Amazon.com Review

Radar detector manufacturers are constantly playing a game of catch-up with new technologies designed to nab the lead-footed. "Pop" radar is a relatively new instant-on technology that may make a whole generation of radar detectors obsolete. These radar guns operate at low frequency until they are switched on to determine a driver's speed with lightning-fast accuracy. This leaves a radar detector little opportunity to scan and detect the radar signal. Pop radar may sound ominous, but a new crop of radar detectors--including the Escort Passport 8500 X50--offer Pop radar detection. Escort claims that the 8500 X50 is the most powerful and advanced radar detector ever, with the supreme sensitivity required to detect low-frequency Pop radar.

Design
Mounting the 8500 in our test vehicle was easy and straightforward. A small suction cup bracket slides into the unit's release mechanism and easily attaches to the windshield with light pressure. The unit is housed in a sturdy plastic case that's low profile and compact--although it is larger and heavier than Escort's wireless offering, the Solo S2. The rear of the unit is dominated by a receiver window and there's a rear-facing laser detector window designed to detect laser signals emanating from behind the vehicle.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) provides maximum range, with minimum false alarms.

The Escort 8500 has a suprisingly simple control layout. Two buttons on the top of the unit control sensitivity settings and display brightness. They also double as selection buttons when the unit is in programming mode. The left side of the unit sports a volume dial. A mute button is positioned on the front panel next to the large, horizontal LCD display which, during normal use, graphs the intensity of the radar and laser signals the unit detects. Power is supplied by an included Escort SmartCord, which plugs into a cigarette-lighter power socket. The SmartCord features an alert LED, as well as a built-in mute button-- two handy additions.

Features
The 8500 can detect all of the radar bands currently in use in North America for speed detection, including the X, K and Ka bands. The unit also features detection diodes for laser detection, but for the most powerful protection from laser detection, Escort offers the ZR3 laser jamming system, which is plug-and-play compatible with the 8500.

The feature that separates the 8500 from other Escort radar detectors, as well as the entire previous generation of radar detector technologies, is its Pop radar detection capabilities. Pop radar guns, while still relatively rare in police departments, are used to identify speeding vehicles in traffic. They provide little warning as the radar signal idles at a low frequency until it transmits an extremely short, high-frequency burst to "Pop" a target. The 8500 is equipped with a highly sensitive receiving system and a digital signal processor designed to pick up Pop signals from a safe distance. Pop detection is not enabled by default in the 8500, however; users must turn it on in the settings menu. Escort probably chose to disable Pop detection by default because its increased sensitivity also increases false alerts. However, first-time radar detector users might be in for a surprise if they neglect to turn it on.

The Passport 8500 X50 provides 3 types of warning displays to choose from.

Audio alerts are the most important feature of any radar detector, and the 8500 doesn't disappoint in this department. Warning tones get progressively louder as a threat approaches, and users can set the unit to deliver warnings at preprogrammed volume levels. Each radar band--including Pop radar--has a distinct tone, making it easy to quickly discern threats. The 8500's "AutoMute" feature automatically lowers the volume level of an alert after a period of time.

False alarms are one of the major annoyances of radar detector use. In our tests, the 8500 was surprisingly adept at minimizing false alarms from home garage door systems, as well as home and commercial security systems that commonly operate on X-band radar. The unit's city sensitivity setting decreases sensitivity to X-band sources, while the highway setting does not. We found the unit's powerful "AutoSensitivity" mode the most accurate, however, as it dynamically filtered all types of radar signals and identified which sources were a legitimate threat. We got a few false alarms, but for the most part, annoying chirps from bogus X-band sources were uncommon.

The 8500 has nine built-in customizable settings. In the settings mode, the LCD acts as a menu system that lets users control display brightness, automatic mute, audio tones, and power-on modes. There are also settings for disabling detection of selected bands. We liked the expert mode settings, which allow a user to get a constant picture of the intensity of all the radar bands in the area. The SpecDisplay, which is a feature exclusive to the 8500, displays the actual numeric frequency of the radar signal being received.

For those living in states that prohibit use of a radar detector, the 8500 does include VG-2 radar detector detector protection, which is designed to both alert the driver and shut down the unit's oscillator.

On the Road
We used the 8500 on a 20-mile stretch of busy interstate and were impressed with the low number of false alarms we received. Again, this remarkable level of accuracy is due to the unit's AutoSensitivity feature. While we encountered no police radar, other controlled tests of the 8500's performance have put the reliable range of detection at 2 miles for all bands. Meanwhile, Pop mode tests place the reliable detection range between 500 and 1000 feet.

