Escort Passport 8500 X50 vs. Beltronics Pro RX65

[barlowc]

I have used Escort brand radar detectors for years and currently have a Passport 8500 X50 model. I was about to purchase a second one but ran across a post in the Escort Radar Forum that mentioned the Beltronics Pro RX65. It was described as having the same S7 antenna but "kicked up" in performance.

I've always considered Beltronics to be an inferior brand, but today they appear to be one in the same company with Escort. The accessories (e.g. power cords, windshield mounts) appear to be interchangeable between brands and the mailing address for the two companies is nearly identical.

The cost of an Escort Passport 8500 X50 is the same as a Beltronics Pro RX65; both are $299.95. Before I drop a few bills on an Escort because that's what I know and have used for years, what can folks tell me about the Beltronics model and how it compares?

 

[dparm]

It's the same detector, from what I have read, just different casing.

I've owned both, noticed no difference. The RX looks cheap, the Escort does not.

 

[CarbonSteel]

I have only owned the Beltronics brand through the years and they have always performed well for the money. I have never regretted using Beltronics and they stand behind their products.

My FX4 has the blue LED model mounted on a Blendmount and connected via a Invisicord wiring harness. Super clean installation and an extremely solid mount.

 

[beast3300]

Same unit. Get a 9500.

 

[fsdork]

+1 for the 9500. The GPS features are pretty cool.

 

[barlowc]

While a 9500ix would be nice, I'm not willing to spend $500 on it. My choices are a) another Passport 8500 X50, or b) a Beltronics Pro RX65.

My purpose of this thread was to get feedback and find out whether there's any reason to chose the Beltronics model over the Passport which I know and like.

 

[kkreit01]

I'd save $150, and buy a factory refurb (from Escort Radar) 8500 for the 2nd detector. Reviews are quite favorable, and you are already quite familiar with this unit.

 

[Errtt]

I hear good praise for the X50. Seems many got a rebuilt unit at a discount that came with warranty.
I have tried the RX-65 but think I got a bad unit as it would never shut up. So I returned it. Have a friend that has one and he is happy with it.

Currently use the Valentine One for open road travels and 9500ix for in town. I find the V1 has good sensitivity from the back. Arrows and bogey counter is a big plus. I use the CD (concealed display)with it.
9500ix - Escort sends me emails generally weekly for which states they have updates. Notification of red light cams can be useful for some. The learn feature is a nice feature.

If I couldn't flip for the V1 or 9500ix, I'd go for X50 myself. Many of them in use and still a strong proven performer.

I disable bands not in use for my area to help keep from excessive false hits on using the V1. 9500ix will generally hit 3 times then learn the location/type of hit. I pass a highway speed sign to/from work and it locked it out (audio)but one time a highway patrolman decided to shoot from near the speed sign. His Ka band being different than the speed sign K band sang out. Lucky I was paying attention instead of dozing on my way to work.

There are some good forum sites for detectors, and so much that spawns from users of detectors - tickets, radar/laser types for states, rabbits (head vehicle), jammers etc. etc. with lots of how-to.

 

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: kkreit01
I'd save $150, and buy a factory refurb (from Escort Radar) 8500 for the 2nd detector. Reviews are quite favorable, and you are already quite familiar with this unit.

I don't want to step back from an 8500 X50 to a "plain" 8500. But factory refurbished 8500 X50 and RX65 models can be purchased from the manufacturer for $199.95. That's the route I'll go. It's just a matter of which one. In the reading I've been doing, the USA mode of the RX65 seems to give it an edge in performance because of its ability to more quickly sense "instant on" applications.

 

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: beast3300
Same unit. Get a 9500.

What will a 9500i or 9500ix gain me over an 8500 X50? And what's the difference between the i and the ix?

 

[xxch4osxx]

I have a Beltronics STi Driver and it works great and is also invisible to the Spectre 4 Radar Detector Detector. I would consider one of these if its in your budget.

 

[Vikas]

How many of you are still using radar (or laser) detectors? It sounds so nineties Seriously, how useful do you find them if you are always the fastest car on the road? And if you are not, why would you need the detector?

 

[SteveSRT8]

Many people still delude themselves about these.

For the casual cop who doesn't care, you might get a warning and be able to avoid a ticket.

With a properly trained LEO with modern low power instant on Ka band radar or laser all you'll get is a warning to get out your license and registration!

Every single pilot I know uses the V1 detector exclusively.

 

[Vikas]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Many people still delude themselves about these.

For the casual cop who doesn't care, you might get a warning and be able to avoid a ticket.

With a properly trained LEO with modern low power instant on Ka band radar or laser all you'll get is a warning to get out your license and registration!

Every single pilot I know uses the V1 detector exclusively.


And I bet they drive such as to not get noticed or at least use somebody else as a "designated sucker" lead car.

- Vikas

 

[xxch4osxx]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Many people still delude themselves about these.

For the casual cop who doesn't care, you might get a warning and be able to avoid a ticket.

With a properly trained LEO with modern low power instant on Ka band radar or laser all you'll get is a warning to get out your license and registration!

Every single pilot I know uses the V1 detector exclusively.
The high end detectors like the Bel STi are able to detect Ka band radar much better and faster than the lower end detectors can, therefore giving you much better warning. Not all Ka band radar is instant-on either.

 

[jdog]

have a valintine 1 and a escort i use the v1 the most i like the fact that the v1 tells you where the radar is coming from the pasport does not you just know its around