I know.. tons of Radar Detector threads already.. But I need some fresh input between these two in paticular.

I really really want the S2 because of the cordless feature and being able to mount it inconspicuously just about anywhere. I'm afraid that I might be missing out if I dont go with the 8500 though.

CRAP! what to do....


thanks
helm

 

8500 all the way. Cordless yes, but that decreases range because of less power. Also, think about how much you'll save on batteries (esp since batteries hate heat). For me those easily outweigh the cordless factor.

 

bel 985 it comes with the hard wiring kit and its just as sensitive, i love mine.

 

get the valentine 1

 

8500. S2 is cordless so lower performance. You can get a cord for it but i doubt it is as good. There is a new version of the 8500 called X5. More or less same thing with couple added bands and opotion of blue display.

 

valentine

 

is where its at. thats wat i heard

 

The 8500 is all you need. All the performance and range of the V1 for $150 less money.. On some bands the passport has farther range than the V1.

The only thing you are missing is the little arrows that the V1 has. The V1 does have slightly better rear radar range. It will pick up about 1.5 miles of rear radar, the 8500 will only pick up about 1.25 miles of rear distance. The 8500 X50 also picks up the new POP radar that is undetectable by all other radar detectors (except new high end Bel units). The V1 does not pick this up. POP mode is not widely used, but may or may not be used more in the future. POP mode readings are not enforcable in court, but the cop may shoot it out at all cars to determine speed and when he gets a reading that is above the speed limit, he can shoot the full radar and bam you are caught. This makes it hard to pick up people getting hit with instant on in front of you. Go to www.sbhcorp.com for the best price on the Passport 8500 X50. You can hardwire the 8500 and run it thru the roof liner for a clean install.

Brian

 

I love my Solo S2 , she hasnt let me down yet and yes there have been quite a few times that where very close(gotta hate instant radar) but still no tickets. I get reading from over the top of hills, when the cop is stashed down at the bottom of the hill. She works well and you will be happy with it, cant beat cordless. The batterys last about 1 month which is very good IMO. BTW this was my first mod

 

Dont get the cordless, you can loose up to 30% in range. Valentine is the only way to go, longest detection range and the company has always made updates available if a new type of radar comes out.

 

Personally, I wouldn't go for cordless because of the power. My brother just got the x50 and loves it. I plan on getting one soon as well. Btw, we've gone through many different radars in the past, along w/ experience from my friends with their radars also, and this one definately shines through..... so far at least

 

definately V1 !!! used it for 6 years, upgraded twice from V1 for $199.

good thing abt V1 is they provide unit upgrade for 1/2 the price.

 

Ordered the 8500 x50 w/ the blue LED's... I'll have in tuesday. Now where the heck am I going to mount the thing!

 

yeah the solo 2 has alil less range then the passport but take it from me... i've been using the solo 2 for the last 2 years and it've loved it.. no regrets... besides the possible warnings it gave me without knowing for sure if the cop was present, it actually saved my butt 6 or 7 times when i'd be going 80 but it would give me a 3-5 second time to slow to 55..... wats nice is that i have never gotten mislead ... any stray signals are picked up but are very weak.... cops waiting behind a hill gives off a weak signal, but progressively gets stronger as u get nearer... cops getting samples of the other side of the highway gives a strong, weak then strong weak etc.... and ofcourse cops waiting behind bushes etc etc will give you a 100% signal all the way....

my experience with the solo 2 is very positive... and if u have rechargable batteries... go charge it at work hehe

 

Sore sight but right in the middle is the best spot so it has the best clearance through the seats to the back for those sneak attacks.

I know in Cali, they are illegal in which case low down on the dash is probably best. \

Anyone hard wire a 8500... the cord is curly and short, I imagine same as any power cord but there's a button on the plug that silences the unit. Has anyone lenghtened it to confirm? THNX