Radar Detectors

**Secret Formula** · 04-22-2007, 09:45 AM

I've had two different ones in the past and I'm ready to upgrade to a real nice one. What do you guys have and how much did it cost?

**fredmr85** · 04-22-2007, 10:12 AM

Top 3 windshield mount detectors currently are: the Valentine One, Escort Passport 8500 X50, and the newer Escort Passport 9500i. Google and you'll find plenty of comparison tests/etc to decided which one is best for you.

**Secret Formula** · 04-22-2007, 11:55 AM

sweet thanks.

**fredmr85** · 04-22-2007, 12:20 PM

sure - can't go wrong with either one of them -- cheapest is the 8500 X50, $250 or less from eBay new. Compared to the 9500i, it appears to be nearly the same detector as far as performance goes -- with the addition of GPS capabilities to eliminate falses, and PC connectivity (which will play a larger role in the future probably)... Less significant alterations are audio warnings and the addition of adding Ku band protection (and older band, primarily overseas - but some fear it may/is being used here more).

The Valentine One is the most expensive, but arguably the best. Any future upgrades made to the V1 will be such that you can ALWAYS send an older model back for upgrading. The Escorts can be upgraded as well...but not things like GPS, etc.

Here's a general review I based my purchase off of the other year -- but this excludes the 9500i which is new this year. ( I went w/ X50)
http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090

This site is good as well: radarbusters.com

Most important things to notice is that the Valentine One is better for laser protection and the Escorts have better instant-on protection -- so whether you do more city or highway driving could impact your decision.

**urstolendesire** · 04-23-2007, 06:35 PM

i got the top escort from bestbuy which is that 85oo i think, but it absolutly kicks ass!!

**fredmr85** · 04-23-2007, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by urstolendesire

i got the top escort from bestbuy which is that 85oo i think, but it absolutly kicks ass!!

Top Escort now is the 9500i, top model before that was the 8500 X50, and before that was the 8500.

**Secret Formula** · 04-23-2007, 06:43 PM

If I buy a used V1 on ebay I might get it for $300. but if I buy It new its like around $400 right?

**fredmr85** · 04-23-2007, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Secret Formula

If I buy a used V1 on ebay I might get it for $300. but if I buy It new its like around $400 right?

Yea hard to find a new one for less than $400 on ebay.....the ones I did see were MORE than $400 for some reason...plus be careful what model you get off of ebay as well.. Valentine1.com has a 30 day money back thing and a 1 year warranty, not sure what ebay sellers offer (the ones that sell new).

**allbaugh_04** · 04-24-2007, 05:26 PM

what is everyone using for radar detectors? model and price please! do most of you have the V1? I really don't think I need a 400 dollar radar detector even though I know it's the best out there.

**fredmr85** · 04-24-2007, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

what is everyone using for radar detectors? model and price please! do most of you have the V1? I really don't think I need a 400 dollar radar detector even though I know it's the best out there.

Originally Posted by fredmr85

Top 3 windshield mount detectors currently are: the Valentine One, Escort Passport 8500 X50, and the newer Escort Passport 9500i. Google and you'll find plenty of comparison tests/etc to decided which one is best for you.

Anything less than these three are all comparable -- not much difference between lower end Cobras, etc.

Pick up the Escort 8500 X50 off of ebay then for about $250.

**Secret Formula** · 04-28-2007, 10:41 AM

http://www.escortradar.com/9500i-commercial/720x480/

**allbaugh_04** · 04-28-2007, 11:00 AM

wow that looks pretty nice...who has a passport 9500i?

**2MuchFun** · 04-28-2007, 11:32 AM

i have the 8500, i love it.......got it off ebay for $180 shipped 6 months ago, its saved me from getting atleast 3 tickets.........80+ ones too.

that 9500 looks sweet, i like the save location feuture!!

**allbaugh_04** · 04-28-2007, 03:05 PM

Yea that's a pretty sweet feature, maybe I'll look into the 8500 like you did.

**TheChad1371** · 05-02-2007, 07:54 AM

i got mine bout 9 months ago...good ole cobra from best buy, i forget what i paid for it...pretty cheap and saved my ass on i-95 many times.

**a338566** · 05-02-2007, 05:12 PM

8500 X 50 for me and the wife, absolutely fantastic radar detector, picked them up at Best Buy for $299 each, I got the Direct wire Smart cord (29.95) for the T/A, it helps keep it cleaner looking.

**Wesman** · 05-02-2007, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by a338566

8500 X 50 for me and the wife, absolutely fantastic radar detector, picked them up at Best Buy for $299 each, I got the Direct wire Smart cord (29.95) for the T/A, it helps keep it cleaner looking.

Same here. Its a great radar detector, awesome range too.

For some reason though I've been getting false LASER detection, apparently it is a relatively common problem with 8500 X50's

**TheChad1371** · 05-03-2007, 06:10 AM

gotta love that shit when you slow down for nothing...but better than not working when its supposed to.

**Secret Formula** · 05-03-2007, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by Wesman

For some reason though I've been getting false LASER detection, apparently it is a relatively common problem with 8500 X50's

Is this enough to make the 8500 suck?

**fredmr85** · 05-03-2007, 04:55 PM

No....not enough at all to make it suck -- I've never heard that complaint. My laser has gone off once, and saved me from a cop.

I do however get POP falses a LOT of the time....

Guess it depends on your environment, etc.