OK guys, I've had my V1 for a few weeks now. I went used and picked it up for $300, well under my $500 budget. After just a couple weeks, I have already been saved 3-4 times in situations I KNOW my 8500 would not have picked up. The arrows are AWESOME, along with knowing how many signals there are. I live in a small town, 25mph speed limit, but open roads. Very hard to keep it under that. On one occasion, it went off, but showed two signals. One cop had someone stopped, only to have another cop .1 mile down the road still clocking people. It picks up about 5x further in my area from the rear, really saved me. I have gotten readings from 1 mile (compared to 1/4 mile in the same spot with the 8500). We don't have any large stretches, so 1 mile is great (a lot of curves and hills). I am very pleased with it, well worth the money. I am simply amazed at how much better the V1 works. Thanks to all who helped me with my decision.