New, and need to make a final decision!

[joenintiesc]

I just joined this forum and it seems like a wonderful resource! I've been doing a lot of research in the past few days and I was hoping to get some input on helping me narrow down my choice. This will be my first rd purchase in over 12 years. I will probably purchase online since the deals seem to be better than going to Best Buy, etc.

My first choice would be either the Escort 9500ix or the Bel GX65, but they are just really out of my price range. I'm really looking to spend as little as possible, and so I've whittled down my list to the following:

Escort 8500 X50
Escort 8500 refurb from Escort's ebay store
- I really don't know much about this model except it seems to be recommended here and the price is right...

Bel Pro RX65
Bel Vector 995

Whistler XTR 695SE
Whistler Pro 78SE

I live in NJ and drive mostly in this state with an occasional foray into NY, PA, or south. I drive a 2009 Ford Fusion. Not overly concerned with avoiding rdd's in VA or DC, as I could live with just turning it off if I'm ever driving through those areas. I guess I am looking for a unit that will warn me with enough time to slow down, and won't "desensitize" me with too many false alerts. I assume X band detection is still an issue since I'm in NJ...

I guess all of the units I've listed are quality and seem to be well received. Just wanted to see if any feedback might help me narrow down this list to one! Thanks for any help, it is much appreciated!

[rocky2]

I just joined this forum and it seems like a wonderful resource! I've been doing a lot of research in the past few days and I was hoping to get some input on helping me narrow down my choice. This will be my first rd purchase in over 12 years. I will probably purchase online since the deals seem to be better than going to Best Buy, etc.

My first choice would be either the Escort 9500ix or the Bel GX65, but they are just really out of my price range. I'm really looking to spend as little as possible, and so I've whittled down my list to the following:

Escort 8500 X50
Escort 8500 refurb from Escort's ebay store
- I really don't know much about this model except it seems to be recommended here and the price is right...

Bel Pro RX65
Bel Vector 995

Whistler XTR 695SE
Whistler Pro 78SE

I live in NJ and drive mostly in this state with an occasional foray into NY, PA, or south. I drive a 2009 Ford Fusion. Not overly concerned with avoiding rdd's in VA or DC, as I could live with just turning it off if I'm ever driving through those areas. I guess I am looking for a unit that will warn me with enough time to slow down, and won't "desensitize" me with too many false alerts. I assume X band detection is still an issue since I'm in NJ...

I guess all of the units I've listed are quality and seem to be well received. Just wanted to see if any feedback might help me narrow down this list to one! Thanks for any help, it is much appreciated!

If falses are a big concern and you don't have the cash for a 9500ix, I would go with a Whistler. I had a XTR-690 that didn't false alot and was a decent detector.

[stealthfz1]

I suggest the Whistler also. I have the XTR695 and it is a good detector for the price.

[joenintiesc]

The Whistlers seem to be in the lowest price range of the bunch, too. I like the top mounted led lights in case the car stereo is loud. They are well reviewed here:

laserveil.com/whistler/pro-78se/xtr-695se/xtr-690se/Whistler Pro-78SE, Whistler XTR-695SE/XTR-690SE Review

I know it is not considered a good idea to buy from sellers on ebay, but what about Amazon?

Thanks for the response! Anyone else?

[kappaz]

Escort 8500 refurb from Escort's ebay store
- I really don't know much about this model except it seems to be recommended here and the price is right...

I can't comment on the other detectors, but I really wouldn't recommend this one. It gets a lot of praise around here because it uses an older s7 horn, which has better range than the newer m4 one. However, it also tends to have a lot of quality issues. I have an 8500 and 8500x50, both being s7, and they say service required and false laser all the time. I'm always extremely careful and never leave them in the sun. A friend of mine has the 8500x50 s7 and has the exact same problem. A quick search will reveal the same issue. So, while the price is good, what is the point if in a year it will start giving these messages?

[Doc What, son?]

I don't recommend the RX 65 for the same reason. Theres a known problem that when left in the sun, the antenna comes disconnected from the circuit board. You get an error message (Self Calibration problem, then service required).

I've had two RX 65's. One of them developed the problem, went back for warranty repair, and, after several months, did it again. It sits, broken, in a drawer.

Whistler, or one of the top Bel Vector series. Check Roy's commercial website for prices.

[djrams80]

I vote refurb Escort 8500. All of the Belscort RDs have similar feature sets and detection capabilities, so I vote for the one with the cheapest price.

As far as the Whistlers go, you will find that most here love them or hate them. I'm personally not a fan, but you will find the Whistler fans here will back them to the death!

[lidper24]

Keep in mind NJ is very heavy on using laser, which no RD will protect you from. Don't assume you're safe when your RD isn't going off, because it may be too late when it does

[v1user]

As far as the Whistlers go, you will find that most here love them or hate them. I'm personally not a fan, but you will find the Whistler fans here will back them to the death!

Please don't remind me of them.

I would go 8500.

[Doc What, son?]

Keep in mind NJ is very heavy on using laser, which no RD will protect you from. Don't assume you're safe when your RD isn't going off, because it may be too late when it does

Ok, if you're on a budget, get some laser veil to coat your headlights.

Might give you a bit of a chance against laser until you get to a point where you just "gotta have a jammer."