val69

I'm in the market for a Radar Detector! I would like to hear what people are using and if they could do it again would you make the same purchase?

I'm thinking of getting the K40 from my local MB dealer.

TraumaDude

I went with the Passport 9500ci which was $1,900 installed. It has many advantages including laser jammers (don't forget to turn them on after the install as the installers are not supposed to turn them on), GPS tagging of frequent false signals so that you don't get a lot of the same false alarms, and traffic light camera alerts that you can update monthly via web based down loads. On top of everything else, the install is very stealth. I have included pics of the control in the ashtray, the front jammers located near my fog lights, and the rear jammer over my rear license plate. I will never drive another car without this system installed. I love it!

RRnelcheeze

I'm running a Beltronics RX65 Pro, works great on the highway.

noshopclass

Valentine one!!!

rcbenz

valentine one - hands down the best i've owned

s600ed

IMHO, a V1 and a solid laser jammer is a must...

Mslaughter

I have a Solo S2 that I use in my car and on my bike, probably not as good as a V1 but I really like it.

DucatiGuy

I'm currently using the Passport 9500ix...

I had a V1, but ended up selling in it place of the Passport unit for the added benefits of GPS tagging and red light / speed camera alerts. The 9500ix will set you back $100 more, but I think it's $$$ well spent.

The V1's arrow notification design was nice, but it's awkward design / size, lack of GPS and camera alerts, made the Passport 9500ix a no brainer for me.

I'm also running a Blinder dual laser jammer setup in the front of my CLS55.

VCA_AMG

I love my V1 and I would never sell it, but gotta admit I'm considering buying a 9500ix too just to try it out.

There's a 30+mi strip of freeway i travel often that sets off my V1 every mile or so (no matter which setting) thanks to the SigAlert sensors we have in So Cal. That GPS tagging feature would be incredibly helpful.

TraumaDude

There's a newer problem out there that wreaks havoc on most detectors- Traffic Flow Sensors. There are over 1,000 in Ohio alone! They emit a K signal for 1.5 seconds every minute or so. They are used to detect the flow of traffic. Escort's newer detectors have software that eliminates the false alerts for these sensors. I don't know if other brands have this software or not. The cool thing is that if you have an Escort detector that is "updateable" you can get this added for about $60.

DucatiGuy

Yep, they're starting to use more n more K band radar on roads for traffic analysis and for those new led traffic alert / update signs ( at least here in NY ) so using a "standard" radar detector has become quite annoying. You def need a unit with the ability to either detect the false alarms or tag them off the hit list...

RRnelcheeze

speed signs use K band also.

davidbijan

I started a similar thread a few days ago. I ended up purchasing a Bel RX65 pro. You have to decide if you need a GPS enabled unit vs a non GPS unit. For me I do highway driving, so I did not see the need for a gps enabled unit like V1 to tell me about camera lights. Laser jammers are nice but add alot to the price. If I was going to go with a GPS enabled unit I would go with Bel GX65. Im sure the V1 and escort 9500 are great as well. The Bel was visually appealing to me, and this was an additional factor that swayed my purchase.

val69

I'm going to get the Passportci. My local shop is charging me $2000.00

RogueAg

I have had the Bel GX65 with the Bel Laser Jammer for about two years. I like the GPS to eliminate false signals. The Jammer has saved me a few times with local and state laser dudes. Just my thoughts.

val69

Where did you have your laser jammer install? I don't like seeing the hardware. I thought this was a stealth system. (Passport 9500ci)

DucatiGuy

In order for the jammers to work properly, they must have a clear/unrestricted view of the front/rear of car. The distance between the jammers as well as their orientation is crucial to their efficiency, thus you'll never get a true "stealth" installation. You may be able to hide them a bit, but you'll always see the jammers...

As for the rest of the hardware, that's pretty much up to the installer...

jpohl402

good thread & good points

val69

I just received some pixs of install on the front bumper and it's almost invisible. The rear jammer (LOL) is under the lip of the trunck. I wish I knew how to post pixs.

housclass

i currently own a 9500ix and it's a great detector...saved me countless times...however i get tired of taking it off the windshield and back on numerous times a day. no laser yet where i live so i'm thinking about the 45qi from passport. looks like a cinch to hook up and roughly $1400 cheaper than the 9500ci. at that price i can try it out and if i'm not happy with it I’ll install the 9500ci. i plan on selling my 9500ix for $300 or so...$300 net dollars for the qi. anyone tried or know someone who owns this detector? thanks, john

TraumaDude

It is pretty stealth. I attached a couple of pictures. DucatiGuy perfectly explains the reason it can't be completely hidden. I can say that I have driven by a trooper attempting unsuccessfully to get my speed with laser many times since my install. My install was done by a local installer that was certified and recommended by Escort/Passport. If you go to their website you can actually prepay the install by one of their installers that would be local to you.