Directional arrows
Sensitivity
Loudness
Size is not a problem. Fits very well on the visor or glass

Cost! Cost! Cost!

I've just completed my own evaluation between the Escort 8500 and the V1, and thought you might want to now that I've decided to keep the V1 because of the following:

1) Ka band
Better detection range for the ka band. in some cases as much as 1/2 mile. In one case a trooper had already pulled someone over that was going in the same direction as I, so he is facing away with the radar pointing at the rear of the vehicle. Even with this I was able to get reading from one mile away. At this point I turned on the 8500 which was configured for fast power up, and it didn't start to show a signal until approx. 1/2 mile away. This was repeated a second time, this time with both powered on and with the same results.

2) K band
While both units picked up the k-band very well, the V1 consistently would give an indication approximately 1-3 seconds before the Escort.

3) X band
V1 has better sensitivity, and has minimal false alarms when in logic mode.

4) Direction arrows are a must. At first I thought the display was to busy, but after a few days you get used to what to look for. Once you get in the habit of "Tone, Direction, Bogey count" it becomes very useful.

5) Believe it or not, I actually like the look of the design over the Escorts. Looks very business like in a stealth fighter kind of way.

Similar Products Used:

Escort 7500, 8500. The 8500 is a good product, just not as sensitive and no directional arrows.

Bogey counter X + K Band range

Arrows, Ka Band range, price

I've had my Valentine for a couple of years. When I bought it in 1999 it was the best out there, but I doubt it is anymore :( . A lot of these reviews are pretty worthless that say it's the best or the worst. It's neither really. Whats good about this detector is the range on x and k band, the remote display is nice too. What I think is overrated is the display arrows. I prefer to be safe verses sorry when it comes to my detector going off. I can't think of a direction the arrows would point that would make me ignore the warning. If the arrows point ahaead I would slow down because I would be approaching radar. If the arrow pointed the the side it could be a door opener, but it could also be a lot of other things. Police radar can be used while it is moving, so if the police unit is on a turn you could get a arrow pointing to the side. A second later they could be facing you. Also radar will reflect off your car and other objects, so you could get a side reading for that reason. If you get a rear
warning you should slow down too. So if you need to slow down any dirction the arrows point, why bother having them. Do you think other detector brands don't have the arrows because they agree that the arrows are worthless? Or do you think they are so complicated to add to a detector that other companies still can't figure out to add them, even though they've been on the Valentine for about ten years?

Similar Products Used:

None