Escort Radar Detector Review

The Passport 8500 X50 Blue Display:

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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!