19 responses so far ↓

• 1 Cooper

  First the detector – I recently bought from another retailer (see ’second’ point below). It is tremendous. Great functionality, options, design, gives good warning, the GPS tells you your speed when an alert goes off (so you only have to look at the detector to know what you’re dealing with and how fast you’re going). I primarily bought for the red light camera detection, but it turns out there are none in my area (when I traveled out of state, I found quite a bit), but if you don’t have many of the red light cameras in your area, you may want to save a few bucks and get the RX65 (also from Bell). It will save you a couple hundred bucks and (except for the GPS), it’s the same detector.

  Second – I was looking to buy this detector and it was $469 everywhere. About 2-3 months ago, Amazon changed the price to $429 but said they didn’t have any in stock so they’d ship later. I put it in my cart. The price then dropped another $5 over the next few days, but I got caught up and didn’t finish the order. I went in a few days later and it was over $470. I wrote customer service who told me what the policy was but never answered the question about how something that’s not in stock can have a price change almost daily. Anyway, I didn’t order it. A few weeks later they moved the price to $425, so I ordered it. A week or two after that, they said that they wouldn’t be able to get it and they cancelled my order and took it down off the site for about 2 or 3 weeks. Now I see it’s back. It makes me wonder why my order was cancelled a few short weeks ago.

  If you want my 2 cents, it’s selling for the same price on the Beltronics site (also with free shipping). Pick it up there and order a couple of accessories (visor clip, extra suction cups for another car, a USB plug which you’ll need to update the database, etc.) You’ll get more stuff (that you need anyway) bundled in with your free shipping.

• 2 Quint

  Beltronics Pro GX65 Radar Detector (Black)
  Amazing product!
  The clarity of the warning voices can be heard above a radio or road noise.
  The advance warnings have already save me the purchase price in ticket fines.
  If located properly in the vehicle the warnings from behind you are just as accurate and necessary.
  Just yesterday a local police car began following me with the radar detector warning me well in advance
  of their approach and I was able to review my speed because the detector announces it to me.
  Great product, well worth the money.

• 3 Orsburn

  I have owned several different high end radar detectors over the years and I must say this is by far the best performing radar detector I have ever owned. First it reduces fales alarms to the point where there almost non existent unless you are within feet of a store front. If you hit the mute button 3 times you can even make this go away as the radar detector store the location in its GPS data base. Its long range performance makes it seem almost uncanny at times as it often alerts before you can even see the officer.
  The GPS feature will not assist you in navigating anywhere but it will warn you of several different types of speed traps and you can also manually program in speed traps with a couple of simple button presses.
  The software update and speed trap updates that can be downloaded off the web are easy to do and keep the unit up to date. I will say the download method is a little bothersome as you have to keep referencing a little green card out of the box with a number on it in order to get a download even after you have registered but its a rather minor annoyance.
  I do not know if speed traps that are manually entered into the radar detector get uploaded to Beltronics data base but it seems logical that they would. If such is the case then you get the benefit of the knowledge of others thrown in to the price of this radar detector for a minimal fee.
  Lots of people say there is no reason to own one of these except to break the law but I can say for myself its nothing more than a small reminder to check my speed and avoid a ticket that I am not trying to go out of my way to get as a large portion of people do as they go 10, 15, 20 mph over the speed limit. But its a free country.

• 4 Cao

  I bought this item direct from Beltronics online recently. Many don’t realize it but the Escort and Beltronics detector lines are owned by the same company now.

  I originally purchased a BEL955 from Crutchfield when Beltronics was an independent company based in Canada. That unit got me through some tough times and gave me some good years so when I decided recently to replace it I started my research with the STi model.

  It didn’t take long to realize that the blocking or “shield” technology was not really useful unless you travel through the few areas that outlaw the use of detectors. The GX line makes extensive use of “smart” technologies that greatly enhance the use of detectors, even if the technology for detection is no better under similar conditions.

  I was able to trade-in my older BEL955 for credit against the purchase of the new GX65. I’ve updated the database a couple of times but what is really useful is the ability to merge the data from my use and local area with the state-by-state updates for light cameras. I never realized how many of these have been deployed now – in places I never suspected before. The more practical use is that the detector remembers where I’ve muted K-band false alerts – and stores that in a local database on my laptop.

  It’s expensive, but it’s the future for detectors – and tickets are not getting any cheaper. It pays for itself with the first ticket you avoid.

• 5 Pun

  Been a radar detector user for over 20 years and so far I’ve been happy with the GX65 performance and the GPS features (my first GPS unit). There are a lot of intersections here in Denver that I didn’t know had red light cameras! Not that I blow through red lights; I support cameras for gross red light infractions but some are just ridiculous and obviously configured to generate revenue and do not promote safety.

  My main problem is the GX65 detector keeps popping off the windshield mount on minor sequential bumps or moderate frost heave type bumps. More specifically, the detector doesn’t seem to “bite” on the windshield mount enough and will shake it’s way off frequently while the mount stays attached to the windshield. Nothing strange or out of the ordinary with my mounting. I do have a stiffly sprung sports car, but I imagine a lot of the radar detector owners also own sports cars. Anyone else having this issue?

