it's almost dead even with the BEL, slightly better on laser. But with the new BEL RX65 in town, we'd also venture to say that the Escort Passport 8500 X50 now has some company as the top-performing radar detector."
Go there and read, and see what best for you. I like the Bel with the voice alerts. It saves me on a weekly basses and is well worth the money.
Tony
><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸.
·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>
I just want to confirm what RJ said. I have a Bel and have know problems with direction of threat. You can tell quickly from threw signal strength.
Once you get a good detector you wont know how you got along with out it. Don't waste your money go to radartest.com and read for your self. Here is a quote from there new shoot out.
"Like the other two contenders its radar scores were always within feet of the others' although it bested the V1 more often than we'd expected. And it proved highly POP mode-resistant as well, detecting the stealthy BEE III an average of 75 percent of the time, ranking second in effectiveness only to the BEL Pro RX65.
When we first tested the Passport 8500 we declared it the world's best radar detector. The latest 8500 X50's stellar performance, exceptional level of sophistication, extensive features and civilized manners combine to convince us that we called it right the first time. If the absence of voice alerts and the convenience of remote audio volume adjustment are of no importance, we'd say it's almost dead even with the BEL, slightly better on laser. But with the new BEL RX65 in town, we'd also venture to say that the Escort Passport 8500 X50 now has some company as the top-performing radar detector."
Go there and read, and see what best for you. I like the Bel with the voice alerts. It saves me on a weekly basses and is well worth the money.
Tony
><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸.
·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>
Finally someone else with a RX-65.
I have read the same test were it says the RX-65 betters the V1 and the 8500.
But like you said, these three detectors are so close in performance, that it really comes down to what features you like.
I too like the voice alerts.
Every time this radar detector arguement has come up no one really has mentioned the RX-65. It`s always V1 this, 8500 that
New Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,129
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area, CA
I've had a V1 for manys years and an el-cheapo Uniden before that. The Valentine One usually wins comparos in Car and Driver.
I will say the arrows in conjunction w/bogey counter are VERY helpful. If you're driving along and you get a weak signal for a LONG time (usually due to the cop moving in the same direction as you) and you have no arrows, you have no idea if the cop is ahead of you or behind you. With the arrows, at least you know.
I recall driving along on the freweay a few weeks back (doing the speed limit), getting a 1 fairly weak K band reading, from behind... and eventually the cop caught up to me and was right behind me... w/my radar detector going off at max strength and all. Eventually, the cop passed me and moved on. As he passed, the arrows transition from back, to sides to front and the signal grew weaker as he pulled further ahead. Trust me, they're GREAT!
The V1 isn't complicated at all. I only press the **** to reduce the volume of alerts and turn the **** and inner volume control to adjust volume. There's nothing that you need to screw with. You can hold down the **** to change between the 3 modes, but I haven't done that in years.
I will say the arrows in conjunction w/bogey counter are VERY helpful. If you're driving along and you get a weak signal for a LONG time (usually due to the cop moving in the same direction as you) and you have no arrows, you have no idea if the cop is ahead of you or behind you. With the arrows, at least you know.
I recall driving along on the freweay a few weeks back (doing the speed limit), getting a 1 fairly weak K band reading, from behind... and eventually the cop caught up to me and was right behind me... w/my radar detector going off at max strength and all. Eventually, the cop passed me and moved on. As he passed, the arrows transition from back, to sides to front and the signal grew weaker as he pulled further ahead. Trust me, they're GREAT!
The V1 isn't complicated at all. I only press the **** to reduce the volume of alerts and turn the **** and inner volume control to adjust volume. There's nothing that you need to screw with. You can hold down the **** to change between the 3 modes, but I haven't done that in years.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Phelan,CA
V1!
The V1 is the only dectector I have purchased, so I cannot compare. What I CAN tell you is that this baby has paid for itself double in the past 5 months. I get warning so early it is funny. I slow from 91 to 55, set the cruise, remove the dectector from the windshield and a couple of seconds later, there he is....SWEET!
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, B.C.
.
I recall driving along on the freweay a few weeks back (doing the speed limit), getting a 1 fairly weak K band reading, from behind... and eventually the cop caught up to me and was right behind me... w/my radar detector going off at max strength and all. Eventually, the cop passed me and moved on. As he passed, the arrows transition from back, to sides to front and the signal grew weaker as he pulled further ahead. Trust me, they're GREAT!
