I am just about to cross 1200 miles, so I figured its time to get a radar detector!

Does anyone know the difference between the passport 8500 and the passport 8500 x50? I have seen a bunch for sale on ebay. What do you guys think about purchasing a factory refurbished one?

Lastly, anyone have pics on where they mounted their radar detectors? I am looking to get it hard-wired.

Any help would be great!

Thanks

 

I wanted to mount mine on top of the rear view mirror but there wasnt enough room so...

I hard wired mine on the far left side of the dash next to the A pillar, hidden by the inspection sticker. I tapped into the fuse panel on the left side kick panel under the dash. I grabbed the cigarette lighter fuse which is switched power so my detector turns on and off with the push button start.

Power cable is invisible aside from the termination that resides on top of the dash & plugs into my detector. I routed the power cable between the A pillar and dash panel and then down the inside of the door jamb under the removable access panel and into the top of the fuse block by the hood release. Very easy install - it took about 10 minutes to do.

 

Thanks. While doing a search I found Blackjack's post about a Stealth Cord. I probably will just end up getting that since it looks really easy.

Do you guys think it would be a bad idea to purchase a refurbished 8500 X50 from Escort?

 

Invisicord - Installation

Invisicord and Misc. Invisicord Installation Photos

 

perfect! I will def use either the Stealth Cord or Inviscord when I get my detector.

Is there a difference between the passport 8500 and 8500x50? If so, what? I cant seem to find anything different between them.

Also, has anyone ever purchased either of these refurbished from escort?

 

here are some pics of my escort 8500 x50 with mike's mount and inviscord

 

I would want to get Mike's mount, but I often have to park on the street in Atlanta, and I do not want my car being broken into. How hard is it to take the radar down?

Also, if I put it up higher in the tinted area to the left of the mirror, will I be losing any distance on detection?

 

I think for best results, it should be in the middle of your windshield.. but I'm guessing the difference will be very minimal. Putting it higher up in the tinted area might make you lose detection though.

Taking down the radar is easy because you still use your original metal mount provided from escort. So all you have to do is unplug the power and push a button on top to slide it right out.

 

oh perfect! thanks for the help. I will def be ordering one of these once I purchase my 8500x50

 

have you seen the group buy thread? saves you $14 for the escort mount.

https://www.myg37.com/forums/group-b...el-escort.html

 

I tried to goto the link you provided, but it says you do not have permission to access this page...

 

I have a V1. Its 12 years old and still works great. I use the original suction cup mount with the invisicord. Looks and functions just fine.

 

For radar detection higher is better. For Laser, lower is better. Mine sits right next to the left edge of my rearview mirror. It works great there. I think it is just at the bottom edge of the tint.

 

I just started using a radar detector again for the first time in close to 10 years. My last detector was a Passport I purchased in 95. Municipalities are in need of cash now more than ever. Even though I have not been pulled over in years I've had to many close calls as of recently.

I went with the Beltronics's RX65 but that Escort is a great unit.
Here's a bunch of links to get you started.
RadarTest.com - Best radar detector reviews from the world's most respected authority.
sz new 25 june
Radar Roy's Product Recommendations - RadarBusters.com
Radar Roy's Blog
Avoid Speeding Tickets with VEIL for Radar Detectors, Laser Detectors, Laser Jammers
Veil Guy
Radar Detector Tests and Reviews by Guys of LIDAR
Radar Detector Jammer Forum

For anyone looking to buy a real good radar detector under $200 check out the Beltronics 995 & 955. and the Whistler Pro 78SE and the XTR 690SE.

 

or you can always buy the escort passport 8500 x50 with red LED's on ebay for $199.99 shipped (refurbished but has a 6 month warranty from escort) or you can buy the escort passport x50 with blue led's for $229.99.