Need help - Smartradar or remote???

[slg]

I tried calling and talking to an Escort rep yesterday, but that was absolutely useless so I'm hoping some forum members here might be able to help.

As background, I had a Bel STi-R in my previous car and loved it. But I owned that car and am now leasing and I'm not sure I want to be permanently mounting a setup I'll only have for three years - not to mention the "damage" I'll have to pay for once I turn it in.

That said, I love the stealth factor of the remote detector/installation and really don't want to go to the windshield mount that I'm putting on/taking down all the time. Not to mention that if I do get pulled over, I don't want the automatic ticket b/c the officer sees the detector.

With all that said, it looks like the SmartRadar option may be my best bet. But I still have the following questions:

1) Are there any remote setups in the Escort/Bel family that won't require permanent mounting?

2) Will the SmartRadar definitely fit behind the rear-view mirror and keep it (practically) out of site?

3) If I use the SmartRadar with an iPhone, can I still connect the phone to my car's hands-free Bluetooth?

Thanks in advance for any help/guidance. Much appreciated!!!

[PMoth]

1. The remote setups are removable. Why do you believe they must be permanently mounted? A skilled installer should be able to mount the unit without causing damage/permanent alteration, if that is what you require..

2. Depends on the car. Not always.

3. That's a very good question. I would imagine it works similar to escort live. will let you know later.

[slg]

Thanks PMoth. Can you provide any additional info on non-permanent remote mounting? On my last install we had to cut out part of the grill and there was no way to even consider removing it once it was in there.

That said, any thoughts on how SmartRadar compares relative to the Escort 8500ci? I have to admit that's a pretty attractive price point for a remote setup.

[nine_c1]

Thanks PMoth. Can you provide any additional info on non-permanent remote mounting? On my last install we had to cut out part of the grill and there was no way to even consider removing it once it was in there.

That said, any thoughts on how SmartRadar compares relative to the Escort 8500ci? I have to admit that's a pretty attractive price point for a remote setup.

Both the SmartRadar and 8500ci use the M4 antenna, but the SmartRadar uses a newer "revised" RF board that is said to improve detection performance as well as a radar condenser lens that is absent from the 8500ci. These tweaks have put the SmartRadar in the neighborhood of M3 performance.....it may even best a RedLine or Magnum depending on the individual detector and radar band.

You are coming off of the best of the best in the STi-R though. If your were running with Ka segmented and RDR off you can expect less range from anything else you might try.

[EscortRadar]

3. That's a very good question. I would imagine it works similar to escort live. will let you know later.

SmartRadar uses the same Escort Live app as our other detectors so yes it functions the same. Your iPhone should pair the SmartRadar and your vehicle's handsfree bluetooth both at once just fine. Phone calls and Escort Live are limited to your carrier. If you carrier supports simultaneous voice and data then you will be able to talk on the phone and use Escort Live at once.

[slg]

How about the difference between the smartradar and 9500xi. Getting confused by all these models and refreshes on older models, etc. thanks in advance.

[focalcivic]

The 9500xi has GPS and the Smartradar does not, that is a big difference. The xi needs the escort live power cord to use the Smart radar it is standard.

[RadarGeek]

ECCTG recently completed a radar detector test. They have stated that the 8500x50 black and SmartRadar performed much better than the 9500ix and almost as well as the STiR in range.

[focalcivic]

As Nine.c1 says "but the SmartRadar uses a newer "revised" RF board that is said to improve detection performance as well as a radar condenser lens that is absent from the 8500ci."