This question usually provides lively discussion!! I have tried almost every detector on the market and IMO there is only one TOP DOG. The Valentine 1. I even dropped over $1200.00 on the custom K40 which is the only other detector to utilize 2 antennae, one for picking up threats from the front and 1 for threats from the rear. I sold it on Ebay after running both detectors at the same time. The difference was staggering. Th only detector that comes close to the V1 is the 8500 and its a great detector but the V1 still blows it away in terms of performance. I did the 30 day challenge and bought both units to compare. I kept the V1. The V1 is the ONLY window mounted detector with 2 antennae that provides both front and rear protection. There is no need for 360 degree protection since there is no such thing. First off a radar device can only pick up your speed from either the front or from behind, they can't get your speed from the side of your car. The V1 has an antennae that picks up a cop thats "shooting" you from behind because the second antennae is positioned to pick up signals thru your rear window. Another great feature is the "counter" which tells you the number of sources. Everyone knows a spot they drive by every day that sets off the detector. Well the cops will use this as "cover" to fool you. If you drive by every day and see a 1 on the counter then everythings OK. Then you drive home and the same spot your detector goes off BUT YOU SEE A 2. Guess what? A cops using that radar souce as cover. The V1 also has the arrows to show you from what direction the threat is coming from. Great feature!! If money is an issue the 8500 is definately the BEST BARGAIN detector available. but hey this is MY OPINION. WHATS EVERYONE ELSE THINK AND USE? BTW: www.radartest.com is a scam website maintained by the radar detector companies that come in "first" on this site. There is only one UNBIASED test I am aware of and thats the CAR AND DRIVER RADAR DETECTOR SHOOTOUT that they have every three years.