This topic could be debated for quite some time. Most people seem to feel that the Escort 8500 and V1 are the top two. There is a lot of marketing hype on all sides. Bel claims it's the best but the test they cite doesn't have either of the above detectors in shootout. Valentine uses anecdotal stories that contradict their own website about proper testing procedures.

The best site I have found is http://www.speedzones.com They should be coming out with their new 2004 report soon. Craig Peterson at http://www.radartest.com seems to have a vendetta against Mike Valentine and his bias shows. Praising the Escort for a 40,000 foot range in one paragraph and blasting Valentine having too much range in another paragraph.

I own a Bel 985 and V1 and have run both in my car - alternating between the two so that both were not on at the same time interfering with each other. The Bel 985 has a difficult time picking up Ka band if it's not aimed at you. I get about 10 feet of range with the Bel when Ka photo is angled away from me across the road. It also has a difficult time picking up radar running ahead of you pointing down the road. This would usually not be a problem except Scottsdale runs a lot of unmarked trucks. I would hate to blow by that cop doing 80mph.

The Escort reportedly has better filtering than the V1. If I didn't find the V1 arrows and additional rear antenna so useful (again unmarked cars/trucks) and want the V1 hardwire kit I would probably have sprung for the Escort.

Remember these are just tools. All will be almost useless driving down a major road with car dealships, malls etc. or if you are a lone car speeding down a road into an instant on trap.

Marty

posted by 198.81.2...

• hands down, who makes the best radar detector?, Jordan, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 19:00:17
  • Thanks for all the info, I ordered the V1..., Jordan, Sat, 19 Jun 2004 10:06:45
  • Re: hands down, who makes the best radar detector?, jp, Fri, 18 Jun 2004 17:27:38
  • They don't always work, ckpaden, Fri, 18 Jun 2004 08:06:57
    • Some thoughts about this...., TERRY, Fri, 18 Jun 2004 11:58:02
  • Re: hands down, who makes the best radar detector?, mkaseta, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 19:25:58 <-- Viewing This Message

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