Does anyone have any of these installed? I have read reviews on the V1 and the Passport 8500 and they seem to compare favorably to one another. Then I spoke with my old college roommate last night and he was telling me (anecdotally) about a k40 laser diffuser. One of the guys he works with swears by it.

I was wondering what the cost of installing one of those would be.

Any thoughts?

 

I have experience with both the V1 and the K40.

K40
The stealth operation of the K40 is nice, especially if you live in a town where detectors are illegal. Price with installation is approx $1600. The radar functionality works well and falses less than the V1. It also has the added benefit of Laser, which more and more HP are using nowaday. That added protection is nice since it includes the diffuser.

V1
Various ways to install. (Hardwire, plop it in your window with the cups and the cord dangling, or the very cool rear view mirror hack) But, it's not as stealth as the K40. They do sell a stealth box, which is pretty handy. If you tuck the box high enough, or put it elsewhere than the windshield, this is nice, other motorists won't see it. This is the most important factor here: THE V1 IS FAR SUPERIOR (imho)for detecting HP. It gives twice or more the distance in alarming you of a potential HP up ahead or one from behind than the K40. It does false a bit, but it can be programmed to turn off certain bans (like X)so you don't have to listen to every gas station or grocery store auto door setting your detector off.

Having both, I MUCH prefer my V1 and wish I hadn't spent the money of the K40. ALthough the K40 does work, at 90 plus MPH, I need the distance to be able to slow down, and the V1 gives me that. I will eventually hardwire my V1 again. The K40 is up for sale.

 

recently installed the passport SRX. Seems to be working very well. check w/ your local retailer, could possibly get it for less than msrp. and have it install by any (good) car audio installer. you can be/get creative as to where you put the LED. I hided the LED inside the rear view mirrow and installed the optional speaker.

 

I have ran with all the units and think the valentine is clearly the best. Knowing where the radar is comming from becomes the best defense. I would also combine it with a laser diffuser-lidatek/k40/escort

 

Recently bought the 8500 and it saved me the first day I used it. Whichever you choose, you still need to exercise caution. Suggest avoiding left lane when possible, follow someone going faster and stay back an adequate distance and try to stay within 10-15 mph above the posted limit. Dont be greedy.

 

I have the 8500 in one car and the SRX in the other. Very satisfied with both and very happy with the stealthiness of the SRX. Has definitely saved me at least a few times over the past few months. No experience with the V1 or K40, sorry.

 

Thanks all. Thinking of purchasing the 8500. Found it on the web for 269. Will look into the laser diffusers after that. I have a 25 mi or so commute each way with 90% of it being highway driving so I think its time to invest so as to save my low insurance rates.

Thanks again.

 

anyone know when lidatek will be coming out with there new unit? tryed to e-mail them but got nothing back!

 

I have had a V1, Passport Solo 2, K40 hidden radar system and a K40 laser diffuser.

By far the V1 is the best...most audible and has the most useful information and probably the most sensitive and best range. The Passport Solo 2 is the most convenient...battery powered but is also the quirkiest. It randomly falses to laser, and is easily left on to drain the batteries. There is a setting where it turns off automatically if it senses "no movement" but it would easily turn off without warning while driving in my 996! (so I left this feature off). The K40 system is the most expensive but also the most convenient, but it seems to lack a bit in range (especially when compared to the V1). The K40 laser diffuser seems to work as I have yet to have a ticket from a laser trap, and I have gone through many at significantly over the speed limit.

I have no experience with the Passport 8500, but if I had my choice again I would go for the V1. Unfortunately it is rather bulky and even with the stealth options, it is still hard to hide (from other drivers, the police or thieves).

 

Here's mine. I have the V1 in the mirror and the K40 front diffuser. I got it a couple weeks ago and it works great.

 

Anecdotally, I have the S2 Solo cordless, my buddy has the V1. On our trip to the Glen recently, mine picked up a lasar that the V1 TOTALLY missed. My buddy barely got his Viper slowed down by the time he saw the cop.

 

chris, you ready to supercharge that thing yet or what..

 

James,
This winter I'm doing it. You'll see my car at RPM next week for my new wing!
Chris

 

I read a great deal about radar detectors befor buying the 8500X50. The V1 and the passport are very similar in performance but all of the comparo tests tested the 8500 not the newer X50 model. The newer X50 model is suppose to be better than its previous model. This pushed me in the direction of the passport.. The V1 does have the arrows which is a plus. The passport also has some features that are useful.....like the automute and the lightsin the plug.
All in all i went for the passport and I am happy.

Nova87, I wouldn't suggest you buy one off of ebay It is not worth the small savings. What I did was bought mine at Best Buy. You get it instantly, and can try it and take it back if you don't like it no questions asked. I know if you order it from V1 you can also return it but then you have to mail the thing etc. In my opinion a pain.

 

Is your mirror the V1? - i didn't know it was made that way. Where do you get those?