I've only had one radar detector and its the 8500 X50. I bought it before I drove from Anchorage back to Boston and it had paid for itself before I left Alaska. It has worked very well and gives me excellent early notice of police presence. The only time I've ever been pulled over with it was when the car I was in got hit by laser (which we got out of)...it was instant notice but I hear once you're hit with laser you're fubar. So, that's all I have to say...it's a great product and it's slightly less expensive than the Valentine which also seems like a fine product. Good luck!