Pros

• Well-designed controls and display features
• AutoSensitivity feature greatly reduces false alarms
• Highly accurate with massive detection range

• Pop detection not enabled by default

Features

• Sophisticated long-range radar and laser detector reads all police, conventional, and "instant-on" radar
• Digital signal processing provides maximum range while minimizing false alarms
• Identifies up to 8 radar signals simultaneously
• Reprogrammable microprocessor can detect new radar and laser threats
• Red matrix display with 280 LEDs; 1-year limited warranty

Amazon.com Review

Radar detector manufacturers are constantly playing a game of catch-up with new technologies designed to nab the lead-footed. "Pop" radar is a relatively new instant-on technology that may make a whole generation of radar detectors obsolete. These radar guns operate at low frequency until they are switched on to determine a driver's speed with lightning-fast accuracy. This leaves a radar detector little opportunity to scan and detect the radar signal. Pop radar may sound ominous, but a new crop of radar detectors--including the Escort Passport 8500 X50--offer Pop radar detection. Escort claims that the 8500 X50 is the most powerful and advanced radar detector ever, with the supreme sensitivity required to detect low-frequency Pop radar.

Design
Mounting the 8500 in our test vehicle was easy and straightforward. A small suction cup bracket slides into the unit's release mechanism and easily attaches to the windshield with light pressure. The unit is housed in a sturdy plastic case that's low profile and compact--although it is larger and heavier than Escort's wireless offering, the Solo S2. The rear of the unit is dominated by a receiver window and there's a rear-facing laser detector window designed to detect laser signals emanating from behind the vehicle.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) provides maximum range, with minimum false alarms.

The Escort 8500 has a suprisingly simple control layout. Two buttons on the top of the unit control sensitivity settings and display brightness. They also double as selection buttons when the unit is in programming mode. The left side of the unit sports a volume dial. A mute button is positioned on the front panel next to the large, horizontal LCD display which, during normal use, graphs the intensity of the radar and laser signals the unit detects. Power is supplied by an included Escort SmartCord, which plugs into a cigarette-lighter power socket. The SmartCord features an alert LED, as well as a built-in mute button-- two handy additions.

Features
The 8500 can detect all of the radar bands currently in use in North America for speed detection, including the X, K and Ka bands. The unit also features detection diodes for laser detection, but for the most powerful protection from laser detection, Escort offers the ZR3 laser jamming system, which is plug-and-play compatible with the 8500.

The feature that separates the 8500 from other Escort radar detectors, as well as the entire previous generation of radar detector technologies, is its Pop radar detection capabilities. Pop radar guns, while still relatively rare in police departments, are used to identify speeding vehicles in traffic. They provide little warning as the radar signal idles at a low frequency until it transmits an extremely short, high-frequency burst to "Pop" a target. The 8500 is equipped with a highly sensitive receiving system and a digital signal processor designed to pick up Pop signals from a safe distance. Pop detection is not enabled by default in the 8500, however; users must turn it on in the settings menu. Escort probably chose to disable Pop detection by default because its increased sensitivity also increases false alerts. However, first-time radar detector users might be in for a surprise if they neglect to turn it on.

The Passport 8500 X50 provides 3 types of warning displays to choose from.

Audio alerts are the most important feature of any radar detector, and the 8500 doesn't disappoint in this department. Warning tones get progressively louder as a threat approaches, and users can set the unit to deliver warnings at preprogrammed volume levels. Each radar band--including Pop radar--has a distinct tone, making it easy to quickly discern threats. The 8500's "AutoMute" feature automatically lowers the volume level of an alert after a period of time.

False alarms are one of the major annoyances of radar detector use. In our tests, the 8500 was surprisingly adept at minimizing false alarms from home garage door systems, as well as home and commercial security systems that commonly operate on X-band radar. The unit's city sensitivity setting decreases sensitivity to X-band sources, while the highway setting does not. We found the unit's powerful "AutoSensitivity" mode the most accurate, however, as it dynamically filtered all types of radar signals and identified which sources were a legitimate threat. We got a few false alarms, but for the most part, annoying chirps from bogus X-band sources were uncommon.

The 8500 has nine built-in customizable settings. In the settings mode, the LCD acts as a menu system that lets users control display brightness, automatic mute, audio tones, and power-on modes. There are also settings for disabling detection of selected bands. We liked the expert mode settings, which allow a user to get a constant picture of the intensity of all the radar bands in the area. The SpecDisplay, which is a feature exclusive to the 8500, displays the actual numeric frequency of the radar signal being received.

For those living in states that prohibit use of a radar detector, the 8500 does include VG-2 radar detector detector protection, which is designed to both alert the driver and shut down the unit's oscillator.

On the Road
We used the 8500 on a 20-mile stretch of busy interstate and were impressed with the low number of false alarms we received. Again, this remarkable level of accuracy is due to the unit's AutoSensitivity feature. While we encountered no police radar, other controlled tests of the 8500's performance have put the reliable range of detection at 2 miles for all bands. Meanwhile, Pop mode tests place the reliable detection range between 500 and 1000 feet.

