I'm not hating on anyone, but Radartest.com and a few others rate the 8500 X50 (NOT THE 8500) as the top model. Since most of you who have V1's will swear by it you are somewhat biased. But for those of you looking for a new detector and want an UNBIASED opinion and accurate reality-style tests, then check out that website and read what they have to say.

As for the arrows, what does it really matter? If you hear a signal, slow down.

 

the arrows do make a huge difference. from someone who has used both....even though it doesn't seem like much...they make all the difference in the world

 

So the arrow just lets you know which way the cop will be coming from if you don't slow down on the first alert?

 

i have the 8500 X50 and its awesome! i have never used the V1 but i can already see where the arrows come in handy... anyone with the V1 have specific instences of where the arrows played a factor in not getting pulled over? or are you V1 guys just full of it lol?

 

The 8500 is a very good radar detector, no doubt. The X50 version is even better, it has had POP mode protection from the begining. The AUTO mode on both versions makes living with a long range radar detector much more bearable. My friend has a V1 and his does show you where every grocery store or Wal Mart is with the fancy little arrows. The range is pretty good on the V1 also, but not better than the Passport 8500 X50.

The thing about the Passport is, if it beeps in the AUTO mode, then you better be slowing you **** down. Doesnt matter what the arrows would be saying, there is a 95% likely hood that there is a cop around. When it stops beeping proceed as usual.......

V1 people, will always swear by there product.... Doesn't matter what the test say. Nothing wrong with a V1, just all depends on what you like.

Back to the Subject though: The pop mode is used just to target cars, it will flash a speed up on the radar screen, but will not hold the number like a locked on radar will. The officer uses the POP mode to decide which cars he will radar with the full radar. That way the people with radar detectors wont be warned until they are zapped with the full radar. The full radar (non POP) will lock on and display the speed. When you go back to the car, you are supposed to be shown the radar speed.

This is the Radar manufacturers way of combating the long range radar detectors that are available now. This is supposed to make instant on radar more effective again.

My 8500 doesn't have POP mode protection, but if you buy the extended service plan for $30, you get 3 years warranty and free upgrades for 3 years. They have a POP mode upgrade available for the older models. If you don't have the extended warranty the upgrade in $80.

Brian

 

Actually it does matter.

It gives you one more piece of information that you do not get from other set-ups. Radar is only effective in judging your speed if it is coming from in front or from behind via the dopplar effect.

So when your passport goes off, you slow down. That is certainly a safe thing to do. But when the V1 goes off, you look at the direction arrows. If they are noting that the radar signal is coming from either side, you don't have to slow down because you know the radar you are detecting is not from a cop.

SC~