I've been using a Passport 4500 for several years in my previous 300ZX Turbo and now my 98 GS400. Prior to that I've owned 5 Escorts and Passports going back to the original cigar-box-like Escort.

I tried a Valentine 1 several years ago and returned it after several weeks mainly because of the number of false alarms and the lack of an auto mute.

I've seen recent posts talking about the new Passport 8500 and the current V1.

Anyone have any input on how my 4500 stacks up against the Passport 8500 and the current V1 and any others you might recommend?

 

I had a passport 5000 I think before my current 7500. I like the 7500 quite a bit better. Smaller, lighter, less false positives, MUCH smarter and more user friendly, particularly because numerous features can be customized to my liking. Two thumbs up here.

Like yourself, I found the V1 to give far too many false positives. With my 7500, I have X-band turned off.

 

I had the 4500 for a couple of years and upgraded to the 6800 and I love it. Personally, I think Escort makes the best detectors, and now with the 7500/8500 series being even more customizable than my 6800 (i.e. turning off the X-band), it's definitely the best maker out there..

My .02... there are a few people on this board who will disagree with us, but that's why there are different strokes for different folks!!!

 

I've never owned any other Passport until my current 8500. Before that I had a few Bel's, Unidens, and tried the Valentine 1. They were all decent but I can't comment enough on the Passport 8500! You can hit me up for a more detailed experience!

 

Turning of X band in urban areas is a good idea because cops use K and Ka band virtually exclusively and X band is used in automatic door openers and the like leading to false warnings. If you are travelling into rural areas you may want to turn the X back on as you never know what kind of outdated equipment some Boss Hogg cop in Po-dunk is using.

 

TXSTYLE, I tried to e-mail you but the system won't let me.

If you don't mind I would appreciate if you would share more about your experiences with the 8500.

I'm beginning to get a burning in my wallet for a new toy.

 

No prob, hit me up at sbowie@alliance-consulting.com
And I'll go over some of the finer points!

 

TXSTYLE hooked my up with an internet store that gave me a great deal on an 8500.

Thanks TXSTYLE!!

Appreciate the help. Looking forward to getting my new toy.

Marty