If you run an Escort detector DO NOT BUY "LIVE!"
01-09-2012, 04:19 PM
#11
I have used Escort detectors for years and have had fantastic experiences with their customer service. I bought a Passport 9500 ix almost the day it came out, for like $500.00, and it got stolen - on Christmas Day - by some a-hole who broke my window to steal it. I called Escort and they volunteered to send me a replacement - now how amazing is that?! Instead I asked for a refund because I needed money to repair my car window, and just bought another 9500 ix this past Christmas (only this time I didn't install it until after Christmas Day, and now I take it down every time I park). Fantastic products (WAAAY better than the V1, despite not having arrows (V1's only advantage), because it does tell you how many signals, the individual strength of each signal, AND it has dual antennas for Laser - but most importantly it is better because of the lack of false alerts, while V1 falses every 5 seconds). I mean what the hell is the point of not being able to turn bands off the on V1? Only 1 out of 50 states still uses X band, and most states don't even use K band anymore - everyone has Ka and/or Laser...so while V1 may have slightly better range/detection (only VERY slightly), and have those awesome arrows, the Escort 9500 ix is a much better detector because when you hear an alert, you KNOW it's a cop - not like on the V1 where 99% of the time it's false. And even when you get to know the false areas, do you really want to listen to every automatic door in a 1 mile radius while you drive? Seriously...
01-10-2012, 06:01 AM
#12
5th Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,652
I have used Escort detectors for years and have had fantastic experiences with their customer service. I bought a Passport 9500 ix almost the day it came out, for like $500.00, and it got stolen - on Christmas Day - by some a-hole who broke my window to steal it. I called Escort and they volunteered to send me a replacement - now how amazing is that?! Instead I asked for a refund because I needed money to repair my car window, and just bought another 9500 ix this past Christmas (only this time I didn't install it until after Christmas Day, and now I take it down every time I park). Fantastic products (WAAAY better than the V1, despite not having arrows (V1's only advantage), because it does tell you how many signals, the individual strength of each signal, AND it has dual antennas for Laser - but most importantly it is better because of the lack of false alerts, while V1 falses every 5 seconds). I mean what the hell is the point of not being able to turn bands off the on V1? Only 1 out of 50 states still uses X band, and most states don't even use K band anymore - everyone has Ka and/or Laser...so while V1 may have slightly better range/detection (only VERY slightly), and have those awesome arrows, the Escort 9500 ix is a much better detector because when you hear an alert, you KNOW it's a cop - not like on the V1 where 99% of the time it's false. And even when you get to know the false areas, do you really want to listen to every automatic door in a 1 mile radius while you drive? Seriously...
UPDATE : I called Escort back and spoke with a 4th CSR. Now, I was never rude and frankly, they were all pros and never said anything to upset me. It was what they werent saying that was apathetic to me... So I talk to this 4th guy and said I had the 8500 and its not compatible,etc...and that I had considered returning the Live! cord and cancelling the subscription, but I've reconsidered because I really want this to work for me, so I'm taking the plunge and paying the $80 and sending it off. He was very passive but professional and then I asked him what that included and he says its a software upgrade mostly. I told him in the summer months, they send a mass mailing about upgrading your detector, getting a 6 mos additional warranty and they include a free supermount and that I think they should include the supermount for free. He's like "sure, no problem." So, I'm getting a free mount with this. Not perfect, but it's something. It's kinda like telling the wife, "Hey, so how bout some sweet lovin tonight" and she says "Sure, no problem" and then you feel like you should have said "Hey, so how bout some sweet lovin, you cook me a new york strip, more sweet lovin, you mount the plasma in the bedroom and we watch pr0n all night and when I goto sleep you go wash my car."
The 8500x50 apparently has a lot of these features too. Let me throw out some food for thought. On the older bands, I'd find it somewhat amusing if they started using those detectors for the very reasons you've mentioned. Folks start turning off monitoring for those thinking they are in good shape because they arent used anymore. Then some cop whips out that ol' detector and WHAMMO! Here's your ticket. If it's occurred to me, surely it's occurred to a cop and why not use it?
As for the V1, you can argue that all day long one way or the other, but bottom line is it's still its one of the greatest detectors ever and Escort is the only competition for it. Each will have pros and cons, but bashing the V1 doesnt make the model you have better. Personally, I'd rather hear every alert and over time learn where those doors are and ignore them in my head then take the chance of giving a cop the advantage in our unending game of cat and mouse.
Last edited by wcgman; 01-10-2012 at 06:11 AM. Reason: info
01-10-2012, 10:12 AM
#13
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 473
The radar detector thing has certainly been covered. However, I have to keep my thumbs up on the V1. I have used the GX65 GPS radar from Bel. From what I understand, other than the self learning of false signals, it's the same radar as the 9500. If that is truly the case, then for me, that radar would be unacceptable. My Valentine alerts me of radar SO MUCH further ahead of time than the GX65. It barely leaves you enough time to get your speed down.
So hopefully, the 9500 is NOT like that, and the rumor of it being the same as the GX is false. For now. The V! is thoe boss. The whole GPS thing is not worth giving up the protection the V1 offers. And as far as false signal, the V1 has been one of the better radars for me IF its set correctly. So basically, if you get a lot of false signals with the V1, just look into the settings and it will be great.
Also, I don't believe that the 9500 has dual antennas as that is still a patent held by Valentine. Which is also what gives it it's incredible range. But, everyone has their own opinions of products and likes. For me, it's V!. That doesn't by any means make it the best radar. Simply my choice is all....
So hopefully, the 9500 is NOT like that, and the rumor of it being the same as the GX is false. For now. The V! is thoe boss. The whole GPS thing is not worth giving up the protection the V1 offers. And as far as false signal, the V1 has been one of the better radars for me IF its set correctly. So basically, if you get a lot of false signals with the V1, just look into the settings and it will be great.
Also, I don't believe that the 9500 has dual antennas as that is still a patent held by Valentine. Which is also what gives it it's incredible range. But, everyone has their own opinions of products and likes. For me, it's V!. That doesn't by any means make it the best radar. Simply my choice is all....
Last edited by SON OF 68; 01-10-2012 at 10:19 AM.
01-10-2012, 03:09 PM
#15
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: OK
Posts: 667
So i still have my old cheaper cobra that I got many years back and am ready to upgrade to something better. Maybe the Escort 8500 X50 because its almost half the price of the V1 and the Escort Redline.... who knows I may start bidding on the $200-250 V1's on ebay and hopefully win one! 8500 can be had for around 150-200
redline vs. v1 http://radartest.com/Redline-Valentine-One-Review.asp
"According to its fans, the Valentine One is the world's best radar detector."
edit: V1.... must have.. lol
redline vs. v1 http://radartest.com/Redline-Valentine-One-Review.asp
"According to its fans, the Valentine One is the world's best radar detector."
edit: V1.... must have.. lol
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