My wife asked what I wanted for Christmas, so I thought I would like a radar detector. I like the Escort 9500ix, any first hand recommendations, I would prefer portable and not hard wired. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

 

i dont have 9500ix, but i had my share of detectors. V1 is best.
however, depends on where you are, here in SF/E bay/Peninsula, unless you know the area well, it's useless.

on 280 near my house we have chp on old radar, instant on rador, laser, you name it. i NEVER drive 10mph over the limit anymore. THEY are everywhere. my last tix was doing 30 on 25mph zone... i really dont know how to not stall the damn car at 25mph.

 

I use only the Valentine 1.. I dont care what the reviews say.. I had 1 of the passports in my car that was rated higher than the valentine by the computer geeks who think they know best.. Well my radar wasnt going off as i drove on the highway past a cop on the opposite side radar'ing.. My buddy behind me with his valentine was flashing his high beams saying his was going off for almost a mile before. That made me a believer and now i only use the v1.. People who drive vote v1 in most cases..

Mike

 

I can think of far better and more expensive presents for Christmas if you are after suggestions - LOL.

On the Radar, I do not have first hand experiance of the Escort 9500ix. I do however have experiance of the Valentine V1 and can highly recommend it as an alternative. It is certainly portable and can be hardwired (mine is) or run from the cigarette lighter socket. It has saved me many a time both in the US and in Europe. I am running the 2010 Gumball 3000 in May next year and will be packing it.

 

I also have the V1 and swear by it, however research shows that the new unit built in from Escort has a lot of pluses including, GPS, updates on cameras, and self learning along with a laser interrupter. When funs and wife, (wife driven) allow, I will also install the Escort and keep the V1.

 

Just thought of something else.

Talked to another V1 user with an 09 997S and just had the new unit installed and is still running his V1.

He is totally sold on the new unit. He stated cost is high with unit around 1500 and about 9 hours to install but feels it was money well spent.

 

I have and have had both V1 and K40. I actually have 3 V1's in different vehicles. I put the K40 in my RS (which I have since sold). We did a test with a local officer and his radar gun, then his laser gun. The K40 performed quiet well, with laser he got "no" reading on 5 passes. The radar was about equal to the K40, but no handy arrows. K40 was $1,800 and hard installed. V1 can go anywhere, has the handy arrows, can be hard wired, and still go anywhere. For the money you can't beat the V1.

The shop who installed my K40, owned by a friend, suggested the new Passport 9500 for my new Turbo cab, instead of the K40. But I think I will just get another V1 - see what Santa brings!

JCM

 

+1 on v1.

 

I have the built in Escort 9500

It works great and is hidden completely

 

+1 v1

 

+1 on the Valentine.

 

I think this is a personal choice where certain subtle features appeal to different people.

Do a Google search for "radar forum" -- this forum provides terrific information to help you make a decision.

My recommendation is that if your area has laser, you need a laser jammer (if it's legal in your area). You may consider a Laser Interceptor coupled with a V1, or get the Escort 9500ci (which I have). I'm very happy with my Escort 9500ci.

Oh, and if your LEOs use instant-on radar, forget it. Nothing will protect you from that other than being lucky, or very careful to follow a rabbit -- both of which are not fool proof.

 

Thank you everyone for your comments. I considered the Valentine but couldn't get past the owner's picture in the ads. He doesn't look like the sort of guy you should buy a product to avoid speeding tickets (no offense). However the Valentine seems to be the overwhelming choice here so far.

 

Valentine one!

 

You cannot put your foot on the brake faster than the speed of light, the laser. Without a jammer, you will get a ticket. Ask me how I know.