bump. I'm interested too. I'm looking at either the 9500 ix or the Bel Sti driver.

Who's got em?

 

With the discount, I'd get the 9500 ix. But there's nothing wrong with the 8500 x50 either.

 

was just discussing this with a customer of mine. The main difference is the ability to GPS radar sites, etc. and range of detection (better on 9500ix). but other than that they are comparable. 8500 should be fine.

 

I have a mirror mount for sale for the 8500

 

If you want the best kind of radar detector go here...

Rocky Mountain Radar

Better then anything you will find elsewhere!

 

If you want the best kind of radar detector go here...

Rocky Mountain Radar

Better then anything you will find elsewhere!

Mods should delete this ignorant post, as auto enthusiasts know that this company produces nothing but pure JUNK.

RadarTest.com - Best radar detector reviews from the world's most respected authority.

I would go for the 9500, due to the discount.

I have been using the 8500X50 with great success and I plan to also get the Zr4 shifter.

 

The most common false alarm is x-band, and those are parking lots things that the GPS doesn't really help with (because the frequency changes).

The most annoying repeat (false) alarms are automatic store doors (K band), speed posts (fixed "this is you speed sign") or camera's on cross roads (the camera isn't shooting you, but it sets off your detector). The GPS works on those (of course, it also works when you are on the stupid road with the camera)

The GPS filters the annoying repeat signal - but still goes off when a new signal is found, so when a cop is hiding in the "noise" it alerts you when you might ignor the sound otherwise.

The most effective technique is using blocker cars though .... I prefer Pontiacs ...

Randy

 

I have the Bel STI Driver and love it. I have it suction cupped to the windshield an use the lighter plug in. I the lighter mute button is handy and the cord lays down right next to the radio on the passengers side out of the way.

It gives me plenty of advance notice with very few false warnings. I have had it two years and no problems. When I was looking to buy it it was between this and the V1, while the V1 seemed to be a great device there seemed to be just a few more people picking the STI.

 

Just and update on what I actually bought (Passport 9500 ix) and my experience. This radar dectector is amazing. I commute almost 45 miles each way daily and sometimes it never goes off. Back in the day, detectors would go off so frequently that you'd all but ignore them. When this dectector does go off, it usually means that 5 O is nearby. I never really realized that most Cali highway patrol drives around with the the radar on in their patrol cars on constantly. False alarms are greatly minimized by the GPS feature that locks out false alarms after about 2 or 3 times you encounter an alert in the same GPS location (e.g., those radar speed dectectors that notify you about how fast you are going in heavily speeded areas). I typically don't drive that fast but its nice to get that little heads up if HP is around and hiding up out of view on an on ramp. Finally, the red light camera alert is nice because I've seen too many of those F'd up pictures they mail showing someone going through the light on camera cursing with a pissed off look when the flash goes off. It also has a couple of other cool features (e.g., vehicle voltage and can show your current speed via GPS). Overall, I'd highly recommend the Passport 9500 ix. Its not going to prevent you from getting a ticket if you're totally driving like an A-hole, but it has more than paid for itself when I've encountered a sneaky radar trap that I never would have seen coming.

 

I have the Passport 8500 x50 and Mike's mount off the bottom of my rear view mirror. It's a great radar detector (has saved me multiple times) and I (at the time) got a great deal on it by buying it off of Overstock.com and using an additional 20% coupon.
My only wish now that I have seen the Valentine 1 in action is that Passport offered directional arrow indicators like the V1 does.
Other than that, I plan on getting the 9500 in the near future and moving the 8500 over to my SUV.
Since you are getting a good deal on the 9500 and the 8500 has been out several years, I say get the 9500. You won't be disappointed with either one.