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Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector

Item#: ESO001

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360-degree detection
Detects "Instant-On" and POP Mode signals
Choice of red or blue LED (blue costs more to produce)
SmartCord mutes radar signals at the push of a button

More Info

Description

The Escort Passport 8500 Just Got Better!
Introducing the all-new ESCORT Passport 8500 X50 - the most advanced and sophisticated detector ever!

There's never been a detector like the Passport 8500 X50, and it's available in your choice of either a brilliant blue display or high-intensity red display.

Passport 8500 X50's patented Auto-SensitivityT mode intelligently distinguishes real threats from other known sources of radar - virtually eliminating false alarms. Conventional highway and city modes are also provided.

Passport 8500 X50's on-board computer can be reprogrammed to detect new radar and laser threats, making it a solid investment.

*** The blue display does cost more because of the additional expense in making the blue LED lights. There is NO DIFFERENCE in performance. ***

With 360-degree detection, radar signals are detected from any angle.
Detects "Instant-On" and POP Mode signals to adjust speed as necessary.
Programmable to show geiger-style alert scale or the actual band width number.
50% greater range than original 8500.
Mute a radar signal with the simple push of a button using SmartCord.
SmartShield® VG-2 Immunity prevents law enforcement from knowing that you are using a detector.
Built-in earphone jack for use with your motorcycle.
Popular Mechanics called it "state of the art" and Motor Trend said it is "at the top of the pyramid for overall radar and LIDAR detection."

DETAILS

X-treme Radar Range!
The Passport 8500 X50's new "V-Tuned" radar receiver provides extreme range on all radar; conventional and "instant-on" including POP mode, X-Band, and up to 50% more range on the all-important K and Ka bands than the original Passport 8500.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) provides maximum range, with minimum false alarms.

New High-Performance Laser!
Passport 8500 X50's multiple high-performance laser sensors provide maximum laser warning, with superior off-axis protection. For the ultimate in laser protection, the Passport X50 may be paired with the Laser Shifter ZR3 .

3 High-Resolution Meter Modes
The Passport 8500 X50 provides 3 types of meter displays: standard bar graph, exclusive ExpertMeterT, and our new SpecDisplayT.

In ExpertMeterT mode the Passport X50 can identify band and relative signal strength on up to radar 8 signals simultaneously.

Or, choose our new SpecDisplayT and Passport X50 will show you the actual frequency of the radar signal.

Comes Fully Equipped

Passport 8500 X50 comes complete with a comprehensive owner's manual, quick-release windshield mount, built-in earphone jack, a coiled SmartCord, quick-reference card, and an Escort travel case. A great choice for the motorcyclist that uses an intercom system.

Programmable Features

Power-On Indication
Power-On Sequence
AutoMute
Audio Tones
City Mode Sensitivity
Display Brightness
Dark Mode
Radar / Laser Bands

Power Requirement

12VDC, Negative Ground
SmartCord MuteDisplay™ Included

Technical Specs

Operating Band

X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz
K-band 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz
Ka-band 34.700 GHz ± 1300 MHz
Laser: 904nm, 33MHz bandwidth

Radar Receiver / Detector Type

Superheterodyne, GaAs FET VCO
Scanning Frequency Discriminator
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

Laser Detection

Quantum Limited Video Receiver
Multiple High-Performance Laser Sensors

Display Type

AlGaAs 280 LED Matrix/Text
Bar Graph, ExpertMeter™, or SpecDisplay™
3-Level Dimming, plus Dark Mode

Radar Roy's Tests

The Escort Passport 8500 X50 has consistently been a top-performing radar detector in every test Radar Roy has ever done.

In K, Ka band, POP, and filtering testing, the 8500 has led the pack.

Information About ESCORT

ESCORT created the high-performance radar detector market in 1978, and has been issued more patents in the radar detector field than all other manufacturers combined. ESCORT manufactures test-winning detectors under the PASSPORT, SOLO and Beltronics brands. ESCORT Inc. is headquartered in West Chester, Ohio with its principal manufacturing facility located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Staff Recommended Accessories

Accessories are available for purchase at the bottom of the page or in the cart.

The Direct Wire Cord provides a more permanent and concealed mounting option for your Escort or Bel radar detector. By tapping directly into a switched 12-volt power supply, this essential accessory will prevent loose cords from cluttering up your dash.

The Direct Wire SmartCord is another mounting solution for Escort and Bel radar detectors. Like the standard Direct Wire Cord, the SmartCord taps into your switched 12-volt power supply to free your dash from the cord clutter. It offers additional advantages as well. The SmartCord features a built-in alert lamp, pilot light, and convenient mute button so you can stay alert while keeping your focus on the road.

The Add-A-Circuit turns one fuse slot into two. This handy accessory plugs into any fuse slot, even if the slot has a fuse installed, and provides protection for both circuits. Ideal for use with the standard Direct Wire Cord or the Direct Wire SmartCord.

The Visor Clip Mount allows you to attach your radar detector directly to your sun visor. This accessory will keep your windshield free from mounts and other obstructions, resulting in a clear view of the road.

