First Impressions of Escort 9500xi (vs Valentine One)

[3002 tii]

I recently took out my V1 because I wanted to try a different setup. The Escort series caught my eye b/c of its ability to integrate with their laser jammer system, ie you don't need 2 displays for 2 devices, but you can view/control laser jammer functions through the radar display.

First observation, the GPS functionality on the 9500xi is GREAT. As much as I loved the V1, the false alerts were getting tiring. I took the car out this weekend, driving on the same main roads I'm very familiar with. It picked up the same false signals that I know and by tapping the mute button 3x, I was able to "store" the location. On my drive back, no false alerts! Note, you don't need to force the store function. The 9500xi has an auto-learn function where if it picks up the same signal from the same location 3x, it will store the location itself. And in the very small chance there's a cop hiding out by one of these "stored" locations, it can filter out the new/different signal vs the old/stored one.

Now, the negative, on my way to work (I-287/I-95), I actually picked up 2 LEO's on the shoulder with their lights flashing. They had pulled over someone else but their radars were on and I got the warning, however I'm a bit dissapointed in the range. I only picked up their signals when they were already within viewing distance (could spot their flashing lights, not the car). Can't exactly uantify the distance that was but I do know that in the past, my V1 has given me more advanced warnings on these same roads. This wasn't any objective form of comparison but I think its says something.

[rps]

Police have the ability to turn their radar signal up or down. If they max it out, their distance is QUITE long, if it's turned down, the distance is much shorter. Down here in Fla I have had the 9500ix pick up signals close to two miles away due to the flat terrain. Hills, valleys etc. also block the signal meaning that you will have a shorter warning distance. The 9500ix is a great detector, but once you learn its limitations, you'll enjoy it much more.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by rps

Police have the ability to turn their radar signal up or down. If they max it out, their distance is QUITE long, if it's turned down, the distance is much shorter. Down here in Fla I have had the 9500ix pick up signals close to two miles away due to the flat terrain. Hills, valleys etc. also block the signal meaning that you will have a shorter warning distance. The 9500ix is a great detector, but once you learn its limitations, you'll enjoy it much more.

Very helpful! It's only been 2 days so hopefully I'll be able to see its full potential over the next few weeks!

[Hawkeye]

Jammers just cost enough that I think it would not pay off for me. You will have to let us know how it all works, I am happy with my V1 except for when the sun is rising/setting and it constantly sets off the Laser siren.

[mhughett]

I don't think I could live without the V1 arrows. They tell me a lot about the type of radar in the area. I have very few false alarms so that isn't an issue for me. My son has the Escort 9500 and I took it on a trip earlier this year. I found the radar notice to be less than the V1. Between that and the lack of arrows, I'm very content sticking with the V1.

[r4gs]

i've been running my v1 for about a month now and it's been performing exceptionally well. i've used a entry level $50 whistler borrowed from my mechanic before, and the v1 definitely trumps in sensitivity and range. just yesterday on my way back, i detected a slow-moving cop with his radar constantly on and over the crest of a hill at what must've been at least 20 seconds prior to getting a visual. the v1's range is exceptional and i've few qualms about falses since they're very easy to discern from true alerts.

[007MCoupe]

It's nice to read your (re)views on each of the V1 and this Escort. I own the BelTronics RX65 and it's saved my butt quite a few times. I didn't want to push it at first until I learned the range, and it's a little better than expected. The GPS is a nice feature as m y neighborhood is apparently full of radar somewhere. (but it doesn't go off any longer) It's got a feature that triggers when LEO flip on their radar and try to get you, it SCREAMS at you. do the V1 and/or Escort have somethign like that? As for rear-laser detection, it's got a sensor mounted on it, but that's the only rear-facing detection. Escort/V1 have rear-detecting band pickup? I totally trust my Bel RX65.

the main reason I posted this here was not to jack your thread, but to offer readers, as well as yourself since it seems you like to try new products, an insight on just one other detector.

Oh, and the LED's are blue, so it matches the car...

[Vel]

I just love my V1 - the arrows/threat counter are it's biggest advantage; when I can tell if the cop is on the other side of the highway or just up ahead, it helps a lot in figuring which lane I wanna be in

Originally Posted by 007MCoupe

Escort/V1 have rear-detecting band pickup?

Dunno about Escort, but V1 tells you which band it's picking up, and which direction it's in (front/back/right/left)

[3002 tii]

Don't get me wrong, the V1 served me well. The arrows are great but in my area, I also got too many false alerts. I take the same route to most places so if I passed the same bank, I just got tired of seeing it in front of me, then beside me, behind me... it just wasn't necessary. I'd rather filter through all that crap, drive normally, and only slow down knowing that the alert i'm getting is legit.

