WOW! When I started this thread, I didn't expect to stir up such a spirited debate and it has gotten way off topic. I do appreciate the responses (and the ensuing arguments).
Between info gathered here and other sites, I opted for the Valentine V1. Looked like I was going to spend at least $300 so I figured what the hey is another $100 for the V1. Biggest argument against the V1 that I saw was that many stated the V1 was superior a few years ago but others have caught up.
Anyway, my V1 is here and I'm getting familiar with it and ready for my road trip. It does have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee if I'm not happy with it.
Now, in the words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along".
Ok guys listen up. I know what I'm talking about because I'm the guy that gives out these things. For the record I usually don't write a ticket unless someone deserves it; no insurance, no license, head up $@#. When I run radar I have a limit of at least 15 over the limit before I stop someone. Now are there cops out there who will write thier mother for 1 over, sure. The best way to do it is be aware of where you are and what time of day it is. Rush hour or any time during the day is bad. Late at night inside the city is bad. If your going to go that fast pick and choose a time and place where there isn't much traffic (none at all is best) and you can see and be seen for a long distance. Just remember if or when you do get caught the best thing to do is be polite. Attitude can go a long way.
I believe all the radar detection in the world aren't going to save your ass if you insist on being stupid. While I have had more than a few conversations to our "men in blue" regarding the sports cars that I typically buy, in general, they have been polite and reasonable. That just goes to show that attitude ON BOTH SIDES, goes a long way.
The last time I was stopped was about a year ago. I didn't have the Mustang GT then, but I was travelling at 12 MPH over the posted speed limit. If I had my Passport at the time, I would have picked him up.
I was driving an RX8. The officer asked for my license, which I gave. He gave me a warning since it was daylight, dry and the road was clear of traffic. We then went on to talk about the rotary and it ended up being a very nice conversation. Since I live in a small burg, I see this same officer all the time. We usually wave to each other as we pass. He stopped me once in my driveway just to talk about the Mustang. Good guy!
My choice would be the Escort 8500 X50. However, radar detectors can give one a false sense of security.After all these years not ONE radar detector can defeat instant-on. Tips: 1. Never speed on unfamiliar roads; Reason too many unknown places for police to hide.. Cops hiding behind bushes, trees etc; usually park or have the radar gun on angle(drastically cutting down detection range, especially with instant -on. 2. Speed only on known roads with other cars ahead. Reason... if a cop is running instant-on you might hear a quick on then off alarm as he picks off a car ahead. 3. If your gonna speed dont do it in the hammer lane. More cars are targeted in that lane. 4 dont have music so loud that you cant hear detector(simple principle, but violated often). 5. If hit by instant-on and you were speeding immediately take down radar detector and clamp. Reason: Most cops give no breaks to detector users. Rule 6: ALWAYS, ALWAYS be courteous to five-o. speeding and a bad attitude = definite ticket. speeding + kindness to officer= half decent chance to get only a warning. Rule 7. Try to limit speeding out of your state. Reason out of state speeding= over 75% of ticketing Rule 8. Most detecors today have mad range form continous straight on radar.But remember, radar fans out, and when the cop has the radar gun angled your detection range may cut down from several miles to a few hundred feet. with instant on- this is deadly as he may pick off a few people ahead, but the fanning effect may not yet be spread out enough to reach your detector.