Good Decision?

[jcleary47]

Hey guys, new to the forum and site, but I've been browsing threads and such for the past couple of weeks trying to make a decision.

I must say, this ended up being a harder decision than I thought it would be! I've never owned a radar detector in my life, but with my recent new vehicle purchase, I thought now would be a good time to make the investment.

I decided on the Escort 8500 X50 after reading numerous reviews. My price range is right about $325 which is what I can get a red model (matches my interior lights) for at a local Best Buy.

I know there is no "best" detector, but I live in a relatively suburban area and I heard the X50 is great for that type of environment. I do occasionally drive on the turnpike, so I wanted something with good performance there as well, and while it apparently doesn't have the range of the V1, it still seems to perform decent enough.

I'm ready to pull the trigger on this, will I be satisfied?

I'm also a little concerned about the whole laser detection thing. I heard it isn't that great, and by the time you find out, it's too late. If lasers are so effective, am I going to find that is the only thing troopers are using and this might not be worth it?

[kpatz]

You made a good choice. The X50 is one of the best detectors out there.

Where are you located? (state, province, country)? That will help us determine issues specific to where you will be driving.

While many places have laser, it's not exclusively used in most locations. Plus there are countermeasures against laser. Escort will be releasing the ZR4 jammer soon.

[hockey005]

with an RD and the new g4 veil on you car you might have a decent chance against laser if you the warning on time...what state do u live in?

[jcleary47]

I live in Portland, Maine

If you guys have any information such as types of radar used in my area, that would be fantastic. I've tried finding that information but don't know where to look!

Thanks a bunch!

[CJR238]

Good choice the X50 is one of the best detectors out there, especially for the $300 price point.

[jcleary47]

I hope so!! I'm picking it up at BB after work.

[Retaliation]

Here is a link to the thread which has Radar Bands by Town. (Updated today, as a matter of fact - thanks kpatz).

[jcleary47]

Thank you much! Very helpful to know since I travel down to Connecticut every 3-4 months

[upstatedoc]

The x50 will be noisier than the 9500i but not anywhere near as noisy as a V1. I have an x50 blue and with the smart cord it is easy to mute the false "K" alerts. I have it set on city nox so "X" falses are a non-issue. I don't off-hand know what the price difference is between the red x50 and red 9500i but knowing how they both perform I would spend the extra green to get the 9500i.

Red interior lights? Perhaps a VW? My GTI has the red lighting as opposed to the acuras which have the blue.

[jcleary47]

Well, my interior lights aren't red, more of an amber/orange I guess.

My car is a 2007 350z.

I have 30 days to return the 8500 X50 to Best Buy if I decide to upgrade to the 9500i, so I'll keep that in mind!