Oh btw. I think Beltronics and Escort are the same company. Escort is the flagship line.

I got my 9500ix on a Amazon Black Friday sale for about $350 brand new with blue display. Best money I've ever spent, definitely worth every penny.

:iagree:

The radars are 100% identical in features, 90% of the parts are the same. Escort has "some" higher tech microchipping and is a more streamlined design. Plus the option of red or blue LED.

In some models, it matters, in others it doesn't. These websites have non-bias testing of various models and brands. You can compare some competing models against each other and find out how much you are willing to spend after weighing the facts and opinions from here and purchase sites..

Best radar detector reviews from the world's most respected authority.

Automobiles - CNET Reviews

That said. The passport 9500ix is an awesome unit Either the best or second best, depending what you demand from your unit. . But if your budget is less than $400 without compromise and want the security of a new, warranteed product. There are still excellent options out there for you that are compellingly reliable without the flagship price..

It has all the bands as any decent radar detector does now, and laser. With "Shifting" ability. Plus its not a window mount, its a fully built in system with 4 total sensors. (3F 1R) A GPS enabled, learning system much like the 9500ix.

Totally worth it though, every cruise I go on, I'll get pings way before others do. :tup:

I installed my second (my wifes car) Whisler Pro-3600, which is a hidden remote radar detector, and added a second rear radar detector to it. Works great, not too pricey and love that it's not visible. You can also add a GPS modul to it, that way you also get red light camera notice, and speed reminders if you like.
Whistler Pro-3600

If you buy the Escort, make sure you buy it from an authorized dealer. They make it pretty clear they won't honor the warranty if you don't.

It's def. nice, but I couldn't afford that. So I spend half as much on the 9500ix. :icon17:




However, I do have an 8500 for sale... :ugh2:

The 9500IX is the ONLY radar detector worth purchasing anymore. It blows everything else off the road. The Valentine 1 is ancient technology in comparison. Disclaimer: I don't own a radar detector, I just did a lot of research on them.

Just curious....did you choose one yet?

:iagree:

If you get a redline? I would like to see a consumer review of it. It seems to get mixed ratings. Some think it's the greatest radar ever. Some think it's still not as good as the 9500ix and ci in terms of detection???

I purchased a redline + blendmount a few weeks ago and have already had a few saves. So it works good in my book. If you are in the market right now and you can wait escort just announced the Escort Maxx which is supposedly super sensitive like the redline with built-in GPS like the 9500ix.

Huh, good to know. :tup: My radar does good thus far and i have what was a midrange Bel v995. I'm in the market but not desperate. I see mild degradation over the years with laser detection But my v995 kills on Ka (which is 90% most commonly used where i drive... My v995 is still doing pretty well. But i am going to look into the Maxx. Sounds interesting. Thanks:tiphat:

EDIT: D-D-D-Damn... I hope these features arent all just hype.
ESCORT Debuts Ultra-Fast PASSPORT® Max™ HD Radar Detector, Powered by Advanced Military Technology - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

Wow, the EscortMax looks great on paper, not to mention physically. It will be interesting to hear what early adopters have to say when it comes out later this month. It sure does look promising.

If this thing tests well??? I will definitely buy without hesitation. I have a feeling it will live up to it's claims.:tup:

I laugh at the fact that they have a manufacturing facility in Mississauga, Ontario... It's illegal to use radar detectors here. Having said that, I'm going to need to source one of these out... you know... for um... "off road" testing.