Escort Passport 8500

big_sur · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2003, 07:08 PM

Well i was down in Charlotte, nc over the weekend and i figured since you can buy them there i should get a radar detector. I didnt really do much research just sorta read the labels at Best buy. Anyone have any comments on it? I used it on the way back and it cut an hour and a half off my trip and let me know about two speed traps. no tickets w\obc avg speed of 80.3mph although it did throw quite a few false alarms. How does it compare to Valentine one(seems to be the standard around here)? I mean it worked for me but if there is a better one out there i can still take this one back.

Tn325I · #2 (**permalink**) 03-30-2003, 07:19 PM

I did do the research and I use the 8500 and don't want anything else.

Read the manual and learn how to program it and you will not want another detector. I now use mine on full auto it learns about those "false alarms" and will quickly weed them out so you rarely get any. Mine now almost never goes off unless it's a real threat.
I also have it in EXPERT MODE and it shows the frequency of the signal, you learn quick what each one belongs to. (auto door openers and such)
Saved my butt quite a few times.

The 8500 and the valentine are both rated at the top.
I haven't any experience with the Valentine, so I am a bit biased, but the results I've had speak for themselves......

NCBimma · #3 (**permalink**) 03-30-2003, 07:38 PM

i have one and yet to figure out how to werk it

Tomato · #4 (**permalink**) 03-30-2003, 11:28 PM

Save up the $ and get the V1 best radar detector out there by far, sure those who have never used the arrows say they are useless, but its true what the magazines says, once you have used the arrows how did you live without them for so long

Reutdog · #5 (**permalink**) 03-30-2003, 11:39 PM

I got the 8500 myself and have had it for about a year and 4 months. I love it to say the least. It's kept me from many many tickets. I've read many magazines where they've done tests on radar detectors and the V-1 and the 8500 are constantly trading off for the number one spot. To be frank, its whether or not you want the arrows and a very slightly wider scanning area, vs a programable personalized detector that you can retrofit to fit your needs.

sfzBimmer · #6 (**permalink**) 03-31-2003, 06:22 PM

I think the V1 is overrated. I did research at radartest.com, and they ranked the Bel 980 high enough for me (although the 8500 did rank higher, I believe). I've been nothing but pleased with the 980, in case anyone is shopping. I think it's cheaper than the 8500 too.

Ike · #7 (**permalink**) 03-31-2003, 06:40 PM

I have had the 8500 for about a year now. It has been great. I leave it on expert mode, helps you know if you really need to be worried or not. I dropped mine about a month ago and it has started giving me a lot of "X" falses, even in my garage. I am going to send it in to see if it can be repaired if it can't I don't know which I will replace it with.

Could someone tell me if the V1 will tell you when different bands of radar are present? Like the 8500 does on expert mode.

Tomato · #8 (**permalink**) 03-31-2003, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ike
I have had the 8500 for about a year now. It has been great. I leave it on expert mode, helps you know if you really need to be worried or not. I dropped mine about a month ago and it has started giving me a lot of "X" falses, even in my garage. I am going to send it in to see if it can be repaired if it can't I don't know which I will replace it with.

Could someone tell me if the V1 will tell you when different bands of radar are present? Like the 8500 does on expert mode.

The v1 shows what band, there is an LED for X, K, Ka and Laser on it.

Midnight Shark · #9 (**permalink**) 03-31-2003, 10:33 PM

I have the 8500 and I'm very pleased with it!

Tom · #10 (**permalink**) 04-01-2003, 08:35 AM

I have an 8500 and it has saved 5 times in the past week. The cops have been out in full force the past week. I got hit with laser twice and KA 3 times.

djstattic · #11 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 10:58 AM

where's the cheapest place to buy it right now? www.tlelectronics.com don't have it anymore and their price was the cheapest...249.99

djstattic · #12 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 11:00 AM

nevermind, they have it again, but at a slightly higher price
PS. What's the deal with that f*cking 1 min editing limit?

533i · #13 (**permalink**) 04-06-2003, 06:54 PM

I also bought an 8500 and i think it rocks! I havn't used a valentine 1 but i don't have any desire to change because the 8500 is working perfectly. It has saved me a few times and given me plenty of warning each time.

///AlpinePower · #14 (**permalink**) 04-14-2003, 08:04 PM

id get both the escort and the v1; stack them on the windshield. bel sucks