mdrobc1213

Got a new radar detector on the way to arrive monday to replace my old Escort Solo S2 I've been using. Looked alot at the following 4 radars: Bel Sti Driver, Escort 9500xi, and Valentine V1, oh yeah and the Escort Redline. Came down after much reading and forum searching and reviews on the Escort 9500xi! Liked the Valentine V1 alot and the distance and directional arrows were impressive as well as the bogey counter. Also the large fanbase was impressive. But in the end I looked at the majority of my driving style and location (mostly city/suburban with minimal interstate hwy driving) and ended up going with the Escort 9500xi! Was a hard choice and actually ordered a V1 but cancelled it once. Redline was next choice especially due to the stealth features but then again seems to have just a little better range than the V1 but not the GPS and camera database which is important as that is where a good portion of my driving occurs as well as in different locals when I am TDY on business. That added feature swayed me to the Escort 9500xi along with the ability to update via USB.

Now last decision...hardwire the Escort 9500xi or not? Should I put a hardwire mount in my other car too. I know there are dedicated proponents of each of the detectors I mentioned but I think everyone will agree that any of my choices will be a great improvement over my Solo S2 which is now like I think 5-7 yrs old! Thoughts anyone?

Chris from Cali

Congrats and Merry Christmas, Rob!

gota911

Rob, I would hardwire the 9500xi. It will be a "cleaner" look.

f4 plt

I also have a 9500 that I switch between several cars and have been thinking about the hard wire power cord. Don't like the coiled cord running down into the passenger foot well. I also have the Escort GPS detector combo in the Cayman and will hard wire it so I can easily remove the unit for tracking. I like their GPS detector combo. Really picks out the redlight cameras anda good GPS. I use the escort bean bag mount on the dash and it stays in place (street driving only)

Where are you going to mount the 9500? Also are you going ot take power off the foot well 12 volt source?

Marine Blue

Congrats, nice choice. Don't they make a mount that allows you to plug into the rear view mirror dimming power?

Here's the link: http://www.blendmount.com/

Coochas

Great XMas gift! I love my 9500. The GPS lockout function is wonderful and now my commutes through Boston are noiseless except for the occasional REAL signal!

Consider getting the "super cup" that Escort sells. It sticks to the windshield much better than the stadard 2 suction cups.

larrytrk

I thought new Escorts come with the super cup mount?
Hardwire, especially easy if you have a auto dimming Mirror

Coochas

I know they were running a special for a free super mount a few weeks ago. My wife is going to open her new Escort IQ today (the new device that is a radar detector and Nav all-in-one). It came with a free super mount. Her Mini doesn't have Nav so this should be great!

I also got a new Passport Solo 3 for my mother but it did not come with a super mount.

limey940

I have the 9500ix in my P car with laser blinders. i just had the 6500i detector and laser blinder system installed inj my truck. complete stealth install, one led on dash, control module hidden and dispaly integrated into dash. Just completed a cross country run, 2450 miles in about 30 hours of driving. Laser blinder saved us once, detector was great, what i love is the lack of false alarms and the gps learning.

enjoy your 9500

cheers

mdrobc1213

Chris
Yeah the other Xmas present was a Mossberg 12g Pump Action shotgun and a Berra .380 semiauto handgun! I am scheduled for the concealed carry class in 3 weeks too!

So I can't complain. Mrs Klaus was very Merry this holiday season! Maybe she'll bring me the Audi S7 in 2012 and we can all be the more merrier!

mdrobc1213

Thanks...may have to try that. My solo S2 was just mounted with suction cups...would fall from time to time. Am going to get it hardwired into my M3 next week and my Carrera later on after I talk to the shop when I take it in for a centerconsole and PDK change.

Edgy01

You need to take that thing out and give it a thorough TEST!

ADias

For me nothing other than a V1. Once you understand the arrows and develop situational awareness with it, nothing else fits the bill.

cviles

I agree about the arrows and the V1...I really love knowing which way to look to find the radar source. But....after having my window smashed twice and 2 of them stolen over the last few years, I just replaced my last V1 with a passport 9500ci. It's a pricey unit, but the installation is very discrete and jerks won't break into my cars, do $$$$ of damage, just to steal something they can pawn for $20. So far I like the new unit, but I've only had it a week now.

Dunkleblau S

don't waste time or money -- these guys do NOT support 997s or Panamera's at all. They havent figured out how to re-engineer the mount for the oblong rear view mirror post.