just bought Passport 8500 & V1 ->

most likely will send back the Passport & keep the V1. i have not got the v1 yet, i have the passport, and it's really ugly looking, i willl compare side by side.

the V1 is the better detector for sure. i've never heard anything but good things about them! more expensive than everybody else? sure, but in the long run they're cheaper because the save you from more tickets and higher insurance costs.

the V1 is not better, and alot of people have had them side by side including me, the V1 detects X better, in other words it falses alot more, thats the only diffrence in the two besides the arrows on the V1, which alot of people prefere, their range is almost identical with the passport doing better "for me anyways" in where it counts, the ka and K bands

I guess everyone has a different opinion, but I have 3 V1s, the 8500 and that cordless one (solo or whatever made by Passport) my wife wanted. The 8500 now sits in its box. I bought it in a hurry right after we got the Cayenne before a trip because my V1s were hardwired and I did not have time to order another V1. Waited til last minute as usual. I used the 8500 for about a month and ordered another V1. Did not like it for coverage and volume drop off issue. Tried to pawn the 8500 off on my wife and she went and bought the cordless deal so I guess she did not like it too much either.

I guess here we go again . If you think the Passport looks ugly, wait 'til you get the V1. It's the ugliest of the whole bunch. I agree with NiveK. As far as performance goes, the Passport is better. I've heard so many stories about exceedingly high false alarms on the V1. The Passport has been sure and reliable, and has saved me multiple times. If the Passport goes off, you slow down. That's all there is to it. For an extra $100.00, you get the arrows, the unusual looking angular detector, and the extra false alarms. You decide if it's worth it.

V1 ugly? nah - form follows function. now...where have i heard THAT before?! the V1 is a nice piece. i have two. swear by em.

I am a FORMER passport 8500 user as well. I too used to swear by it. My purchase of the V1 wasn't really thought out. Figured I would give it a shot because it can't hurt. The V1 offers at least as good protection as the Passport, but you also get the additional sense of direction and counters (definately worth the $100 dollar premium) so that 1. it is easier to judge whether the alarm is a false 2. the bogey counter gives you an intelligent driving experience (don't have to stop for signs or in the counter case, just because the Passport goes off where you know there is a sign doesn't mean that a cop isn't sitting under the sign with his gun on) 3. you can moon the cop as you pass . Put simply, going from the Passport to the V1 may not seem that different, but I wouldn't dare go from the V1 to the Passport - I would just feel naked on the road. Use the V1 and then try the Passport - that is the only way to know. Also in regards to the falses, who cares about a couple extra beeps when you are getting better protection. I would much rather my V1 annoy me occasionally (it doesn't really) than get a ticket. I sold my Passport to my friend for $100(what a friend eh?) but I am still trying to convert him to a V1...

Yep. The V-1 falses like nuts on X-band even with max filtering on. K and Ka range is incredible and the X-band is defeatable. The arrows greatly enhance your ability to pick out the smokies and reduce your chances of getting zinged. Tracking 2 bogies with constant signal strength means the source could be in front of you, behind you, or both while traveling at the same speed. With the V-1, you know exactly where they are coming from and can plan accordingly. Sensitivity between the 8500 and V-1 are comparable depending on what you read. It's the arrows that set the V-1 apart IMHO...

The arrows and the numbers do it for me. X band doors always hit in mutliples of 2 with weak and side oriented signals. If you get a hit and see 2 or 4, its a door. Now if it hits 3, you better look a little closer. Also, doors and Xband junk will hit with a weak signal from the side pretty quick. You then know it ain't a cop. The best feature of them all though is that rear arrow especially when unmarkeds come up behind you quickly from a distance. After using the V1 since 1998, I tune out the falses and can immediately tell by the signal strength, the arrows and numbers if it is something to worry about. Not so with the others.