Yeah, that`s kinda neat
But with your V1 screaming, you would have slowed down with arrows or not. plus he was right on your @ss, then the arrows point to the side when he was right next to you, I`m sure you must have know this was the cop when he was right there Don`t take this as a flame, I`m just ribbing you a bit about you V1 guys with your presious arrows 
I recall driving along on the freweay a few weeks back (doing the speed limit), getting a 1 fairly weak K band reading, from behind... and eventually the cop caught up to me and was right behind me... w/my radar detector going off at max strength and all. Eventually, the cop passed me and moved on. As he passed, the arrows transition from back, to sides to front and the signal grew weaker as he pulled further ahead. Trust me, they're GREAT!
Yeah, that`s kinda neat
But with your V1 screaming, you would have slowed down with arrows or not. plus he was right on your @ss, then the arrows point to the side when he was right next to you, I`m sure you must have know this was the cop when he was right there Don`t take this as a flame, I`m just ribbing you a bit about you V1 guys with your presious arrows
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 294
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Responses to the 3 of the last 4 posts, not directed at the people who posted, so please don't take it personally:
LinkNuc: Tests show that cordless radar detectors do not have the same range and their range drops as battery power diminishes.
beg8878: The cord is an eyesore, but you can have it hardwired and make it virtually invisible. There's a forum member who makes rear view mirror mounts for both the 8500 and the V1. Couple that with the hardwire and the wire is nearly invisible. I posted a pic of mine down below.
RJ: Sure you slow down when you get a signal, but I'd rather see where the threat is than wonder why the signal is fluctuating. I mean I can do math in my head, but if I have a calculator I prefer to use it. Why would people trust signal strength only when they can be sure. Plus, on the 8500 X50, unless you're in the expert mode, it only shows signal strength of the primary threat. If there are multiple threats, youi won't know. In expert mode, the display is so small I found it hard to read. I love my precious arrows
LinkNuc: Tests show that cordless radar detectors do not have the same range and their range drops as battery power diminishes.
beg8878: The cord is an eyesore, but you can have it hardwired and make it virtually invisible. There's a forum member who makes rear view mirror mounts for both the 8500 and the V1. Couple that with the hardwire and the wire is nearly invisible. I posted a pic of mine down below.
RJ: Sure you slow down when you get a signal, but I'd rather see where the threat is than wonder why the signal is fluctuating. I mean I can do math in my head, but if I have a calculator I prefer to use it. Why would people trust signal strength only when they can be sure. Plus, on the 8500 X50, unless you're in the expert mode, it only shows signal strength of the primary threat. If there are multiple threats, youi won't know. In expert mode, the display is so small I found it hard to read. I love my precious arrows
Last edited by theSmoothDome; Jun 25, 2004 at 08:39 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, B.C.
Originally posted by theSmoothDome
Responses to the 3 of the last 4 posts, not directed at the people who posted, so please don't take it personally:
LinkNuc: Tests show that cordless radar detectors do not have the same range and their range drops as battery power diminishes.
beg8878: The cord is an eyesore, but you can have it hardwired and make it virtually invisible. There's a forum member who makes rear view mirror mounts for both the 8500 and the V1. Couple that with the hardwire and the wire is nearly invisible. I posted a pic of mine down below.
RJ: Sure you slow down when you get a signal, but I'd rather see where the threat is than wonder why the signal is fluctuating. I mean I can do math in my head, but if I have a calculator I prefer to use it. Why would people trust signal strength only when they can be sure. Plus, on the 8500 X50, unless you're in the expert mode, it only shows signal strength of the primary threat. If there are multiple threats, youi won't know. In expert mode, the display is so small I found it hard to read. I love my precious arrows
Responses to the 3 of the last 4 posts, not directed at the people who posted, so please don't take it personally:
LinkNuc: Tests show that cordless radar detectors do not have the same range and their range drops as battery power diminishes.
beg8878: The cord is an eyesore, but you can have it hardwired and make it virtually invisible. There's a forum member who makes rear view mirror mounts for both the 8500 and the V1. Couple that with the hardwire and the wire is nearly invisible. I posted a pic of mine down below.
RJ: Sure you slow down when you get a signal, but I'd rather see where the threat is than wonder why the signal is fluctuating. I mean I can do math in my head, but if I have a calculator I prefer to use it. Why would people trust signal strength only when they can be sure. Plus, on the 8500 X50, unless you're in the expert mode, it only shows signal strength of the primary threat. If there are multiple threats, youi won't know. In expert mode, the display is so small I found it hard to read. I love my precious arrows
Originally posted by Big Sexz
Dam, none of you thought this was funny?
