460cidpower

Currently I have an Escort 8500 X50 which I to death. However, my father, after seeing how great mine is, wants to buy mine from me. So now I need a new one.

It seems that both Bel and Escort have newer models, Bel STi and the Escort 9500i

Which should I get? Or should I just get another 8500 X50?

BTW, I didn't include the V1 because I've heard it doesn't have quite as good Ka reception, which is what almost all FL cops use.

g60racer

Neither. Get a Valentine 1. The difference between it and any other detector is amazing. Not sure where you're getting the idea that it has less Ka reception (possibly one of those fake radar test websites that are sponsored by the makers of the lesser detectors?), because in my 1.3 million miles of driving experience and trying every major brand of detector, and using them side by side for comparison, the V1 picks up signals consistently about 1/4 mile before anything else. It's not even close.

Ka is primarily what CHP, SDPD, LAPD, and most major police departments in California use as well, and the V1 has never let me down. Saves me at least 2-3 times a week. And I have been on road trips several times where I'll announce on radio that I'm picking up a CHP on the V1, and someone will pipe back that their Passport or Escort is not getting anything... and 5 seconds later or so, they pipe back that they just picked it up - and they were ahead of me on the road. Really a huge difference.

Bunchies

I've actually read that Beltronics models are better than any other on the market.

overst33r

V1 /thread.

Penforhire

9500i, as long as they've fixed some early reported quality issues. You know you're getting that proven x50 sensitivity. How can you pass up those GPS-based features?

Chris S

I've owned 2 V1's, and now own an 8500 and an 8500 X50. V1's were great, but the Escorts are very comparable, in fact better in most every aspect other than the arrows.

Look at Valentine's ads - they crow about winning a C&D detector comparison 5 years ago. Escort has loads of current raves. IMO, Valentine has rested on its laurels too long, and their electronics are several years past their prime.

I want a 9500i, but am just waiting for a 2nd gen or minor update so they can take customer feedback to make it even better. Comparing the 9500i against other detectors is like a PS3 vs. a PS1.

TheDonEffect

I have an 8500, paid for itself on my first trip with it, I find no reason to pay more for anything else.

clawhammer

Basically the difference between the x50 and the 9500i is features. The radar detecting capability is about the same between the two, the major difference is the GPS.

Having said that, the V1 kicks the x50's butt when it comes to detecting radar. Just go with the proven solution, V1.

madkimchi

v1 all the way. gotta love the arrows.

NFRs2000NYC

Exactly...assuming these top three detectors are all equal (trust me, they are) the V1 arrows are the feature that sets it apart.