The Escort Accessory Kit includes a carrying case to protect your radar detector when not in use. You'll also receive an extra windshield mounting bracket and two extra sets of extra suction cups in case your originals become worn or damaged.

What's Included:

Radar Detector, Windshield Mount, SmartCord, Case

Dimensions & Specifications

Features

POP Radar Detection , Text Display

Type

Corded Radar Detectors

Brand

Escort

Dimensions (in)

5.32L x 2.85W x 1.25H , x

Documentation

Click here to view the Passport 8500 X50 Product Manual

See Other
Escort Radar Detectors Like...

Buying Info

Details + Dimensions

Guarantee + Returns

What's Included: Radar Detector, Windshield Mount, SmartCord, Case

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Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector

4.1

(based on 128 reviews)

81%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Clear alert (67)
Good sensitivity (62)
Easy to mount (61)
Great features (46)
Durable (45)

Cons

Gives false reads (22)
Not durable (12)
Inaccurate (7)
Pricey / poor value (3)

Best Uses

Highway driving (70)
Rural navigation (43)
Urban navigation (43)
Larger cars (21)
Family trips (18)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Practical (57), Commuter (37), Gearhead (24), Auto professional (10), Tuner (10)
- Travel Frequency:
- 20+ annual trips (6), 0-5 annual trips (4), 11-19 annual trips (4)
- Primary use:
- Personal (36), Business (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)

Most Liked Positive Review

My X50 has WAY more than paid for itself

My blue display X50 was not cheap, but in the 3 years I've owned it, it has saved me from more potential tickets/hassles than I could ever count. I was hesitant to buy...Read complete review

My blue display X50 was not cheap, but in the 3 years I've owned it, it has saved me from more potential tickets/hassles than I could ever count. I was hesitant to buy a detector at all after riding for years with a buddy and his junk Wal-Mart special that absolutely never shut up, and wouldn't detect a real cop until he was right in front of us. However, after doing some research I decided to give it a try and I will tell you, the X50 is the real deal. In flat terrain, it gives so much advanced warning that the alert gets annoying and I usually mute it long before I see the trap. In hills and curves, the warning is shorter, but still generous enough to keep you well clear of trouble if you are reasonably quick to react. It is also generally extremely quiet, and I usually don't even know it's there unless it has reason to speak up (with the one exception below). The blue display was a bit extravagant for me, but I have found it much easier on the eyes at night, and less visible from outside the car. The three brightness settings are also perfectly calibrated for day, evening, and night-time use, and are very easy to toggle between. The X50 is also extremely tough in my experience. It has been accidentally dropped on the ground hard several times, it has come loose from the windshield on bumps and banged around (it usually lives above the rear-view in my hard-used trail rig/work-truck), and I have also used it on my motorcycle. Despite all this, it works as perfectly today as it did the day I bought it. My only complaints about it are the flimsy mounting bracket and suction cup PITA (can't somebody come up with something better than this [$]!?!?), and it does false alert on K-band from automatic doors. These minor annoyances are FAAAAAR outweighed however by the fantastic performance of the unit, and the fine protection it provides. I'd give it a 4.8 out of 5, and I'm [*] fussy. I'm sure there are other good units out there, but if you are trying to decide on a top-quality radar detector, you won't be disappointed with the 8500 X50.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

Too much buck not enought bang

When I went and bought my passport x50 I was expecting a superior product. Before I bought the passport I did some research online on numerous sites and alot of them touted the passport as...Read complete review

When I went and bought my passport x50 I was expecting a superior product. Before I bought the passport I did some research online on numerous sites and alot of them touted the passport as the best of the best, the cream of the crop etc. so I was like wow, for this product to be this good and only in the $300 range was an incredible feat. I have owned a few high end detectors such as the Bell and Valentine 1. So I started using the passport and drove through town and was like wow this product hasn't gone off once, and my valentine normally goes off alot through town. Then I did some driving on interstate 80 in California and it did a good job detecting KA band there. I still didn't know the performance level of the passport until I drove to North Carolina from Fairfield California a 2600 mile trip. I decided to run my 10 year old valentine along with the passport on the trip to see what would happen. Out of 12 radar traps the passport only beat the valentine one time on the KA band. There were about 9 KA speed traps with 3 K band on the entire trip to NC. I do like the selectivity of the passport, but it just seems to wait until it gets a strong enough signal before it alers you to the presence of radar. The biggest Difference I noticed was when I was being shot from behind with radar, the valentine alerted me sometimes 4 or 5 seconds before the passport did and if there were no cars or something to reflect the radar I could see the cop in my rear view mirror before the passport starting alerting to the presence of radar, while the valentine was screaming.As for me I would rather have the greater distance alert coupled with a possible false alert than a detector that waits for a stronger signal to alert you. I run both detectors in my car and when both detectors alert I know the alert is legitimate. As for laser I got only 3 alerts from the passport(in which I really liked) and 15 from the valentine.I was disappointed with the valentine with quite a few false laser alerts in California, Arizona and New Mexico during sunset when I was going east on Interstate 40, so in those instances I liked the passport better for it's selectivity. My other gripe about the passport is that I think there should be more info on the display of the passport without having to change the mode to see it. Overall I like my valentine better, but for me since I paid [$] more for the valentine I should like it better. In my opinion if you are going to spend [$] for a detector why not spend [$] more for a Bell or Valentine and get a better product.

