Hey, I had the solo 2 for a few weeks about a year ago after my 8500 died. I have a few cars so they lack of having to plug it in each time was a plus. I bought a few extra suction cup window connection units and placed them on the window in each car so moving the unit was easy. Performance seemed to be the same as my 8500, though I found the blue screen harder to read than the red on the 8500. I have since gone to a V1 because I like the arrows and just hardwired all my cars. If you do decide to use it be sure to program it, ie turn off X band and K. K dependent on where you tend to drive and if they use it in that area. If you don't the unit will drive you crazy.
Yes. X band has not been used by local PD and CHP for many years. When I got the 8500 about five years ago I used it with the out of the box settings for a few months. X band went off all the time, but never because of police radar. K band went off when I went by the hospital every morning and occasionally on the road yet never because of police. The only bands I have ever picked up police on in CA is KA and Laser, though laser alarms tend to be mostly caused by Infiniti suv's (something to so with the laser cruise control I have been told). I know there are still some police departments in the country that use K band, so I turn it back on when I am driving out of state. When I am in California I only have KA band and Laser enabled. I don't remember if the solo 2 had advanced display mode, the 8500 did. It displays the band and then the intensity next to it going up. Also would show if there is more than one radar source active. Good mode to be in as it warns of police radar traps or accidents that you are coming up on.
Of course, I respect your decision; however, note that I do not have any respect whatsoever for George (!). My post was simply: I am going to be in San Diego and drive up PCH through Los Angeles, Carmel and end in San Francisco. I have a Valentine One and am considering packing it - what is conventional wisdom on radar, California Highway Patrol and other things as I make my way West and North. BTW, I had a great time and do not appear to have encountered George or his kind anywhere!!!!
I don't see one word in here where STEF430 mentions speeding. I took his post to be a question regarding CHP thoughts on radar , (would having one be reason to write a ticket etc.) also perhaps on the legality of radar detectors in California.
The Solo S2 is crap. If you want the best, get a Valentine One. http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html This is why it is crap. http://valentine1.com/cordless/