Pros

• Well-designed controls and display features
• AutoSensitivity feature greatly reduces false alarms
• Highly accurate with massive detection range

• Pop detection not enabled by default

Features

• Sophisticated long-range radar and laser detector reads all police, conventional, and "instant-on" radar
• Digital signal processing provides maximum range while minimizing false alarms
• Identifies up to 8 radar signals simultaneously
• Reprogrammable microprocessor can detect new radar and laser threats
• Blue matrix display with 280 LEDs; 1-year limited warranty

Product Description

blue display * super-high sensitivity for the earliest possible warning * advanced reprogrammable digital signal processing (protects your detector against obsolescence) * VG-2 immunity (invisible to radar detector detectors) * digital and audio alerts for radar, laser, SWS, and VG-2 * multiple high-performance laser sensors for optimum coverage * power-on indication * signal strength meter * auto mute * city/highway modes, plus AutoSensitivity mode for greater resistance to false alarms * 3 brightness levels plus dark mode * preferred settings retention * dimensions: 2-7/8"W x 1-1/4"H x 5-3/8"D * warranty: 1 year ... Read more

Features

• blue display
• super-high sensitivity for the earliest possible warning
• advanced reprogrammable digital signal processing (protects your detector against obsolescence)
• VG-2 immunity (invisible to radar detector detectors)
• digital and audio alerts for radar, laser, SWS, and VG-2

Product Description

red display * super-high sensitivity for the earliest possible warning * advanced reprogrammable digital signal processing (protects your detector against obsolescence) * VG-2 immunity (invisible to radar detector detectors) * digital and audio alerts for radar, laser, SWS, and VG-2 * multiple high-performance laser sensors for optimum coverage * power-on indication * signal strength meter * auto mute * city/highway modes, plus AutoSensitivity mode for greater resistance to false alarms * 3 brightness levels plus dark mode * EZ Programming for preferred settings retention * dimensions: 2-7/8"W x 1-1/4"H x 5-3/8"D * warranty: 1 year ... Read more

Features

• red display
• super-high sensitivity for the earliest possible warning
• advanced reprogrammable digital signal processing (protects your detector against obsolescence)
• VG-2 immunity (invisible to radar detector detectors)
• digital and audio alerts for radar, laser, SWS, and VG-2

Amazon.com Review

If you speed, the long arm of the law is going to get you. If you have the protection offered by an effective radar detector, the risk does go down. The Escort Solo S2 more than delivers on that promise while offering cordless simplicity and a compact, user-friendly design. Because the Solo S2 can operate on battery power it's a cinch to move from car to car with it-- something frequent rental car users will appreciate. While there are some tradeoffs involved with using a cordless radar detector--namely, lower sensitivity and range than powered units--the Solo S2 has pulled off a near miracle in that these compromises are minimal.

Design
Mounting the Solo S2 in our test vehicle was a no-brainer. A small suction cup bracket slides into the unit's release mechanism and easily attaches to the windshield with light pressure. The unit is housed in a sturdy plastic case that's low profile and compact, making it a discreet companion for those traveling in states that don't look to kindly upon the use of radar detectors. The rear of the unit is dominated by the receiver window and there's a rear-facing laser detector window designed to detect laser signals emanating from behind the vehicle.

The Solo S2 uses multiple low-noise laser sensors to provide long-range warning.

With the exception of a large mute button on the top of the unit, the Solo S2's controls are all arranged on the front. The soft, tactile buttons provide a solid feel when pressed. The power and mode buttons are easy to press on the fly, but those with bigger fingers might find the volume and select buttons slightly difficult to use accurately. The front panel also contains a horizontal LCD display, which, during normal use, graphs the intensity of the radar and laser signals the unit detects. As the unit detects a stronger signal, the blocks in the graph grow larger. The mute button on top of the unit serves double duty as it also triggers an icon on the LCD that displays remaining battery life.

Much of the Solo S2's design and interface is focused on power savings, which, according to Escort, allows the unit to run for months under normal use on two AA batteries. The LCD backlight is only illuminated when a button is pressed, or when the unit detects a signal. In fact, the only indication we had that the unit was on at all was a single blinking red light next to the unit's mode setting. The S2 is also equipped with a motion sensor that automatically powers the unit off if the vehicle has not moved for 25 minutes.

Features
The Solo S2 can detect all of the radar bands currently in use in North America for speed detection. These include the X, K and Ka bands. The unit also features detection diodes for laser detection, but for the most powerful protection from laser detection, Escort offers the ZR3 laser jamming system, which is plug-and-play compatible with the Solo S2.

Signal strength is clearly indicated and can be backlit on command.

Audio alerts are the most important feature of any radar detector, and the Solo S2 doesn't disappoint in this department. Warning tones get progressively louder as a threat approaches, and users can set the unit to deliver warnings at preprogrammed volume levels. The Solo S2's "AutoMute" feature automatically lowers the volume level of an alert after a period of time.

