9500i vs. V1

**KnightHawk** · 02-22-2007, 07:46 AM

PLEASE... NO BASHING HERE. ***** For current 9500i and V1 owners ONLY comparison experience. *****

Just wondered if you guys have tested these 2 radar detectors lately against each others performance and what is your take regarding your experience as far as performance is concerned. Just want to get some sensus regarding it's performance with sensitivity. Here's mine.

V1 3.825 vs. 9500i

1. K band performance H Mode - i've experience that the V1's performance with K band is really good and tops the 9500i on this. History shows that even with the previous escort models, the V1 still rules in K band. Ramp up is slower with alert tones and the X50 is even better in this particular issue. As far as false alerts, the 9500i tops the V1 in this case.

2. Ka band performance H mode - I was able to compare the performance of both detectors in 35.5 ghz and 34.7 ghz. So far, the 9500i has always alerted me first in both frequencies. Ramp up alert is still a little slower than what i wanted - comparing it with the V1 and X50. As far as false alert in Ka band, again the 9500i top the V1. I only had 1 Ka false alert with the V1 and zippo with the 9500i since i started using both 02-18-07.

Note: Both radar detectors where on at the same time and i know very well it's not the right thing to do. The march GOL test should be a better basis for true radar detector performance.

**lordhamster** · 02-22-2007, 08:14 AM

As much as I love the arrows, I have to say that for me the new A mode and the new truelock feature would make me prefer the 9500i over my beloved V1 even if the performance were slightly worse. Emphasis on slightly.

I love the arrows, but the truely quieter ride is worth alot to me. Thus far no other belscorts have delivered on that promise in my opinion.

As far as comparison, so far I've had adequate Ka detection (not had real long range hits yet) K band detection for a false location near by was on par w/ the rx65 and my V1.

That false from a hospital alerts in the same exact place on K band on each of the three detectors.
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**thestaton** · 02-22-2007, 08:26 AM

As per the arrows, I'm just always going to assume the LEO is in front of me. Then just watch the rearview mirror.

In my area all they use is Ka band so if that is doing a little better than the V1 then I'm happy

**lordhamster** · 02-22-2007, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by thestaton

As per the arrows, I'm just always going to assume the LEO is in front of me. Then just watch the rearview mirror.

In my area all they use is Ka band so if that is doing a little better than the V1 then I'm happy

In my area they use mainly KA also, but they use it mainly while driving, so there is usually a damn good chance hes three cars behind me at night. If he is doing instant on, and the three cars behind me turn to another street then I'm done... but again, I can live without arrows if it'll get me a quieter ride.

I'm eager to get home and do more range testing and other scenarios.

ES13Raven · 02-22-2007, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by Azonehits

1. K band performance H Mode - i've experience that the V1's performance with K band is really good and tops the 9500i on this. History shows that even with the previous escort models, the V1 still rules in K band. Ramp up is slower with alert tones and the X50 is even better in this particular issue. As far as false alerts, the 9500i tops the V1 in this case.

I totally expect this. The V1 has always been better on K band. But I am not too worried where I live - K band is only used in the City, Ka and Laser on the Highway. As I have stated before, top-end Belscorts are really good at K band as well:
V1 3.826 (itisjustme) 1778
Escort 8500 X50 (StealthJamal) 1612
RX-65 (ES13Raven) USA 1536
V1 3.825 (Outrun) 1495

2. Ka band performance H mode - I was able to compare the performance of both detectors in 35.5 ghz and 34.7 ghz. So far, the 9500i has always alerted me first in both frequencies. Ramp up alert is still a little slower than what i wanted - comparing it with the V1 and X50. As far as false alert in Ka band, again the 9500i top the V1. I only had 1 Ka false alert with the V1 and zippo with the 9500i since i started using both 02-18-07.

I expect this as well. Both my RX65 and X50 had better range on Ka than my V1, the X50 taking the cake on longest hit. It was so far away that I thought it was broken.

**Stg3SRT4** · 02-22-2007, 09:20 AM

I had a V1 3.826, I also have a RX-65 and now the 9500i.

My concern is KA band, this is what the local DPS use.

I found that when I had my V1, sometimes I would get false KA hits, or soemetimes I would get a KA hit and then the detector would J it out.

Everytime I would get a weak KA hit, I would look for LEO, half the time I never saw him.

Now, with my 9500I.

I have been alerted to KA band 3 times. I would get an initial weak KA hit, then it would start to ramp up. All three times I have spotted LEO.

I have yet to encounter a false hit on the 9500I on KA band.

Its also weird driving with the 9500I because its so silent. I'm use to the V1 alerting me to the whole planet.

ES13Raven · 02-22-2007, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Stg3SRT4

I found that when I had my V1, sometimes I would get false KA hits, or soemetimes I would get a KA hit and then the detector would J it out.

I have yet to encounter a false hit on the 9500I on KA band.

Same here. I never had a false alert on Ka with my RX65 or X50. I can't say the same about my V1.

**BullyDawg19** · 02-22-2007, 09:48 AM

my experience has so far been uneventful when comparing the two because i wont run them at the same time and so far i havent been in a position to compare them to a stationary source. everything i have encountered so far has been constant K coming directly at me. in as much as i would like to report that the 9500i has held its own it really hasnt. yesterday on the way home it reported a K band alert at 3/10 mile (A mode 50 MPH / 2 lane road / app. straight line distance 1.25 miles) - it started to ramp to 2-3 bars and then it went to full warning at the same time the LEO came into my sight. now i know i cant compare the two on this particular occasion but i can say that at least several times per week for the last year i have had a similar encounter using the V1 and it performed alot better. far better! i will continue to keep them both up with hopes of running across a speed trap. i'll make sure i run each multiple times with different settings to get more accurate results. hopefully the cop wont notice.

**KnightHawk** · 02-22-2007, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by Stg3SRT4

Now, with my 9500I.

I have yet to encounter a false hit on the 9500I on KA band.

Its also weird driving with the 9500I because its so silent.

Same here. Whoever thought of the A mode feature was very clever and left Ka full sensitivity when the vehicle is not moving. I still think though that the V1 has a spot in the top 4 radar detector. I wished they'd get away with the J feature because it has a flaw. I won't upgrade mine unless it has the option to disable the J feature or phase it out. My 3.825 is working well for me and there is no need to upgrade. I may make my final decision to get the 9500i after a good use and review. Looks like my X50 will be on ebay soon.

**nascar** · 02-22-2007, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by BullyDawg19

on the way home it reported a K band alert at 3/10 mile (A mode 50 MPH / 2 lane road / app. straight line distance 1.25 miles) - it started to ramp to 2-3 bars and then it went to full warning at the same time the LEO came into my sight.

Could he have just turned it on?

I received a K alert (in A mode) from a 1/4 mile distance but he was parked on the other side of a rather steep hill and no where in sight until I started to come down the other side.

I was doing PSL but had I been above it I would have been able to slow in more than enough time.

At the moment, I am abandoning A mode and using H mode as my norm.