  I’m trying to figure out if it is a isolated defect with my unit, or a general problem with the Beltronic GX65 or Beltronics in general. Thanks!

• 6 Eaves

  I am a veteran user of radar detectors (this is my 6th). This unit is by far the best one I have owned. It is feature rich and includes things like adjusting the volume of the alert based on the ambient noise inside the vehicle so you don’t miss alerts. The ability to turn all the lights on the detector off at night while still receiving alerts on an LED mounted on the power cord (audible alert also still goes off). That eliminates everyone knowing you have a detector at night. Support for all bands used in the U.S. including POP radar & laser detection. It allows you to use GPS to mark speed traps, school zones and red light/photo camera locations. The detector will also increase the distance you are given to respond when entering the area of a marked location based on your speed. The faster you are going the more distance given.

  It is not necessary to mark locations on routes that you travel frequently when there are false alarms. Once you enter an area 3x and receive the same alarm on the same band at the same frequency the detector recognizes it as a false and blocks out that false alarm in the future. Here is the cool part it will still recognize a change in frequency and/or band from the same location (police) and then alert while still having blocked the false alarm.

  I love this detector and I would only ever consider getting rid of it to go one step up to the 9500ix model. I live in a state that doesn’t use red light cameras or photo radar cameras (I’m in Michigan)so not having the ix doesn’t hurt at all for me. I don’t run redlights so I’m not worried about those even when I travel which is often. This detector can be updated easily with a usb cable and a laptop. It will also allow you to back up your marked locations onto your windows based PC (doesn’t work with a Mac).

  The most important thing for any radar detector is how much time does it give you to respond to a real alert. There is no problem in that area. This thing has range. Just put it on automatic and let it work. It will automatically detect your speed and increase the sensitivity of the detector. Slow down and it also dials down the sensitivity. This gives you range when needed and not a ton of false alarms like other detectors (ahem, cough cough VALENTINE!!). Did I say this doesn’t give you a ton of false alarms.

  This detector is well built and nicely packaged. It comes in a black hard case that is covered in a rich looking vinyl with a molded velvet interior. It comes with a mounting bracket that is very easy to use and an additional set of suction cups. It has a coiled cord with an additional mute button on the power cord along with led’s there for when you turn off the lights on the detector at night. The owner’s manual fits right in the top of the case. It’s very easy to put in and take out. I put mine in the case and lock it away or take it with me when out of the car.

  I bought this on clearance from the evil Best Buy (lol). It was on clearance for $360.00. I also had a $10.00 Reward Zone certificate so it was 350.00 for me. That was $100.00 cheaper than I could find it anywhere else. If you don’t have one of these get one especially if you can find one that cheap!

• 7 Orsine

  I have owned this product over a year and used it occassionally on long drives. Last week of June I went long driving and on an isolated highway in Wyoming I got pulled over and cited for speeding. The passport 9500i was on the windshield all this time and did not even make a single sound or any indication that it picked up the radar of the trooper. I asked the trooper to validate what equipment he used and it was radar not laser. If it was laser maybe that would be an excuse for the company that makes the radar, but it’s an old device and my very expensive detector did not do a darn thing to warn me. DO NOT BUY , DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS PRODUCT.

• 8 Tanyawattanakul

  The 9500i works pretty good except on laser speed units. With laser it just tells you that you can prepare to get a ticket. I works pretty good on radar if you can manage to keep it stuck to your windshield.

  What would seem to be a fairly simple problem Escort is not willing to address. The unit weighs 8 oz. It hangs from your windshield with 2 small thin cheap vinyl suction cups for only a short period of time. A hot day will have your 9500i bouncing off of your dash and falling to the floor; so will a cold day. Over a few weeks the cups start losing their ability to hold the detector to your windshield and it falls on the floor. I have tried proping it with the rear view mirror or spraying the cups with hair spray (a customer support suggestion) to make them hold. This works for only a little while. Customer support will send you a dozen or so suction cups if you talk to them; sales is only too happy to sell them to you without even telling you to go to customer support. They will also sell you a visor clip but the 9500i needs to be positioned so that the top of the unit has an unobstructed view of the sky so that gps satilites can comunicate with the unit.

  All of the buttons controling the unit are on the top of the unit and not visible to the operator. So now it up to you to try to remember which button does what. Good luck. Or fumble around trying to remove the unit and put it back so that you can read the buttons.

  It appears that Escort/Passport is trying to live on their laurels and fails to address some vary simple issues. I would look around for a company more concerned with addressing their customers legitimate complaints.