Just recently, I tracked 3 bogies... 2 K-band and 1 Ka-band. 2 in front and one behind closing in all visible within probably 1/2 mile. In addition to showing direction, the arrows also indicate which signal is the strongest and thus demands the most attention. Without arrows, you don't know where to look. Another time I was tracking K-band in front. Then, I got a blip of K from the rear (weak). I kept constant speed closing in on the front signal when all of the sudden the rear arrow indicated greater strength. A trooper blew by me and over the next hill, both sources were in front of me. Range is good, but range with directional cues is even better. Cheers!

Oh man I was going to say the same thing... the V1 is really hideous looking. The V1 is better at X band long range so if you have many patrols out there using X then get the V1, however, in the NYC area it's hardly used at all so I disabled it on my 8500 and my SRX install. BTW - you can program the 8500 so the volume doesn't drop off, it's really simple. The 8500 will also show you multiple bands simultaneously and which has the strongest single, however, it doesn't show direction. Rob

I have my 8500 setup to track multiple targets and strengths, a nice feature. The 8500 works very well and has saved me many times. BTW this topic is right up there with "H&R springs vs RoW 030" and "what exhaust sounds better PSE or Fabspeeed".......Perhaps it's time for a FAQ section like the 993 board.

It�s all about SA, that�s situational awareness. The V1 gives you that with a bogey counter and rough azimuth. No other radar detector even comes close. Can�t even comprehend flying my F-14 with the RHAW gear just going �beep� Walt (former F-14 pilot)

I've got both. Each does certain things better. One place the 8500 excels is quick ID of the band. From the tone, you immediately know if you are dealing with Ka, K or X. In addition, the LED tells you which band you have acquired. Sometimes, you only have a moment to react to Ka or lidar. With the V1, the leds do not tell you what band you have acquired, particularly at night. The arrowa are nice however. I've been using the 8500 for years ans know it well. Its only weakness is the absence of arrows. I've had the V1 for a month or so and am getting used to it. Currentlyl, the 8500 is in my 996 and the V1 is in my Xterra, which I drive more this time of the year. This is partly so I can become familiar with the V1.

OK, now we're comparing radar detectors to F-14 instruments. Don't make me mod my 04 C4S with two 40mm Bofors cannons and an AN/ASD-5 Black Crow Direction Finder Set to find the emissions of the ignition system of other cars... The new Porsche Spectre. Would make traffic a thing of the past.

No we are not comparing radar detectors to Fighter radar threat detection gear. There is NO comparison actually. However, both serve the same general purpose. That purpose is to properly identify and locate potential radar and Lidar threats. The location of this police radar threat in the forward or rear quarter is paramount in his ability to achieve a valid return. You can use this to your advantage IF you can assess where he actually is AND have the wherewithal to properly use this information. Granted, much of this is lost on many folks. The only detector on the market that can do this is the V1. Period. This is strictly a defensive tool and has nothing to do with adding cannons. In the fighter world I came from a misidentification or wrong turn results in death, here we just get a speeding ticket. Walt

This thread is getting to be fun . Arrrows. OK, Lets do arrows. Beep, arrow points front. Ok slow down. Beep, arrow points side. OK, slow down. Beep, arrow points back. OK, slow down. Beep, arrow points front and back. OK, slow down. Beep, arrow points back, there are red and blue lights behind, speed up? Naah. I like the cannons idea better. Arrow points front, pull the trigger and shred that sucker in front!!! Arrow points back, drop some mines and enjoy the firewoks in your rear view mirror. Arrow points side, pull out the Uzi and let her rip!!! Yeah, I like that better

It seems like time after time, people prefer the V1 because of the arrows. I, like many others though, just can't accept the ugly box of the V1. So the obvious question is why, oh why, doesn't Valentine re-design the outside box with something sleeker? They wouldn't have to change the guts much. Now for Escort, having the arrows would be nice, but Valentine may have patent rights to the arrow thing, thereby prohibiting them from adopting that kind of display. Still in the end, if Valentine had a smaller, nicer package, and Escort had arrows, it would make the decision tree much easier.

Palting- Exactly my point when I said, �much of this lost on many folks.� Recommend you just drive the posted speed limit and stay out of the left lane.

