Radar Detector
12-02-2004, 01:27 PM
#43
Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 31
Originally Posted by JAIMECBR900
Not as far as I know. They may change that eventually, but as of now I don't think so.
Passport 8500 X50's on-board computer can be reprogrammed to detect new radar and laser threats, making it a solid investment.
-ESCORT RADAR
12-02-2004, 04:15 PM
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,084
Originally Posted by f_399
New Reprogrammable Microprocessor
Passport 8500 X50's on-board computer can be reprogrammed to detect new radar and laser threats, making it a solid investment.
-ESCORT RADAR
Passport 8500 X50's on-board computer can be reprogrammed to detect new radar and laser threats, making it a solid investment.
-ESCORT RADAR
12-02-2004, 07:48 PM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,084
Ok, after 2 hours worth of digging around to find out what the "reprogrammable" feature policy or procedure is......I came up empty. Nothing other than a couple of lines in the FAQ that state that the circuitry in the 8500's is "reprogrammable". Nothing about price or nothing about for how long.
In the looking around and reading, I found that even Escort's own press release about the 2004 "win" overall is kind of misleading in a way. They quote Motortrend in saying the the "nod goes to the 8500 as top detector...." If you read the entire article, you will see that they clearly say (in the same exact paragraph being quoted) that the 8500 did get the nod but only by a "very slight margin" and MOSTLY because of the ability to use the ZR3 Laser defense system whereas Valentine 1 doesn't have such thing (yet). Again, the 8500 + ZR3 will cost somewhere near $1000 when it's all said and done. That's not a fair 1-1 comparo in my book. Even in the same paragraph (the conclusion paragraph) it states that the V1 has "measurably superior range" but falls short due to ergonomics.
Again, I love both so I don't care either way. I just want to make sure everyone looks at things from all available sides equally.
Personally, I don't care if it's ugly or big or more expensive.....If it gives me the BEST range over anyone else.....that's the BIG determining factor for me personally. The only other one I would like to try is the SR7 with the ZR3. That would be the big baller way to go IMO. I may just try that one next.
In the looking around and reading, I found that even Escort's own press release about the 2004 "win" overall is kind of misleading in a way. They quote Motortrend in saying the the "nod goes to the 8500 as top detector...." If you read the entire article, you will see that they clearly say (in the same exact paragraph being quoted) that the 8500 did get the nod but only by a "very slight margin" and MOSTLY because of the ability to use the ZR3 Laser defense system whereas Valentine 1 doesn't have such thing (yet). Again, the 8500 + ZR3 will cost somewhere near $1000 when it's all said and done. That's not a fair 1-1 comparo in my book. Even in the same paragraph (the conclusion paragraph) it states that the V1 has "measurably superior range" but falls short due to ergonomics.
Again, I love both so I don't care either way. I just want to make sure everyone looks at things from all available sides equally.
Personally, I don't care if it's ugly or big or more expensive.....If it gives me the BEST range over anyone else.....that's the BIG determining factor for me personally. The only other one I would like to try is the SR7 with the ZR3. That would be the big baller way to go IMO. I may just try that one next.
12-02-2004, 08:06 PM
#47
The SR7's range is a little less than the 8500 X50 and the Valentine. I realize it's basically the same circuitry as the 8500, but it's radar location is considerably lower, therefore it's radar reception is hindered slightly. I've seen some good unbiased tests showing this. It still gives plenty of warning and I love the stealth aspect as I'm in VA. Luckily my V1 is short enough that I can put it up high in the window and I made a custom enclosure for the remote display in the 2nd din radio slot. It's very stealth.
Again to reiterate. I have used both the X50 and V1 in real life circumstances and had the pleasure to test them in Vienna, VA while cruisers were stationary. The alert times are so close that it's really stupid to argue which one is better. The only exception was when I had police radar coming from behind me. The V1 alerted me well before the Escort. The V1 seemed to perform better around VERY SHARP corners. Even with the V1 shining in these areas, the X50 alerted me in plenty of time to reduce speed before being caught. This V1 vs. X50 debate is getting stupid.
Again to reiterate. I have used both the X50 and V1 in real life circumstances and had the pleasure to test them in Vienna, VA while cruisers were stationary. The alert times are so close that it's really stupid to argue which one is better. The only exception was when I had police radar coming from behind me. The V1 alerted me well before the Escort. The V1 seemed to perform better around VERY SHARP corners. Even with the V1 shining in these areas, the X50 alerted me in plenty of time to reduce speed before being caught. This V1 vs. X50 debate is getting stupid.