False alarms are one of the major annoyances of radar detector use. The Solo S2 was surprisingly adept at minimizing false alarms from home garage door systems, as well as home and commercial security systems that commonly operate on X-band radar. The unit's city sensitivity setting decreases sensitivity to X-band sources, while the highway setting does not. We found the unit's powerful "AutoSensitivity" mode the most accurate, however, as it dynamically filtered all types of radar signals and identified which sources were a legitimate threat. We got a few false alarms, but for the most part, annoying chirps from bogus X-band sources were fairly uncommon.

The Solo S2 has ten built-in customizable settings. In the settings mode, the LCD acts as a menu system that lets users control display brightness, automatic mute, audio tones, and power modes. There are also settings for disabling detection of selected bands. We liked the expert mode settings, which allow a user to get a constant picture of the intensity of all the radar bands in the area.

For those living in states that prohibit use of a radar detector, the Solo S2 does include VG-2 radar detector detector protection, which is designed to both alert the driver and shut down the unit's oscillator. However, VG-2 protection is not enabled by default; users must turn it on the settings menu. While it's likely that VG-2 protection increases power consumption and is therefore disabled by default, many first-time users might be in for a big surprise and a confiscated unit.

On the Road
The convenience of a wireless radar detector does have a downside. To save battery life, a cordless detector has a reduced "duty cycle" compared to a DC-powered unit. This means that for a fraction of each second a cordless detector is actually turned off to reduce power. These milliseconds of downtime are imperceptible to users, but they allow cordless units to significantly reduce power consumption. The effect of duty cycle reduction is lowered sensitivity, especially on the wider radar bands that take longer to scan. This effect is most prevalent on the widest band, called Ka. What does this mean for users? In some situations you'll have less warning time before a police radar has a lock on your speed.

Fortunately, none of these theoretical drawbacks seemed to affect real-world use in our informal testing. We used the Solo S2 on a 100-mile stretch of busy interstate and were impressed with the low number of false alarms we received. Again, this remarkable level of accuracy is owed to the unit's AutoSensitivity feature. The unit detected Ka-band radar twice and both times warning came at least half a mile from the police cruiser's location-- plenty of time to hit the brakes and avoid a ticket (if we had been speeding, of course).

Accessories
Escort offers an optional "SmartCord," a 12-volt cigarette-lighter power cord that can power the Solo S2. In addition to power, the SmartCord includes an LED alert for radar and laser as well as a mute button on the lighter plug.

Pros

• Portable, compact and discreet
• AutoSensitivity feature reduces false alarms
• Highly accurate, good long range radar detection

• Shorter range and sensitivity than wired units
• VG-2 protection not enabled by default
• LCD display not as visible because of power constraints

Features

• Advanced cordless radar and laser detector reads all radar bands from miles away
• Intelligent AutoSensitivity mode increases range while minimizing false alarms
• High-efficiency power management uses minimum of battery power
• 9 user-programmable features for custom use
• Includes mounting accessories and travel case; 1-year limited warranty

Reviews (4)

ten years and still running
I have owned one of the first solo's for well over 10 years and it still works great. I can move or hide with ease from car to car. Sure you need to buy batteries but no cords to plug in and have hanging all over the place.

CORDLESS!?! HAH!! Better invest in Duracell!!
I bought this unit brand new. In less than 1.5 weeks, had to replace the batteries THREE times. Talked to their tech support and was told that expected battery life is approximately 35-40 hours. No way did I drive for 105-120 hours in that one and half weeks!! Considering the unit is supposed to be battery operated, 35-40 hours seems a paltry amount.

I agree that you'll have to buy the Smart Cord instead of relying on batteries. But save yourself the extra $30 for the S2 and the additional $30 for the Smart Cord and just buy the already corded 8500.

The idea of it being a cordless unit is a total and absolute ripoff!!! They need to extend the battery life to at least 100 hours for this to be a viable product.

Escort S2 Radar Detector
Basically the Escort S2 is the best cordless detector you can buy. I've owned the Escort S2 for a few weeks now and I must say I am quiet impressed. The unit gives LONG range warning so that it does what its designed to do, eliminate speeding tickets. The unit has tons of features overall and I am happy to say its well worth the money, you will not be sorry you purchased this product.

