Passport escort 8500 user reviews?

[mxracer41]

Anyone use the Passport 8500 radar detector? I've been checking around ebay and am noticing that they're starting to be offered a little cheaper than before when I first bought a detector. Right now I have a Beltronics V8, it gets the job done pretty well for a $200 detector, but from what I've heard it's nothing compared to the Escort. Anyone used one and have an opinion to give? Thanks!

[crotter]

Ive had my Escort Passport 8500 since 2003, 10 years later still works great... Can't really compare it to other models, as it is the only detector I have ever owned... at the time I was between the 8500 and a V1 and went with the escort as it was a bit cheaper.

In ideal conditions, (flat road) I find it gives me around a 1 mile warning for K/ Ka band alerts... has easily paid for itself with dozens of saves...

[cfmistry]

I've had an 8500 X50 for at least 5 years and I love it. It works perfectly and hasn't let me down yet. Recently I was thinking of replacing it with a V1 or 9500i, but it's been so good to me I can't bring myself to do it. I've used cheaper Cobra and Whistler detectors and it's much better than those, but I can't compare it to any high-end detectors.

[bfp9]

Have had both. I would cough up the extra to get a 9500xi - it has GPS so you can mute/block a signal (x-band in particular) that you pass by on a daily basis on your way to work or school. It has definitely paid for itself multiple times - no question about it.

[JLiusifer]

I have the x50. I agree with bfp9, save up another $100 and get the 9500xi. I'm annoyed with the beeping sounds while driving by commercial buildings. But the 8500 x50 is a great radar!

[mxracer41]

Hmm good points. The 8500 doesn't have a function to turn off the X band radar? Even my beltronics has that... lol. I think I have detected 2 cops using X band since I've had the detector.

[ahhsmurf]

It works perfectly and hasn't let me down yet.

[crotter]

Hmm good points. The 8500 doesn't have a function to turn off the X band radar? Even my beltronics has that... lol. I think I have detected 2 cops using X band since I've had the detector.

I'm pretty sure it does... been years since I messed with it/ looked at the manual though....

[mxracer41]

Interesting.. after looking I really reallllyyy want to go with the 9500ix but my wallet is telling me no :(

[rolltidef30]

Interesting.. after looking I really reallllyyy want to go with the 9500ix but my wallet is telling me no :(

I own a Valentine One and swear by it. Passport's are good, but the directional arrows and the ability to send the unit in for upgrade, make the V1 the better buy for me.

[Shaffert]

get the 9500

[mxracer41]

That was my other option, the V1. I particularly like that it tells you how many there are and even points out the direction that the radar source is coming from... they also go for much cheaper than the 9500 I noticed.

[fmohajer]

Hands down, the Valentine One!! It saved me 4x just on 4th of July weekend alone!!! :)

[easymoney]

Get a V1 period and call it a day.

[SilentKIL]

I have the 8500..... got a ticket last night. help you any?

[mxracer41]

Lmao... I actually just ended up selling my Bel V8 and picked up a used 8500 X50. Honestly when comparing to the V8 I'm not all that impressed. Haven't got a chance to test it against laser yet but I'm assuming it's about the same due to laser being so hard to pick up. Glad I only spent an extra $10 on the 8500 though, at least I didn't waste money