I dont care who you are, thats funny!
Dam, none of you thought this was funny?
I dont care who you are, thats funny!
That was pretty damn funny.But all B.S. aside........ I ahve personally tested EVERY detector here except the K40, and no and I mean NO detector can compare to the BEL 985 Vector's Ka detection (sent mine in for an upgrade). I can pick up Ka (most prevelant radar) literally miles away on straight aways and around corners, behind me, and over hills with ease! This detector has saved my azz more times than I can count. The performance coupled with it's VERY reasonable pricetag makes it a "No-Brainer" purchase.
By the way, there is a newer model, but until this one let's me down...... I'm good!
Review Here
The Bel Vector 985 was listed as a top performer in each of the following categories during Speed Measurement Laboratories Annual Detector Test 2003:
Most Invisible To Radar Detector/Detectors
Best At Detecting POP Modes
Best Straight Line Detection X, K, Ka
Best Maximum Range Over The Hill
Best Laser Detection
Best Radar From The Rear
Most Invisible To Radar Detector/Detectors
Best At Detecting POP Modes
Best Straight Line Detection X, K, Ka
Best Maximum Range Over The Hill
Best Laser Detection
Best Radar From The Rear
(Clicking a feature will open a description in a new window)
360° Protection against all types of Laser
X, K, Ka, and Super Wideband Ka Detection
Safety Warning System (SWS™) Alert
VG-2 Undetectable
VG-2 Alert
Instant-On (Pulse) Detection
16 Driver Selectable Features
Alpha-Numeric Text Display
64 Digital Voice Messages
Auto and Manual Muting
Bar Graph Signal Strength Indicator
Auto Memory Retention
AutoScan™ Mode
Highway Mode (suburban travel)
City X Mode (moderate urban travel)
City X/K/Ka Mode (extreme urban travel)
AccuSweep™
Fully Adjustable Audio Levels
Quick Volume
Bright/Dim/Dark Display Settings
Software Upgradable
Tutorial Mode
Two Year Manufacturer Warranty
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
:: Bel Vector 985 Driver Selectable Features
X Band - on/off
K Band - on/off
Super Wideband Ka Band - on/off
Safety Warning System (SWS™) - on/off
Safety Warning System (SWS™) - voice or tone
Audio Alerts - auto mute or continuous
Radar/Laser - digital voice or unique tones
Audio/Visual Scroll Rate - fast or slow
AccuSweep™ - pinpoints detection of Ka narrow frequencies
AutoScan™ Mode - automatically adjusts to X/K/Ka sensitivity levels wherever you drive
Inverted display Option - on/off
Normal Operational Mode
Modification Operational Mode
Quick Start Operational Mode
Tech Mode
Voltage Meter Mode
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
:: Included with the Bel Vector 985
Visor and Windshield Bracket
8' Coiled Power Cord
12' Straight Cord
Custom Anodized Aluminum Travel Case
Owner's Manual
You may want to check out there new line of detectors also:
http://www.beltronicspro.com/rx65.html
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 294
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Originally posted by mpowers
Whom makes the mount?
Whom makes the mount?
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: las vegas
escort and valentine seem to be the best but!! I bought the new whistler 3450 remote for about $200 and it is hidden so when i put the top down I don't have to worry about theft. it also has a new voice module which i am going to try. Its not as "good" as the escort but I have used the 3400 for many years and the tradeoffs give the whistler the edge
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 0
From: new orleans
Originally posted by ckny
check out radartest.com - tons of good info and testing over there. the escort passport 8500 is consitantly ranked #1 and is over $100 cheaper than the valentine 1
check out radartest.com - tons of good info and testing over there. the escort passport 8500 is consitantly ranked #1 and is over $100 cheaper than the valentine 1
radartest.com is owned by the company that makes the passport and escort! Of course their own detectors will win in their testing.
At any rate, I have the V1, a remote display, and soon Bel 904 laser jammers.
Although I do belive the Passport 8500 and V1 are neck in neck, the combination of the arrows as well as Valentine's replacement and upgrade policy make it well worth the extra 100 dollars.
However likely either one of them are to warn you in time to slow down (they are both going to cover the basics) the V1 is a much higher quality unit in terms of features and also in terms of the quality of the unit itself (fit and finish). This is reflected in the price.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
