Haven't had one in any of my vehicles in 5+ yrs (had my one and only stolen out of my car). I obviously know/heard about the V1, but lately have been looking at the Escort Passport (2016) and the Passport 9500ix. From the comparison on their website, it seems that the new Passport has a lot of new "tech" features that the 9500ix does not. But I also assume that the 9500ix has a longer range etc. Does anyone have either and can give some honest feedback? Thanks

 

I used to use the 8500 X50, just picked up a Passport Max on a great deal. I will report back after some use, I wanted it for the GPS capabilities, and false alarm elimination. The new one with arrows looks nice just very pricey.

 

Ended up buying a brand new 9500ix for $280, can't wait to get it!

 

I have a 9500iX in my Element. I really like it, over the Valentine for four reasons. 1.) GPS, so it attempts to eliminate false signals, like automatic door openers; 2.) Shows your speed at time of radar detection; 3.) Ka band is clearly marked (and spoken). The Valentine (I have in my S2000) has dots to distinguish bands. It's hard to make out which band is beaming, when driving at night; 4.) It verbally warns you about signal cameras.

The 9500, on the road is pretty darn accurate. Ka esp. Every time Ka is lit on highways, you'll find a CHP... eventually. He maybe out of visual sight (around a bend, or hiding off the pavement) --- but, as you drive you will see him.

The Valentine is almost TOO sensitive. It picks up all kinds of signals. At least, it tells you the number of signals. So, if the number is 5 or 6 (that is, 5 or 6 sources) --- prolly is a mini-mart or something false. But, constantly going off in the city, can lead to simply ignoring the warnings.

 

Is that great deal still around?

 

I had a 8500 X50 for almost 9 years and it worked great up until recently. I then upgraded to the 9500 xi and it was terrible. I returned it in less than a week. I passed several police even by the police station and not one beep and when it did beep nobody around. I think it was a bad apple.

 

The older 8500 non-x50 is still going strong.

 

Maybe you got a bum 9500? I would say 99% of the reviews I have read have been nothing but positive.

 

Got my 9500ix the other day and so far I really like it. Super simple to use and currently use the Auto mode with No X band, very accurate at detecting radar fast. I was turning onto a main road this morning and it started going off even before the top of the hill where an oncoming Sheriff was. My biggest issue was trying to figure out how to get it to slide/lock onto the window mount! Excited to use it this summer/on road trips.

 

I've had the V1 for decades. Love it. The arrows are invaluable. And remember, you can access the "secret" programming function to eliminate X band, always have it start up in full logic mode.