Great Radar, but you need power cord!
I have owned several Escort radar detector models, and this Solo S2 cordless model reviews were good. In fact the radar capabilites are great, but the battery use is poor. You will need the smartcord. Running on battery constantly fails to detect movement as advertised and starts auto-shutdown(sleep) mode. Unless you plan to use this detector in multiple vehicles or on travel, just get the hard wired model 8500 and get the smartcord installed to your car wiring. ... Read more

Product Description

convenient cordless design (uses two "AA" batteries, included) * carrying case * earphone jack * power management system maximizes battery life * high-resolution LCD display * super-high sensitivity * reprogrammable digital signal processing (protects your detector against obsolescence) * VG-2 immunity (invisible to radar detector detectors) * digital and audio alerts for radar, laser, SWS, and VG2 * multiple laser sensors for optimum coverage * power-on indication * battery replacement warning (visual and audible) * signal strength meter * auto mute * city/highway/AutoSensitivity modes * brightness control plus dark mode * 9 user-programmable features * preferred settings memory (stays intact through battery changes) * dimensions: 3"W x 1-3/16"H x 5-5/16"D * 1-year warranty ... Read more

Features

• convenient cordless design (uses two "AA" batteries, included)
• carrying case
• earphone jack
• power management system maximizes battery life
• high-resolution LCD display

Features

• In-dash power cord for radar and laser detectors
• Includes power-on indicator, LED alert for radar and laser, and mute button
• Installs in vehicle fuse panel and mounts within driver's reach
• Compatible with Passport 8500 X50, Solo S2, and Passport 7500S models
• Also fits earlier Passport 8500, 7500, and 6800 detectors

Features

• Advanced vehicle computer measures a car's speed, acceleration, and breaking performance
• Tracks acceleration times and speeds, including 0 to 60 and quarter-mile times
• Calculates peak horsepower; displays cornering and braking G-forces
• Stores 10 runs in memory, shows "best runs to date"
• Information downloads to PC or laptop; 5.5 x 1.7 x 1.4 inches (W x H x D)

Features

• Cigarette lighter power cord for radar and laser detectors
• Includes power-on indicator, LED alert for radar and laser, and mute button on lighter plug
• Ideal for drivers who can't reach detector's mute button
• Compatible with Passport 8500 X50, Solo S2, and Passport 7500S models
• Also fits earlier Passport 8500, 7500, and 6800 detectors

Features

• Long-range radar/laser detector with highway and city settings
• Intelligent AutoSensitivity mode increases range while minimizing false alarms
• ExpertMeter receives up to 8 radar signals at once
• Works on all conventional and "instant-on" bands, such as X band, K band, and super-wide Ka band
• Mute and auto-mute functions; 1-year limited warranty

Features

• Visor clip mount for radar and laser detectors
• Fits firmly on car's visor for easy access
• Not recommended for cars with dark-tinted bands on windshields
• Compatible with current Passport 8500 X50, Solo S2, and Passport 7500S models
• Holds earlier Passport 8500, 7500, 6800, 5000, 4600, 4500, and 4200 detectors, plus Solo RD-5110, Solo 5, and Solo 4 models

Features

• Direct wire cord delivers power to Escort radar and laser detectors
• Installs within vehicle fuse panel for convenient use
• Doesn't interfere with driving functions, unlike some cigarette lighter cords
• Compatible with Passport 8500 X50, Solo S2, and Passport 7500S models
• Also fits earlier Passport 8500, 7500, and 6800 detectors

Features

• Suction cup mount designed to hold Escort radar and laser detectors
• Fits firmly on car's windshield for easy access
• Compatible with current Passport 8500 X50, Solo S2, and Passport 7500S models
• Holds earlier Passport 8500, 7500, 6800, 5000, 4600, 4500, and 4200 detectors
• Also works with Solo RD-5110, Solo 5, and Solo 4 detectors

Features

• Convenient external speaker for radar and laser detectors
• Broadcasts audio alerts louder and with better clarity
• Ideal for drivers in loud environments or people with poor hearing
• Compatible with Passport 8500 X50, Solo S2, and Passport 8500 models
• Must be wired to 12-volt power source; 2.25 x 2.25 x 2.25 inches (W x H x D)

Features

• Multiple high-performance laser sensors
• Reprogrammable digital signal processing for upgrading for use against new detection systems
• Intelligent AutoSensitivity mode automatically reduces false alarms
• Sales restricted to the United States and shipment is prohibited to addresses in Virginia and Washington DC
• FCC Identification Number QKL8500

Reviews (17)

Worth the price
I have had several other brands of radar detectors ranging from $50 to $150. None can even compare. Of course none were the brand escort either. I do not know if this quality is standard among their product line but this radar detector is awesome. It has an auto feature that automatically senses where you are at while you are driving. It minimizes false alarms and its range is unbelievable. Around corners, long straight-aways, hills, you name it, it does it. The only thing it lacks is a voice alert which I like but is not needed.

Quality Product with Lots of Bells and Whistles
I purchased this detector a month or so ago, and have been running it through it's paces ever since. There are lots of speed traps in the area where I drive, so I've had several opportunities to test it out.

Conclusions:
1) A radar detector is not a substitute for defensive driving. You still need to be aware of where speed traps are likely to be set up and behave accordingly (slow down, keep a car in front of you, etc.).