I guess I could've remedied the false alerts by custom programming the V1 but even that was somewhat inconvenient. With the 9500, it has easy to use software where I can check off which signals I want to ignore in addition to putting in AutoNoX (auto mode ignore X band).

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by 007MCoupe

Escort/V1 have rear-detecting band pickup? I totally trust my Bel RX65.

Yes, the escort differentiates between different bands and you have the option to "tell" you or show it on display. You can also check which ones you'd like to ignore using their software. The radar connects via USB, and the updates are free (or at least initially), whereas the V1 charges a small upgrade fee.

Btw, I also had a Bel RX65 prior to my V1 - that was a GREAT radar. I believe the 9500xi and RX65 are the same, minus the GPS functionality. Even the RX65 should be able to integrate with the Escort Laser Shifters since I believe it's identical to the Escort 8500 (Bel is a subsidary of Escort).

[esqu1re]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

Yes, the escort differentiates between different bands and you have the option to "tell" you or show it on display. You can also check which ones you'd like to ignore using their software. The radar connects via USB, and the updates are free (or at least initially), whereas the V1 charges a small upgrade fee.

Btw, I also had a Bel RX65 prior to my V1 - that was a GREAT radar. I believe the 9500xi and RX65 are the same, minus the GPS functionality. Even the RX65 should be able to integrate with the Escort Laser Shifters since I believe it's identical to the Escort 8500 (Bel is a subsidary of Escort).

I also had a rx65 and it was great up until the day it croaked---should have gotten the 8500i, which is the same radar detector internally, but does not have the QC and overheating problems of the RX65. I think the 9500 series is similar to the 8500, but has a different antenna. It's optimized for long range, and does not pick up signatures to the sides as well---The "ramp-up" isn't very good, in my opinion; not as progressive as the RX65. It sort of goes from zero bars, to OMG OMG ALL BARS LIT UP COP COP COP!!!

The GPS feature makes things so much quieter---sometimes I think it's too quiet (ie: dead / not working).

[007MCoupe]

Originally Posted by esqu1re

I also had a rx65 and it was great up until the day it croaked---should have gotten the 8500i, which is the same radar detector internally, but does not have the QC and overheating problems of the RX65. I think the 9500 series is similar to the 8500, but has a different antenna. It's optimized for long range, and does not pick up signatures to the sides as well---The "ramp-up" isn't very good, in my opinion; not as progressive as the RX65. It sort of goes from zero bars, to OMG OMG ALL BARS LIT UP COP COP COP!!!

The GPS feature makes things so much quieter---sometimes I think it's too quiet (ie: dead / not working).

Yeah for the first few trips I was worried I had a dud until I ran through 3 speed zones and saw the cops chillin.

do any of these radars NOT require plugging into the cig lighter, or need accessory power of some sort?

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by 007MCoupe

Yeah for the first few trips I was worried I had a dud until I ran through 3 speed zones and saw the cops chillin.

do any of these radars NOT require plugging into the cig lighter, or need accessory power of some sort?

so you're basically asking for a cordless setup? escort/bel did make one but the batteries died pretty quickly and i think i read the range wasn't as great. most opt to just run a smartcord and hardwire the radar. on my old vw, it was pretty simple - just tap into the fusebox, run the wires in between windshield & headilner and a-pillar. on the bimmers, i think you need to access the wiring for the rear view mirror.

[jragan]

Originally Posted by Vel

I just love my V1 - the arrows/threat counter are it's biggest advantage; when I can tell if the cop is on the other side of the highway or just up ahead, it helps a lot in figuring which lane I wanna be in



Dunno about Escort, but V1 tells you which band it's picking up, and which direction it's in (front/back/right/left)

The Escort has "Expert Mode" which gives you individual strength indicators for each bogey -- So you get a bogey count and you can tell if you're coming up on him (leo in front) or going away from him (leo in rear).

[007MCoupe]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

so you're basically asking for a cordless setup? escort/bel did make one but the batteries died pretty quickly and i think i read the range wasn't as great. most opt to just run a smartcord and hardwire the radar. on my old vw, it was pretty simple - just tap into the fusebox, run the wires in between windshield & headilner and a-pillar. on the bimmers, i think you need to access the wiring for the rear view mirror.

yeah basically. I didn't know if that would affect the signal strength or not. I don't want to take the chance of wrecking something trying to hardwire. I'm pretfectly OK with how it is now, just curious since I can't use both GPS and radar at the same time.

[r4gs]

the v1's have two separate forward and rearward-facing sets of radar and laser sensors and uses very simple signal strength comparison software between these to ascertain direction (hence the patented arrows). the v1's an electronically simple product with exceptional sensitivity and detects anything and everything radar for the user to decipher. can sometimes get annoying with falses but keeps me on my toes looking. don't want to be depending entirely on a radar detector.

the 9500ix was a consideration and i was especially interested in the gps functionality with speed trap and camera database + web update. there's a groupbuy in the classifieds section tt puts prices very marginally above the US$399 v1. i would've jumped on it but i didn't see the thread till AFTER!

