Home > Consumer Reviews > Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar and Laser Detector (Red Display)

The thing which means the most to me regarding this new detector is the ability to "map" false signals using GPS. In your driving area, if the unit says "K Band" and there are stores nearby, push a button and that false signal location is remembered. No more false signals at that location.

The unit telling you your speed when signal is received is nice as well as being able to "Mark" known speed traps and give an alert as you approach - all are useful features.

The shipping speed was decent, but the product didnt really meet my expectations. Upon getting the product I had some difficulty getting it to work in my car, but it did. However, once I started using it I found that it gave off a large number of false alarms. I also expected that it would warn any time a police officer's vehicle was nearby, but not once did it alert me. But really, for being a quite expencive piece of equiptment, I was definetly dissapointed in it preformance compared to other, cheaper radar detectors I've tried

This thing payed for itself in the first week. The most suprising thing is how many cops sit or drive with their radar off. My only complaint would be that it's big and somewhat heavy. My next step would be to get one hard wire to my dash lights so they flash or something. Maybe the radio mutes when this thing beeps. I sometimes miss the warning listening to loud music. I pretty much left it on auto and it does the rest.

I got this as a gift, but I don't use it to speed mainly as a guideline. Anyhow works good to me.

....and, I have tested this machine in the real test. I recently bought this item(on 09/22). Prior to that, I did a lot of research on the net. I considerd buing a radar detector(I never hed one) because my driving record that I am not proud off. I think that I had enough and should take another direction in my driving habits. At the beginning, I kind knew that perfect radar detector do not exist but also If I paid more for, it should guarantee me more comfort while I was in a car. I noticed a lot of cars with radar detector around metro Atlanta(the place I live in) which shattered all my fears is illegal or legal possession of it. To assure this, I also checked with on some web sites.

Meanwhile, I was witnessed in one traffic accident in which the guy with a radar detector try race me down on I-85(4:00am). Of course, I did want to ruin my record further(I paid too much so far), so I let him go. Approximately in about 3 miles down the interstate, it was a chain collision of many cars where the one car I recognized(the guy who tried to race me). So, if you want to buy this instrument and drive recklessly, better do not because it will not save you from accidents and wreckages-keep
this in your mind if you are considering one.

Finally, I bought it in here at no regret. Its price is wthin range of other competitors Valentine 1 and Beltronic RX65($300-400), but ESCORT 8500 X50 gives you an option of blue display and is a very simple, stylish, and convival instrument. It clearly shows and beeps you at any threat you are approaching down the road(X, K, Ka, Laser, POP bands). Sometimes it can be a bit annoying for you because it takes all frequencies from shopping centers, schools, banks, but this is, in my opinion, good because it keeps you at high alert while you are driving(auto, city, highway mode). Another easy thing is a set up. It can be installed in minutes and is ready to go.

On the product, I am using it for a while and, I approached the police cars many times so far, but Escort did not go off. I started to question the quality. It clearly beeps at false threats but silent at police officers' cars. Thereafter, I even set the pop up band on which comes off as deafult on the instrument. Annoying continued up to this morning. The Sunday's mornings are perfect for police officers close attention. I was driving the road which I rarely use. Suddenly, my Escort beeped off(K band) out of nowhere(city mode). I checked ahead and rear but everything seemed normal. I took precautions even I was within the speed limit. I looked better and noticed cop's car on my rear mirror. It was about an 0.7 mile clear distance behind me. Even though I had two more cars behind me my Escort show me clear threat from the cop. I continued my driving and the cop was gone. Aparently, he took opposite direction, so I decided to put Escort to the test. Going new direction about 4 miles the same cop pulled over a car. Escort 8500 X50 was right. Going the same direction I noticed another police car aside of the road. The driver was out of the car. Not long after that slocation, I made U turn on the road and took direction toward this location. I assured my speed within the limit. On clear distance facing him and one car in front of mine Escort beep off(Laser). I passed the cop without any problem. Driving down the road on the traffic stop light a whole line of cars that is awaiting the green light,the first police car approaches again from oncoming direction and Escort still works(K band). Going home, I passed by to shopping center close to my house. False beep off again on my Escort like many times before, I thought. I parked my car and getting inside of the store I noticed police car next to the store. I just love my ESCORT 8500 X50 from today because I can rely on.

In conclution, I never had a radar detector before but, my case is real proof that with a bit precautions and ESCORT 8500 X50 you will be saved from a lot of uncomfortable
situations involving paying the tickets, appointments in the courthouse and holding the phonelines. Give yourself a favor and get ESCORT 8500 X 50 among the others because it REALLY works and pays for itself!!!!