Escort Inc. Passport 8500 Radar Detector

Radar detector manufacturers have always promised the ultimate in traffic ticket protections, but for years they delivered something less than adequate when comparing the final product to the advertised claims.

Some of this is still evident, even with this fine model, such as the claim to have increased response time to "instant on" photo-radar by 200%. This is supposed to be a good thing and make you feel more protected, and in a sense you are, but the mere fact that instant on radar is so quick that if you are the targeted vehicle and you are speeding, you are done. It happens so fast that a 1000% increase would not help you in that scenario.

But, every millisecond counts!

This unit does not have voice alerts (Low importance for me) or a built in compass (a fading feature that I like).

Fast driving, tech savvy drivers like me have always used our radar detectors as a tool in our speed driving kit. I don't rely on it exclusively, but I do learn the road and where I will here...Read more

This detector will fulfills the needs of most all drivers wanting some protection against speed tracking devices. I'm an engineer designing satellite systems and a Reserve Air Force Officer in satellite operations, routinely studing technology and it's application in warfare. For it's designed purpose, the New Passport 8500 excells over other products, and if properly engaged, will significantly decrease your probabiliy of getting stopped.

On routine routes, you must build a "profile" of emissions that routinely set off the detector, which is characterized by frequency and location of the signal. The 8500 allows you to tell you the numerical frequency of the transmission (if you want to set it up that way), or at least the band (standard display). One of the local PD trys to hide in the emissions of an x-band traffic signal, but his radar is K-band - the 8500 tells you he's there. It continuously scans all the frequencies, and supplies detection information...Read more

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.