lexaudio

Okay, before you jump on me about the search, I did.

I read alot of them. The reason I am asking is because there seems to be no agreement on which on.

One thread says the V-1. Just when I think it is the V1,
the next calls the V1 a gimic and Get the Beltronics RX65.
The next says get an 8500 Escort.

Now I don't know.

LEX

oobatz

I had the V1 for a few years which I sold with one of my cars, and then bought the 8500 which I used for a few months then sold and bought another V1 mainly because I really got used to the directional arrows. From what I could tell their performance was very similar and you can't go wrong with either one. I have no experience with the beltronics.

oak3x

I have both the Passport 8500 and Solo 2 (cordless). Both are excellent with detection and give very little false alarms. The old man is a LEO, so I had an opportunity to test each extensivley. The 8500 may give a bit more notice, probably due to the fact that is is corded. Difference is very minimal though.

Miaugi

I have a Solo 2 as well (now for sale) and I liked the cordless option.....but I just replaced it with the brand new Bel STi Driver. Mainly because detectors are illegal in Canada and in Ontario (where I drive a lot) the police use Spectre detector detectors which can sniff out all radar detectors....except the new Bel STi!

not08crmanymore

THE V1 IS NOT A GIMMICK.THE ARROWS WORK.They tell you where and how many and you know when to speed up again...as opposed to beep beep beep...I think anyone who says it's a gimmick hasn't owned one or just doesn't feel like spending 400 bucks!!

Braced

Once you use the arrows, you never want to go back.

Shawn S

I’ve been using the V1 since it first came out back in 1991.
I’m on my fifth unit, it’s no gimmick.
To stay with the latest hardware/software I sell it on EBAY and buy a new one every couple of years.
They hold their value and it’s cheaper then upgrading.
2-3 year old V1’s regularly sell on EBAY for 325-350 dollars.
Not bad for something that sells for 400 NEW.
I wish all my electronic gadgets did so well over time.

V1 or nothing for me.

dennis50nj

always drive fast no tickets 8500x50

Diocles

Had a V-1, now I have a Bel STI. I would never go back to the V-1.

Blair_05_MD

I have a Solo2 and a V1, I find that the V1 has quite a bit more range and gives less false positives so I keep the Solo in the Volvo and the V1 in the Vette.

vette2005

This unit is excellent. It has saved me many times. The laser detection is the weakest aspect of it, but it still gives you enough notice, barely.

oobatz

I couldn't agree more. Having gone from V1 to the escort it drove me nutz not having the arrows.

ricatthebeach

V-1 for me baaa-by! It has paid for itself many times over.

PappyTinker

Beltronics bought out Escort so the RX65 and the 8500 are essentially the same unit, at least in function.

anothercrisis

I have had an escort passport for a few years and it was good.
Based on recommendations here and other forums, I recently purchased the V1. I like it. It seems really sensitive but I have it set in the most sensitive settings. It will even pick up my homelink garage door button on the C6, (it shows the signal coming from behind since the V1 in mounted in front of the visor!) and many other things I did not know about. However, where I can depend upon the sensitivity is on the open road. I am growing used to the arrows and now glance at the arrows to determine what I might be picking up.
Which was better? I honestly don't know as the escort has aged and the V1 is new it seems logical that the V1 would be more sensitive and it is. In a great deal of city driving the sensitivity would have to be adjusted or would take some time to learn which alarms are ok and which might be "bogeys"
With everthing said, a person has to drive with some amount of common sense or it really wont matter what kind of detector you have.

Good luck

anothercrisis

jnx911

I like the arrows on the V1, they have saved me many times when I would have thought it was a false alarm.

tanko

The V1 allows the user to select the sensitivity level. I always keep mine on the lowest sensitivity to reduce false positives. I have been quite happy with the V1 but have no experience with the competition.

als2052

I just wish detector would shut down with car.

Guitarstar

Voice command tells you in an instant whats being shot at you,
in what band so you dont even waste one second to look at your detector.
Lights up in blue digital 360 degree detection in all bands & laser
plus road hazard saftey warning.
Turns on & off with my C6.
Welcome to the future.

Whistler Pro 73 Features

POP Mode Detection
Two Year Warranty
Real Voice Alerts
Intense Blue Text Display
High Gain Optical Lens
Stay Alert Feature
Total Band Protection
360 degree Total Perimeter Protection
VG-2 Cloaking Technology
3 City Modes
Quiet/Auto Quiet Modes
Vehicle Battery Saver - Selectable
Setting Saver
Alert Priority
Safety Warning System
Power/Dim Dark
Volume Up/Down Buttons
Front and Rear Laser Antenna
2 City / 1 Highway Mode
Self Test
Feature Engaged Confirmation
Teach/Tutorial Mode
Option Select Mode

emejay

I have my V-1's both hard wired to the cars electrical so they turn on and off with the ignition. I have had several brands of detectors and they all worked good, but once you get a V-1, you will never go back as the directional arrows are incredibly valuable.