S7 8500 refurb. vs RX-65 m4 observations

[tdub]

I have had the rx-65 for years and have not had any issues.

I was intrigued by the refurbished 8500s and the S7 horn from what I read on this board so I decided to get one for my other car/for fun to play with and compare.

Early observations:
1) when trying to run them together the 8500 picks up a K false from the rx65. at least when its mounted lower and in front of it. Side by side I didn't notice as much. I only ran then together the first day just to make sure the 8500 wasn't completely defective.
2) I notice the reported 'better off axis' detection of the S7 by my daily RideAid false I pass. The 8500 is picking up a much stronger signal. They both pick it up without fail, but the ramp up and overall strength detected is much higher on the 8500.
3) I got a nice K-band save with the 8500 in the fog, and going over a hill. Probably a half mile overall detection and way before line of sight over the hill. The over the hill detection was impressive and I was not running the RX at the same time because I was worried about interference.

Overall, I really feel comfortable using them interchangeably. I wouldn't feel any more or less secure with one than the other at this point.

And if I did not already have either one, I would definitely go with the 8500 without question for its combo of price, warranty, and capability.

Todd

[Vette6893]

Thanks for sharing your real world experience. This validates what many have said, the 8500 is great value for the money. The best RD on a budget.

[nine_c1]

Just replaced a GX65/M4 with a refurbed 8500 X50 (S7) and there is no doubt the X50 outdetects the newer M4 on both Ka and K bands. K-Band detection is on par with what I was getting with the RedLine and Ka has been fantastic........much better than the GX65 on 34.7.

The volume of the X50 (particularly in standard tones) is the only real drawback. I overcompensated for this little issue by installing a remote speaker. Now there is absolutely no other Belscort on the planet that can compete with the quality of audio alerts and PERFECT Ka ramp up.

[aradarnut]

Glad to hear you like the S7. When the M4 came about, Escort said there was no difference in performance. Uhh, well...

[AirMoore]

Glad to hear you like the S7. When the M4 came about, Escort said there was no difference in performance. Uhh, well...

Escort says a ton of stuff... here are some fine folks sorting through it:



Contrary to popular belief... that is a radar-detector and not a satellite phone they pulled from it during Jurassic Park.


LULZ!


-----------------------------------------------


Never... ever run two detectors together how you had done.

[Sui]

I have had the rx-65 for years and have not had any issues.

I was intrigued by the refurbished 8500s and the S7 horn from what I read on this board so I decided to get one for my other car/for fun to play with and compare.

Early observations:
1) when trying to run them together the 8500 picks up a K false from the rx65. at least when its mounted lower and in front of it. Side by side I didn't notice as much. I only ran then together the first day just to make sure the 8500 wasn't completely defective.
2) I notice the reported 'better off axis' detection of the S7 by my daily RideAid false I pass. The 8500 is picking up a much stronger signal. They both pick it up without fail, but the ramp up and overall strength detected is much higher on the 8500.
3) I got a nice K-band save with the 8500 in the fog, and going over a hill. Probably a half mile overall detection and way before line of sight over the hill. The over the hill detection was impressive and I was not running the RX at the same time because I was worried about interference.

Overall, I really feel comfortable using them interchangeably. I wouldn't feel any more or less secure with one than the other at this point.

And if I did not already have either one, I would definitely go with the 8500 without question for its combo of price, warranty, and capability.

Todd

Good to know this. I have been considering getting an 8500 refurb myself. Just to be sure we are talking about the ORIGINAL 8500 and not the X50, correct?

[tdub]

yes mine is not an X50. From what i can tell if you get an S7 X50 all you get are more bells and whistles (voice announce bands etc).
And if you get an m4 x50 then you are getting probably more similar performance to the rx65 described above.

[aradarnut]

yes mine is not an X50. From what i can tell if you get an S7 X50 all you get are more bells and whistles (voice announce bands etc).
And if you get an m4 x50 then you are getting probably more similar performance to the rx65 described above.

No voice alert on the 8500 series. POOP on the X-50 and SWS on the non X-50.

[Sui]

yes mine is not an X50. From what i can tell if you get an S7 X50 all you get are more bells and whistles (voice announce bands etc).
And if you get an m4 x50 then you are getting probably more similar performance to the rx65 described above.

No voice alert on the 8500 series. POOP on the X-50 and SWS on the non X-50.

POP and SWS are generally useless anyway. Non factors pretty much. Voice alert I can live without - it's a novelty at best.

If I get either an 8500 or the x50 I'd want an S7, definitely don't want an M4. But it sounds like all of the original 8500's are S7 or is that not the case?

[aradarnut]

If I get either an 8500 or the x50 I'd want an S7, definitely don't want an M4. But it sounds like all of the original 8500's are S7 or is that not the case?

It is the case.