I'll try to keep this short.
I've run the 8500 for a long time, and if you use it as a radar detector like it's suppose to be used it's a great tool. No radar/laser detector will make you invincible, of course..
I have run a brand new V1 RIGHT ALONG SIDE the 8500 for a 1000+ mile trip, and the escort was much more friendly. I was unbiased and very curious to the outcome. The V1 throws
way too many false alarms!!!!! With the arrows I thought, here we go, the V1 is going to win. Nope. It got unplugged on a couple occasions when I wanted to make time on the return trip. The 8500 let me know every time there was a threat, and signaled to me almost half as much. The V1 is like an uneducated car dealer on a coke benge who's all strung out. Paranoid abnoxious and annoying. The Escort is like an old wise man who has seen it all and keeps calm, and gives you the perfect advice that's straight and to the point.
Another thing, you have a mark viii this is going into? The escort with the 'smart cord' absolutely fits this car perfect. The cigarette lighter/power port is in the most perfect location for muting the detector.
Reaching for the V1? What the hell guys?!!! As often as it's needed, and after you're use to the escort, you can't help but hate the V1 after you've been spoiled. Another thing, you can program the escort to self mute, V1 - where's your head at?!! They sell them off the name, and the reputation they built LONG ago. They are by far, in the dust! Also the alerts... V1, you make me want to rip my head off or blow my brains out. How :q:q:q:qing annoying can you be?!!! And then reach up to shut you up?? I'd rather drive off a cliff to get away from your alerts, it would be less effort! The Escort has a different alert for every type of signal, and they are all friendly alerts that are tolerable, yet still get your attention. The features of the 8500 absolutely kill the V1. You can program/personalize that thing to be VERY streamlined. A much better thought out detector in my opinion.
Keep in mind, I'm always speeding, so I could justify this detector saving me money. Also has the laser jammer built in. But it would be my choice:
https://www.escortradar.com/store/passport-9500ci.html
If you want to browse the escorts:
www.escortradar.com
I would suggest if you want best bang for the buck go with the 8500X50, blue display. The blue is so much easier on your eyes at night than the red.
The cheapest place to purchase them use to be off ebay from an online store. No overhead= cheaper prices. Watch for shipping costs, some online store guys will try to knick you there.
If you want some reviews, there are a few sites to look at. If it still works, check out
www.radartest.com
And, in order to get the best use out of a detector, read this upcoming link. The info is invaluable, and knowing it is as good as having a good detector.
http://tccoa.com/articles/misc/radar.html
I've read a few articles to stay on top of things, but I remember this had alot of good info.
Last thing, yes you can get by with lower line or mid line detectors, but why?! Do it right or don't do it at all. In my mind, anybody that doesn't prefer the escort, is a fool. Not saying having a different one makes you a fool, but hands down, the ergonomics kill everything else. I've had quite a few detectors, not just one dumb ass one that I'm trying to brag up. I'm a serious driver who likes to know what's going on when I'm on the road, and likes to know what to say if I'm pulled over. Full confidence that the escort is telling me like it is, every time.
The only down side thing I can say about escort, is they need to be 'recalibrated' after about 2 years if your power port is on constantly. It's cheap, they are quick about it, and have great customer service. You will know when it needs it, you'll start getting laser signals out of nowhere, all at once, all day everyday. It's their way of saying SERVICE ME I guess. But well worth it. Order new suction cups from the get-go also. They're like 2 bucks on their website I think. They dry out from the sun after about two years, I was unsuccessful trying to find replacements that weren't from Escort.
Whatever you choose, good luck.
