Radar Detector
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Washington St.
Chevy Cavalier(206,000 miles)
Radar Detector
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.
I'm thinking of getting the K40 from my local MB dealer.
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Loveland, OH
2019 S63, 2006 CLS 55, 2005 Infiniti QX56, 1994 Softail Springer
Passport 9500ci
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! 
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
06 CLS55 AMG
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 $$$ well spent.
The V1's arrow notification design was nice, but it's awkward design / size, lack of GPS and camera alerts, made the Passport 9500ix a no brainer for me.
I'm also running a Blinder dual laser jammer setup in the front of my CLS55.
I had a V1, but ended up selling in it place of the Passport unit for the added benefits of GPS tagging and red light / speed camera alerts. The 9500ix will set you back $100 more, but I think it's $$$ 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.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
2018 E63S Wagon
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.
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.
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Loveland, OH
2019 S63, 2006 CLS 55, 2005 Infiniti QX56, 1994 Softail Springer
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
06 CLS55 AMG
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...
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
2012 CLS550, sold 11 E350
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.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Texas
08 CLS 63, 08 Jeep Wrangler
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
06 CLS55 AMG
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...
As for the rest of the hardware, that's pretty much up to the installer...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Washington St.
Chevy Cavalier(206,000 miles)
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Friendswood, TX
'08 CLS63
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
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Loveland, OH
2019 S63, 2006 CLS 55, 2005 Infiniti QX56, 1994 Softail Springer
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.
