I like the concept of this. I have the old reliable V1 now, but would like to have something built-in and not stuck on my window. Anyone tried this yet?? cheers, Z

 

I've been seriously considering this. (tired of swapping the V1 between the Porsche and my daily driver). I've also looked at the 9500ci, but think it is way overpriced given its poor laser jamming performance.

Still waiting for some detailed reviews on the Qi45.

 

im also looking at the BEL STI R. Since its been discontinued they are going to 400-500. thats a great deal.

 

V1 is the best!!

 

I love my V1, but honestly it falses more than it should, and I really want a remote unit for my cab.

I also think a new model from Valentine is long overdue.

 

I would consider if it had GPS.

 

True. They need to get with the GPS and other features, shrink the unit or make it more stealthy, etc. Still a good detector, but lacking a bunch of other competitive features. Its what I use, too...

 

its seems to me that purchasing a unit without GPS locating capabilities is buying old technology. This can be specially effective if you drive the same route every day.

 

From what I read the qi45 is based on the 8500 which is just soso. So Im thinking its out.

 

I agree. However in my case, the Porsche is not my daily driver, so GPS is less useful to me. The Qi45 is less than 1/3 the cost of the alternative. Paying 3x more (9500ci) for GPS and medioce laser jamming performance just doesn't seem like a good deal...

Or Qi45 + the mediocre jammers is still 1/2 the price of the 9500ci. Any way you figure it, the 9500ci is overpriced....

Mike

 

+1. Kind of why Im leaning toward finding a Bel STI-R for $500. Its as good or better than a 9500ci, just missing the GPS and laser jamming.

 

True, but..

1) Its Discontinued - better buy it soon
2) Laser shifters cannot be added (even if Escort comes out with better ones...)
3) More components required to install / find a place for
4) No reason to expect its performance to be any better than the Qi45 - no comparitive reviews yet. Just a lot of speculation....

I'll wait and see...

 

I decided to get the new Escort Qi45 with the laser shifter. I spoke to them today and they sold me on it. Its based on the newest 8500x50 unit and the new zr4 shifters. Looks like winning package. Plus they gave me 20% the shifters, free shipping and $80 trade in on a old radar detector. (Ive got a really old detector Im going to send in). I will post photos once installed. Cant wait.

 

I have the Escort SR7, and short of the chatter at the same spots every day, it is a good product. I too hate the idea of removing it from the car every time I parked.

 

Interesting. What prompted the 20% discount on the shifters? Are they running an unadvertised promo? or are you just a smooth talker?

Also makes me wonder if new shifters are around the corner. Escort is not known for generous discounts...