Ok, I know this has gone around and around and around, but lets see what everyone thinks one last time locally here in Colorado.
Please vote for either of each:
Escort (Passport 9500ix, iQ, 8500 or SmartRadar)
Valentine One with the V1 Connection for Android
Beltronics (Pro series, STi, or GX65)
Whistler (Z series or CR Series)

Let me know the model you love, I will update this 1st post with everyone's response.

 

Escort 8500 x50 here, it does work.

I would go with the latest Escort 9500 ix and get the app that will work with the user updated DB, it gets updated pretty darn fast. Also use waze!

Don

Or go the V1, but it has not been updated in a major way for style in some time.

 

Looking at GPS based radar detectors, the Redline is just straight radar. I might also look at the Escort Max too.

 

Oh boy....

 

Escort Passport 9500ix. The only radar detector I've ever owned (since May 2013). Saved me numerous times, especially on long trips in unfamiliar areas. Only encountered 1 laser detection on Wadworth only a few miles from home (cop in the median shooting laser point blank on a downhill). GPS is most useful to lockout known radar sources, such as permanent speed signs in neighborhoods, etc.

 

After looking at multiple reviews and comparisons, I think I have selected the Escort 9500ix. Now I just need to find the best deal that would not void Escort's warranty.

 

I have had my V1 for about 7 years and you could not pay me to switch. I am absolutely enamored by the Valentine's simplicity, reliability and robust technology. It's been in 8 cars I've owned.

 

I went with the 8500CI because I wanted something permanent and to steal the parts without the whole is worthless.

I don't speed and I have other issues for wanting it my car. I like the convenience of having it hidden although I mounted the receiver in the car. Not much clearance by the from bumper. S Coupe. So in back between the headrests with a shot right out the front window. Think rear dash but there is not much of one. Black, hidden, box.

To steal one would have to take all the pieces. It takes time. If you want red lights and more bells then the higher end model. I just have to know I am being watched!

And nothing to have to remove, hide, or fuss over as it comes on when the car is started - period.

Nothing is fool proof especially if you are the lone car on the road with POP.

But then I have my Blackvue recording everything, GPS and Speed as proof. And Audio when I am pulled over, front and rear.

Documented. "Trust no one".

Told you I have issues. Record it all and let God sort it out.

Yes, the Valentine is great. The best I have heard. Where I work anything could be stolen! Anything that is pawnable is not safe - period. Thus I can NEVER leave a permeant Detector in my car. And I want convenience.

Nice to hear the start up. Blackvue, says it is recording. Radar says it is on. Road Warrior 2 tells me phone is a go (synced). Life is good.

All toys but that is what life is about.

 

I don't mean to come off as cocky or too strong. But as a CPA/CGMA with a Law background I tend to trust no one for good reason. I guess it is the nature of what I do for a profession.

Can't be too secure. And I over document everything. But that is life and has help me out of many a situation.

Life experiences changes you. Good or bad, you learn from situations.

Thanks

 

Well I went with the Escort 9500iX. The reason is I have my MINI and my wife has hers, so I wanted to be able to go back and forth as needed. We blast thru the Colorado roads with the club, but I am a geek, so want the extras too. Can't wait to use it on our Icicle Run in a few weeks Jamie!

 

Good choice Rich. Like Pauhana I have same system, happy with it over the last 6yrs. Good luck, may the force be with you young skywalker..

Chris

 

Yes, good choice, Rich. I recommend the super cup mount (or the new sticky cup mount, which I will be ordering) over the standard suction cup mount if you're going to move the unit from vehicle to vehicle, as I do. It's one large suction cup vs. several smaller cups.

 

I was thinking of instead of a suction cup windshield mount of getting 2 of the mirror mounts like this from Amazon

At our altitude the windshield suction cup mounts worry me.

 

Rich, if you get this holder Mirror Mount, I want to see it.... Interesting device.

At our altitude I have had the 8500x50 hit my lap more that once when the suction cups give way. :(

Don

 

I use the super cup mount with mine it's never came off.

 

V1 (latest models) in all 3 cars I have on the road.
Hard-wired in all 3, including the minivan. Would not have it any other way.

a

 

I have a Solo 2 for the other car and wife's. Mine is a 8500CI hidden. I just like the no fuss stealth install. Parking in the city nothing is safe. Hardwired but out of sight.

 

Rich, did you get the mirror mounts?

 

Yes Mike I got the mounts and tried contacting the vendor and got no response, so I made my own extentions for the mounts. For the MINI the mounts are very close to the mirror itself at the attach point, and then the swivel arm needed to be longer, so I bought an extra turnbuckle coupler and post from ACE, that made it long enough, and is working currently in BLU now for a week. I still need to run the hard wire to the fuse box.

 

I'm very happy with the Escort MAX hard wired with The LIVE smart cord saved me 3 times just yesterday, I installed the sticky cup backwards in order to get it closer to the roof liner, it blocks the front a bit but still works great.

 

suction cup mounts stink and I'm always concerned about someone breaking in the car of it.



I bought this Rich, it fit on the MINI mirror and does not interfere with the mirror's adjustment. You'll have to search for the one that fits your detector. I just hard wired the detector into the fuse box by running a cable down the front of the headliner, down behind the a-pillar and into the plastic fuse box molding.

I never have to take it down. Sure thieves can see it if they look down and through the car, but I think it's a little safer, and you get a better result from detection because it mounted higher up.

 

i have the escort passport max,got it late last year, the 9500ix and the beltronic RX65. all of them work great. saved my *** many times. always use it on short or long trips cause ya never know lol ,esp when you are tempted. great investment.