My old V1 outperforms my new 9500ix

[JBA]

My old 1997 V1 (software version 2.960) lost its K band audio alert (temporarily, it turns out) about a month ago, several days before a long trip. After studying several radar detector comparison websites I decided to purchase an Escort Passport 9500ix. I hadn't noticed information in Valentine's ads indicating there was any substantial difference between the new V1 and my old model. (I now know better.) In addition, some of the websites indicated the performance of the 9500ix was similar to the V1 and it was much quieter in metro areas. The GPS feature on the 9500ix also looked really cool.

During the trip I crested a hill just outside Georgiana, AL at around 45 in a 35MPH zone. Full alert on the 9500ix at the same time I saw the LOE 500 feet away at the bottom of the hill. No ticket, but quite a scare. Less warning than I was used to with the V1, but all encounters are different.

A few days later we are driving on Hwy 98 in Florida and see a white police SUV, blue lights flasing, with someone pulled over about a half mile up ahead. I'm thinking he wasn't using radar since there's no alert. However, when we get within sereral hundred feet the 9500ix goes off. Again, all encounters are different.

Returning home I settled in with a pack of fast moving traffic. We come over rise, I see a LEO in the median and then get a full alert from the 9500ix. I'm beginning to wonder about the sensitivity of the 9500ix.

I believe my V1 would have alerted me to these situations much earlier. In fact, I'm used to getting a warning from my V1 and then looking for the source. In most cases with the 9500ix I was able to spot the source before receiving an alert.

Has anyone had similar experiences on the highway? I'm considering returning the 9500ix. Thanks.
JBA

[Mandingo]

being your v1 was a 1997 version this surprises me a bit but then again I am no expert on v1 variations.

[NormSky]

Duped by Belscort hype. And your not the first one. V1 FTW on the highway.

[AvsBest]

I am not surprised at all by your statement, in your situation with the LEO busy with a customer, he was probably shooting front antenna which is why your IX did not alert sooner.

At any rate, you would have to pay me a lot to say that the the IX is better than the V1 for radar detection

[saabturbo]

The only thing the 9500 is better at is weeding out false alerts... but with the few that I get, I prefer the V1's detection and arrows

[JBA]

Duped by Belscort hype. And your not the first one. V1 FTW on the highway.

Duped is correct! I went back to the review that had convinced me to purchase the 9500ix. I wanted to make sure I hadn't misunderstood something. The review was actually a comparison between a 9500i and the V1. (The 9500i supposedly has the same performance as the 9500ix.) The "objective" data showed the 9500i outperforming the V1 in several tests and the equal to it in others. The only objective test I can easily do is comparing the sensitivity of my old V1 to the new 9500ix on detecting a K band door opener that is close by. (Of course, I have to disable the GPS on the 9500ix for this.) The V1 picks up the door opener at a substantially greater distance than the 9500ix. However, as I drive by the source, the V1 shows a signal strength of one or two lights. Even though the 9500ix doesn't pick up the door opener as quickly, its signal strength indication goes to almost full tilt as I drive by the source. I guess this is the ramp up issue several others have mentioned.

Whatever the case, I called Escort Customer Service (they were very professional and polite) and the 9500ix is going back for a full refund. I also just placed an order for a new V1. I'm keeping my old V1 for a while so I can carry out a new vs. old comparison test. Thanks.
JBA

[djrams80]

Were all of your encounters K band? Older V1s are X and K band monsters. Belscort focuses more on Ka band nowadays. My 9500ci destroys my 9500ix and my 3.812 V1 beat my 9500ci by a lot on X band and maybe even slightly on K band. Ka band was a totally different story. I doubt a 15 year old V1 would outperform a 9500ix on Ka band, but it might.

[randypk]

The V1 gives tremendously better range than the 9500ix. The Redline line is better than the 9500ix, but each encounter is a full blast, weak ramp up, shock. I have replaced the 9500ix and Redline with the STi Magnum and still use the V1. The STi Magnum gives excellent range and great ramp up. Upgrade the V1 to the latest hardware/firmware and you should be set.

[JBA]

The V1 gives tremendously better range than the 9500ix. The Redline line is better than the 9500ix, but each encounter is a full blast, weak ramp up, shock. I have replaced the 9500ix and Redline with the STi Magnum and still use the V1. The STi Magnum gives excellent range and great ramp up. Upgrade the V1 to the latest hardware/firmware and you should be set.

randypk,
Thanks for the comment. It sounds like the Redline has the same ramp up characteristics as the 9500ix. I just ordered an new V1 and I'm interested to see how it compares to my old 1997 V1.
JBA

[randypk]

The ramp up on the 9500ix is much better than the Redline. It's hard to believe this hasn't been corrected.

The V1 gives tremendously better range than the 9500ix. The Redline line is better than the 9500ix, but each encounter is a full blast, weak ramp up, shock. I have replaced the 9500ix and Redline with the STi Magnum and still use the V1. The STi Magnum gives excellent range and great ramp up. Upgrade the V1 to the latest hardware/firmware and you should be set.

randypk,
Thanks for the comment. It sounds like the Redline has the same ramp up characteristics as the 9500ix. I just ordered an new V1 and I'm interested to see how it compares to my old 1997 V1.
JBA