2) The police obviously spend a great deal of time trying to hide in places to make radar detection difficult. Even the best radar detector may not save you, or at best will give you only a moment's notice.

3) The Escort seems to behave well in stopping false warnings, and warning me of threats. It does not give me tonnes of time to react. I've read all of the reports indicating how much more sensitive the Passport is, but in real life this only translates into fractional seconds in the conditions where speed traps are likely. I'm not a habitual speeder, so I don't tend to worry about normal conditions where I'll stumble upon a policeman who happens to be running radar while they're driving. I'm more concerned about defeating specific speed traps where the speed limit isn't reflective of safe driving conditions.

4) The Passport detects POP radar, and it's OS is upgradable, which should extend it's effective lifespan quite a bit.

5) There are many bells and whistles which allow you to completely configure the detector to meet your needs, including displaying the exact frequency of the most important threat. This is very valuable in mapping out false alarms in your area.

No matter how many bells and whistles, nor the name recognition of the manufacturer, will keep you from getting a ticket if the detector isn't sensitive enough. Though the Passport passes the sensitivity test, I don't know that it is clearly superior to detectors costing 1/2 the price. Thus the 4 star rating.

Full-coverage at a great price
Continuing its fine lineup of radar detectors, Escort has unveiles its latest, the 8500. Encased in anodized aluminum silver, this package is one piece of art. Dont let looks fool you though, this baby performs. It has all the standard features of your hi-end radar detector: X, K, Ka and Laser detection, VG2 undetectability, multiple modes: City, Highway and Auto which is their logic mode that lets the CPU decide between bogeys and false alarms. It also is programmable that lets you customize your preferences like turn off x or k band detection. It comes with its SmartCord too that allows you to kill the display on the radar and have an indicator light in its mini-panel on your cigarette lighter. It also has auto-mute that automatically lowers the audible signal after a few seconds. Its best features are the SWS messaging and rear detection. SWS lets you know of road conditions ahead like constructions and crossing firetrucks. The rear detection feature has a tiny sensor mounted on top of the radar that detects rear threats.

It's a real great product, it does what it is supposed to do and that is to detect radar. It does it too well though, picking up false alarms like automatic doors and burglar alarms even in auto mode. My office faces a Home Depot and it constantly sounds off whenever i park facing it. Well at least it reminds me to take it off the dash when i park because its silver finish just attracts too much attention

Great Product!
The Escort 8500 is the best radar/laser detector for the money. Sure, you can spend an extra $100 to get the Valentine One and the directional arrows. However, if the thing goes off are you first going to look at the arrows or are you going to slow down? Save the $100 price difference and get the 8500. It does everything the V1 can do with the same sensitivity minus the directional arrows.

Escort 8500 - It's no Valentine One
I've owned a V1 since 1994 and have loved it since the day I received it. As most of you probably know, Mike Valentine worked for cincinnati microwave (escort) back in the 80s. He apparently took all his secrets with him when he left, because since then the Escort/Passport/Solo detectors have gone downhill.

I thought I'd try the new 8500, since I had heard it was a brand new beast. Well I was only able to try it for 3 weeks before it failed to turn on correctly (emitting strange beeps and the LCD going crazy). It did point out some true radar sources many times (like any cheap detector would do), but it also false alarmed most of the time it was on....It's just nothing compared to the Valentine One.

If you are willing to sepnd the money on this detector, just drop another $100 or so and get a V1. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! ... Read more

Product Description

The world's BEST Cordless Radar Detector! ... Read more

Features

• Convenient cordless design uses 2 AA batteries (included)
• High-efficiency power management maximizes battery life
• AutoSensitivity mode virtually eliminates false alarms
• Long-range protection on all radar bands
• 10 user programmable features

Amazon.com Product Description

No more hassles with tangled power cords with the Escort Solo Cordless--justturn it on. This detector runs on two AA batteries for as long as 40 to 50hours. The Solo Cordless provides long-range warning for all radar signalsincluding X, K, and superwide Ka. New advanced four-bit analog-to-digitalconverter circuitry provides higher-resolution digital signal processing foreven longer warning distances without more false alarms. Instead of a singlelaser sensor, the Solo Cordless has two. Mute and auto-mute features eliminatelong-range nuisance signals. You can customize this detector with your preferredsettings for power-on sequence, city-mode sensitivity, brightness, muting, andaudio tones.

The Solo Cordless comes with two batteries, a manual, and a quick-releaseadjustable windshield mount with extra suction cups. A 12-volt power convertercord is optional. The manufacturer offers a limited one-year warranty.

