Escort 9500i vs. RX65 vs. Escort 8500X50

[gmoorhead495]

So I think I have narrowed my choices down to the obvious choices in the topic heading. I have read a lot of reviews and I am still just not sure. I am wanting to make the purchase by the end of the week, so all input is going to be greatly appreciated. I run the PA turnpike from Pittsburgh or Bedford to Lancaster and back every other week and I have almost gotten hit multiple times. I drive a 05 BMW 325i, so any suggestions on where to mount the RD would help as well. Thanks for all input I receive. Peace out.
Also, any other suggestions on which detector might be good for me, let me know.

[CJR238]

If you can’t try them all this makes it simple:

X50 for price feature benefit.

9500I, if you want quiet with good detection range and some pritty cool features.

RX65 I don’t know enough about to suggest.

All are good and all have there strengths and weaknesses you just need to decide what is the most bearable.

Personally I love my 9500I and think it’s a real jack of all trades.

Good luck.

I would mount any of them high by the RVM. See thread: http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=30634

[mrcllusb]

Since your in PA,i recommend either of the Escorts.Since PA is loaded with k-band drones,you'll be better off with a unit that can show you multiple signals of the same band..That's the only downside of the Beltronics side.They can only show one threat on each band.

[jerry540i]

The 9500, x50, and Rx65 all share the same M4 platform, in theory making them the same detector internally.

As to which one detects better, it's "possible" that Belscort has recently "tweaked" the 9500's performance across Ka and K bands, since this is the flagship (read: highest priced) detector they currently offer.

Besides that, since most of your driving is in PA, and PA state police use K-band exclusively, you won't have a problem with any of the above 3 detectors.

J/

[MEM-TEK]

Hi gmoorhead495,

I agree with the comments made by CJR238 and mrcllusb. I too am finding that my 9500i is a really good jack of all trades for a radar detector. The RX-65 is very good, but its audio ramp-up is more compressed than on either of the two Escort models. The RX-65's compressed audio ramp-up takes some getting used to, but its slower beep rates are far less annoying for passengers within your vehicle. Mrcllusb's comment about using the Expert display mode, only available on the Escort models, is also something I highly recommend when driving through portions of your driving routes which have long stretches with lots of K band falses. I agree that the 8500 X50 is an excellent choice for a somewhat more affordable high end radar detector yet with the extra features which you will likely use. I also can't get over how quiet my 9500i is in Autoscan mode when driving around town.

As far as mounting goes, high or low can produce slightly different results. Personally I prefer a high mounting position. If you mount your RD high, then here are my specific recommendations for the X50 and the 9500i:

The X50's horn flares upward, so if you mount it up high be sure to adjust it so that it is pointing downward by about 5 degrees. The reason is that this will allow the X50 to do a better job of picking up radar reflections off the the front of your car's hood. What ever you do, don't let the X50 point upward since this will reduce its sensitivity.

The 9500i's radar horn flares downward. Regardless of where you mount the 9500i, simply make sure that the 9500i is mounted straight and level but never pointed downward for the same reason as not allowing the X50 to point upward.

Best Regards,

--Michael

[Silverstreak98]

Oooo I did not know that about the X50 thanks Mem-Tek!

I'll have to angle mine down just a tad.

[mikered30]

There is manufacturing variance so you could go either way with the X50 or 9500i on K band, per guys of lidar test. It would be nice to use the Truelock feature on the turnpike with all of the drones, but I am not sure if it would lock out a cop using radar. Will you hardwire it? The cops on the turnpike are very skilled at what they do. Always be careful around Sidling Hill exit. Let us know what you pick.

[lordhamster]

So I think I have narrowed my choices down to the obvious choices in the topic heading. I have read a lot of reviews and I am still just not sure. I am wanting to make the purchase by the end of the week, so all input is going to be greatly appreciated. I run the PA turnpike from Pittsburgh or Bedford to Lancaster and back every other week and I have almost gotten hit multiple times. I drive a 05 BMW 325i, so any suggestions on where to mount the RD would help as well. Thanks for all input I receive. Peace out.
Also, any other suggestions on which detector might be good for me, let me know.

I use a V1 and an rx65... I switch depending on the mood I'm in. I perfer the V1 and if I had to pick thats the one I'd go with.
I also have a 2005 BMW 325xi. I ended up using the hardwire kit that comes with the Valentine one to hardwire the detector into the top console where the sunroof control is and the reading lights.

I followed the instructions from here:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91348

The best thing about the V1 direct wire kit (that comes with the V1 or you can buy for cheap on their site) is that it allows you to wire in basically a "phone jack" into your electrical system. Then, the V1 or the 9500i, Rx65, 8500x50 will all be able to plug into and work with this jack.

[gmoorhead495]

So I ended up going with the 9500i. Pricey but I am pretty sure it is going to suit my needs. With me running the turnpike and as stated all the drones that are there, I think the Truelock will be a good feature. Also, I am a travel RN so I will being doing more travel after the first of the year and this one seems to fit me all the way across the board. I intend on hardwiring, but I need to look into my warranty with my car first since I dont want to be paying for my 15,000mile check ups at BMW. They are a little expensive. I am going to get the unit on Thursday and will be driving back home on Wed. I will repost and let everyone know what I think about my first run with it. Peace out.

[Mr Mom]

The X50's horn flares upward, so if you mount it up high be sure to adjust it so that it is pointing downward by about 5 degrees. The reason is that this will allow the X50 to do a better job of picking up radar reflections off the the front of your car's hood. What ever you do, don't let the X50 point upward since this will reduce its sensitivity.

I didn't know that either. I have mine mounted under the visor beside the R/V mirror pointed slightly down (not 5º) and ever so slightly toward on-coming traffic. My thought was to get more reflection from anything I can (you certainly can't get any reflection off the sky! :lol: ) including my hood. This angle may, infact, help explain why I'm getting LASER hits while mounted high in a full sized truck. Thanks for the info, MEM-TEK. I'll lower the angle a bit more tomorrow. 8)

Bill