Would you pay $649 for the Escort Passport IQ?

PASSPORT iQ - Escort Inc.

 

$30 cobra saved me 2 tickets so far. still got 2 while I had it though.

 

yes, yes i would. I would prefer if it was built into a radio/cd/mp3/ipod unit. All in one dash unit you know?

BTW I think laser detection is pointless, If it detects a laser the cops already got you.

 

That is a lot of money.

I just picked up the cobra 9550G with the GPS unit attached. I have been amazed at how well it works, not only does it do all sorts of radar and laser detection, but it also points out speed trap areas, red light and speed cameras, and areas known to be dangerous. I am impressed so far.

 

I like the integration with the GPS/ Nav. I'm just not feeling the price. It was just released in October and there are already rumors that another unit will be available shortly that incorporates Bluetooth. I'm really not concerned about that as I already have bluetooth in both vehicles. My thinking is that if another unit is released, then the price should drop on this unit.

I talked to Escort and they are only offering the unit factory direct. This tends to make me believe another iteration is in the works. As of now, there is no plan to ship out to dealers...

 

No. I would not pay over US$200 for any detector. At that price point, they are all generally the same. The subtle differences in features or range are hyped to get you to part with extra money. And Thirteen dog is right -- instant on laser means there is little to no warning, although sometimes there is enough leakage ahead from other cars being hit to give you a small warning. I cover about 30k miles a year, mostly highway driving 5-15 over, and my Beltronics 965 has saved my a$$ multiple times. I'm perfectly happy with a seperate Garmin as a GPS, although the dash gets a little crowded. I also keep a radar detector for years (had my other Bel for 6) while I upgrade the GPS every 2 because of improvements in features and updated maps. GPS' are dropping in price like anchors.

 

I have the Escort Passport 9500ix and it has it all GPS, Speed Camera downloads, mark your own speed traps, K, Ka,X, band, and laser. Plus it will also cancel out false alarms such as garage doors,

I have owned it over a year and it is awesome. Probably save me at least (3) tickets so far. But I do have to conclude if you get zapped with a laser gun you probably are nabbed.

 

I have the 9500ix as well, and it is awesome.

 

If you don't mind sharing what did you all pay for these units?

 

9500ix runs about 400-500$. Valentine 1 $400, various other units mentioned anywhere from 150-300$.

BoilerUpXfire - I don't want to say that your Cobra is a piece of crap, because if you say it has saved you, it has saved you... but in reality, Cobra detectors suck. Check out guysoflidar.com, (many members of the radardetector.net forums), for the best detectors with tests.

I wouldnt buy the iQ but that's just me. I believe in Garmin GPS and would buy a standalone garmin unit, and a better standalone radar detector, such as the V1, 9500ix (that has a few issues but I won't even go into them on here), or the Redline. Then get a quality laser jammer (Laser Interceptor or Blinder M*7) and you'll be set.

Sure it's a lot more then $645, but when you're talking tickets......

 

Satisfied V1 owner here for 11+ years. Yes $400 is a lot but worth it IMO.

This unit is impressive with GPS integration but sheesh...still no directional arrows??

You know what I love about my V1.

 

Taking notes.....yes I will take you all with VASCAR.....lol.....have fun with your toys.....

 

Always wait for you to chime in on these threads doc

Yes VASCAR will prevail. But the majority of the time, police use Radar / Lidar, since vascar has to be calculated.

 

I would pay that for a good detector. Hell, I was paying $600+ to get K40's installed in my cars almost 20 years ago.

Then again, you can get as good protection for a lot less money.

As has been mentioned, Laser detection is pretty much useless.

 

I read MANY reviews on the detector all over the net, and while you are entitled to your opinion, I am more than happy with my $225 detector that I paid $120 for that has nearly all the features of the 9500 except GPS tagging.

May I ask, what it is you have in your car?

 

all depends on your driving. back in BC (Before Crossfire), i drove with traffic - usually 5-10 over the posted limit - never had any problems. i got 2 tickets in my xfire within in 6 months of ownership and i was picked out of the middle of the crowd both times. i did me some research and went with the Bell RX65. I didn't have the cash for the high end units and this one tested distance about the same. Bel, Valintine, and Escort top ends were basically a wash. you never know how many tickets it saves you from - maybe every time it bleeps, maybe none - but for that price, if it saves me from just 1 ticket, it's paid for.

 

Ive had a cobra 6band laser eye that talks for 10 years. its saved me several times. Being aware of your surroundings helps imensely with any detector in that if you know the spots the cops are likely to be hiding in etc you learn to back down just enough

BTW, my detector talks to warn me but the volume isnt as loud as when new...any suggestions

 

Although the Valentine One is my current all-time fave. If I would do it all over again, I would probably get a Bel STi or some other device with a well-shielded LO - just for the 50 states usability.

 

Maybe it's time for a hearing aid.

 

i paid 500 for mines at best buy: i have the passport xi. it has saved me many times, hell it has saved us when me and tom was comming home from the dragon.. i am sure that there are other units out there that will do the same thing. but what i like with this model is that it blocks false alarms and also locks in know speedtraps.