• 9 Hennessey

  Actually, this is my first review I have ever written for anything else. I have owned couple of radar detectors before (Omega Japan, which is mainly oriented for Asian market and Cobra XRS 9330). Both of them were pretty good but
  were very much sensitive to false signals like X band, KA bands.
  I bought Passport 9500i three months ago and it turned out to be the best radar detector comparing to the ones I have owned before. There are
  a lot of cool features like ‘true lock’, ‘mark location’ which uses GPS technology,’speed alert’ etc. It has very long range of detection for x-band signal as well.
  But…there is big drawback! This radar detector has absolutely NO reaction against so called K-pulse signal used in Russian radar guns like Iskra-1, Berkut, Vizir etc. These radar guns are becoming quite popular in Russia and in some
  former USSR countries. So my review is basically oriented for customers from Russia.
  I would probably put six stars for this product if I lived in United States but in the country where I live, this radar detector has become pretty much useless!

• 10 Chatman

  Waste of money and time. All the positive reviews have to be employees. This radar detector is the worst thing I have ever bought. I have had it two weeks now (unfortunately not returnable). There are soooo many false alerts, it will drive you crazy! You don’t get 5 minutes of peace and quiet. Who wants a radar detector that picks up EVERY signal in the vacinity. And you can’t block false alerts, after a point it just tells the device to ‘mute’. then it comes back in 3 minutes, until you unplug it. I think it was invented and sold by the police dept, because there are so many false signals you just end up ignoring it, so you will never know which one was in your path. Save your money, time and peace of mind.

• 11 Tenerelli

  Contrary to what escort advertises, their detector is not blind to all laser signal types. TODAY my husband got a laser ticket from a Pro Laser III gun. I know this is new, but when Escort was called they suggested he buy the new laser jammer at only $400+ more. This has to be installed in the car’s dashboard by a few of their select companies, at I’m sure a select price. He was also informed the Detector would still work on other bands, like he did not know that. And, since the police will probably not give him their schedule for when they use this new laser, this $479 detector is useless against the new technology.

• 12 Feng

  One of the finest radar detectors I’ve ever owned! It has very loud audio alerts that you can here over loud music. Lot’s of different set-ups and configurations. When it goes off there is usually a cop somewhere close by. Only downfall is lots of x band false alerts but I always have it in highway mode so that might be why. Great feature is the GPS locator. It can be programmed to alert you of known speed traps or speed cameras.

  Not sure why you would need to download updates. I’ve been driving for decades and have owned many radar detectors and have never had a need to download anything. If you do a lot of highway driving I would highly recomend this radar detector. It won’t tell you where the cop is hiding like the V1 but who cares? It goes off you slow down plain and simple.

• 13 Slaughter

  The 9500i is NOT compatible with Apple computers. Escort recommends taking the detector to a friend’s house who has a windows computer or buying emulation software ($70). It only works with Windows XP or Vista only.

  The 9500i must be powered to download internet updates. Escort failed to include a 12V adapter in the package. But they will gladly sell you one! Ooops, sorry – NO USB A to mini USB cable either. You’ll need these for detector software updates.

  Visor Clip or visor mount is NOT a good idea with the 9500I. Not unless you have a convertible. This detector must have clear line of sight overhead to the sky for the GPS to locate satellites.

• 14 McKenzie

  As the mousetraps keep improving, so must the mice.
  I’ve been using Passports since the original Escort (Cincinatti Microwave) days. They’ve never let me down and the new 9500ix appears to be no different.

  I’ve only been using it for a couple of days now, but like the ability to store/silence false alarms. The speed displayed on the display is another nice improvement. I used to automatically go to the brake when the detector went off, don’t have to any more.

  I have not yet tried to update data on line and have read some of the complaints, but I think it should be simple enough to hook in with my laptop in the car and connect to the network from the car.

• 15 Agahi

  Been using my Escort for well over a year, more than ample warning, even from the cops that hide on the other side of an arched bridge. Since I started using it, I have gotten zero speeding tickets (knock on wood) because I always go the speed limit or under (wink). In the past year I have only had one close call, luckily it was daylight and I noticed the cop as I rounded a curve and was able to hit my brakes before he popped me, the detector lit up like Christmas tree. close one….
  Never updated my detector, it works fine as is.

• 16 O'Farrell

  It worked just fine the VG2 spectre was a must have on this trip 3800 miles there and back no speeding violations…..I must have detected 20-30 tags all with plenty of warning, best 38.00 dollars I have ever spent.

• 17 Quan

  This product is all that it is described to be. Good all-round detector, nice size, good windshield mount. Although not a pricey high-end detector, it works really well and has most desireable features. A great value for the money.

• 18 Gephart

  Picked up this Red Light Camera detector after getting a ticket in Los Angeles which set me back [...] bucks. Did a search on Google and found this device which works great. I use my cigarette lighter for my radar detector so this cordless pack works great!

• 19 Giolli

  Where I live they have alot of these speed cameras and this product is great! It works exactly as advertised and beeps when I’m near one of them. I saw a demo video on YouTube and watched it. You have to search for “GPS Angel”. Comes with a power cable that plugs into your cigarette lighter or you can charge up the battery for about 8 hours. Highly recommended!!!

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