X50 or plain 8500?

[KahneFan]

Just to be sure, the 8500 is supposed to be less "glitchy" than the X50... right?

I think I've finally decided on using the Escort store on eBay, but I see they have the regular 8500 for $150 and the X50 for $200 ($220 for blue). However, I thought I read someone post that the X50's have had more issues than the regular units?

If it's considered a "refurbished" unit, doesn't that mean (shoudn't that mean), Escort has tested it before reselling it? So, shouldn't a refurb X50 be more trustworthy than one they just sent out the door? As strange as that sounds.

[GET 1T DONE]

I don't own either, but just based on the plethora of refurb 8500 vs. 8500 X50 posts in the past couple of weeks, I gathered that:

1) 8500 (S7 platform) has better all-around performance (detection distances and signal strength indication) than 8500 X50 (M4 platform) according to forum members who have used both.

2) 8500 X50 (M4 platform) has better reliability than 8500 (S7 platform)

3) 8500 X50 has multiple threat display or frequency display mode whereas 8500 doesn't (can't remember exactly which, but I believe one of the X50 features is missing from the original 8500)


Just do what they suggest and buy the original 8500 for $150 already!

[rocky2]

I don't own either, but just based on the plethora of refurb 8500 vs. 8500 X50 posts in the past couple of weeks, I gathered that:

1) 8500 (S7 platform) has better all-around performance (detection distances and signal strength indication) than 8500 X50 (M4 platform) according to forum members who have used both.

2) 8500 X50 (M4 platform) has better reliability than 8500 (S7 platform)

3) 8500 X50 has multiple threat display or frequency display mode whereas 8500 doesn't (can't remember exactly which, but I believe one of the X50 features is missing from the original 8500)


Just do what they suggest and buy the original 8500 for $150 already!

X2

[Divewjason]

From what I understand the S7 platform is preferred. Either detector would serve you well though.

[Progress]

I have a X50 M4. I can't compare it to any of the other better RD because I've never owned them.

I do know the X50 M4 is criticized for having less than stellar off-axis detection and mediocre ramp-up. I can attest to both of those after seeing videos of other RD.

However, I can't complain about sensitivity; it's phenomenal.

[stealthJamal]

Depends on who you ask, but I would chose the 8500.

[happya$$]

Depends on who you ask, but I would chose the 8500.

welcome back walking human sensitivity chamber

[Icer1]

I don't own either, but just based on the plethora of refurb 8500 vs. 8500 X50 posts in the past couple of weeks, I gathered that:

1) 8500 (S7 platform) has better all-around performance (detection distances and signal strength indication) than 8500 X50 (M4 platform) according to forum members who have used both.

2) 8500 X50 (M4 platform) has better reliability than 8500 (S7 platform)

3) 8500 X50 has multiple threat display or frequency display mode whereas 8500 doesn't (can't remember exactly which, but I believe one of the X50 features is missing from the original 8500)


Just do what they suggest and buy the original 8500 for $150 already!

Unless something has changed, the 8500 and X50 refurbs are BOTH "S7" platform.

[KahneFan]

I appreciate all the feedback. Sorry for being such a pain. $150-$200 is a decent chunk of change for me, so I want to be sure to spend correctly. And I know the 8500 has the return policy... but really, who likes returning something.

[88 Fan]

I don't own either, but just based on the plethora of refurb 8500 vs. 8500 X50 posts in the past couple of weeks, I gathered that:

1) 8500 (S7 platform) has better all-around performance (detection distances and signal strength indication) than 8500 X50 (M4 platform) according to forum members who have used both.

2) 8500 X50 (M4 platform) has better reliability than 8500 (S7 platform)

3) 8500 X50 has multiple threat display or frequency display mode whereas 8500 doesn't (can't remember exactly which, but I believe one of the X50 features is missing from the original 8500)


Just do what they suggest and buy the original 8500 for $150 already!

Unless something has changed, the 8500 and X50 refurbs are BOTH "S7" platform.

I emailed Escort's eBay store with that very question the other day. They responded with the following:

Thank you for your question. All 8500s ever produced were with a S7 horn and all of these refurbished 8500 X50s also have the S7 horn. Thank you for your interest in our products - EscortRadar.com