12-02-2004, 09:48 PM
#48
Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 31
Originally Posted by JAIMECBR900
Do you own both? Then how are YOU NOT biased too? Follow?
I don't understand why it's so difficult to see when a test is skewed? If you have 10 tests that find the V1 and the 8500 usually neck and neck for the 1-2 position then you have 1-2 that ALWAYS find the 8500 supremely better than the V1.......you don't think that's odd? While you are thinking about that...Car and Driver (millions of dollars worth of resources and circulation), Consumer Reports (takes NO advertising from ANYONE to maintain UNBIASED), Sport Compact Car, MotorTrend (again having millions at their disposal), and many more ALL have came up with tests dating back to the early 90's where the V1 and the 8500 (and it's predecessors) always ended up in the 1-2 position. I would certainly hold a little more weight to those tests than to tests performed by a commercial website trying to peddle products. Again, a sure sign of being biased is looking at how some of those sites rank the V1. Near the bottom of EVERYTHING? Doesn't that sound strange? Every other single tests done by dozens of different media outlets found something 180 degrees different. Strange? I'd say so.
When you see someone that only shows 1 side of the argument and NEVER tells you about anything BAD about a product, it's usually biased.
The 8500 is a great RD. I use one myself. But give credit where credit is due too.
I don't understand why it's so difficult to see when a test is skewed? If you have 10 tests that find the V1 and the 8500 usually neck and neck for the 1-2 position then you have 1-2 that ALWAYS find the 8500 supremely better than the V1.......you don't think that's odd? While you are thinking about that...Car and Driver (millions of dollars worth of resources and circulation), Consumer Reports (takes NO advertising from ANYONE to maintain UNBIASED), Sport Compact Car, MotorTrend (again having millions at their disposal), and many more ALL have came up with tests dating back to the early 90's where the V1 and the 8500 (and it's predecessors) always ended up in the 1-2 position. I would certainly hold a little more weight to those tests than to tests performed by a commercial website trying to peddle products. Again, a sure sign of being biased is looking at how some of those sites rank the V1. Near the bottom of EVERYTHING? Doesn't that sound strange? Every other single tests done by dozens of different media outlets found something 180 degrees different. Strange? I'd say so.
When you see someone that only shows 1 side of the argument and NEVER tells you about anything BAD about a product, it's usually biased.
The 8500 is a great RD. I use one myself. But give credit where credit is due too.
i didnt say the x50 was better i was just wondering why almost 8 out of 10 tests say the 8500 is better? not all of them were just commercial websites. i dont see an up to date test that shows the V1 is better then the X50
V1 basis on them being better was against the regular 8500.... and yes the recent test on the x50 was against the non POP V1.
I want to see a test conducted by the group that said the V1 was better back in 2002 and see what they have to say. Its almost 2005!
There is no doubt the V1 is great, all my friends with fast cars depend on the V1... i just dont see why these independent tests say otherwise.
Ok they may be biased, but why?
I have much respect for the V1
12-03-2004, 05:00 AM
#49
Originally Posted by f_399
i didnt say the x50 was better i was just wondering why almost 8 out of 10 tests say the 8500 is better? not all of them were just commercial websites. i dont see an up to date test that shows the V1 is better then the X50
V1 basis on them being better was against the regular 8500.... and yes the recent test on the x50 was against the non POP V1.
I want to see a test conducted by the group that said the V1 was better back in 2002 and see what they have to say. Its almost 2005!
There is no doubt the V1 is great, all my friends with fast cars depend on the V1... i just dont see why these independent tests say otherwise.
Ok they may be biased, but why?
I have much respect for the V1
V1 basis on them being better was against the regular 8500.... and yes the recent test on the x50 was against the non POP V1.
I want to see a test conducted by the group that said the V1 was better back in 2002 and see what they have to say. Its almost 2005!
There is no doubt the V1 is great, all my friends with fast cars depend on the V1... i just dont see why these independent tests say otherwise.
Ok they may be biased, but why?
I have much respect for the V1
www.speedzones.com does a pretty good RDD test. However, they had problems this year with the Spectre III unit and never reported the problems in their RDD review. It showed the X50 as being undetectable. Another site that was present during testing said that the Spectre III was overheating and shutting down, therefore not reporting any information.
12-03-2004, 07:48 AM
#50
Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 31
Well i do hope they come up with a test, I just want to know what radar is best.
I personally have the X50 so I dont think I will be replacing it... just want to know the strong and weak points of each radar. Speedzones did say the V1 was best at detecting LIDAR.
customer service of V1 is great compared to Escort. I emailed both V1 and Escort about some questions I had about radar, V1 replied the next day and still waiting for a reply from Escort.