OK, someone educated me here. With my 8500 and my SRX (which is an amazing stealthy design) when I see K or KA I slow down, I've disabled X band so it never goes off, but I slow down - regardless. I also disabled the Auto Mute so the thing beeps like crazy until I mute it. I can tell if the radar is in front of me or behind me, just from using the detector for so long that I can tell from the pattern (of course left or right is unknown). So the question is: When are you using a V1 and K or KA comes on and you continue driving 85 - 90mph because some arrow is telling you it's to the left, right, front or back? Although amusing in its design I would still slow down - so someone is going to have to sell me on this feature. One other point to note is that V1 is hideous to look at, however, they do a really nice install where they put the display in the rear view mirror. The only problem I've ever had with that is it can be seen if a cop is behind you. Especially in a cab. Rob BooBoo - Keep it light, just trying to have some fun, I don't want you flashing back on me.

Riad, The V1 offers better awareness of potential radar threats then any other detector. Take this scenario: I was traveling down I-20 and got a forward alert arrow, Ka band. I slowed and found the officer had already pulled someone over. As I passed, the directional arrow on my V1 rotated to side and then to rear. He was obviously no longer a threat. (He was standing at the window of the ticketed car) As I continued down the highway the V1 continued to report Ka band radar behind me but then started to indicate Ka radar in front. The forward arrow flashed reporting a new but same power �spike� in front. I again slowed and passed a motorcycle officer on the side of the road also giving a ticket. As I passed the arrow changed direction as before and I again sped up to find that once again I had another Ka threat, this time using �instant on�, in front of me selecting one by one the cars I was behind. I slowed and passed another Motorcycle officer, watched as the arrows indicated 2-3 threats behind me, sped up and was on my way. All other drivers not equipped with a V1 certainly would not have had this situational awareness. Many would have sped up following the first or even second cop, even with their detector beeping, to only get nailed by the third. The bottom line is you can only get so much information from beeps. <<<So the question is: When are you using a V1 and K or KA comes on and you continue driving 85 - 90mph because some arrow is telling you it's to the left, right, front or back?>>> Here is the answer: When I am on the highway crossing under an overpass or over another road perpendicular to my direction and get a side arrow I do not slow down. As I cross, I quickly look to see that he in not turning onto the highway access road. If he is I then slow. If not, which is in most cases I continue on. I caveat that by an assessment of signal strength. If I am getting a very strong signal I am very vigilant, if it is a weak K or Ka hit, I am not very worried. The biggest threats are high strength �instant on� hits and Lidar. <<<I can tell if the radar is in front of me or behind me, just from using the detector for so long that I can tell from the pattern (of course left or right is unknown).>>> Really, ok here is a scenario for you. You are driving down the highway and get a 1-2 second instant on. Where is the threat? How about this one. It is a night and your radar detector is indicates a weak but slowly increasing radar threat. Where is he? (yes, it does matter) If you simply slow down every time you get a radar warning than the V1 is a waste of money for you. If you can accurately assess the threat you can �stiff arm� the threat and continue on. At the DFW airport there is typically an always on Radar device at the South entrance. It has been there and operating for years. One day I was driving to the airport and got the same ole familiar radar alert, but this time was different; my V1 indicated 2 forward bogies. Sure enough, there was a motorcycle cop in close proximity to that stationary airport radar. I knew of the threat well before I was in range of it. What would your 8500 have done to alert you that there were actually two radars co-located? Again if you simply slow because your detector beeps at you than you will always be a slave to your detector. SO the bottom line is my detector, V1, offers me more situational awareness on where and how many are out there. In my opinion that is a very important feature. The Valentine 1 is a powerful and awesome tool in the right hands. For many it is information overload and some just can not comprehend its true capabilities. My decision to purchase 3 of them was not made based on ergonomics nor looks. I picked the Valentine One for its truly outstanding capabilities. I personally want to know where and how many of those potential threats there actually are. Make no mistake, my decision to slow down is based on the ALL the information presented to me by the V1, not just beeps. (Of course high strength �instant on� and Lidar hits are the exception.) Maybe this helps. maybe not. Walt

