Escort Radar Detector Review

The Passport 9500ix:

To buy NOW, click here!

• Price: the price tag is $499.95 making it quite expensive, but still within the realm of the affordable.
   
• Bands: this product detect all bands of speed enforcement radar (X, K, Ka, and Ku)
   
• Voice Alerts: an audible alert is given when a radar source is near. The alert varies depending on the band of radar used.
   
• False Alerts: Eliminates false alarms using the AutoLearn technology. The problem with false alerts is that they make you start ignoring alerts after a while - however, thanks to the AutoLearn feature, the radar ‘learns’ from its mistakes, thus, remaining effective.
   
• Features: Allows using a headphone jack. In addition, the 9500xi also includes the SmartCord power adapter which can be used as a secondary control for the device (cool, eh?).
   
• Installation: The Passport 9500ix is windshield mounted. Although using it in a car makes it a bit clunky because it has to be mounted with a windshield suction cup system, the advantage is that it can carried around and used in other vehicles and motorcycles as well, in this case it is possible to use the headphone jack.
   
• GPS Technology: this product has a built in GPS which tracks down your position and compares it with a database of speed traps, speed cameras and red light locations. Once you get near one of those spots, you get an alert (both visual and audible). On top of that, the GPS can be used to measure your speed, which enables to vary the radar sensitivity when traveling at high speeds. Note that in some places there are radar vans - which are moving - so including them in the GPS database can lead to a lot of false alert which can be quite irritating.
   
• Detectable: unfortunately, yes.
   
• Database subscription: includes 3 months of database subscription (which contains up-to-date information about speed traps, speed cameras, etc). That won’t last for much and you’d have to later extend your database subscription if you wish to enjoy this service.

In summary: it’s obvious that the passport 9500ix is an excellent radar detector on all fronts that will do its job and won’t cut a hole through your pocket. Although it does not have all the features offered by the passport 9500ci, considering it costs roughly a third of its price, I consider it the best radar detector for its price. If you’re seeking a radar detector - go get this one now!

Get the Passport 9500ix now from the manufacturer, Escort Radars!

The Passport 9500ci:

To buy NOW, click here!

• Price: the price tag is $1,599.95, making this the most expensive radar detector in my list.
   
• Bands: this product detect all bands of speed enforcement radar (X, K, Ka, and Ku) and has laser shifting technology for 360 degree protection (which some say is unimportant).
   
• Voice Alerts: a "crystal clear" voice alerts are given when a radar source is near. The alert varies depending on the band of radar used. These are the best voice alerts I have heard from a radar detector.
   
• False Alerts: Eliminates false alerts using the AutoLearn technology.
   
• Features: Incorporates a safety warning system: has 60 specific safety messages, Digital signal processing (DSP) for superior range.
   
• Installation: The 9500ci is custom installed, making it convenient and aesthetic. More importantly, it is effectively hidden in your car. However, it cannot be carried or used on a motorcycle.
   
• GPS Technology: this product has a built in GPS which tracks down your position and compares it with a database of speed traps, speed cameras and red light locations. Once you get near one of those spots, you get an alert (both visual and audible). On top of that, the GPS can be used to measure your speed, which enables to vary the radar sensitivity when traveling at high speeds.
   
• Detectable: Stealth installation: undetectable to all radar detector detectors - making you invisible and protecting you from being noticed.
   
• Database subscription: includes 3 years of database subscription (which contains up-to-date information about speed traps, speed cameras, etc)

In summary: the passport 9500ci, packed with tons of features and the stealth capability, is clearly the superior radar detector in the market. This is true on every single front - except for the price. That being said, if price is not an issue, and you want the best of the best, go for the 9500ci - you won’t regret making this choice. The 9500ci is the best radar detector available, period.

Get the Passport 9500ci now from the manufacturer, Escort Radars, by clicking HERE!

The Passport 8500 X50 Red Display:

To buy NOW, click here!

• Price: the price tag is $309.95 making it one of the cheaper models, and very affordable.
   
