which would you prefer based on price, performance(city/highway), looks, easy of use, and just which is better! thanks
valentine 1 vs. Escort 8500X50
- Thread starter YUMNA2
- Start date
Valentine One
I'm happy with my 8500 X50.
I'll add my vote to V1, had it for 2+ years, saved me numerous times! Love how you can tell not only how many signals, the directions where the signals are coming are is also very important.
The general consensus is the Valentine One has a better display (the arrows) and is more sensitive than the 8500 X50. It also has a lot of false positives, even with the filter on. I think they just released a new generation of the V1 with POP detection.
The X50 has a much better filtering system and will give a lot less false positives from what I have read, but it may miss a valid signal the V1 will pick up.
If you are going to frequent areas with a lot of X band false positives, the X50 is probably a better choice. If you are more concerned about ultimate sensitivity and range on the highway, like I am, the V1 is the choice.
The X50 has a much better filtering system and will give a lot less false positives from what I have read, but it may miss a valid signal the V1 will pick up.
If you are going to frequent areas with a lot of X band false positives, the X50 is probably a better choice. If you are more concerned about ultimate sensitivity and range on the highway, like I am, the V1 is the choice.
probably a dumb question but what are X bands? 
YUMNA2 said:probably a dumb question but what are X bands?
X band is the older form of radar, not typically used these days. Most of the time you pick up shopping mall security doors on X band.
I drive with X-band and K-band off. Too much false signals.
Have either Valentine or Escort figured out a way to protect against Spectre, the latest technology of radar detector detector?
Last I heard both units were being handed over to the cops at an alarming rate???
Last I heard both units were being handed over to the cops at an alarming rate???
how hard is it to get the radar detectors hardwired? What should it cost?
I have been using the 8500 for a long time and have always been happy with it. The only advantage for the V1 I see is the arrows, but I really don't know how useful they are.
I have been using the 8500 for a long time and have always been happy with it. The only advantage for the V1 I see is the arrows, but I really don't know how useful they are.
NetViper said:
It's very easy and took me 45 minutes. If you are able to turn a few screws and aren't afraid of removing the center console there's no reason to pay someone $75+ to do the job.
I have both of them.....but, currently have a 8500 x50 version in my NSX....the valentine is in my G35, since I drive that 5X more....the only difference I see is the ARROWS, other than that, it's basically the same...
if you wanna save $100-200 and f*ck the arrows, go with the 8500x50....if you want the arrows & you wanna spend that extra $100-200, go with the Valentine...
if you wanna save $100-200 and f*ck the arrows, go with the 8500x50....if you want the arrows & you wanna spend that extra $100-200, go with the Valentine...
Factor X did mine for free. :smile: Never mind the $ I spent on a turbo.NetViper said:
KGP said:Factor X did mine for free. :smile: Never mind the $ I spent on a turbo.
Hmm... I should then just tell my wife if we get the turbo, they will do the radar for free. She should go for that :biggrin:
NetViper said:
Not sure about the 8500, but the V1 uses a normal telephone cord for power line. So I ran the line into the roof liner from where the unit is, along the driver's side pillar, and down to the fuse box that is below the drivers's side console. There is a switched power source that I connected to. It works fine, no cutting, no splicing, no 'hardwire'.
SilverOne said:
The 8500 (I have that one :wink: ) is also a phone cord setup. I purchased the direct hookup cord to install in the NSX. HOWEVER, I wanted to run it from above the rear view mirror, to the driver's side pillar, etc, just as you did.
How do you get the cover off the windshield pillar (mine is a 2001)
?I couldn't see a way to do it easily.
It's just clipped on as I recall ...... no special tools/technique necessary - just pull it back towards you.SamBel said:How do you get the cover off the windshield pillar (mine is a 2001)
D'Ecosse said:
OK, I'll give it a good look. Is it the same for the driver pillar?
i live in SF, is there any laws regarding radar dectors here? would a cop pull me over if he sees me using it?
I believe the only places in the United States where radar detectors are illegal are Virginia and the District of Columbia. They're also illegal in much of Canada.YUMNA2 said:
YUMNA2,
Check out this old thread.
There was some good info there...
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39003
Check out this old thread.
There was some good info there...
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39003
I don't own either one, but I am researching, and leaning towards the Escort. Here is an (apparently) independant and objective test of both units, and the primary reason I think the Escort is a better decision:
http://www.speedzones.com
It is very interesting reading
and here's the link on Escort's website to other tests and articles:
http://www.escortradar.com/reviews.htm
http://www.speedzones.com
It is very interesting reading
and here's the link on Escort's website to other tests and articles:
http://www.escortradar.com/reviews.htm
DetCMfan said:
That's the same site referenced in an earlier thread. I also thought it was some good reading. I eventually went with the Bell RX75 Pro, same company that makes the Escort.
Complete Detection and Blocking Technology
Unique "Shifting" System For Virtually Immunity To Laser Traffic Monitoring
7-Piece Remote Design
Dual Front Laser Blocking Modules
Rear Laser Blocking Module
Front Radar Antenna
Interface Module with Loss of Connection Alert
Display Panel with In-Dash Trim Bezel
Remote Mute Button
Concealed LED Alert
Digital PLL Synthesized Oscillator with Flash Microcontroller Technology
AutoScan Automatic X/K/Ka Band Sensitivity Adjustment
Detects X, K, Super Wideband Ka (33.4-36.0 GHz) Radar, Laser, and SWS Signals
Total Tracking Laser (TTL) Provides 360° Laser Protection
Programmable Digital Voice Alerts for Radar, Laser, and SWS Signals
Adjustable Audio Alerts for X / K / Super Wideband Ka Radar, Laser, and SWS
Memory Retention of Preferred Settings
P/V (Power / Volume) Button
Ultra-Bright LED Text Display with Adjustable Dimmer
Bar Graph Signal Strength Meter
Automatic and Manual Muting of Audio Alerts
City / Highway Modes with User Selectable Sensitivity
Instant-On / Pulsed Radar Warning
Shadow Technology for Complete VG2 Immunity
The company that installed it did a great job. I'll have to post some photos.
But after saying all that, My opinion is still the same. If your budget is $400 or less, Valentine 1 vs. Escort will be a very close call. Either one is a good choice.
Similar threads