I personally have the X50 so I dont think I will be replacing it... just want to know the strong and weak points of each radar. Speedzones did say the V1 was best at detecting LIDAR.
customer service of V1 is great compared to Escort. I emailed both V1 and Escort about some questions I had about radar, V1 replied the next day and still waiting for a reply from Escort.
12-03-2004, 08:53 AM
#51
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 426
Originally Posted by JAIMECBR900
EVERY SINGLE time the overwhelming majority of answers are the same: V1, 8500, Bel 980.
If you wanna spend $3-400, the V1, 8500, Bel 9 series are the best in that range.
If you wanna spend $3-400, the V1, 8500, Bel 9 series are the best in that range.
I just ordered my Bel RX65 Pro from i-net on eBay for $234.00 . They carry the RX75 as well, although it is $700+
12-03-2004, 09:12 AM
#52
Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 31
I heard the RX 65 and Passport X50 has basically the same internals. Didnt Escort buy bel or vice versa?
Those were my two choices(X50 and RX65) It came down to user interface, I have has experience with the old 8500 and it was so simple to use, just 3 buttons.
the bel has the Ku band for europe and voice alert... i didnt really need. good buy though. did it have the remote display?
Those were my two choices(X50 and RX65) It came down to user interface, I have has experience with the old 8500 and it was so simple to use, just 3 buttons.
the bel has the Ku band for europe and voice alert... i didnt really need. good buy though. did it have the remote display?
12-03-2004, 11:11 AM
#53
Escort bought Bel and Bel is being marketed as their elite top of the line. However, Escort always seems to get the glory. The RX65 and X50 are the same detectors internally. The RX65 has better shielding, KU band and voice alerts. The X50 does not have these features.
12-05-2004, 06:36 PM
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,084
I'm a glad to see people do in fact do some research before buying into the whole 8500 vs V1 thing.
Virus, you seem well versed in the whole Craig and Mike saga from years ago. This is the exact thing I was inferring to in my earlier comments. It's a high school **** contest, but unfortunately a lot of people have taken these "results" to heart. That's why I was telling folks that it's odd that only the "tests" Craig Peterson is involved in show the V1 being "bad". Every other test has it differently. When you have such differing results, someone is lying somewhere. Considering I've used BOTH for years now, I have a pretty good idea who's lying.....lol.
You are absolutely correct Virus about the SR7's range. But you have to remember that the ZR3's ability to actively fight LIDAR is a huge plus too. I'd take a slightly reduced range on the radar side but a HUGE LIDAR protection. That ZR3 is a big deal from what I've seen. If you live outside the few states where RD's are legal, the 8500 with the ZR3 would be the best all around protection IMO. The cool thing about the SR7 is it's remote mount and remote display that combine for a super stealth and clean install.
Virus, you seem well versed in the whole Craig and Mike saga from years ago. This is the exact thing I was inferring to in my earlier comments. It's a high school **** contest, but unfortunately a lot of people have taken these "results" to heart. That's why I was telling folks that it's odd that only the "tests" Craig Peterson is involved in show the V1 being "bad". Every other test has it differently. When you have such differing results, someone is lying somewhere. Considering I've used BOTH for years now, I have a pretty good idea who's lying.....lol.
You are absolutely correct Virus about the SR7's range. But you have to remember that the ZR3's ability to actively fight LIDAR is a huge plus too. I'd take a slightly reduced range on the radar side but a HUGE LIDAR protection. That ZR3 is a big deal from what I've seen. If you live outside the few states where RD's are legal, the 8500 with the ZR3 would be the best all around protection IMO. The cool thing about the SR7 is it's remote mount and remote display that combine for a super stealth and clean install.
12-06-2004, 06:53 AM
#56
Bandwagon Lover
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,023
Some good information in here...
I purchased a BEL 985 about 2.5 years ago. Testing at that point showed it was almost equal to the V1 and 8500 (rated #3 in tests depending on the site as some had it a close 2nd). I chose to stick with the BEL since I was replacing a BEL STi 745 that had served me well over the prior 7 years. To date, it has been 10 years since my last ticket and I have put over 72k miles on my Maxi in the last 2 years with no issues.
It's a record I want to keep growing
I purchased a BEL 985 about 2.5 years ago. Testing at that point showed it was almost equal to the V1 and 8500 (rated #3 in tests depending on the site as some had it a close 2nd). I chose to stick with the BEL since I was replacing a BEL STi 745 that had served me well over the prior 7 years. To date, it has been 10 years since my last ticket and I have put over 72k miles on my Maxi in the last 2 years with no issues.
