Stereo & Electronics - BEL 995 vs. ESCORT 8500 X50 vs. BEL PRO RX65

Well purchasing my first radar detector and can't decide between either of these three :bang: anybody with experience with these radar detectors please let me know what you think

I voted X50 because it's MUCH better with laser. The RX65 is a little better with radar. The Valentine 1 is a step up, but you get what you pay for.

x50, never owned another one but then again its never failed me

Wheres the Escort 9500i option at?

Wheres the Escort 9500i option at?

I never seen anything on that one I'll have to check it out, is it a new model or something, I only wanna spend between 250 and 350 if money were no option I would go with the Valentine or BEL STi and a laser jammer

It's a new model, has GPS and stuff. It's cool, but way out of budget.

If you get a laser jammer, go for LPP (Laser Pro Park - marketed as a parking sensor, but basically the best jammer available, way better than Blinder) - gonna run you $500 though

There all 3 good! I like the RX65 Pro. I would be happy with any of them 3.

I heard that with ANY radar system,..the electronics in your car eventually screws with it if its mounted to the dash.

Any truth to this?

That is incorrect.

I went with the s2.....from escort.....its cordless and take 2 AA .....in just like the 9500......I have picked up cops as far away as 2.5 miles maybe more.....its great....I got rechargable batterys for it

V1 :thumb:

I would have picked V1 if it was on the poll when I voted X50.

Whats the difference between V1 and X50?.....(other than NAME)

V1 owns at laser. Owns. Plus it's got arrows and the bogey counter, which are not absolutely essential, but are nice. But I'd take it simply for the laser performance.

I would have picked V1 if it was on the poll when I voted X50.
Fixed! :judge: lol

The V1 is absolute king when it comes to laser. The arrows and bogey counter I can't live without!

does anybody have the v1 with the remote display?if so,where do you have it?
and,where is the best or cheapest place to get the v1?

does anybody have the v1 with the remote display?if so,where do you have it?
and,where is the best or cheapest place to get the v1?

The only place you can get it besides ebay (which I don't recommend) is directly from Valentine Research. You can call and ask for a returned unit which has a 10% discount. They carry the full warranty and have the latest software version. This is what I did and you cannot tell the difference from new. They come in new casings with new front and rear lenses. Some people say that the returned units are better because they are individually tested rather than getting a new one that is off the assembly line. Like I said I did this myself and I couldn't be happier with my unit. If you call and ask for a returned unit and they say that there is a wait list, ask to be put on it. They'll most likely ship you one within the next day or so.

The only place you can get it besides ebay (which I don't recommend) is directly from Valentine Research. You can call and ask for a returned unit which has a 10% discount. They carry the full warranty and have the latest software version. This is what I did and you cannot tell the difference from new. They come in new casings with new front and rear lenses. Some people say that the returned units are better because they are individually tested rather than getting a new one that is off the assembly line. Like I said I did this myself and I couldn't be happier with my unit. If you call and ask for a returned unit and they say that there is a wait list, ask to be put on it. They'll most likely ship you one within the next day or so.

ok thanx for the info,i'll do that!

They're essentially the same detector... Go with what you like the looks of best. The X50 does NOT have voice sounds and Ku band detection (older band, used in Europe) where the RX65 does.

O RLY? (http://www.laserveil.com/laser/detectors/performance/charts-by-radar-detector/)

X50 >>>>>> RX65, but V1 reigns supreme

O RLY? (http://www.laserveil.com/laser/detectors/performance/charts-by-radar-detector/)

X50 >>>>>> RX65, but V1 reigns supreme
IDK about >>> -- I know X50 is better for laser (between that and the RX65) (very important deciding factor), and also has better sensitivity/range for Ka, but there were other areas the RX65 outperformed the X50 in (not AS important though I suppose...) - while other tests I saw determined they were identical. Either way, after researching everything, I went with the X50 when I got mine.

All the test and reviews I've read on www.radardetector.net and www.guysoflidar.com indicate that the V1 is best in laser.

All the test and reviews I've read on www.radardetector.net and www.guysoflidar.com indicate that the V1 is best in laser.
Yes - sorry if my last post was misleading - I was comparing the X50 to the RX65, and didn't pay attention to the fact that the V1 was quoted in my post as well. I believe there were a couple areas that the X50 outperformed the V1....

EDIT:

Here's a good quick overview:

Best overall performance-------------------BEL Pro RX65
Best instant-on performance---------------Escort Passport 8500 X50
Best POP-mode performance---------------BEL Pro RX65
Best windshield mount---------------------Valentine One
Best visual displays------------------------BEL Pro RX65
Best audible alerts-------------------------Escort Passport 8500 X50
Best laser performance---------------------Valentine One
Best price/performance ratio----------------Escort Passport 8500 X50

Source: http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090

IMO, when it comes down to it -- if you can afford the V1, get the V1. Though it may lack in other areas, all three perform sufficiently enough in the other fields and are all top models - and will all get the job done....however since laser is much harder to detect, that should be a determining factor IMO.

Yes - sorry if my last post was misleading - I was comparing the X50 to the RX65, and didn't pay attention to the fact that the V1 was quoted in my post as well. I believe there were a couple areas that the X50 outperformed the V1....

EDIT:

Here's a good quick overview:

Best overall performance BEL Pro RX65
Best instant-on performance Escort Passport 8500 X50
Best POP-mode performance BEL Pro RX65
Best windshield mount Valentine One
Best visual displays BEL Pro RX65
Best audible alerts Escort Passport 8500 X50
Best laser performance Valentine One
Best price/performance ratio Escort Passport 8500 X50

Source: http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090


No problem at all! With any of the top 3 radar detectors you can't go wrong. If you plan on doing mostly highway driving go with the V1. For city/urban driving I'd go with either the X50 or RX65.

Keep in mind that the V1 has improved considerably since 2005. More recent ones false MUCH less often. MUCH less.

There is a sponsor on this site who is an official authorized Escort dealer and should be getting the new 9500i in soon for a good price I believe for around $400, DinoZ I think. If thats too much, he has the 8500 X50 for $269.

ive had an escort, cobra,and now a beltronis RX75plus. This rx75plus is rather pricey, but the best radar detector ive owned. Plus, ist a laser jammer.