HELP!!! Which one to get Original Escort 8500 or BEL 955

**gottarex** · 08-31-2007, 06:44 AM

Hi guys, I'm in a bind and can't make up my mind on which one. I was searching around and found the site below

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/au...ors/index.html

Best value.
The Bel Vector 955 is the surprise hit in its price class. Although it is missing some convenience features like a carrying case and the ability to integrate with Bel's laser jammers, reviews say detection rates for X-, K-, and Ka-band (in all three frequencies and in POP mode) ranks only slightly below the more expensive Escort Passport 8500 X50 and Valentine One. In radar-detector reviews, it easily beats similarly priced competition from Whistler and Cobra.

So I ended up picking the BEL Vector 955 for $169+tax = $180. Now a friend of mine is selling his original Escort Passport 8500, not the X50, for $200. In great condition and came with everything too.
Now I know the original one doesn't have the POP mode and some other added features that the new X50 does. The BEL 955 does have these features. I just want to know what you guys recommend.

I tried to find a comparison between the original Escort 8500 and the new BEL 955, but I can't seem to find a good source since most reviews are for the new Escort 8500 X50

Now my question is, should I return my BEL 955 and pick up the Escort 8500 or should I just keep the BEL 955?
And in terms of range, which one of the 2 is better, the outdated Escort 8500 or the new BEL 955? My budget is only $200

**CJR238** · 08-31-2007, 07:44 AM

8500... It has the good old S7 horn. I have an old 8500 non x50 and it keeps up pretty well with the new Belscort's.

**Stealth 795** · 08-31-2007, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by CJR238

8500... It has the good old S7 horn. I have an old 8500 non x50 and it keeps up pretty well with the new Belscort's.

Pretty well!!!lol
I think its the other way around, the new horns can keep up pretty well agaisnt the older s7 horns...

**gottarex** · 08-31-2007, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by Stealth 795

Originally Posted by CJR238

8500... It has the good old S7 horn. I have an old 8500 non x50 and it keeps up pretty well with the new Belscort's.

Pretty well!!!lol
I think its the other way around, the new horns can keep up pretty well agaisnt the older s7 horns...

Since you own an Escort I guess you recommend the Escort 8500 over the Bel 955 too?

Well right now the poll is even. I'm still on the fence on which to keep or get?

**xrs9430** · 08-31-2007, 10:08 AM

actually i think that the 955 is on about par with the 8500. but if you can get the 8500 than just do it

**gottarex** · 08-31-2007, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by xrs9430

actually i think that the 955 is on about par with the 8500. but if you can get the 8500 than just do it

I think I'll go for the Escort 8500 then. Even though it's a 4yr old RD, it still should keep up with the newer RDs out there right?

**ViperDom** · 08-31-2007, 10:53 AM

Id stick with the 955 with a warranty as opposed to the 4yr old escort(no warranty) that you dont know 'exactly' what condition it is in.

look at the long run

**gottarex** · 08-31-2007, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by ViperDom

Id stick with the 955 with a warranty as opposed to the 4yr old escort(no warranty) that you dont know 'exactly' what condition it is in.

look at the long run

You do have a point, however I'm not so worried about the warranty issue. I know his Escort 8500 works well because I've seen it in action a few times. I'm more interested in which of the 2 is a better RD.

**proudNMAmember** · 08-31-2007, 12:41 PM

Get the 955, they are great performing rd's. This is not to say that the 8500 isn't great also.

**Paperlantern** · 08-31-2007, 01:35 PM

Id lobby for the 955 as well, I just bought mine, and it is an S7 horn as well and has excellent range. Yours might be the same horn as the older passport too then. Additionally the warranty is another attractive feature of the Bel.