• Bands: this product detect all bands of speed enforcement radar both conventional and “instant-on” radars (X, K, Ka, and Ku), and is 50% more sensitive (covers greater range) than its predecessor, the Passport 8500. Furthermore, unlike its predecessors, the Passport 8500 X50 detectors are able to detect Pop radar guns, a relatively new addition to police forces.
   
• Voice Alerts: there are audible and visual band alerts, but these aren’t exactly "voice alerts".
   
• False Alerts: Incorporates the AutoSensitivity Mode which reports few false alerts - but does not eliminate those completely.
   
• Features: Includes the SmartCord power adapter which can be used as a secondary control for the device. Uses Digital signal processing (DSP) for superior range. Has a built-In Earphone Jack. Includes the “AutoMute” feature which lowers the volume of an alert after a period of time. Also incorporates EZ-Programming - a feature that allows easy customization of the device. Finally, it is compatible with the Escort ZR4 Laser Shifter for even better protection.
   
• Installation: the Passport 8500 X50 is windshield mounted, thus, has to be attached to the windshield using a suction cup system. This is a bit clunky, but the advantage is that you can take it and use it in other vehicles, motorcycles, etc. In addition, you can purchase an optional visor holder to hide the Passport 8500 X50 on the visor.
   
• GPS Technology: Not available for this product.
   
• Detectable: Sadly, it is.
   
• Database subscription: N/A.

In summary: When taking into consideration all the features the Passport 8500 X50 as well as its price, it is clear that it’s one of the best radar detectors you can get for the money. It has lots of features (such as the SmartCord controller). And it’s one of the cheapest models. Although it does not have some of the other features some of the other models possess, most notably any sophisticated False Alert reduction mechanisms, such as AutoLearn, or a GPS, considering all the above, I believe it provides extremely good value for its price. All in all, the Escort Passport 8500 X50 is highly recommended. Note that its Blue Display Counterpart, while offering the same capabilities, is slightly more expensive, so you should go for this one if you like the 8500 X50 detector series.

Get the Passport 8500 X50 Red Display now from the manufacturer, Escort Radars! (since this is the manufacturer, they offer a 30 day money back guarantee).

The Passport SRX:

To buy NOW, click here!

• Price: the price tag is $1199.00, making this one of the more expensive radar detectors in my list.
   
• Bands: this product detect all bands of speed enforcement radar (X, K, Ka, and Ku) and has laser shifting technology.
   
• Voice Alerts: voice alerts are given when a radar source is near.
   
• False Alerts: Eliminates false alerts using the AutoSensitivity Mode technology.
   
• Features: Includes a remote mute button, EZ-Programming - a feature that allows easy customization of the device and 3 High-Resolution Meter Modes.
   
• Custom installed: the passport SRX is custom installed, making it convenient and aesthetic, not to mention, completely hidden in the vehicle. The disadvantage with this type of detector is that it cannot be carried to a different vehicle or used on a motorcycle.
   
• GPS Technology: Not available for this product.
   
• Detectable: Stealth installation: the passport SRX has multiple high performance programmable laser transceivers installed in front and in back of the vehicle. These enable the laser signal to be “shifter”, making it “94% effective” at being undetectable: it is completely immune to the VG-2 “detector-detector”.
   
• Database subscription: N/A

In summary: the passport SRX, while possessing several strong features, and virtually undetectable to “detector-detector” devices, does not possess a GPS (which some of the other models do), and is relatively quite expensive. Consequently, despite being a superb radar detector, it may be worthwhile to add a bit more and go for the passport 9500ci which is hands on, the best radar detector on the market. That being said, except for the stealth functionality, it is comparable to some cheaper models (such as the 9500ix). So the question you must ask yourself: how important is the “detector-detector” for you? If it is, I believe you may as well get the better model. All in all, the SRX is an excellent radar detector, particularly considering its powerful stealth capabilities.

Get the Passport SRX now from the manufacturer, Escort Radars, by clicking HERE!

The Passport 8500 X50 Blue Display:

To buy NOW, click here!

