Debating 9500ix to replace STi

[Xen0n flash]

Hi all.

I currently own an STi Drive (new fixed ramp up ) and I due to the introduction of red light cams here in the state of NJ and all the noisy K shopping centers we have here, I am thinking of switching to a 9500ix.

I looked at some of the threads saying that the STi is more sensitive to around the curve or otherwise (off-axis) radar. That would be a problem for me as off-axis radar is 90% of the time how police are clocking us.

GOL.com results of 2007 show that the 9500ix defeated the STi in the curve tests AND the forward facing test, which is my most primary concern. The STi did not alert me to a late night forward-facing highway patrol using straight forward facing and instant on, but I'm sure the 9500ix wouldn't have either.

Now for the situations like this, would I want the V1? Hell yes. But for now I am debating whether or not I should get rid of the STi and get the 9500ix and if the range is AS good or better in all batteries of detection.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

[Fossil]

I too am in a very smiliar situation. I got my STi stolen a little while ago, and I'm still debating between an STi, and a 9500ix. My cousin jsut got the 9500ix, and he does like it, but I want to know which detector is going to give me the better overall performance.

[djrams80]

I personally think the detection capabilities of these two RDs is basically identical for all practical purposes. So, if you need Spectre invisibility, keep the STi. If not, the features of the 9500ix are better, IMO.

[Obsidian]

I can't compare the 9500ix to the STi as I have never owned the STi, but the 9500ix rocks. I got it specifically for the RLC's because they are popping up everywhere in SoCal and it's a $400 fine after fees. I would have been happy with the same radar detection as my X50 Rev. 5, but the 9500ix seems to be better (I have not tested them directly against each other however).

I will say this ... my daily commute to and from work is 100% silent with the 9500ix, as all the K falses are autolocked.

On my alternate route home which I take every now and then depending on traffic, I got a RLC alert at one of the intersections. At first I was sure it was a false because I drive through there at least 5 times a month and had never seen a camera. Sure enough, once I looked for it, there was a RLC camera fairly well hidden at that intersection. I never noticed it before (luckily never got a ticket either, but what an eye opener).

V1 is a terrible choice for anyone in the city, IMO.

[focalcivic]

Hi all.

I currently own an STi Drive (new fixed ramp up ) and I due to the introduction of red light cams here in the state of NJ and all the noisy K shopping centers we have here, I am thinking of switching to a 9500ix.

I looked at some of the threads saying that the STi is more sensitive to around the curve or otherwise (off-axis) radar. That would be a problem for me as off-axis radar is 90% of the time how police are clocking us.

GOL.com results of 2007 show that the 9500ix defeated the STi in the curve tests AND the forward facing test, which is my most primary concern. The STi did not alert me to a late night forward-facing highway patrol using straight forward facing and instant on, but I'm sure the 9500ix wouldn't have either.

Now for the situations like this, would I want the V1? Hell yes. But for now I am debating whether or not I should get rid of the STi and get the 9500ix and if the range is AS good or better in all batteries of detection.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

Where are you redlight cameras in NJ?

[Xen0n flash]

Where are you redlight cameras in NJ?

They've just been approved by the state for use. They will be appearing in the townships of Newark, Brick, and East Brunswick within the next couple of months and you can bet your a** the rest of the state boroughs/townships will begin to catch on and follow their footsteps.

[Xen0n flash]

I personally think the detection capabilities of these two RDs is basically identical for all practical purposes. So, if you need Spectre invisibility, keep the STi. If not, the features of the 9500ix are better, IMO.

Yeah Rams, I saw a lot of you posting in that one huge thread which was a debate between the V1, 9500ix, and the STi. Your stance seems to be the same now as it was in that thread. Detectors are 100% legal here in Jersey and the surrounding states so spectre stealth is of very little concern.

When I originally bought it, my decision was based primarly on the reviews on
1stradardetectors.com. This review and "SML test results" show that the STi out did the V1 and the 9500i. And it picked up radar at 10 miles???? Now that's just crazy. I'm assuming 1stradardetectors.com is bias.
Best radar detector: Best radar detectors top 5 radar detector from 1stRadarDetectors.com

Not to say that the STi hasn't served it's purpose. It looks cool, it's got some nice distinguishing tones for the different bands, and of course I got the ramp-up fix from Belscort. But I think the 9500ix will be/would be a better solution considering where I live and what I'm up against. If I lived in upstate rural New York, I'd already have the V1 and this conversation wouldn't even be happening right now. But unfortunately NJ is one of the 3 states that still use cheap X band, and the NJSP is one of those agencies.

[MEM-TEK]

Personally, I prefer to use my 9500i for suburban driving yet always use my STi for highway driving simply because it is stealth. I still use either in conjunction with my 9500ci and usually have them set to display the radar strength whereas I have my 9500ci set to display the frequency. Yet in general open highway driving I really can't tell any difference in the performance of my 9500i and my STi. So I tend to agree with djrams80 that you can't tell any difference between the performance of these two radar detectors in most driving situations.

The raw sensitivity numbers from GOL's test last year show that the 9500i (and I assume the 9500ix) are very slightly more sensitive on K and Ka band compared to the STi. Keep in mind however that GOL's test was done quite a while back. One thing I have noted regarding my STi since being flashed with its new and excellent audio ramp-up is that my STi now responds to very short instant-on bursts from my X and K band transmitters. So obviously additional firmware changes have been made instead of merely fixing the audio ramp-up. In short, I don't see how you could go wrong with either radar detector.

[category4]

I have to agree with DJ, unless you need the stealth ability go for the ix. It is a very quiet detector, has great radar detection abilities, and the bonus of the GPS features.

[Xen0n flash]

One thing I have noted regarding my STi since being flashed with its new and excellent audio ramp-up is that my STi now responds to very short instant-on bursts from my X and K band transmitters. So obviously additional firmware changes have been made instead of merely fixing the audio ramp-up. In short, I don't see how you could go wrong with either radar detector.

Great now you really got me more on the fence MEM. LOL I got the ramp-up flash as well. I'm sure you remember my post in the rampup fix threads on here and on radarreview.

So you theory that the STi is better (whether slightly or significantly) at picking up distant I/O bursts than the 9500ix?