hang on there GSRguy!
well, there is only one model of the V1 and i don't know about BEL, but with escorts the internals are not the same! the escort 8500 and 7500 have completely different internals and firmware than the "lower market" models. that's why they are able to handle some of the "fancy add-ons" like signal strength and freq. display, multi-source detection, spectrum refraction compensation (being able to detect a bounced signal even if the refraction changes the frequency which can happen when hitting objects with many different surface materials (i.e other cars)), anti-detector detection, road hazard and safety warning, etc.....
i would say that you would be fine with either the V1 or the 8500, and when dealing with K band the V1 wins hands down - the 8500 still gives you over 2.5 miles straight line detection in K, however. for most of the other bands - x, ka and including laser - the 8500 wil beat the V1 for distance, non-false signal detection and refraction spray (signal bounce from other vehicles and objects).
blah. blah. blah.
my two cents...