 
Note that, as far as I can tell, there are two differences between the Escort Passport 8500 X50 Red Display and the Escort Passport 8500 X50 Blue Display. The first, obviously, is the different color of the LED display. The second, surprisingly is the price. The blue display is slightly more expensive, and I can only guess this relates to supply and demand of both products. In all other respects these products appear to be identical (so the review is virtually identical as well).

 

• Price: the price tag is $339.95 making it one of the cheaper models (though still more expensive than its ‘red display’ counterpart).
   
• Bands: this product detect all bands of speed enforcement radar both “instant-on” and conventional radars (X, K, Ka, and Ku), and is 50% more sensitive than its predecessor, the Passport 8500. In addition, unlike its predecessors, the Passport 8500 X50 class detectors are able to detect Pop radar guns, a new addition, generally speaking, to police forces.
   
• Voice Alerts: there are audible and visual band alerts, but these aren’t exactly "voice alerts".
   
• False Alerts: Includes the AutoSensitivity Mode which misses a few false alerts - but does not remove those completely.
   
• Features: Uses Digital signal processing (DSP) for superior range. Has a built-In Earphone Jack. Includes the SmartCord power adapter which can be used as a secondary control for the device. Includes the “AutoMute” feature which lowers the volume of an alert after a period of time. Also incorporates EZ-Programming - a feature that allows easy customization of the device. Finally, it is compatible with the Escort ZR4 Laser Shifter for even better protection.
   
• Installation: the Passport 8500 X50 is windshield mounted, thus, has to be attached to the windshield using a suction cup system. The advantage is that you can take it and use it in other vehicles, motorcycles, etc. In addition, you can purchase an optional visor holder to hide the Passport 8500 X50 on the visor.
   
• GPS Technology: Not available for this product.
   
• Detectable: Yes - does not have stealth capabilities.
   
• Database subscription: N/A.

In summary: When taking into consideration all the features the Passport 8500 X50 as well as its price, it is clear that it’s one of the best radar detectors you can get for the money. It has lots of features (such as the SmartCord controller). And it’s one of the cheapest models, even though not as cheap as its Red Display counterpart. Although it does not have some of the other features some of the other models possess, most notably a powerful False Alert reduction mechanisms, such as AutoLearn, or a GPS, considering all the above, I believe it provides extremely good value for its price. All in all, the Escort Passport 8500 X50 is highly recommended, though you may as well go for the Red version as it’ll save you $30 (and this is why my overall rating is slightly lower).

Get the Passport 8500 X50 Blue Display now from the manufacturer, Escort Radars, by clicking here!

The SOLO S2 Cordless:

To buy NOW, click here!

• Price: the price tag is $339.95 making it one of the cheapest radar detectors available.
   
• Bands: this product detect all bands of speed enforcement radar and includes 360-Degree Radar and Laser Detection
   
• Voice Alerts: an audible alert (which is not a voice alert) is given when a radar source is near by.
   
• False Alerts: Incorporates the AutoSensitivity Mode which reports few false alerts - but does not completely eliminate those.
   
• Features: Convenient Cordless Design by being battery powered (which lasts a good amount of time, easily 50-60 hours) - making it quite convenient, particularly if carried on a motorcycle (as the video below shows, this is a really excellent feature). Note that it is also SmartCord compatible. Uses Digital signal processing (DSP) for superior range. Includes a built in earphone jack. Enables the user to create 10 Programmable Options.
   
• Installation: The SOLO S2 Cordless is windshield mounted, making it portable and reusable in other vehicles/motorcycles (which is where the built in earphone jack is quite useful).
   
• GPS Technology: No GPS is included.
   
• Detectable: No stealth mechanisms.
   
• Database subscription: N/A

In summary: the SOLO S2 Cordless is one of the cheaper radar detectors, but lacks many useful functions other radar detectors include such as a degree of stealth protection from detector-detector devices or GPS capabilities. The fact that it is cordless is certainly a nice advantage, making it particularly convenient for motorcycle usage. Consequently, if the cordless feature is particularly useful for you, or more specifically, the fact it is battery powered and is easy to carry around (the video illustrates it quite well), then the SOLO S2 Cordless is the radar detector for you - go get one now! It’s certainly a radar detector you’re going to love due to its extreme portability..

