ok i made this a new thread because i wanted a poll so i could see what people really think.

Reminder: all models will be hardwire so even the Solo S2 can have a chance

 

You are asking a question similar to the "what's a better exhaust" question. You are going to get a TON of different answers, as it's a heavily biased question. Everyone's favorite is the one that they're currently using, or else they wouldn't use it.

So, may I suggest doing a search, or you can check out the following thread to see what this thread will end up like:

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=61048

I'm not trying to be the thread police or an a-hole, I'm just trying to prevent what's happened before, and what's starting to occur on your other thread.

 

Has anyone seen a written test of the Escort 9500i? I'll withhold judgement until I see a published performance test from an unbiased source (like Car and Driver magazine), but I bought the V1 based on its performance and I love it.

 

you forget to include the best RD of all.

Bel STI Driver
http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=100542

Put that up and i can vote.

 

I dont think the solo s2 will have a problem especially when that's what most of us use got mine on ebay for 235 new.

 

i really want something that will give me good features and excellent protection, more than likely i will be using the mirror mount like TacoBill has so i want something that will work even behind the small tint area

 

In terms of radar detection performance (purely technical aspect):
The Escort Solo S2 pales in comparison to the wired detectors.

 

Maybe so, but my S2 has saved my a$$... twice!

 

The Solo S2 is the best cordless you can get, but the x50 still has it beat for range.

 

well i am going to be hardwiring the unit and most of the reviews have talked about the S2 not really doing good cause the batteries limit it, that is why i want to hardwire it, but if one of the other kits outperforms it then awesome

 

I don't know what you call "limited", but mine lasts ~ 16 hours. The way I use mine, I usually get at least 2 months on a set of batteries. And, I use rechargeable batteries, so a simple 15 minute charge renews them.

I can't comment on whether it is outperformed by others, as I have nothing to compare it to. But, it works great for me. And, I can take it from car to car quite easily, without worrying about the cig lighter adapter, etc. Plus, since they're illegal in VA, I can quickly place it "out of arm's reach" (legal term used here) when I cross the border into VA.

 

people say it is limited because the batteries get low and the range decreases, but i am really looking at the X50 and the S2

 

I've never had an issue with it. Besides, it has a battery meter that shows when you turn it on anyway.

When you think about it, how much supposed "less" range could there be. Most roads aren't straight for longer than maybe 1/2 to 1 mile before a slight bend or something comes up, so that is your theoretical range anyway. And, I think that range is even less once you take into account traffic on the roads.

If you're doing 95 in a 65 or 70, I don't think that even the BEST radar detector is going to save you, and IMO you deserve a ticket anyway.

If you're looking for a good radar detector that will provide a nice "safety" just in case you aren't paying attention to your speed, or just to provide an indication of what's going on around you with radar, then the S2 would be fine. That's what I use it for. And, you have the benefits of it being cordless.

If you are a chronic speeder that is trying to avoid a ticket by hoping to have a warning of when to slow down, then you may want to reconsider your driving first. JMO

BTW, the only "issue" that I've had is that mine mysteriously shuts down when crusing (and won't turn on unless I remove the battery), but it's only done that a couple of times. Unfortunately, I don't usually realize this, because I'm not paying attention to the blinking light.

Also, since I'm using rechargeable batteries, it seems to offer less warning about a low battery, and has less "reserve" too...causing it to sometimes turn off with only a very brief indication. But, this is due to the nature of rechargeable batteries vs. regular batteries, and I minimize this by making sure the batteries are charged. Unfortunately, as stated before, I sometimes don't realize that it's off because I don't pay attention to the light.

One more thing: you CAN get a cig lighter for the S2, so that it becomes corded. The instruction manual makes ZERO comments about the range being better with it corded than cordless. They just mention that it can be corded to save battery power.

If you are considering the S2, I would recommend calling Escort and asking about whether the range is decreased or not with battery power, because honestly, I don't believe it. Again, JMO.

 

ok i have narrowed it down to the X50 and the S2 since i bought something and now i am on a budget, i found some S2's on ebay froma guy named fondus for cheap just wanted to know if its a good buy or should i go to best buy like i would do for the X50?

 

I bought my S2 direct from Escort. So, I can't comment on the reliability of the ebay seller. You should just check his feedback and go from there.

 

well he has 100% positive feedback and says he has been there for 5 years already, i just wanted to know since he says it is brand new and has never been opened, even the picture shows a sealed box, if he does like the other sellers and scrapes off the serial number or if he leaves it sealed and sells it for the price he puts, also found out he sells the X50 for cheap too so i might just buy from him if someone can chime in if they used this buyer

 

Exactly. I've noticed the same thing around here. Even the stuff that's so lame and cheap, it's still the way to go "hands down" if you're can't afford to use better.

Search.

 

If the box is FACTORY sealed, then you *should* be OK, because the serial number is on the radar detector itself.

You could always email to ask.

 

Best Detector: 9599i

Best "Bang For The Buck": 8500 x50

 

I can't be sure they all work exactly the same but, with the V1 my experience is, I can detect radar sources "around corners". I will get a low level warning when they trigger it, must be enough bouncing going on that traffic and corners may weaken the alert but you may still get a warning anyway. Even still, I agree with your general opinion..

It probably helps to drive the same route also, since you tend to remember where the false-alarms are; for example there should only be 3 sources in that shopping mall I pass every day, why today is there a Ka-band 4th source hmmm? The V1 is **** expensive though. But it does appear to provide the most "information" on what is going on of any unit out there.