Radar Detector?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 0
From: Reading, Pennsylvania
I have an Escort 9500i. I love it. I previously had a cheap-o Cobra from Target and it was garbage. Yea it would warn you, but it would barely give you time to react. Personally, I'd stick with an 8500 X50 or 9500i from Escort, or a V1. Detectors are a great tool if you know how to use them. If you want one just so you can drive excessively fast at all times than it's not worth the money because you'll end up getting burned again.
Look online and do some research about comparisons. There are some great sites that compair all the top models such as the V1 to the 9500i. I would personally recommend either of the two, but I see the 9500i as a much better investment considering you can plug it into your computer for future updates, cancel out a false signal FOREVER where you will never hear it again, and the poor mans hud :-p.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 0
From: Reading, Pennsylvania
Poor mans HUD is nice, I keep the detector set to display my speed at all times. Although I have my detector mounted up top next to my mirror, but it's still easier looking up there to see my speed rather than down at the speedo.
Only thing with the 9500i(and any detector that has this feature) is the auto mute. Just be careful with it. Personally I turned it off because I actually got a ticket even though my detector had been going off. Between the loud music and wind noise from having the windows down the thing went off and went into auto mute and I didn't realize it had been going off. Next thing I know I happen to look up and it's at full warning level and before I can slow down a Trooper comes around the corner and swung a u-turn and I got a ticket for doing 65-50. It was only 58 bucks for the fine, but still. But since turning it off it's worked flawlessly and saved me many times. To end this useless rant just keep in mind that as with everything, you get what you pay for.
Only thing with the 9500i(and any detector that has this feature) is the auto mute. Just be careful with it. Personally I turned it off because I actually got a ticket even though my detector had been going off. Between the loud music and wind noise from having the windows down the thing went off and went into auto mute and I didn't realize it had been going off. Next thing I know I happen to look up and it's at full warning level and before I can slow down a Trooper comes around the corner and swung a u-turn and I got a ticket for doing 65-50. It was only 58 bucks for the fine, but still. But since turning it off it's worked flawlessly and saved me many times. To end this useless rant just keep in mind that as with everything, you get what you pay for.
TECH Regular
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: MS
I have a passport 7500 s and it works decentley but still your best weapon is common sense. Had a cobra and i agree they're pretty much garbage. It would always warn me after i already saw the cop or do random weird things like tell me a train is approaching when i was on the interstate.. WTF?
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I have the Escort 8500 X50...and I love it. I have the detector hardwired above the mirror and the remote unit on the steering column. If you check out the comparison websites, the V1 is great, and having the cool arrows is neat too...but if I remember correctly, the Escort is more sensitive to certain radar bands, which is why I went with it.
also, 350$ isnt too bad considering the consequences for blowing by a cop at 100+ mph...I had a Cobra before, and the final straw was me driving by a cop on the highway who was standing outside his car with a radar gun pointed at me and it didnt even go off (luckily i wasnt speeding). I had the Escort sitting at home and i went and installed it that afternoon.
also, 350$ isnt too bad considering the consequences for blowing by a cop at 100+ mph...I had a Cobra before, and the final straw was me driving by a cop on the highway who was standing outside his car with a radar gun pointed at me and it didnt even go off (luckily i wasnt speeding). I had the Escort sitting at home and i went and installed it that afternoon.
I have the Escort 8500 X50...and I love it. I have the detector hardwired above the mirror and the remote unit on the steering column. If you check out the comparison websites, the V1 is great, and having the cool arrows is neat too...but if I remember correctly, the Escort is more sensitive to certain radar bands, which is why I went with it.
also, 350$ isnt too bad considering the consequences for blowing by a cop at 100+ mph...I had a Cobra before, and the final straw was me driving by a cop on the highway who was standing outside his car with a radar gun pointed at me and it didnt even go off (luckily i wasnt speeding). I had the Escort sitting at home and i went and installed it that afternoon.
also, 350$ isnt too bad considering the consequences for blowing by a cop at 100+ mph...I had a Cobra before, and the final straw was me driving by a cop on the highway who was standing outside his car with a radar gun pointed at me and it didnt even go off (luckily i wasnt speeding). I had the Escort sitting at home and i went and installed it that afternoon.
Don't go with a cobra. that's for sure. it will beep once your getting pulled over. get Either an excort passport 8500 (what i have) or go with a Valentine one. I have never owned the valentine but i heard they are the best thing under the sun!!! Im content with the escort. I pick cops up so far away that by the time they are clocking me i just laugh!
I don't know about you guys, but I used to use a radar detector and stopped when it broke about 4 years ago. I got 3 tickets while I had it and none since then. Just don't drive way too fast and you'll be fine. Use the money you were going to spend on that for some suspension upgrades or something.
Valentine One 