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by r4gs

the v1's have two separate forward and rearward-facing sets of radar and laser sensors and uses very simple signal strength comparison software between these to ascertain direction (hence the patented arrows). the v1's an electronically simple product with exceptional sensitivity and detects anything and everything radar for the user to decipher. can sometimes get annoying with falses but keeps me on my toes looking. don't want to be depending entirely on a radar detector.

the 9500ix was a consideration and i was especially interested in the gps functionality with speed trap and camera database + web update. there's a groupbuy in the classifieds section tt puts prices very marginally above the US$399 v1. i would've jumped on it but i didn't see the thread till AFTER!

I think that was the thread I got mine off of... totally legit, new sealed box and I registered the serial number the other night.

[jrich4411]

I purchased the V1 a year or so ago. Both the V1 and the Escort can be hardwired for power with ignition - lots of threads here on that. I chose the V1 for the remote display unit. I fabricated a mount that I screwed in just to the right of the rear view mirror and dropped the power from the headliner, so no wires running down the windshield & dash to the cig lighter. I then ran another wire from the power tap (the V1 uses phone cord) behind the dash and came out just to the top left of the steering column. I velcro'ed the remote display there, just under the speedo. I have my display & mute button just below the speedo above the steering column, easy reach for the mute & quick look for the eyes without moving my head. And I can slide the V1 out of the mount & store it the oddments tray in just 2 or 3 seconds for those times I park the car with the top down. I'm sure my mount could also be used for the Escort, although I don't think the Escort has the remote display, just a remote mute which others have incorporated into the ashtray area.
I love the advanced warning of my V1 - absolutely no complaints. BUT, I wish I had chosen the Escort - I do a lot of "city" driving (here in NH my "city" has about 20k people - barely a small town in other parts of the country). I can tell you within a 40 mile radius where my V1 will go off & tell you how many times it's going to beep. I have never seen a LEO in any of those areas. I travel through them several times daily. I will be trading my V1 in for a 9500ix probably in the spring, just for the GPS. I also want the laser interceptors incorporated into the front kidney grills, but I'll have to see what the checkbook says then. I will say that so far, I have yet to have a LEO hit me with LIDAR - so far just RADAR. Up til this point, each of the times I have been hit with the instant on RADAR I have been going slow enough that I wasn't bothered. It seems that around here, the LEOs with instant-on RADAR like to sit in populated (relative to central NH) areas, and I keep it less than 10 over in those areas anyway. Too many children that play in the streets.
I guess in the end, I play it pretty safe on public roads. I use the V1 as a tool to help, but I do not rely on it. I keep my speeds down in mine & neighboring towns, as I don't want to get some young cop get a hair across his ass trying to nail me. I'll run Jackie up to 100ish on the highway now & then when traffic is low, & run 20ish over on other roads in rural areas - enough to have some fun without being too dangerous.
Back on topic - I do wish I had the Escort, & will bite the bullit in the spring.

[Dieter]

Does this come with a laser jammer or did I not read correctly ?

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Dieter

Does this come with a laser jammer or did I not read correctly ?

the 9500ci comes with jammers, zr4 model to be specific. but this is insanely expensive as it's meant to be total stealth, and you have to bring to a pro-shop for install. good example would be:

http://escortradarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102

but the 9500xi does not, that is just the radar ...

[007MCoupe]

nooblet chiming in...

Does a jammer actually JAM a signal? In my mind, since I don't know much about these things, you could speed, like 90 in a 70 for example, past a LEO and not get tagged. Right?

If that IS the case, what is the advantage to having both a detector and a jammer?

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by 007MCoupe

nooblet chiming in...

Does a jammer actually JAM a signal? In my mind, since I don't know much about these things, you could speed, like 90 in a 70 for example, past a LEO and not get tagged. Right?

If that IS the case, what is the advantage to having both a detector and a jammer?

i'm going on a limb here but i believe LEO's can pull you over even based on subjective reasoning (ie no radar, no laser, no pacing... just because) - will it stand up in court? probably not...

but that leads me to my next point. when you have a jammer on, you'll get notification that it's "jamming" a signal. at that point, you're SUPPOSED to slow down within speed limit, then turn off the jammers so that the LEO can eventually get a reading on you. as you pass him, he'll just assume a) it took him a bit longer than usual to get a reading and b) guess you weren't speeding. but if you didn't turn off your jammers, and the LEO got either a) jammed signal or b) some lidars have features that inform the LEO that you're using a using such a device, they may follow pursuit and go through your hardware which is not something i'd look forward to.

the reason you have both? b/c radar detectors are useless against lidar, and laser jammers are useless against radar. and since on any given day a cop can use whichever device, you should have both forms of protection.