The only real advantage to the Valentine 1 is that it has far superior X-band detection than the Escort 8500 (or 8500 X50) or the other top dog, the Beltronics Pro RX65. And if you're into them, it has the threat direction indicator arrows. Personally, once I know there is a cop somewhere in the vicinity running radar I don't care where he might be in relation to where I am. I'm perfectly satisfied knowing he is there at all. Once I know there's an active threat close enough to set off my detector I'm gonna slow down...regardless of what direction from me the cop might be.
Excepting the myriad of smaller communities across our great land that don't have alot of budget allocated to law enforcement and are still using X-band speed detection, the only thing that really emits X-band RF is automatic door openers on businesses and motion detectors incorporated into various alarm systems. Having said that, extraordinary X-band sensitivity isn't something that particularly impresses me. That coupled with an extra C-note in the price tag over its closest competition immediately knocks the Valentine out of consideration for me. I assure you ~ those silly arrows aren't worth an extra $100!
For a really solid dashboard or windshield-mount detector look to the Escort 8500 X50 or the Bel Pro RX65 (which, interestingly enough, are built by the same people following the buyout of Beltronics by Cincinnati Microwave a couple years ago) They've got the same internals, both are software upgradeable if newer detector technology comes out and performance-wise, they both p3wm the Valentine. For every review you can find that gives top honors to the V1 I can show you two or three that give it to the 8500 X50 or the RX65.
I have the RX65 and it's worth every cent that I paid for it. I've never used the 8500 X50 but those that I know who have express similar feelings about it.
Valentine. Bah!
[/replying in an old-ass thread]