Important note to customers: The manufacturer warns that the Solo Cordlessdetector is designed for 3-volt operation and its circuitry will not accommodatea standard 12-volt power cord. Using any cord other than the 12-volt powerconverter designed specifically for Solo may cause damage not covered bywarranty. ... Read more

Features

• Detects X, K, and superwide Ka bands as well as Safety Warning System (SWS) alerts
• Convenient cordless design
• 40 to 50 hours of use on 2 AA batteries
• Sales restricted to the United States and shipment is prohibited to addresses in Virginia and Washington DC
• FCC Identification Number QKL5110

Reviews (7)

I love this radar detector !!!
This detector is awesome. It has saved me hundreds of dollars in tickets, hardly ever false alarms, and always gives me more than enough warning, of upcoming radar. And the portability is pricelesss.

Just an average detector
My first detector was a Bel 890, i enjoyed its ditgal voice message, free the drive from have to look at the detector. I only bought this one because it was a cordless and thinking it would make driving in VA or DC easier. Little did i know that a cordless has far less detection range. The difference in the range with or without the optional cord is like night and day. So i had to purchase the optional coiled power cord. I would recommend anyone who wants a detector with the cord out of sight to by a normal detector with straight power cord or direct connection cord and not this cordless detector. To say nothing of many the false alarms this one has. I have since bought a Bel 985 and highly recommend you do the same.

Escort Solo Radar Detector
I am very dissapointed with this product. I have owned and used it daily for about 10 months. It will detect K band radar only when you are within 400 feet of the gun. It is virtually useless in detecting Ka band unless you're within 50 feet of the gun. It also falsely detects Ka band very frequently especially on sunny days when it has been sitting on the dashboard for 15 minutes. The laser detector also goes off quite often. The X band detector went off so often in business areas (even with the x band sensitivity set to poor in city mode) that I disabled it.

Escort advertises the following on their website:

"Long-range warning for all radar signals: including "instant-on" X-band, K-band, and SuperWide Ka-band. Patented Digital Signal
Processing provides long-range warning distances, without increased false alarms."

I guess their definition of "long range" is a few hundred feet.

So save your money and don't waste it on this product.

Solo Review
The Solo 5110 cordless radar detector has been in both my cars for about 6 months now. You can program this thing to suit your tastes in the areas of volume, automute, 4 brightness settings, 5 radar sensitivity settings, start-up mode. It's easy to take down and hide from prying eyes. It has a front mounted on-off volume control which is rare to find these days and very easy to use. Great windshield mount, easy to use. If you so choose you can run it using an optional power cord. This unit all but never falses, that's very nice. Well written owners manual. I had to send the unit in once for a problem and not only did they fix the problem but they included an extra set of batteries, an extra windshield mount and they replaced a cosmetic item all at no charge. One week turnaround also. The only downside to this detector is it's Ka band detection which for me is acceptable in an urban environment. When driving on the highway where Ka can sneak up on you I would use the cord option because the unit's sensitivity is increased slightly with it.

If your driving is primarily urban or suburban I would strongly recommend this detector. It's user friendly, easy to hide and almost never falses. If you mainly drive the highways I'd get an Escort 8500 or at least use the Solo with the cord for the added range.

SO FAR, SO GOOD!
I've been a loyal customer of Escort back when it was Cincinnati Microwave and they know their radar detectors. It's hard to compare it to other brands because I simply haven't owned one...but seeing friends' radar detectors and the dangling cords and constant chirping that sounded the same, I feel like my detector was of better quality.

The Solo has changed a little, but it still offers accurate detection of photo-radar units (well in advance, too) and the Ka bands are dead-on. Frankly, I haven't ever picked up a laser detection signal and I don't know how much they're in use anymore...photo-radar is all the rage in my locality. The X bands will pick up false alerts from security alarms (usually from automatic doors at stores), but I'd rather have a few false alarms that quiet down automatically than to miss the one time Smokey has his gun trained on my car.

I like the ability to easily mute the sound and dim the signal lights, so as to be extra stealth in the dark. But let's face it...most cops know if you have a radar detector if you get pulled over. However, with this little Solo cordless, I've positioned it at the top of my window and someone standing outside the driver's side window cannot see it (SUV's might be different, but it depends on the thickness of your car's siding around the window.) And dangling cords are a dead giveaway and can easily be seen from behind--I'll take AA batteries any day. The unit is easy to mount and detach, too.

Personally, I have not experienced any problems with the suction-cup bracket that attaches the unit to the window--hasn't slipped or moved once and the angle is easily adjustable. But all things the same, I'd prefer a bracket that clips on the visor (like the one Solo used to have.) However it's attached, I know for a fact that this thing has saved me from some well-disguised speed traps and every photo-radar operation I've passed. If anyone has a laser experience with this unit, I'm interested in reading about it. Overall, a great investment if you have a heavy right foot, so long as you understand that no radar detector is 100% perfect. And, of course, you don't speed...which I never do. ... Read more

