AskMen.com
http://www.askmen.com/entertainment/mrtech_60/70c_tech_gadgets.html
Notable Features: There are two multi-function switches atop the case and a simple thumbwheel power/volume switch on the side. A high-visibility red text display on the front of the case is flanked by an audio manual-mute button that remains easily accessible regardless of where the detector is mounted; a thoughtful design touch.
The microprocessor can be reprogrammed to combat future radar and laser guns and provides nine user-selectable features for an unprecedented level of customization to user preferences. Aside from the standard bar-graph display, there's also a unique ExpertMeter that tracks up to eight simultaneous radar threats, and displays the band and relative signal-strength of each.
Other programmable options include seven different power-on indicators, an abbreviated power-up self-test sequence, five levels of display brightness including full-dark, an alternate set of audio tones and selectable band defeat to disable individual bands in areas where only one type of radar is used.
Good: SmartCord allows for discreet nighttime operation. It is the most intuitive programming method we've seen and the only one that doesn't require prior consultation with the owner's manual. Clear visual and audio alerts. Excellent X-K-Ka-band digital radar sensitivity.
Bad: None compared to the competition.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Forbes.com
"The Passport 8500 may be the best detector ever made."
Speed Zones
"The 'Top Dog' of radar detectors...the only detector to report constant on and instant on radar over the hill at the 2 1/2 mile cone."
BackroadsUSA.com
"With more sensitivity and range than Brand V, the Passport 8500 X50 is the only way to go."
Motor Trend
"...the top of the pyramid for overall radar and LIDAR detection."
Car and Driver
"Escort's latest detector offers good performance and a long list of features."
RadarTest.com
"The new Passport 8500's leading-edge technology raises the bar another notch in high-performance radar and laser detection - the World's Best."
Motor Trend
"In the over $200 category of high-end radar/laser detectors, the nod goes to the Passport 8500."
Automobile
"The Valentine was trounced by the Escort model in Ka-band, which is growing in popularity."
Motorcycle Consumer News
"Valentine 1 has been able to name its price, But now there's a less expensive alternative, the Passport 8500, and ample independent test data indicates it's a serious contender.
BackroadsUSA.com
"Passport 8500 is every bit as sensitive, and seems to work every bit as good as the V1...in some cases even better."
VetteWeb.com
"With the 8500, you can drive in your normal manner and not worry about supporting a community's budgetary excesses. I want one for myself."
Car and Driver
"I'll keep using my Passport 8500 and Valentine One, both are excellent devices."
Popular Mechanics
"Escort has come up with a state-of-the-art detector - the Passport 8500."
Speed Zones
"We found the Passport 8500 'Pick of the Litter,' with the most useful features and ferocious"
Roundel
"Whether you choose Escort or Valentine, they offer genuine protection."
Kevin R
It had been a long time since I purchased a radar detector so I was not used to the prices that the modern units have on them. But then many are detecting the various types of radar that the many different agencies are now using so you are more covered than you used to be.
Since I have not messed with a radar detector in a while, it was nice that this one was really user friendly right out of the box. I do not have a lot of extra time to try and figure out a device so I just plugged it in and took off.
It has done a great job of warning me of scans ahead and I know for a fact that is has saved me 3 tickets that I know of. Plus who knows how many that I do not know about because I just did not see the guy and slowed down anyway.
Mitch Ennis
Recently I was traveling through Nevada when my radar detector I was using
at the time failed me miserably. I later discovered that this is one of
those states that now use the POP mode on their MPH radar guns. That was a
costly mistake and since I travel through that state often to do business in
California I needed a radar detector that could keep me out of this kind of
trouble.
I heard great things about the Passport 8500 X50 so I got one for my car. So far I have made the trip 4 times through Nevada and the couple of times that I was exposed to POP again this unit did a great job.
Of course this does increase the false alarms I receive from the unit, but I disable the POP mode when I am in other states and it all works out good.
JC
Accuracy:
I've always been a little skeptical about using radar detectors, everyone knows they won't prevent tickets every single time. But, if it can save you a couple tickets it's already paid for itself. I live in Chicago, and frequently drive to neighboring states for work and to visit family. Because of this, I knew that I would have to buy a solid detector that was effective if I was constantly on the road. I made the right choice. Driving on the expressways in the midwest is simple for me now knowing I am using the 8500 x50. It has alerted me much in advance if a cop was gunning and I've always had time to slow down and pass the cop at the posted speed limit. The three main alerts, K, KA, and X are pretty much always on target - and with minimal false readings, it stays quiet when it needs to.
Ease of Use:
One of the best aspects of this radar is how easy it is to use. Right out of the package, it's ready to go. However, if you're a little more technical and always need things a certain way, you can configure it with a number of different settings to fit your style. One of the downfalls is that I wish the x50 would have a better volume control - I feel that it doesn't go loud enough, especially when I'm listening to music in my car. To make up for it, I've moved the x50 from the center of the winshield to more to the left, so it is in my field of vision while I drive to allow me to see the display at all times out of the corner of my eye. In addition, the Escort SmartCord works well with it's auto mute button on the adaptor itself.
Value:
Hands down, the x50 takes the gold as the number one radar on the market. You're probably thinking to yourself, $340 for a radar detector is a lot of money. And you know.. you're absolutely right. But.. if you save yourself two speeding tickets, the x50 has paid for itself (not to mention the pain of having to go to court and traffic school). If this radar was over $400, it would still be worth it considering what you may be saving yourself from. I got the x50 with the blue display because it was from the Sharper Image, and that's all they had. If you want to save yourself $40 by going with the red display, I say do it and save some cash.
The Bottom Line:
If you want to make a solid investment, get the 8500 x50 and don't waste your money with a $100 or $200 radar that isn't accurate - doing that will cost you the price of your ticket plus a radar detector that would be better off being used for a paper weight. Although Bel and the Valentine One are solid detectors, they don't match up to the stats that the x50 has - see it for yourself at www.radartest.com.
Operating Bands
X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz
K-band 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz
Ka-band 34.700 GHz ± 1300 MHz
Laser 904nm, 33 MHz Bandwidth
Laser Detection
Quantum Limited Video Receiver
Multiple Laser Sensor Diodes
Programmable Features
Power-On Indication
Power-On Sequence
Signal Strength Meter
AutoMute
Audio Tones
City Mode Sensitivity
Display Brightness
Dark Mode
Radar / Laser Bands
Radar Receiver / Detector Type
Superheterodyne, Varactor-Tuned VCO
Scanning Frequency Discriminator
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Display Type
AlGaAs 280 LED Matrix/Text
Bar Graph, ExpertMeter™, or SpecDisplay™
3-Level Dimming, plus Dark Mode
Power Requirement
12VDC, Negative Ground
SmartCord MuteDisplay™ Included
Sensitivity Control
AutoSensitivity, Highway, and City
Mute and AutoMute
Auto Calibration Circuitry
Compact Size
1.25" H x 2.85" W x 5.32" L
Do you have a question? Need more information? Please call us at 800-964-3138.
