150 for a refurb Escort Passport 8500 X50 red worth it?

**GrandCentral** · 10-07-2008, 10:42 AM

Escort PASSPORT 8500 Radar Detector w/FREE SHIPPING * - eBay (item 320308498168 end time Nov-05-08 13:01:56 PST)

150 including shipping for a refurbed unit on Ebay what do you guys think I believe most companies give a warranty for a refurb unit (at least my tom tom had one) I have a Whistler pro78 but the button for removing it off the mount broke off and its annoying to continually take the whole mount down plus now the suction cups lose their grip because I am removing and reinstalling the mount constantly (it's also dangerous as hell to reattach suction cups evenly at 60 MPH). I am not a hardcore speeder most times 5-10 MPH over the limit max but I drive with my detector on for my commute and enjoy some security in knowing that I have some countermeasure.

**YTCD** · 10-07-2008, 10:48 AM

Hey, really i don't think its worth it but thats up to you.

I personally think that you will like RD's in general so much better if you save up and get a high-performing one, like a V1.

**fire65** · 10-07-2008, 11:26 AM

For 150.00, free shipping from a power seller I would say it is worth it, at least to me. I do a lot of buying on Ebay and if you get a good seller like that, usually no problem. Even if you don't like it you can resell it on Ebay for 150 or more, so what's to lose. Plus I think the X50 is one of the best and you will be impressed with the performance. I love both of mine.

**GrandCentral** · 10-07-2008, 12:26 PM

I have just decided to hold off a bit I think really depending if I can get my Pro-78's release button fixed myself. I was attracted to the whistler for a few reasons, the price, Radar Roys review, and embarrassingly the looks, not that the unit is ultra cool titanium but the blue display which I though would be soft on the eyes the only thing is it doesn't really match my dash lights (amber reddish orange) at all and sticks out to any Po-po; Red would be nice at blending in. I have heard Escorts are really reliable though, my sisters boyfriend has one that 10 years old and its still ticking. I have to see I start a new job next Monday and I have been spending a ton of $ since I have moved right after being laid off also I have to pay for a garage now because I get back to late and parking is impossible where I live past 6pm. Might just make the fiscally responsible choice and hold back a bit. The only thing I have to ask is what range are you guys getting especially on Ka the whistler is alright sometimes I get a hit from far away but often times I only get an alert when I am in visual range and when the cop is facing the toward my direction of travel I get a beep as I am passing him. Sorry for droning on

**ActiveKAjam** · 10-07-2008, 03:18 PM

It's not an X50 it's an original 8500. I bought the same kind, the refurubished from the escort ebay seller. The 8500 has slightly less detection than the X50 but it's pretty good all depending on what they use in your area. I wouldn't recomend buying this at all though since you already have a Pro-78 witch should be better in detection.

The main thing I noticed with the original 8500 was that it had no off-axis 35.5 Ka detection, it was okay with off-axis 34.7 Ka but my X50 is pretty much the same. If 35.5 Ka is used in your area, (very directional radar) I highly recomend that you save your money for a high-end RD