Best Reviewed
Radar Detectors
- Best radar detector overall Escort Passport 9500ix *Est. $500
- Best midrange radar detector Beltronics RX 65 *Est. $300
- Best radar detector under $200 Beltronics Vector 955 *Est. $150
- Best "invisible" radar detector Escort RedLine *Est. $500
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- Long-range radar detection
- Good laser-gun detection
- Costs as much as more advanced detectors
- Some complaints of false alarms
The GPS-equipped Escort Passport 9500i was the top-rated radar detector -- until the new models with speed/red-light camera detection came on the market. Now, the newer Escort Passport 9500ix (*Est. $500) overshadows it in reviews. Not only does the 9500ix warn you when a speed or red-light camera looms ahead, but it also automatically detects false alarms and shuts them down. The 9500i can't do either of these things (although you can tell it an alarm is false, and it will remember). The 9500i still does a good job detecting radar and laser guns, but for just a few dollars more, critics prefer the more feature-laden 9500ix.
The latest radar-detector reviews concentrate on the newer Escort Passport 9500ix, but some still cover the 9500i. LaserVeil.com has an in-depth test of the 9500i, and Automobile magazine and RadarTest.com test it head-to-head against rival detectors from Cobra and Valentine. GuysOfLidar.com's older test doesn't include the latest models, but it is extremely thorough and unbiased. Owner reviews at Amazon.com are critical and up-to-date.
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Our Sources
LaserVeil.com, a retail site selling a laser light-absorbing spray for cars, also reviews radar detectors. The Escort Passport 9500i was one of the reviewer's favorite radar detectors, but it has been supplanted on his recommended list by the newer Escort Passport 9500ix.
Review: Escort Passport 9500i Detector Review, "The Veil Guy", Updated Aug. 30, 2009
GuysOfLidar.com conducts testing designed to mimic real-life situations -- detecting radar around a curve, for example, or over a hill -- and present the data in charts. Detectors are ranked from best to worst in each category, with the Escort Passport 9500i performing strongly on every measure.
Review: Radar Detector Test, Editors of GuysOfLidar.com, Aug. 17-19, 2007
3. Automobile MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Don Sherman prefers the Escort Passport 9500i to the Cobra XRS 9955 after living with both for a few weeks. The Escort costs more, but Sherman says it's also more sensitive and easier to use than the Cobra.
Review: Radar Detector Test: Escort Passport 9500i and Cobra XRS 9955, Don Sherman, April 15, 2009
Reviewer Craig Peterson tests the Escort Passport 9500i and Valentine One head-to-head. The Escort delivers slightly more sensitive detection and a lot fewer false alarms than Valentine One.
Review: Escort Passport 9500i vs. Valentine One, Craig Peterson, Updated Dec. 28, 2009
5. Amazon.com
The Escort Passport 9500i averages 4 stars (out of 5) in more than 40 reviews here. Most owners are completely satisfied, but some complain of problems, including false alerts.
Review: Escort Passport 9500i Radar and Laser Detector, Contributors to Amazon.com
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Escort Passport iQ 5" Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Radar/Laser Detector
In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
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