It's a record I want to keep growing
12-06-2004, 07:49 AM
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,084
Originally Posted by turbo_gg
The Bel 980 was their top of the line detector in 2002. Currently the top Bel radar detectors are the RX65 Pro ($329.95 retail), and the RX75 Pro. Both offer POP protection, and are reprogramable. The RX75 has Lasar jamming capability, but it is against the law to jam police radar/laser signals, so use it with caution.
I just ordered my Bel RX65 Pro from i-net on eBay for $234.00 . They carry the RX75 as well, although it is $700+
I just ordered my Bel RX65 Pro from i-net on eBay for $234.00 . They carry the RX75 as well, although it is $700+
The RX75 looks a lot like the SR7. I don't know that I would've used "jamming" as a marketing word, since it's been shown that "jammers" don't work. I suspect it's just like the ZR3 and it "shifts" the laser signal thereby confusing the gun into a no reading situation. They probably couldn't call it the exact same thing as their Escort line, so they decided to market it as a "jammer" instead. I suspect thought that it works just like the ZR3, and therefore it's the ultimate laser defense out right now.
12-06-2004, 08:51 AM
#58
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 426
Jamming,or shifting, or whatever you want to call it, it is still illegal to use when it alters an officers ability to monitor traffic speed (I believe it is a federal law-making it a felony). If an officer scans you, and his reading goes to zero, he will be suspicious.
Will he pull you over to investigate? Now that is the "real" question, isn't it? I can't answer that one. I guess we'll find out when someone has that experience, and posts about it here. Until then, I really like the idea of protecting myself as much as legally possible, and will continue to do so indefinitely.
Will he pull you over to investigate? Now that is the "real" question, isn't it? I can't answer that one. I guess we'll find out when someone has that experience, and posts about it here. Until then, I really like the idea of protecting myself as much as legally possible, and will continue to do so indefinitely.
12-06-2004, 09:28 AM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,085
I bought a used $15 Cobra on ebay.. LOL.. they are CRAP!!.. but anyways.. All the do is go off when I'm passing by a sign on the highway that uses LED's...
A few times they do detect cops that are hiding on the highway. This helps me out when it's really dark (in the suburbs) and I can't see anything on the side of the road. But then again, by the time the detector goes off, the cop is like 30 feet away.. lol..
So what I'm trying to say is "save your money and get something "nice."" Don't do what I did and be a cheap aS5..
A few times they do detect cops that are hiding on the highway. This helps me out when it's really dark (in the suburbs) and I can't see anything on the side of the road. But then again, by the time the detector goes off, the cop is like 30 feet away.. lol..
So what I'm trying to say is "save your money and get something "nice."" Don't do what I did and be a cheap aS5..
12-06-2004, 06:03 PM
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,084
Originally Posted by turbo_gg
Jamming,or shifting, or whatever you want to call it, it is still illegal to use when it alters an officers ability to monitor traffic speed (I believe it is a federal law-making it a felony). If an officer scans you, and his reading goes to zero, he will be suspicious.
Will he pull you over to investigate? Now that is the "real" question, isn't it? I can't answer that one. I guess we'll find out when someone has that experience, and posts about it here. Until then, I really like the idea of protecting myself as much as legally possible, and will continue to do so indefinitely.
Will he pull you over to investigate? Now that is the "real" question, isn't it? I can't answer that one. I guess we'll find out when someone has that experience, and posts about it here. Until then, I really like the idea of protecting myself as much as legally possible, and will continue to do so indefinitely.
http://www.beltronicspro.com/rx75.html
12-06-2004, 06:12 PM
#61
Originally Posted by JAIMECBR900
I'm a glad to see people do in fact do some research before buying into the whole 8500 vs V1 thing.
Virus, you seem well versed in the whole Craig and Mike saga from years ago. This is the exact thing I was inferring to in my earlier comments. It's a high school **** contest, but unfortunately a lot of people have taken these "results" to heart. That's why I was telling folks that it's odd that only the "tests" Craig Peterson is involved in show the V1 being "bad". Every other test has it differently. When you have such differing results, someone is lying somewhere. Considering I've used BOTH for years now, I have a pretty good idea who's lying.....lol.
You are absolutely correct Virus about the SR7's range. But you have to remember that the ZR3's ability to actively fight LIDAR is a huge plus too. I'd take a slightly reduced range on the radar side but a HUGE LIDAR protection. That ZR3 is a big deal from what I've seen. If you live outside the few states where RD's are legal, the 8500 with the ZR3 would be the best all around protection IMO. The cool thing about the SR7 is it's remote mount and remote display that combine for a super stealth and clean install.
