| manus1980 |
I bougth the x50 to replace the 8500 because Escort claims it is even better then the regular 8500. The boxes both come in are almost the same except the x50 has a small x50 logo on the front. On the inside of the box the original 8500 comes with a spare set of suction cups the x50 does not. Other then that both detectors and the contents they come with are identical except the x50 instruction booklet says x50 on the front.
Now for a comparison of how they operate. As far as I can tell the abilities of both detectors out on the road is the same. Same spots in town where I would get false readings w/ the 8500 haven't changed at all w/ the 8500 x50. It would go off at the same exact locations when traveling the same speeds. Maybe the x50 gives me another second or two notice when a cop car is approaching but it is hard to tell. As far as I'm concerned I regret shelling out the cash for the x50 because the 8500 seems to be the same exact product. The 8500 is a terrific detector, it just does not seem that the x50 is the improvement over the original as claimed. I was hoping they eliminated the annoying callibration beeps when first turned on but that is still the same too. |
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| DaleB |
| Sounds like a rip to me. They should have had least given present owners a break. |
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| Pauls MDX |
I've never heard of the Passport 8500 X50, do you have any links to get information on the new unit. I've been debating for months on whether or not to go with the Valentine or the Passport? Any input appreciated. I have been leaning more towards the Passport. Not sure?????
:8: |
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| manus1980 |
| On a previous post I did a comparison between the 8500 and Valentine. I use to have the v1 detector too. It is a close call that comes down to personal preference. I prefer the 8500. I've gotten pulled over with the valentine, never gotten pulled over with the 8500. Just sold the 8500 to my boss |
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| James Walker |
| The Passport 8500 X50 is supposed to be the same detector as the 8500 with the addition of the ability to detect pop radar. Pop radar was developed in 1999 and operates so quickly that current detectors are unable to detect it. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by James Walker
The Passport 8500 X50 is supposed to be the same detector as the 8500 with the addition of the ability to detect pop radar. Pop radar was developed in 1999 and operates so quickly that current detectors are unable to detect it.
It would seem to me even if it detects it, it is possibly too late. |
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| James Walker |
| Pop radar uses digital signal processing techniques and can obtain a speed reading in milliseconds and then immediately go into standby. This happens so fast that no radar detector can detect it with any accuracy or even detect it at all. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by James Walker
Pop radar uses digital signal processing techniques and can obtain a speed reading in milliseconds and then immediately go into standby. This happens so fast that no radar detector can detect it with any accuracy or even detect it at all.
'Blip'..he's got a reading and your detector confirms it. So now why would you bother to slow down, except to keep him from having to drive fast to catch you? |
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| manus1980 |
| The police in my area still use the large X-band Analog systems from 25 years ago. They haven't even graduated to K band, let alone pop. |
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| Mr. Mom |
| The thing about the pop mode is that if the cop used it on a car up the road, you would be able to detect this, otherwise forget it. The new escort is supposed to be upgradeable. I got the new unit because I didn’t have one, otherwise it might not be worth the upgrade |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Mom
The thing about the pop mode is that if the cop used it on a car up the road, you would be able to detect this, otherwise forget it. The new escort is supposed to be upgradeable. I got the new unit because I didn’t have one, otherwise it might not be worth the upgrade
I have an 8500 which I hardly use anymore. I am being to think radar detectors, even the best, only give you a slight edge. Once the cop raises that radar gun in your general direction, you could probably do as well flipping a coin as to whether he got you or not.
Now on level open stretches, it does give you an edge in knowing there is 'radar activity' ahead. That is probably the biggest advantage, for those times. But sometimes those open stretches have air patrols too. |
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| DaleB |
Another thought, I can remember a website that documented 'radar traps' in different cities.
I lived very close to one of them. Then I can remember using my detector when driving there one time, and thinking, oh good, I detected them before they got me.
When comparing notes with friends later, I realized we all had been ticketed there sometime in the past. We were fools to drive fast through there again, detector or not.
I am sure those who never get speeding tickets rank low on the customer base of those who buy detectors. But others will spend the price of another ticket or two on a detector. I know! I did it! |
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| Mr. Mom |
| I haven’t gotten a speeding ticket in over 25 years, but I was pulled over and let loose with a warning in the MDX. It doesn’t seem like I’m going as fast as the odometer indicates in the Acura. I know in my old CJ 7, which I can’t seem to let go of, it would seem like anything over 45mph was reckless driving. I got the new escort just to help me when I’m not paying attention. But I must admit, I now drive faster than before. :rolleyes: |
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| DaleB |
Yes, by the end of year you should be able to send in existing 8500's for a the POP upgrade at about $80.
The display can not be changed to blue though....
At first I did not see any upgrade info, but a lot of blue when I went here:
www.escort.com
:D |
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| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Yes, by the end of year you should be able to send in existing 8500's for a the POP upgrade at about $80.
The display can not be changed to blue though....
At first I did not see any upgrade info, but a lot of blue when I went here:
www.escort.com
:D
Significant other is outta town, eh Dale? |
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| manus1980 |
Bought the 8500 x50 several weeks ago for $260 then recently sold the regular 8500 to my boss for $230. Total cost $30 and a new set of suption cups which had some wear. Better off selling the thing on ebay then upgrading from my experience.
I ran across a site yesterday that sold the x50 blue for $245 shipped. Price appears to be going down fast. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by manus1980
Bought the 8500 x50 several weeks ago for $260 then recently sold the regular 8500 to my boss for $230. Total cost $30 and a new set of suption cups which had some wear. Better off selling the thing on ebay then upgrading from my experience.
I ran across a site yesterday that sold the x50 blue for $245 shipped. Price appears to be going down fast.
Ebay...the eternal option for almost anything..! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
Significant other is outta town, eh Dale?
It is just an honest mistake... :rolleyes: |
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