Bell Sti vs. Escort 8500 X50 based on headphone audio alerts

[zimm]

I'm looking at both the 8500 X50 and the Bell STi as my motorcycle radar detector. It will reside in my cloth tank bag and I will only be able to recieve alerts via headphone speakers in my helmet.

Based soley on the audio alerts- what's better? The Sti says it has voice alerts. The X50 just different tones. Which will give me the best information without being able to see the display?

[MEM-TEK]

I'm looking at both the 8500 X50 and the Bell STi as my motorcycle radar detector. It will reside in my cloth tank bag and I will only be able to recieve alerts via headphone speakers in my helmet.

Based soley on the audio alerts- what's better? The Sti says it has voice alerts. The X50 just different tones. Which will give me the best information without being able to see the display?

The X50 has a more intense maximum audio alert rate compared to the STi, making it far easier to audibly distinguish how strong an alert is. Even after using my STi for months, it is still hard to guess by its audio alone exactly how strong an alert is. Also note that the STI does not produce any kind of separate instant-on alert. This, coupled with the difficulty in audibly distinguishing just how strong an alert is, should be the deciding factor for you. I love my STi, but IMHO I would go with the X50 as more suitable for your needs.

--Michael

[bigalinwv]

I heartily cocncur with Mem-Tek. The STi audio sucks compared to the X50. The X50 is both louder and more distinguishable.

[teeto]

I have owned both and many others too....

X50 for sure.

Also, the K-band audio alert for Bel RD's is terrible. Most annoying tone I think I have ever heard in a RD. That is the reason I got rid of my RX65, that reason alone.

[zimm]

Glad to hear the X50 is better. For now I'm going to try using my V1 and wiring it up since I already have the remote audio panel for it. If it becomes too much hastle to move it back and forth from my truck, I'll get the X50.