Very interesting -- I've been waffling between the V1 and the 9500i for a long time now. I'm starting to lean toward the V1.

 

I don't mean to muddy the water, but take a look at this one as well.

http://www.beltronics.com/sti.html

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=100542

http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-20...ctor-test.html

http://www.speedzones.com/

 

Too much information. Maybe I just shouldn't speed.

 

I'm still using the same V1 I bought more than ten years ago.........It has paid for itself on more than a few "occasions". Are there better or equivalent units available? Maybe, maybe not. I'm from the "if it ain't broken don't fix it" school and as such will continue to use my "old" V1. YMMV

 

Was driving my wife's vehicle with the passport sunday, since we took the varments out for breakfast. Damn, I missed those V-1 arrows.

 

Ordered a V1 direct from Valentine1.com today based on these plus off-site reviews. Some of the electronics-opinions sites on the web gave Escort wicked low marks on customer service, too. Nothing seems to compare to the V1, even at its significant price point.

I've been doing the pre-buy study routine for a couple of weeks but got very motivated after getting pulled over and ticketed yesterday by a Massachusetts State Trooper... he said that he was coming at us in the opposite lane around a curve and "couldn't get a fix" on us, but he saw that we were on the white line / shoulder side of the lane (awesome set of uphill S-turns .. I think that he saw us leaning into the curves and was upset that he couldn't nail us for speeding). Gave us a $100 bill for "traveling off the marked lane". I imagine that from the time he first saw us, turned around, and caught up with us, he probably had time for coffee AND a donut. We'll see him in court, unless the initial hearing with a MA magistrate yields a bye. No way that I'm just going to mail them a check. Gotta keep the driving record as clean as possible and the V1 will definitely save us some cash. I don't know if MA and CT swap driver data but since it's a moving violation ya gotta fight it just in case.

Funny to note that I was so intent on the road ahead that I had no idea that he was behind us. Just as a major straightaway unfolded ahead, my compatriot said, "hey, there's someone flashing their lights at us". Good thing that she saw him because it would have been interesting as I was just getting ready to open her up!

 

I just got the visor clip mount for my Escort 9500i. They don't include in the kit since they don't recommend mounting it so high up, but in the Mini it works great. I clipped it to the headliner just to the left of the rear-view mirror. It is very level and stable. It lies below the tint strip and does not rattle. For $5, it's worth it.

 

Last weekend I did a drive from Florida to Texas. After getting on the road late and taking a wrong turn I was ready to be done with it. Needless to say I was driving a bit fast. I got pulled over doing 12 over but was only written a warning (uniform saved me).

Anyways the next day I went to best buy and bought a Escort 9500i. I did some research and I prob would have ordered the Belronics Sti or the V1 but didn't have time to wait. The following day I drove back to Florida and I will say that twice it saved me from getting pulled over. What I REALLY REALLY like about this model is the GPS speed. On my truck it was nearly dead on with the speedo, my dads mini it was generally 3 MPH off of the speedo or the digi speedo...

I think as long as you get a high end radar detector you can't go wrong. Some might be slightly better than others but for the most part is comes down to the options you want... (Arrows, GPS)

 

If a police officer wants it they can get the info from any state.
Why don't they reccomend mounting it so high, isn't that where it gets the best "view" of the road?

I just compleed a 5800mile roadtrip two weeks ago, the V1 was extremely informative, and I did even watch the V1 work as I witnessed another detector fail to warn its driver. Arrows bogeys, superior reception/range and the remote display all proved their worth, which is good cause I have a ~7k mi trip that starts next week

 

Best for radar, worst for laser.

~Neal

 

The manual also recommends that the top of the unit have full view of the the sky. Mine doesn't since it is clipped to the headliner, but the GPS still picks up pretty quickly. I prefer the unit up high for the stealthiness.

 

Same here... I also like it because the roof is the first thing that will crest a hill so maybe it gives you a little added edge for the waiting copper.. Or maybe not...

 

When I crest a hill, I open the rear sunroof and have my daughter raise it up high.

 

So far, 2 saves. Anyway, as inspired by agranger, here's my recent install of the remote Smartcord mute button and LED lights into the center console. Convenient location to press the mute button, especially to GPS lock out signals. I never run my detector in silent or dark mode, and I even debated not drilling any holes for the lights, but I couldn't resist. Useful power-on reminder if anything.

I still need to clean up the temporary roughly cut circles of tape I used to cover the LED light holes. I guess I'll use a hole-puncher. Any suggestions on material?

I decided not to use the original decal face-plate to make it more mysterious and stealthy.

 

I bought my 9500i a couple weeks ago. I had the 8500x50 before upgrading. The advance notice is so great, I actually start to assume its a false alarm before i finally cross paths with a patrol car. I do a lot of downtown driving, so the GPS lockout function is the best feature ever. It is the main reason for me upgrading. The only complaint I have is the time it takes for the detector to sometimes pick up the GPS signal. It can lock on anywhere from 5seconds to 3minutes. I have the best view of the sky possible, but my tint strip may be causing some interference, but shouldnt. Normal GPS units have worked fine in my car. Another slight complaint is the speedometer, its delayed and not really beneficial unless ur maintaining a constant speed.

there is also a display option that has a little dot that scans from left to right, which does nothing, just looks cool

also, has anyone been able to download an update for this unit yet? I've been to the site, but havent seen anything about the newest update that fixes the signal bar issue.

 

check out radardetector.net for a lot of info. there are no downloadable updates yet. everyone is waiting impatiently for some sort of software interface promised in the future.

"signal bar issue"? i presume you mean the "ramp-up" issue. this was a major complaint by x50 users especially since they were used to excellent signal ramp-up. there is an update, but you have to send in your unit to get it flashed. escort will pay for shipping both ways.

 

After living with the V1's directional arrows for years, I cannot imagine not having them. It boggles my mind why no other detectors have them... seems like an obvious advantage.

 

I was ready to order a V1, but found a brand new (display) Bel Sti Driver for $350 at Circuit City. This unit rates very high, and for the price, couldn't justify the extra money for the V1. Most of the people in our club run V1's, so I am curious to see how it compares. I also prefer the overall design of the Bel model to the V1's "clunky", outdated appearance.

 

The fine for a speeding ticket would justify the added price. And I can't imagine caring about the looks of a radar detector. There's a reason so many in your club run V1s, and I doubt it is because of how it looks.

 

I have yet to read any review that says "hands down, the V1 is better than the STI". The V1 faired a bit better with laser detection, but once "painted" by an officer, it's usually to late anyway.

 

Well then, I guess those times when it is not too late anyway won't override the stunning good looks of your STi.

 

Whatever If your V1 works for you, then great. I really couldn't care less either way.

 

LoL