Features

• Affordable vehicle computer measures a car's speed, acceleration, and breaking performance
• Tracks acceleration times and speeds, including 0 to 60 and quarter-mile times
• Calculates peak horsepower; displays cornering and braking G-forces
• Attaches to windshield with included suction cup mount
• Accurate within 100 milliseconds out of the box; 5.5 x 1.7 x 1.4 inches (W x H x D)

Amazon.com Product Description

The Escort Passport 7500 radar/laser/safety detector provides long-rangewarning for all radar signals including X, K, and superwide Ka, as well asSafety Warning System (SWS) alerts. New advanced four-bit analog-to-digitalconverter circuitry provides higher-resolution digital signal processing foreven longer warning distances without increased false alarms. Instead of asingle laser sensor, the Passport 7500 has five. Mute and auto-mute featureseliminate long-range nuisance signals. You can instantly customize this detectorwith your preferred settings for 10 features, including power-on, meter type,auto mute, audio tones, brightness, dark mode, and safety radar. The ultrabrightmatrix display uses 280 LEDs and also displays over 60 specific safety textmessages to warn of hazards in areas where safety radar is in use.

The Passport 7500 comes with a manual, a quick-release adjustable windshieldmount with extra suction cups, and a power cord with lighter adapter. Themanufacturer offers a limited one-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• 5-sensor long-range laser-detection circuitry
• 4-bit analog-to-digital converter for improved radar-detection range
• Easy programming lets you set 10 features
• Sales restricted to the United States and shipment is prohibited to addresses in Virginia and Washington DC
• FCC Identification Number QKL7500

Reviews (4)

Escort Passport 7500
This radar detector is the best radar detector I have ever owned. I purchased it in early 2000 and it has never failed me. It consistently gives me adequate warning and only false alarms under the x band. I would highly recommend it for the price. As a matter of a fact, it pays for itself the first time you speed and are warned by an approaching or hiding police radar.

Escort 7500 vs. Bel 980 vs. K40 vs. Valentine 1
Some bad experiences with the Escort 7500:

First off, the 7500 does NOT have VG shielding. This is not a problem for most states and the odd Canadian province, but if you venture up to Canada, the OPP doesn't look too fondly upon radar/laser detectors...and your yankee plates!!!

Secondly, the range was very poor. While staying in Missouri for a month, I brought my Bel and 7500 with me for the drive. Both were on my windshield. : ) The Bel picked out the cop just as I could percieve his headlights -- wide-set square lights, dark car, noisy detector...plenty of time to slow down. The 7500 didn't scream until I could see that it clearly was a Crown Vic...by then, it would be too late. Ok, so the road was windy and the sky was foggy. A few days later, while driving on a straight road with unlimited visibility, similar story...but this time there were some dips in the road. Bel started screaming about 2 miles before the cop was visible. Escort? Let's just say that it told me to look for trouble just as the cop was coming up the opposite side of same hill. Not good!

The 7500 does have some good points. Laser detection far greater than the Bel 980's, and I found it easier to configure. The 8 tracking bars are good to watch as you have an idea of what's around.

But, when compared to the K40($250 range + no ticket warranty) for laser detection, there is nothing to compare. The K40's radar detection ranged from slightly between that of the 980 and 7500 to slightly better than the 980.

As for the Valentine 1 ($399), you get what you pay for. This is my all-time favorite. Sure, it lacks the neat gizmos such as SWS, but the main purpose is to avoid a speeding ticket.

Ranked from best to worse:

#1. Valentine 1 #2. K40 #3. Bel 980 #4. Escort 7500

Happy motoring!

GREAT Piece of Equipment
If you have never owned an Escort product, your missing the boat. This product is not like the "average" detectors sold here. It has several features which are very usful, unlike gimmicks found on lesser products. Its unique ExpertMeter, displays up to 8 signals simultaniously, showing band and individual signal strength. Its unique AutoMode makes this detector quiet to operate, even in congested areas. No matter how good you think your current detector is, there's nothing like an Escort designed radar/laser detector.

not so perfect
the item is good i used in the highway it worked, but it more likely to work well with the automatic door signals. liked it but not so much ... Read more

Product Description

digital and audio alerts for radar, laser, SWS, and VG2 * VG-2 protection minimizes the chance of radar detector detectors spotting your radar detector * multiple laser sensors for optimum coverage * "ExpertMeter" identifies band and strength of up to 8 signals * EZ Programming lets you store preferred settings for up to 10 functions * three sensitivity modes -- city, highway, and AutoSensitivity * power-on indication * signal strength meter * auto mute * 3 brightness levels plus dark mode * dimensions: 2-13/16"W x 1-1/8"H x 5"D * warranty: 1 year ... Read more

Features

• digital and audio alerts for radar, laser, SWS, and VG2
• VG-2 protection minimizes the chance of radar detector detectors spotting your radar detector
• multiple laser sensors for optimum coverage
• "ExpertMeter" identifies band and strength of up to 8 signals
• EZ Programming lets you store preferred settings for up to 10 functions