Buy detector now or save up for better?

I am getting prepared to buy an escort 8500 refurb($150) off ebay or something very similar. I'm a little worried about the reliability of it.
Is the escort worth buying now, or would i be better off saving up to buy a top of the line radar detector in a couple months? I assume i would be looking to buy a Valentine 1 or a Escort 9500i(x) if i save up.

Is the performance difference between a 8500 and a top of the line detector significant and worth saving up for?

Also, would a top of the line detector have a better chance of picking up Laser? I'm looking for primarily radar detection on the freeway, but California is using more and more laser these days. (I know radar detectors are poor at picking up laser, but i can't throw alot of money at this point into a lidar jammer.)

Refurb 8500 is the gold standard in radar and the best bang for the buck. Higher end like the 9500ix and V1 is slightly better in range but you really pay for there features. 9500ix is awesome in city where it locks out signal but can also lock out K-band Leos. Look at my 9500CI fail count. The V1's arrow itself is worth the 400. Just a plain radar you cant go wrong with the 8500. Use the extra money to buy a Blinder jammer.

I would say wait and get a top detector. If you can drive without it for awhile its absolutely worth waiting to buy a top of the line RD. Of course you can always trade in the refurb for a credit towards a belscort RD.

I say, get the 8500, then get a laser jammer. With just these two, you are very well protected. You can then take your time figuring out whether you are better off upgrading your RD or upgrading your laser jammers to also protect the rear of the vehicle.

Sounds like you REALLY want a 9500 or V1. The 8500 is a great RD but it sounds like you won't be happy until you get a top tier RD.

If LIDAR is a real threat to you then you may be better off saving up for a "shifter" and going with an 8500...

NO RD is going to save you against LIDAR :)

Shifters for the win, especially if LIDAR is as common there as it is here. The Whistler SE series might also be a good interim consideration if Ka band is a problem in your area.

Save up for a parking sensor, then save up for a top of the line RD. Don't be a rabbit and be mindful of the fact rural CHP like to hide and employ visual estimation followed by a rare short burst of instant on for confirmation before they write their tickets.

I would save up for the refurb X-50 (S7) that escort sells. The one I sold my brother is over five years old and has not had the service required message yet... knock on wood

It sounds as though an 8500 should work fine for Ka coverage. However, i'm still not too sure about getting the jammer($500-600). I will be doing mostly highway driving-not sure how much CHP uses laser.

Worth paying $600 for laser protection? Since it usually makes a difference, my car is a white(ouch!) , small Ford Ranger.

Here are my bands i will hit:

Primarly driven- Highway/CHP: Ka, Laser (LTI guns, PLIII) White Z28 Camaros.

Occasionally- Sacramento: 33.8 C/O
- Roseville: Laser (PL III)

(Residency next year)-San Luis Obispo - Cal Poly SLO University: Ka (Python II)

Thanks again.

Can't make a recommendation:

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...-about-li.html