Bel Vector 940 vs. Escort Passport 8500 x50

[slappy]

Hi

I have a Bel Vector 940 and was offered a used passport 8500 x50 with red LED for $180 which i think is a great deal. Is the 8500 x50 that much better that i should jump on this?

[thestaton]

See if they will let you test it out for a few days so you can get a feel for it. It has better features, better audible alerts, and it's audible ramp up is one of the best in the business.

I think you'll see a marginal performance gain. Just cooler bells & whistles.

[slappy]

no such luck. I just bought it anyway. I will keep the Vector 940 as a backup or in my wifes car.

[fire65]

Well if its in working order, you got a damn fine RD for a nice price. Hope you enjoy it.
If it were me I would do a full reset, then pick the setting you like.

[slappy]

fire65

I see you have the x50 also. When i put the display in stealth mode the smart chord light is suppose to go on and the secodn light when there is a detection. I know that it works since i use the mute button, but no lights. any ideas?

Also, i mount mine right infront of the RVM. it blocks the lazer detection eye. Does it make a difference? also since the RVM is blocking am i atleast getting rear radar detection? I don't want to mount it lower since my windsheild has a steep slope and i wont be able to reach it while driving (paranoid a LEO will confiscate it, so i put it away when they are driving near me and have the cobra decoy).

[fire65]

Yes it should have one constant power light and one warning light that flashes on radar contact. Sounds like a problem with the smart cord to me. I havent used a cord in years as both of mine are hardwired above the RVM, with switched power and concealed displays.
Wouldnt worry about the laser cause if you get hit with it you are toast anyway. The X50 rates poorly in laser detection anyway. Rear radar detection should be fine since it comes from reflection not a rear antenna.
Doesnt say where you are from, but you seem worried about LEO detection. If this is the case I would think on hardwire for more stealth.
When I pull the visor down mine is totally concealed from prying eyes. The factory tint strip hides it well also.
I would do a full reset, turn power off, hold down all three buttons and turn the unit on while holding the buttons down. Then choose setting for u.
I run POP off, C nox with scanning dots. X, K, Ka and laser on in H mode.

[slappy]

I am from NY and primarily drive in NY and NJ. I was told the tint strip is not good for the radar detector to detect through. Also, not sure how the visor conceals it.

[fire65]

From what I read from the experts in here, its mainly aftermarket tint. I have never had a problem with the factory tint, not to say that some cars will have tint that hinders radar detection.
I did have a tint strip applied once and had a hole cut in it exactly where the RD was.

[slappy]

as far as concealment even with the visors down, you can see the suction pads through the glass, but obviously each car is different.