Instant on is a bad scenario with any detector I wouldn't even bother taking the time to look at the arrows I would slow down no matter what. The Passport detectors do allow you to see multiple threats, I can tell I have 2 KA, 2K and 4X band all at the same time and all showing signal strength of each. Of course it doesn't tell me direction. The Passport also has, and I think you would like this, a feature called SpecDisplay which shows the actual numeric frequency being received. This looks like K 24.150 or KA34.700 in this event you would know the frequency of the tower at the airport vs. the frequency of the patrol car because you pass it every day. Seeing they were different you would know something was up. Of course this wouldn't help me driving in your area because I'm unfamiliar with the tower, however, I would still be able to tell there were two signals when I normally see one. I don't know about anywhere else but in the NYC area there are many gas powered construction signs with information, such as arrow to avoid construction etc. On many of these there is a small radar gun the gives a K band signal, I always wondered why cops don't sit just behind those signs knowing that people who knew the area wouldn't slow down thinking it was the sign, however, these signs give off a frequency I know and it's K band so I wouldn't slow down in that case because I know its the sign. My Passport also has a laser shifter, not only a detector. Saved me already... state trooper on the side of the road I was doing about 85 my SRX displayed SHIFTING which blinks and produces are really obnoxious tone, I slowed down to 70 or so and cruised on by. I think knowing the detector you are using with its advanced features, knowing the area you live in and using common sense either detector will really help you out. But the V1 is still ugly and 8500 is sleek. Rob

Rob, No doubt the 8500 is better looking. Forgot to mention I use the concealed display and have it mounted in steering wheel stalk. The V1 is high and out of view near the rear view mirror. (Hard wired) I don�t like those around me or behind me to see what going on with my detector. On the Beemer, It is mounts below the nose. So having the concealed display is also important to me. Good spirited debate though. Thanks, Walt

I am sure the V1 is an excellent radar detector, it sure has a zealous following, but the 8500 is an excellent detector too. When used to it's fullest capability it provides a wealth of information, much more than "beeps". For example when properly setup, the 8500 can track 8 targets at once and give the signal strength and even the actual frequency if so desired. It's really a lot of information, and to be perfectly honest 90% of the time I just leave it in Auto mode, but when I want all the bells and whistles they a push of a button away. Bottom line I have owned Escort products for years with great success, they are sensitive and reliable. Until I find something better, I'll stick with my hard wired 8500, though I wouldn't mind trying a V1 or a concealed K40 someday. In the mean time I'm keeping my 8500, I don't need a pod....err I mean a V1 right now.

Darn, I missed the fun. Had to go to work, and Riad took all my lines. Funny how work gets in the way of living!! I still like the cannons idea best. Now, if I can just figure out how to hook up a radar zeroing missile to the P-car........ Peace!

my opinion is that the v1 is superior-the situational awareness is invaluable.

I understand how the additional information provided by the V1 is a positive, but for me this information became a distraction, once the novelty wore off. I now prefer the simplicity of the 8500. When the thing beeps I slow down. Simple. Too conservative sometimes, over slowing sometimes, yes. So what?

Walt, I agree, good debate. Hopefully people unfamilar with these detectors can gain some insite. What about the future of the radar detector. Let's take two technologies that already exist in cars. The first the HUD, corvette, pontiac and cadillac have been doing this for a while. The second is the radar detector.... hmm what would that look like? Rob Porsche HUD

Geez, let's get real people!! Ha ha. I've used both, and now own the 8500. I love the built in voltmeter, which is what I always have on when the unit is not activated. Anyhow, pretty simple formula is below: "CREDIBLE" BEEP ON ANY DETECTOR = SLOW DOWN, PERIOD. If you don't slow, then you deserve a ticket. Once you have your detector for a bit, you know what's false and what's legit. The v1 without a doubt has more falses, which can be easy to ignore, but still causes your gut to drop when it sounds at a higher speed. Just my nickel's worth. regards,