Get the SOLO S2 Cordless from the manufacturer, Escort Radars!

The Laser Shifter ZR4:

To buy NOW, click here!

 
Before I begin, it is important to note that the Laser Shifter ZR4 is not a radar detector but rather a radar jammer, which means it can provide complete protection against all forms of radar and laser detectors. When one thinks about it, being undetected is actually more important than knowing you are being detected - is this not the case? Furthermore, it can be used in conjunction with: Passport 9500ix, Passport 9500i Blue, Passport 9500i Red, Passport 8500 X50 Blue, Passport 8500 X50 Red, Passport 8500, Cordless Solo S2, Passport SR7 and Escort C65. Obviously, it should be used with models that do not have stealth capabilities.

• Price: the price tag is $449.00, which is not cheap, but considering the protection you get, it is well worth it.
   
• Bands: this product does not detect any bands - as said, it is not a radar detector.
   
• Voice Alerts: Provides audio alert capabilities.
   
• False Alerts: Since it always protects you silently, it can be said there are never any false alerts - you’ll never be informed that you are being detected and that will prove to be untrue.
   
• Features: Includes a remote mute button, and a display controller.
   
• Custom installed: the ZR4 is custom installed: in this case it means that twin front-mounted Laser Shifters and rear license plate mounted Laser Shifters must be attached to the vehicle.
   
• GPS Technology: Not available for this product.
   
• Detectable: This is the Laser Shifter ZR4’s strength: its stealth capabilities. Since it is a radar jammer, it offers complete protection against all forms of radar and laser detection. In the end, this is what matters.
   
• Database subscription: N/A

In summary: the Laser Shifter ZR4 can be used as a stand alone product and would do a superb job at performing what is expected of it, namely, protection from radar detection. That being said, one can’t help but think that it would be better utilized in conjunction with one of the radar detectors (and as stated above, many are designed for this specifically), since it is always a good idea to know when you’re being spied on, i.e., you don’t want to be driving at 100 miles per hour and be invisible to a police car radar gun… even without advanced technology and using the naked eye alone this would look suspicious. In conclusion: supremely effective at its task, the ZR4 is a highly effective radar jammer.

Get the Escort Laser Shifter ZR4 now from the manufacturer, Escort Radars, by clicking HERE!

The Passport C65:

To buy NOW, click here!

• Price: the price tag is $349.95 making it one of the cheaper radar detectors
   
• Bands: this product detect all bands of speed enforcement radar (X, K, Ka, and Ku)
   
• Voice Alerts: there are audible and visual band alerts, but these aren’t exactly "voice alerts".
   
• False Alerts: AutoScan mode drastically reduces - but not eliminates - false alerts.
   
• Features: Includes Highway and City settings, as well as the SmartCord power adapter which can be used as a secondary control for the device (making control of the device very easy when it’s placed in a location that is hard to reach). All in all, not as impressive as some of the other models.
   
• Installation: The Passport C65 is windshield Mounted, consequently, using it is a bit clunky because it has to be mounted with a windshield suction cup system. That being said, the passport C65 can carried around and used in motorcycles or other vehicles
   
• GPS Technology: None
   
• Detectable: yes, it is.
   
• Database subscription: Since there is no GPS, this is irrelevant in this context

In summary: the C65 is a solid, basic radar detector that does its job but doesn’t have any of the fancy features that other radar detectors such as the 9500ci and 9500ix possess (such as GPS, Stealth capability, AutoLearn feature, etc). Although these are not crucial for the job - it’s quite possible to enjoy a radar detector without these features - they certainly limit the functionality it provides. That being said, if you want a good solid radar detector for a very reasonable price and aren’t too considered with these “fancy” features, the passport C65 is the radar detector for you. Go get this one now!

Get the Passport Escort C65 from the manufacturer, Escort Radars (since this is the manufacturer, they offer a 30 day money back guarantee).