Virus, you seem well versed in the whole Craig and Mike saga from years ago. This is the exact thing I was inferring to in my earlier comments. It's a high school **** contest, but unfortunately a lot of people have taken these "results" to heart. That's why I was telling folks that it's odd that only the "tests" Craig Peterson is involved in show the V1 being "bad". Every other test has it differently. When you have such differing results, someone is lying somewhere. Considering I've used BOTH for years now, I have a pretty good idea who's lying.....lol.
You are absolutely correct Virus about the SR7's range. But you have to remember that the ZR3's ability to actively fight LIDAR is a huge plus too. I'd take a slightly reduced range on the radar side but a HUGE LIDAR protection. That ZR3 is a big deal from what I've seen. If you live outside the few states where RD's are legal, the 8500 with the ZR3 would be the best all around protection IMO. The cool thing about the SR7 is it's remote mount and remote display that combine for a super stealth and clean install.
12-06-2004, 06:15 PM
#62
Originally Posted by JAIMECBR900
According to Beltronics' website, "jamming" is NOT illegal, it is regulated in some states though.
http://www.beltronicspro.com/rx75.html
http://www.beltronicspro.com/rx75.html
12-06-2004, 06:23 PM
#63
Years ago, I had a Uniden remote mount detector, with the main unit in my ash tray of my Honda Civic. I was driving home from playing golf and bragging about how it was undetectable from the VG2. Uh, oh a warning on K band. I pass the trooper. He immediately pulls out. I knew enough about the VG2 to know it can't pinpoint a car so I turned it off and closed my ashtray. "Drivers license, registration and radar detector young man". "Here is my drivers license and registration, but I don't have a radar detector". "Well then, I guess you wouldn't mind if I take a looksy". "Not at all officer". He searched my car for 20 minutes and opened every single compartment in the car except the ashtray. "Sorry for the inconvenience son. It must have been the car in front of you. Have a nice afternoon". I drove home and took it out immediately. I had a friend who was a Leesburg police officer and he was able to get a VG2. I bought several detectors and tested them out against it. This was years ago of course. The only 2 that were undetectable even inches away were the V1 and the Bel 745 Sti. I bought a bel 6something remote and tested it again and it was undetectable.
Sorry to bore everyone. Thought it was a funny story.
Sorry to bore everyone. Thought it was a funny story.
12-07-2004, 07:52 AM
#66
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,084
Originally Posted by Virus
I've had the pleasure of using both extensively and I honestly don't understand how anyone can bash either one.
As a matter of fact, since my car was rear ended a couple of weeks ago I now have the pleasure of driving a rental car. I have my V1 hardwired into the car, so I simply picked up my 8500 and plugged into the rental car. I don't feel unprotected one bit. I'd like to know where the signal is coming from, but other than that I'm just fine.
Both detectors work great, as does the 9 series Bels. Can't go wrong with any of them really. Much better than most and infinitely better than nothing.
12-07-2004, 06:40 PM
#71
Originally Posted by Fosgate Fan
sorry for the noob question, but does it really make a difference what mode the detector is in? i just have mine on 'highway'.
12-07-2004, 06:41 PM
#72
Originally Posted by Fosgate Fan
sorry for the noob question, but does it really make a difference what mode the detector is in? i just have mine on 'highway'.
12-07-2004, 07:05 PM
#74
Originally Posted by Virus
Which detector? Most detectors just crank down the sensetivity on the x band in city mode. The V1, X50 and Bel rx65 and it's 9 series equivalent actually try to analyze the x band signal to determine if it's real or not. It doesn't actually change the sensetivity. Bel and Escort have done a better job than Valentine at reducing false alarms in the city. The Valentine isn't annoying, but I have to give props to Escort. When I did my tests, the X50 was better at filtering out false radar sources in x band.
thanks for that explanation.
12-07-2004, 08:35 PM
#75
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,084
Originally Posted by EastSideMaxima
Quick question guys... Does V1 offer updates? mine is about 3 yrs old now... so i was wondering about that...
12-08-2004, 03:36 PM
#76
Originally Posted by JAIMECBR900
Yes. Go to the website, there's a place to put in your serial number off your current unit, and they'll tell you if you need anything updated and how much it will be.
12-08-2004, 05:42 PM
#77
Originally Posted by Fosgate Fan
i got the escort 8500.
thanks for that explanation.
thanks for that explanation.
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