First off, I have done my homework, but I have never owned one and am just wondering what people think about them/experiences etc. The one I want (Escort Passport 9500ix) pushes $500, so that's a pretty big investment. Ugg if only I could go the speed limit...meh what fun would that be.

 

I am running a Beltronics V8, it has saved me a few times! i really wish i would have just coughed up the money for a Valentie 1. It would help out alot more when driving in the hills.

 

im looking for one and am 99% close to buying the Valentine 1 tomorrow its the exact same price 500 bucks but all i hear are good things about it..if you go enough over the posted limit too often 500 is a good investment just make sure it does the job, op have you compared V1 to escort during your research what drove you to escort over V1 out of curiosity ?

 

V1, the arrows are key! Tells you where the signal is coming from. There should be tons of tests online showing how good it works.

 

I have the V1 and it's awesome! I've spotted cops that are at least 1/4-1/2 miles away. I play a game with my friends to see who can find the cop first lol. And yes the arrows are the key in a V1 you never know if they are in front, behind, or on the side of you. Also it doesn't talk to you just has diffrent beeps for the diffrent bands (L,K,Ka,X).

 

Most reviewers have the Escort Passport 9500ix as being the best for distance and accuracy. It also tells you about red/green light cams, although I dont need to know that so much.

 

really? red light cameras? how tho those arnt using radio transmission or are they?

 

It comes preloaded with many across N/A and I think uses GPS technology (I believe). You can also manually load them as new ones arise (I think).


The Escort Passport 9500ix 01095003 GPS Enabled Radar Detector is one of the most advanced radar and laser detectors. Features GPS technology and also comes pre-loaded with thousands of safety camera locations, including red light and speed-based cameras throughout North America.

The Passport 9500ix takes the next great leap forward in radar and laser protection. It starts with ESCORT's test-winning performance, which sets the standard for true long-range radar and laser protection. In addition it has "AutoLearn" which utilizes the patented GPS technology to identify and eliminate false alerts automatically. This "artificial intelligence" creates the world's first fully automatic radar and laser detector. New AutoLearn feature uses artificial intelligence to automatically "learn" (by exact location and frequency) each radar signal and determines if it's a real threat. The result is the most accurate long-range protection in the industry and a permanent solution to false alarms.

 

I love my Escort 9500ix. Because it has GPS it can lock out false alerts and notify you of redlight cams and speed traps.

They even have an app now that you can load on your smartphone and participate in crowd-sourced radar/laser detection. Basically when somebody who has an Escort gets a radar alert, it is broadcast to all nearby drivers with the app even if their radar detector is out of range of the actual signal. This way you can know further in advance of even the most sensitive radar detector. Of course, this system (called Escort Live) works better in heavily populated areas where there are people who use the app.

The GPS lockout feature works very well to lockout false alarms and highway traffic sensors (which also use K band).
If you are worried about price, Escort offers a payment plan where you can pay $29.95/mo for 12 months @ 0% APR ($179 down payment).

I could go on and on about why I love the Escort but honestly you have to try it for yourself. It was my very first purchase for the car as soon as I got it home because I knew it was the best and I didn't hesitate to drop $500 on it because it will pay for itself in ticket avoidance and higher insurance rates.

 

Thanks man. I went and looked for it last night (here in Calgary) and it was $699. Looks like I will be buying Online. Man, we get raped on goods here in Canada. Do you pay a monthly fee for updates or anything like that? I thought I read about that, but obviously don't want to pay any additional fees given the already high price of the product.

 

Don't buy the "Whistler",it's a piece of crap.Picks up any other signals but the ones it's supposed to pick up.

 

Now I'm confused v1 or escort, the 9500 has so many great features but no arrows...Which would be a HUGE help

 

Had my Beltronics for a few years now and its saved me a grip of times, but think it might be time to upgrade soon as it doesnt pick up as long distance as it used to. Also no can defense against laser

 

I had my V1 since 2008, and it's saved me countless times. Having the arrows is definitely a big plus.

That being said, it does feel a little dated due to its lack of GPS functionality. Escort also has an android/iphone app which supposedly offers better protection by using the cloud to share data between users. I think it does cost an extra $100 though, so more research would have to be done to see if it is really worth it.

Having a radar detector does NOT make you invisible. If you get laser-ed, you can pretty much consider yourself screwed.

 

^ Thanks Kreeker, you diverted my decision to the escort , though id love to have the directional advantage being up to date is priority and the escort has it perks thanks!