Reviewed by 128 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-5

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Nov

11

2011

(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

Not Loud Enough

By Dang

from Marion NC

About Me Practical

Pros

Lightweight
Stylish

Cons

Weak Seams

Best Uses

Comments about Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector:

The Radar Detector gets great reviews from just about everyone, but it seams week and the sound is quite even turned at the max. volume.

Sep

19

2011

5.0

Small but very strong

By King of the Road

from Pawleys Island, SC

About Me Practical

Pros

Easy To Access Items
Easy To Carry
High Quality
Lightweight
Stylish

Cons

None

Best Uses

Family Trips

Comments about Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector:

It keeps me honest and in the pack when I travel. It also lets me know where the source is located.

Jul

25

2011

5.0

Amazing Detector

By Akira

from Chatt, TN

About Me Modern

Pros

Easy To Identify
Good Capacity
High Quality
Lightweight
Stylish

Cons

Best Uses

Daily driving

Comments about Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector:

This unit is better than any radar detector I've ever bought. I expected it to only pick up signals while having radar/laser shot at it, but it picks up signals 1/2-1 mile away at the most. As with any radar detector, it picks up garbage signals, but you get used to where those are at and ignore them. What surprised me was when I was traveling to a friend's house. The detector alerted me to weak Ka band, and I slowed down from 5 mph over to the regular speed limit. I thought this was a false reading, but it persisted for about 30 seconds. Almost a mile down the road, I passed a police car running active radar that set the radar detector on fire.

This unit is sensitive, but reliable.

I also like the auto-quiet feature: where after a few seconds of a radar/laser signal, it will quiet itself... but not completely.

This is top-notch for the money spent on the unit. I will recommend it to friends and family members. I've already sealed a sale after a friend rode with me on a 250+ mile (one way) trip. We caught speed traps, moving radar, and were very pleased.

I've also found that the 360 degree Laser detection works VERY WELL. I passed a speed trap going exactly the speed limit, but when others who were not going the posted speed went through the trap behind me, I was alerted to LASER. I was alerted to Laser for over a mile while the stationary PO shot his laser unit, alerted over and over again.

This unit is worth its price. It's alerted me to moving radar and stationary radar units at least a half a mile away.

Definitely worth the money.

Jun

29

2011

5.0

Awesome .

By Porsche James

from Carlsbad CA

About Me Practical

Pros

High Quality
Lightweight

Cons

Best Uses

Weekend Trips

Comments about Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector:

In the city usually because they pose the majority of change in speed zones so it is nice to know where the radar is. This product has a great ability of catching the unknowns before you get into trouble.

Jun

17

2011

(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Range is great, you have time to react.

By Bob

from Salt Lake City, UT

Pros

Easy To Access Items
Easy To Identify
Good Capacity
High Quality
Lightweight
Range

Cons

Best Uses

Family Trips
Long Vacations
Weekend Trips

Comments about Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector:

Takes very little time to learn what alarms mean that radar is on the horizon, with ample distance to adjust your speed. Saved us at least 3 times on Las Vegas to Salt Lake trip. Very, Very few false alarms, and x number of those few were certainly radars that were well hidden and I missed visually. Best product unless you want to jump up another $200 or so. Highly recommend the Passport 8500.

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Customer Q & A

Q1: I love your site. Here is another question. I would love to put the radar detector on my visor with the addition of the visor detector holder you sell. It seems like a great way to conceal it and also so you do not have to take it off and put it back on the windshield everytime I stop. I hear that having the detector low on the windshield is good for laser (I think) but higher for other forms of radar. Will it make a difference? Does it really matter? Thank you!

A: The visor pocket we sell is a great way to conceal and protect your radar detector. It is better to have your radar detector higher up and all laser units lower on the car. As long as the actual detector unit is towards the front of the vehicle and up to at least the top of the dashboard you won't have any problems.

Q2: Which performs better 8500 or 9500i?

A: The 9500i is the better of the two models. It offers a GPS driven feature that the 8500 does not. This allows the unit to recognize when it is near an area that frequently has speed traps or false signals. The Passort 9500i one of our most advanced radar detectors available.

Q3: Does this product detect all bands of laser?

A: This detector can pick up all bands used by American police. It is not good for international use because it does not read Ku Bands that standard patrol cars in Europe run on.

Q4: The top part of my windshield is tinted (aftermarket). Will this effect the performance of the detector if I mount it to the visor?

A: No. The radar police use can be detected through all tinted autoglass and visor pouches by standard market detectors.

Q5: What is the difference between a Escort 8500 and the Escort 8500 X50?

A: The Escort 8500 is a 6 year old model and the 8500 X50 is a 3 year model. The X50 has updated software and firmware with better detection.

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