Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5319 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Escort
• Model: N/A
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

Features

• Multiple high-performance laser sensors
• Reprogrammable digital signal processing for upgrading for use against new detection systems
• Intelligent AutoSensitivity mode automatically reduces false alarms
• Sales restricted to the United States and shipment is prohibited to addresses in Virginia and Washington DC
• FCC Identification Number QKL8500

Customer Reviews

ADEQUATE FOR THE PRICE
ESCORT IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING THIS DETECTOR TO KEEP UP WITH THE TIMES AND TO SELL MORE DETECTORS, BUT WORKS FINE. NO TICKETS.

AWESOME detector, but mine was a LEMON
OK, I admit this is an awesome detector, but in case anyone else has the problem I had, here's why I only give it a '4'-- it didn't last long.

My Valentine One was stolen in early 2005, and I'm an experienced 'speed driver', so I needed a new detector FAST. I LOVED my V1, but couldn't see shelling out another $400+ for a new one, so I figured I'd trust what I heard & get a Passport 8500.

With the Passport, I missed knowing which direction the radar was coming from, and the "bogey counter" on the Passport is occasionally unreliable compared to what I was used to in my V1. (I STILL miss my V1 directional arrows!) However, the 8500 seemed to detect earlier, especially on long open roads. It even seemed to work a little better from behind.

So, I guess I'd call them about even-- except for reliability. About 8 months ago my 8500 started resetting a lot. Then the problem got worse. Every time I accelerated or turned a corner, it would reset. EVERY time. I replaced the little phone connector on the cord, which seemed to help, but after 4 (yes 4) new connectors, the problem just kept getting worse. Now my 8500 is a $300 paper weight. The cord test fine with a multimeter, and my 8500 is dead.

So again I need a new detector. But after losing a $400+ V1 to theft, and another $300+ to bad electronics, maybe I'm better off with a cheaper detector. So what will I do?

If I can spare the $400+ I'll get another V1. It worked VERY well and I trust it. Both it's detection and its reliability.

If I can't part with $400 I'll get another 8500 or maybe 2 cheaper ones for both cars. I'm disappointed in my 8500's short life, but it sure was a great detector when it worked!

Quality Product with Lots of Bells and Whistles
I purchased this detector a month or so ago, and have been running it through it's paces ever since. There are lots of speed traps in the area where I drive, so I've had several opportunities to test it out.

Conclusions:
1) A radar detector is not a substitute for defensive driving. You still need to be aware of where speed traps are likely to be set up and behave accordingly (slow down, keep a car in front of you, etc.).

2) The police obviously spend a great deal of time trying to hide in places to make radar detection difficult. Even the best radar detector may not save you, or at best will give you only a moment's notice.

3) The Escort seems to behave well in stopping false warnings, and warning me of threats. It does not give me tonnes of time to react. I've read all of the reports indicating how much more sensitive the Passport is, but in real life this only translates into fractional seconds in the conditions where speed traps are likely. I'm not a habitual speeder, so I don't tend to worry about normal conditions where I'll stumble upon a policeman who happens to be running radar while they're driving. I'm more concerned about defeating specific speed traps where the speed limit isn't reflective of safe driving conditions.

4) The Passport detects POP radar, and it's OS is upgradable, which should extend it's effective lifespan quite a bit.

5) There are many bells and whistles which allow you to completely configure the detector to meet your needs, including displaying the exact frequency of the most important threat. This is very valuable in mapping out false alarms in your area.

No matter how many bells and whistles, nor the name recognition of the manufacturer, will keep you from getting a ticket if the detector isn't sensitive enough. Though the Passport passes the sensitivity test, I don't know that it is clearly superior to detectors costing 1/2 the price. Thus the 4 star rating.