After you've experienced the range, arrows, and counter on the V1, all other detectors seem outdated and useless. Just my $0.02

4 thoughts : 1) ditto palting 2) I got my 8500 for $225 new at ultimate (i get discount...porsche-o-phile and audiophile) 3)if i could have gotten the v1 for the same price i might have gotten that instead 4)i have found that the vigor of any argument is often proportional not to the strength of the positions held but rather to the pride of the one doing the arguing. I don't think this is a "what's right" issue it's become more of a "who's right!" issue forgive me i am a libra

I don't know about that. I think BooBoo and I really made some valid points on both sides. And lets not forget the purpose of these forums is usually to help people who need information. This was one of the better threads because BooBoo really knew his stuff. I don't want to be right, I just want people to be informed. I can't believe no one liked my HUD radar display... HUD

Even then it can be too late if your gunned with instant on... Right Jon??? Chris

http://www.rennlist.org/main996faq/faq.htm

Since this old post has been revived, I'll add my $.02 The Automute feature is one of my favorite 8500 features (and n/a to the V1?). While the sensitivity of the 8500 is excellent, I would recommend anyone using one set it for "highway" (not auto) for max sensitivity to instant-on being used up the road, doesn't seem to increase falses either. Bottom line, when the detector beeps I lift and assess the situation, regardless of any other info or "arrows" on the detector. That said, my next detector will probably be a V1 anyway!

I set up my V1 with the X band turned off. It's also set so weak K band alerts at a reduced volume. Much quieter now.

I prefer the V1 for the following reasons. Arrows are cool. Really helps sort out what is real and what isn't. The V1 has an incredible amount of programability. It is amazing how flexible this thing is. There are like three pages of directions on how to change the way it operates if you don't want to use default settings. Lastly, it's upgradeable. All you have to do is send it back and you get the newest firmware and electronics for a small fee. It is probably the last radar detector I will ever buy because of that.

The SRX laser shifting on the 8500 sounds pretty cool. V1 should add that to their next upgrade. As for looks and performance, I've got a pile of BEL's and Escorts in the garage and 3 V1's hardwired.

As if anyone needs another $0.02 ... here's mine: My V1 was taken by the Canadian cops, so I'm in the market to either replace with another V1 or 8500. I read through all these posts and they Sold me on the V1. Why? Simple, In Mass, their fond of posting K band radar on various road signs. The radar signal is quite strong and without V1, I would have to drive a religious 65MPH for about 2 miles. With the V1, I can drive a conservative 75-80MPH unless it detects a 2'nd source. As I understand it, this isn't possible with the 8500. ... so sign me up for another V1!

GO V1!

You've got the wrong info. 8500 will indicate a second bogey, and will couint multiple ones. I should know. I've got one, and swear by it. Anyway, be carefull with ignoring ANY signal, even K-band. A single signal could be a road sign, or it could easily be a cop.

All the school busses here in Fort Worth have 4 Kband radar transmitters on their roof pointing front and rear. They're detectable for about 1.5 miles. When the school buses are out the detector is almost always alerting. Major PIA. Fortunately the city cops have mostly Ka units.

Does anyone know where to find out what radar systems are used in each state? I think Cin microwave used to show this on their website, but do not see it there anymore. My opinion on this: I have a new 8500 (w/ blue LED display) cause I like the features - either the V1 or 8500 will be effective means to keep insurance down, I wouldn't any other brand.

You just paid $40 for a blue plastic lens instead of a red plastic one!

It's not a plastic lense, it's blue LEDs instead of red LEDs. Besides I make the LEDs, so it benefits my company (and looks much cooler on the dash) - is $40 too much to spend on making the dash look nicer (think of the money spent on most interior parts for >$60 Porsches)? -Mike

Bel Vector 995.

my personal choice is the v1

I like the way that Mike Valentine posts and supports Porsche forums. Don't see the Passport folks doing this....