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Thread: Escort 8500 X50

  1. #1
    Newcomer
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    4

    Default Escort 8500 X50

    My last RD (Cobra), went belly up after only about 1.5 years of use. Not sure why, but it makes me wonder if RD's only have a certain lifespan before they start to fail...which also makes me wonder if it is safe to buy a used RD off various sites?

    Other than the cost difference, how exactly do the Red versus Blue differ. Is that it...just different color LEDs?

    What is the deal with the various versions. I don't see most folks selling this model to list the Rev. or software version, so how important is it.

    Finally, I am looking for a good quality RD. Is this a good solid unit and as good as I need? I want one that is able to detect the latest technology...does this do this?

    Anyway, just wondering about a few key points for this unit.

    R

  2. #2

    Default Re: Escort 8500 X50

    The only difference between the two is the display itself. The blue display module really does cost more for Escort compared to the red display module. The X50 still is an excellent radar detector which has all of the basic features one needs for a radar detector in its price class. It will noticeably outperform your now dead Cobra. If you are young and have no trouble with your eyes when looking at things up close, then the red display will be no problem. As you get older, your eyes will begin to lose their close focusing ability. This makes the blue display a much better choice for older drivers or if you are somewhat far sighted. Why? Because blue light focuses at a shorter distance within your eye compared to red light. I have finally reached an age where a blue display is much easier for my eyes to focus on when driving at night. That is frustrating since personally I prefer the color of a red display.

    Anyway, the best way to figure out what radar detector is best suited for your needs is for you to tell us about your driving habits. Stuff like, "I drive mostly on highways" or "most of my driving is in cities and suburbs" or "I'm a road warrior, and I drive hundreds of miles every month". Also, what is your driving terrain like? Is it relatively flat, or is it hilly or curvy? How about false alerts? Did you get lots of false alerts with your old Cobra? Do you find false alerts to be extremely annoying, especially when driving around town? Also, and most important, what state do you live in? You don't have to be specific about what town/city -- just the state. A lot of forum members will know what the common radar and laser threats are for your state or locale.


  3. #3
    snoopyc4
    Guest

    Default Re: Escort 8500 X50

    welcome to the forum. try out a V1, those last for a long time

  4. #4
    Newcomer
    Join Date
    May 2009
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    4

    Default Re: Escort 8500 X50

    I live in Idaho...as such, lots of driving long distances where it is very flat, and little traffic, and very little risk to anyone other than myself. Such as driving between Boise and Las Vegas. Once leaving Idaho/Nevada border, virtually no traffic, almost flat and straight with few towns...but can be heavily patrolled. I normally only drive not more than 10MPH over the posted speed, but on that trip, I can push 80-85 (posted speed is 65) and feel I am not posing any harm to others...I just want to have enough advance warning to slow down to prevent the ticket. When I get to towns, I am back to under 10 MPH over the limit...usually, I set the cruise at 4 over, everywhere.

    Very few false hits with the Cobra...I never set it to city setting and didn't feel overwhelmed with false hits.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Escort 8500 X50

    Hi RobJJ,

    Well, for your driving the X50 will be a splendid choice.

  6. #6
    Radar Fanatic
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    N.E. PA
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    1,960

    Default Re: Escort 8500 X50

    I'll throw my 2 cents in about buying used. The only way I would buy used is either directly from a friend or from someone/somewhere local where you can go and pick up the unit AFTER putting it through a couple of tests.
    First turn it on and watch it boot up. Then let it "run" for a few minutes. You want to be sure it does not go to self calibration mode. If it doesn't, it should be OK.
    Second shut the unit off and do a factory reset. This will purge all of the previous users preferences out and reset the unit to factory defaults. While it's booting up watch the display, it will tell you which revision (rev) it is. Hope this helps. Oh, don't let your detector bake in that Idaho sun!

  7. #7

    Default Re: Escort 8500 X50

    ^^ Great advice. I will go even further by stating that radar detectors in general are the one electronic item which I prefer to buy brand new rather than used. Potentially, too much money is at stake if a used RD doesn't perform right.

  8. #8
    Power User
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    MI / MA
    Posts
    3,594

    Default Re: Escort 8500 X50

    Quote Originally Posted by MEM-TEK View Post
    Hi RobJJ,

    Well, for your driving the X50 will be a splendid choice.

    I also feel the V1 should be considered for his driving habits as they would seem least to be affected by the chattiness of the V1's X/K performance, but could potentially be rewarding on a long-range IO shot.


    Both the V1 and X50 are fantastic detectors... but you only get to consider a $300-400 investment once. (unless you turn into a RD geek!)

 

 

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