Escort Passport 9500ix Radar/Laser Detector (Black)
by Escort Inc.
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List Price: Our Price: $431.95 You Save: $68.00 (14%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $397.48 (click here) Category: Car Audio or Theater See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Escort Passport 9500ix Radar/Laser Detector (Black)
Customer Review: Great Detector
Summary: 5 Stars
I've owned the Escort 8500 and the 8500 X50 and this detector topples them both. The added GPS function which allows for detection of red light cameras, as well as blockage of false alarms, is fantastic and was my selling point. Yes, I have had false alarms go through this detector, but after about the 3rd or 4th time the detector stores the signal/location within its memory and blocks them out. Silence... something that even the well toted 8500 could not achieve. I only have two complaints on this detector.
1) The power socket is on the left side of the detector. If you are not using the hard wire kit, have a cigaratte lighter in the right-middle of your car, and have a navigation unit, this is quite annoying. The wire extends across the navigation screen. I do not understand why Escort changed the location of the power jack (the 8500 and X50 had them on their right side).
2) While driving on the freeway in the city where there are feeder lights, the "redlight camera" warning comes on, even if not on the feeder. I found the easiest fix is to just turn off the GPS while on the freeway. There is much less need to have it on in those driving conditions anyways.
So really my only compalint is #1, but that should be so far from a deal breaker in buying this detector. Yes it's expensive, but i've found that the escorts pay for themselves.
Customer Review: Very, very pleased
Summary: 5 Stars
The amount of false alarms the GPS portion of this detector has eliminated is exemplary. Once you drive your regular route a few times it saves these alarms from occurring again and all you hear is REAL threats. Very nice. And there's plenty of customizable options so you're not stuck with a feature you don't like or without one you do like. The sound output on this thing is incredible and I can hear it through the first 90% of the arc of my radio volume knob. My only real complaints is the complexity of programming and using the customizable features and the phone-type connector that it utilizes. I could be wrong, but I can't imagine this connector will withstand the repeated connects/disconnects it experiences in my car, which is virtually every time I park in a public place. The optional hard wire kit that Amazon also sells for $29 is not the best, but it works. Detection seems to be outstanding and there doesn't seem to be a delay between the activation of a RADAR device and the unit going into alert mode like some less expensive detectors. I still believe that the best way to avoid speeding tickets is to drive the speed limit, but as far as RADAR detectors go, this appears to one fine unit! I've heard many people squabble over the nuances of comparison regarding the Valentine One to Escort's top model, but with the use of GPS this device is hands down the better unit.Customer Review: Big Disappointment!
Summary: 1 Stars
I had high hopes for this product with the download ability, and I figured this was a great advancement in radar detectors.
However, I was very wrong! Escort said in order to do the 90 days worth of downloads, I would have to purchase two more items from them. I can not believe after spending this much for a radar detector I would have to purchase more items for this radar detector.
After 90 days, Escort "milks" customers for more money by asking them to buy more downloads. This is frankly ridiculous!
The worst part of it is, the downloads are very difficult to do. Instead of making them easy, Escort made the process extremely convoluted and time-consuming! I tried it on my laptop in my car, but it took so long and was so uncomfortable that I decided to cough up the money to buy their download equipment. Furthermore, because of the time needed my laptop battery died.
To add insult to injury, Escort controls most of the radar market since it also owns Bel. Their main competitor is Valentine.
I truly regret the purchase of this equipment as it seems like Escort was more interested in "milking" customers for more money, rather than making a great product. Finally, I have had numerous false alerts with this product which is unconscionable considering the price!
Customer Review: Very happy with the 9500ix
Summary: 5 Stars
I did a lot of research on the internet before deciding on the Escort 9500ix. I wanted to wait a few weeks before giving my positive review to see it operate under various conditions. I live in nyc and this detector is a must have in manhattan. I never realized how many red light cameras there are and the unit picks them all up. I have seen falses with the red light camera mode when I'm on the highway but I think it is picking gps signals from the street directly above or below where I was passing etc. This RD has saved me already and having the ability to lock out falses is the only way to go. It does what it is programmed to do and it does it well.
Have no regrets getting this one over the V1 I was considering. The technology is far more advanced and overall the 9500ix is better.
I do feel it is a joke ($499.00) that this unit does not come with everything needed to fully update and/or install it via hard wiring etc. You will need an additional hard wire, usb, and 12volt adaptor (do not go to RadioShack who wanted $40, total ripoff.they are out there on the web from 2-10 dollars at most). Also the suction cup mount is not great, expect to upgrade that too.
All minor complaints, reviews like this helped make my decision so if your considering buying this unit, buy it! its awesome.
Customer Review: Disappointed in software updates
Summary: 1 Stars
In less than 12 months the Passport 9500 has already missed one direct hit with laser, resulting in a ticket. The Passport never sounded an alert.
The 9500ix sounds false alarms for traffic sensors. (These are used for traffic metrics, not speed enforcement.) To fix this, Escort wants $59 and my Passport for 3 weeks at the factory, plus shipping.
Ironically, I bought this (rather pricey) radar detector less than a year ago, in part because it can be updated over the web. Escort already charges $20/year (plus $5 "shipping," unnecessary but required) for an online database subscription and software updates.
Make sure you're getting a unit with a serial number higher than 19xxxxxx, or with "TSR" already installed. If not, you'll have to tolerate the false alarms, or pay 15% extra and go without your new toy for a month.
Otherwise, you've read all the reviews that say Passport and Valentine are neck in neck. Both have incredibly long range and basically the same set of nice features. The latest is some kind of direction indicator. The Passport does /not/ show direction for a live laser signal alarm; the V1 apparently does. The Passport shows direction for a stored trap location (ahead, beside, behind) and distance, even if it's on an adjacent street.