Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar and Laser Detector (Red Display) by Escort Inc.
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Digital camera reviews of Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar and Laser Detector (Red Display)
Digital camera Review: Below expectations
Summary: 3 Stars
After using the 8500 for almost 6 months now, I figured it was time to write up a review. Reading the good reviews on Amazon convinced me to buy the detector in the first place, but my experience with it have been spotty at best. About 50% of the time the 8500 would detect radar or laser before I could see the speed trap and have time to slow down, not great odds by any means. Today I got pulled over for the third time in 3 weeks. Each time I saw the cop before or just as the detector gave an alarm, either way it was always too late.
The detector has always been mounted securely to my windshield, with a clean view of the road ahead. It's possible I have a defective unit, or maybe the state troopers in Maryland just have better tech than the 8500 can handle...either I still have to rely on my own senses. I really wanted a good detector to save me those times when I wasn't paying attention, but as you can see from the 1 star this unit isn't doing the job. The 8500 has easy setup and some nice features, but effectiveness is what matters here, and this gadget falls way short.
UPDATE - I have found that how effective these detectors are truly depends on what your local police department has in the way of radar tech (and possibly their setup techniques). For example in my home county, the county cops radar will NOT set this detector off. However, it does do a decent job of detecting radar from Maryland State Police (go figure).
Digital camera Review: Best Damn Detector out there.
Summary: 5 Stars
Regardless of what anyone else says. This detector is great. The Mute button on the cord is the best invention since sliced bread!!
Someone stated in a review that a CON was that you had to Turn on the POP every time you turned your car on. Hes a Dummy. You turn it on ONCE and it stays on. It Has saved me Numerous times and paid for itself 10 fold!!! Tons of options, great display options, Picks up Several different radars at ONE TIME. easy to read in PRO mode!! LOVE IT!!
Regarding: The Guy talking about the detector going crazy due to voltage when he turns it on. Sounds to me like you have a Crappy Car. or a Problem with you electrical system. Try it in another vehicle. I have never had that problem and have had this detector for over 1 year. (knock on wood) The Passport has a mode you can turn it too, and it will tell you what the voltage is, going thru your car. Check it out.
Digital camera Review: Best Investment For Long Commute
Summary: 5 Stars
I have a long, daily, one hour highway commute and racked up several tickets. I finally had enough and purchased the Escort Passport 8500 X50. This detector saved my butt many times!! It's the best radar detector I've ever owned. I use the default settings for highway and they're fine. It's nice having the option to silence the X band but I'm not ready to do that yet since there is only one X band alert during the trip. The auto-mute function after initial alarm is great. The detection range is amazing and it detects over hills and around corners in some cases. Often, after detection, I find myself slowed down completely and waiting for the radar threat to be within visual range. Threat detection from rear is just as good. No need for an arrow to tell you it's detecting from the rear. When a threat is detected from the rear the signal strength gets stronger gradually.Digital camera Review: Best Radar Detector Hands down
Summary: 5 Stars
Best radar for the money. The only thing that its missing is maybe a directional alert but who cares. Had it in the car for about a month now and I am impressed. Great range when the cops radar is on. Just because you have a radar doesnt mean you will never get a ticket again but it might save your butt every now and then. The red display is great and would never go with the blue display for 40 bucks more?!?! Make sure you buy the Direct wire Smart alert kit for a stealthy install. The kit is 30 bucks but worth it. Would be 6 stars if they included that. :)Digital camera Review: Best Radar Detector on the Market!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're like me and you like to drive faster than average, you might want to think about this radar detector. I previously owned a Cobra. Though it had some nice features, and would talk, it seemed to hesitate sometimes with picking up radar signals. The Passport 8500 has paid for itself over and over again. I like the blue display, it's easier to see at night, and catches your attention when you pick up a radar signal. This detector will pick up a signal quite a distance away, so I have plenty of time to slow down long before the cop even has sight of me. It will pick up radar to the front, the sides, and behind you. If you're on a flat stretch, it will pick up radar sometimes up to several miles away, which gives you enough time to slow down without looking too obvious. You still have to be careful, but it's nice to have a warning with ample time to slow down.
PROS: -Blue display is easy to read at night
-Several display options, including vehicle voltage!
-Nice carrying case
-Strong suction cups
-Locks into mount, and easily disconnects with push of a button.
-Additional light and mute button on Power plug
-Able to be hardwired into power
CONS: -Expensive
-Cord hangs down in the way of dash, unless hardwired
OVERALL: I have had radar detectors in the past, but the Passport 8500 is hands down the best. You pay for what you get, and you get the best radar detector on the market. I've had it for about 3 months, and I do alot of driving. Works great everytime!