For those days when 20-20 vision just isn't good enough, you need a Passport. Escort Electronics is known the world over for top-notch radar detection, and the Passport series is where it all began. Passports detect all radar bands, all laser bands, as well as Safety Warning System (SWS). The Passport 8500 features multiple laser sensors which ensure full 360-degree laser protection.
What a great radar. I've owned mine for about 2 1/2 years now a have not even been pulled over as long as it was mounted in the car. It gives you more than enough warning to adjust your speed in the city. You get an almost unbelievable amount of warning on the highway. I've been using escort brand radars for over 20 years and have nothing but trust in the products they produce. I have so much faith in it, that I purchased one for my wife as well (hers red, mine blue). I can't speak on other radars to determine which is best, but I can say this is a really good one, and I'm very satisfied with mine.
Strength
Ample warning no matter what the terrain. Both audible (loud enough) and visual warnings (works real well at night).
Weakness
Only had one calibration problem so far (requires service from escort). Turn around took about two weeks total (was real nervous driving during this time) but they threw in a couple of sets of badly need suction cups. Kind of expensive (nearly $700 for two including tax). Re-calibration service was $50.00 plus shipping (unit out of warranty by a few months). Still overall a great product
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Written By
Arthur Liles(Unregistered User)
Date Created
08/16/2006
Summary
Having used a Bel Vector for 2 years and it was stolen, I replaced it with the Passport 8500 X50. I was plesantly surprized with this one. Not thinking it really would be as good, I have found it is better, over all. Having used both brands now and would have to pick again, I would get the Passport 8500 again.
Strength
Distance and 'POP' alerts.
Weakness
May not be as loud as the Bel was.
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Written By
Jim White(Unregistered User)
Date Created
08/06/2006
Summary
I bought a Passport 8500 X50 Blue and it worked fine for a few times until it got hot on a sunny day. It now has a calibration error #3. I have to sent it back to get "fixed". Not to durable!
I hope they can fix it to last longer than a week!
JW
Strength
It was very nice when it worked.
I loved all of the details and features of the unit. It is well thought out.
Weakness
It only lasted about a week(Weak)!
Unit is too sensitive to calibration errors.
Visitors rate this review
1.00 out of 5
after 1 votes
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Written By
BigDaddyGonzo(Unregistered User)
Date Created
07/30/2006
Summary
CASE ONE: Fresh out of the box, this thing made a little chirp out on a lonely texas highway. My girlfriend and I started looking around but we didn't see anything. Slowly the strength meter increased, and I was begining to think, "This thing sucks, there's no way it could pick up a cop this far right?" TWO MILES LATER we see a cop hiding behind a road sign plucking people off. TWO MILES.
CASE TWO: Driving on a military base I turned a corner and I heard that same soft little chirp. Curious, I decided to follow the steadily increasing signal to see how far my new little friend would pick up a signal. NINETEEN BLOCKS.
I've owned about four radar detectors from various companies, but NOTHING beats the Escort 8500 X50. I can honestly say that this thing still surprises me. It will pick up a cop running radar from around corners, over hills, and distances that I didn't think possible.
If you do purchase this radar dectector remember that you have to drive smart. Despite the fact that I have what most consider to be the best radar detetor ever made, I wouldn't drive 130 mph down the highway and neither should you. Always remember that because you have a piece of equipment like this doesn't mean you are immune to tickets. Be sure to mount the Escort correctly, not like the boneheads I like to make fun of when I see them with there radar detectors on the dash hidden behind their windshield wipers. Also, the best position to drive is between two cars... Follow the Trans Am and let him get popped. Drive smart and safe and the escort 8500 X50 will not let you down. Oh, and be sure to get the extended warranty from escortradar.com to ensure investment.
Strength
Uber long range sensitivity, "Expert Mode" that lets you track muliple radar sources (Perfect for those smart cops that hide by the false alert zones caused by automatic doors at the mall), and SUPER LOUD alerts (for those of us who like our music louder than most), this thing is the ultimate in protection.
Weakness
None that I've seen.
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Written By
walter(Unregistered User)
Date Created
07/26/2006
Summary
was in Madison Wi. today to pick up my dautgher saw cop car not a sound from x8500. Car next to me had a x8500. i looked up saw another cop car , got behimd the car I saw gave him a ticket, not a beep from the escort ?. I have had an x8500 for about 2 years , if the detector can be up graded it a good one
Strength
ka band
Weakness
laser band, if mounted too high on windshield will not pick up laser
Visitors rate this review
1.50 out of 5
after 2 votes
4.17 of 5
