Escort Passport 9500ci Custom-Installed Radar Detector Review

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(More customer reviews)As a car-guy, I've owned a ton of radar detectors. The past few years, the choices have been very limited and I've tried most of them.
I've gone through a Valentine One (V1), a Escort Passport 9500i and finally the 9500ci.
In terms of RADAR, all three are nearly identical in terms performance and sensitivity.
Here's a quick progressive comparison of the other features.
The V1 has the arrows, which is great and all, but I didn't really need to know where the threat is coming from. I just needed to 1) know the threat was real and 2) slow down to the posted speed limit. I replaced the V1 because it was just too noisy during my commute. A great detector, but too much chatter.
I upgraded to the 9500i. It shined because of it's built-in GPS feature. I pass by five K-based RADAR Speed Limit signs each way on my commute. With GPS marking, I could easily lock out those specific false signals. The next time I would pass by, the system would be silent. When approaching one of these "marked" locations, the GPS icon on the display would start to rotate. This was essentially the 9500i saying, "I'm picking up the radar signal, but I'm not "bleeping" because you told me this exact location is a false". Simply awesome. The system is quiet until an unknown threat is detected.
The one thing I still hated; constantly removing the unit from the windshield every time I would park downtown or in a not-so-secure location. It was a thief-magnet and I didn't want to attract any unwanted attention.
That is what finally led me to the 9500ci. It takes all of the features of the 9500i and gives you an "integrated/stealth install". No more tacky black box suction-cupped to the windshield and no more worries!
The 9500ci also includes a pre-loaded Red Light/Speed Camera database which is upgradeable via the installed USB port. As you approach a Camera in the database, the system alerts you at a user-defined distance. Very handy.
If there was one not-so-great feature with the 9500ci, it would be the laser shifting. The kit includes ZR4 laser shifters. They are "decent" performers against some types of LIDAR guns, but not as good as top-of-the line Laser Interceptors or the new Blinder system. There are a ton of resources/reviews on line. Many include detailed performance figures. Do your homework with regards to what LIDAR guns are used in your area to help determine what system is best for you.
Installation took two days and included a custom-fabricated mount so the heads would be placed "just" ahead of the lower grill and level with the road. This would provide maximum range and functionality. The GPS unit, brain and speaker are all located under the leather instrument cluster shroud, just below the windshield. The USB port and a "kill" switch are located under the dashboard. The controls and display were stealthy mounted in the ashtray, also using a custom-fabricated panel. Be sure to check out the customer images I uploaded.
The only other negative and why this ultimately got 4-stars instead of 5-stars is the price. $1600 plus another grand or more to have it "properly" installed. You gotta pay to play they say. :)

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The PASSPORT 9500ci is the ultimate custom-installed radar and laser defense system. With blistering all-band radar protection and precise laser "shifting" technology, speeding tickets can be a thing of the past. ESCORT continues to lead the industry by incorporating its patented GPS technology that automatically identifies the source and location of all radar signals. Real threats are processed in less than a second, while false signals are learned and eliminated. Now all you have to do is drive!

The PASSPORT 9500ci is completely undetectable to all radar detector detectors, keeping you unseen and unnoticed. Crystal-Clear Voice Alerts, Speed Alert, Safety Warning System and its stealth installation make the PASSPORT 9500ci the ultimate in discreet protection.
It also comes pre-loaded with thousands of Safety Camera locations, (red light and fixed speed cameras) throughout the U.S. and Canada, and can be updated through ESCORT's web site. The PASSPORT 9500ci comes complete with owner's manual and installation guide, installation DVD, separate miniature controller and text display, front-mounted radar receiver, twin front-mounted laser receivers/shifters, rear license plate mounted laser receiver/shifter, 12-volt interface module, GPS antenna, 12-volt amplified speaker, display bezel, bi-color LED, and all mounting hardware. Also includes a 3 Year Database Subscription. There is nothing else like it.
Features
Ultimate in custom-installed discreet protection
Precise Laser Shifting Technology*--360 degree protection
Blistering All-Band Radar Protection
Completely undetectable to all Detector Detector Scanners
New Variable-Speed Radar Performance
New AutoLearn Feature
New Safety Camera Database--(pre-loaded with thousands of safety camera locations, including red light and fixed position speed cameras, located throughout North America)
New GPS-Powered Truelock Filter
New Mark Location Features
New Adaptive Signal Processing
New Speed Alert
New Crystal-Clear Voice Alerts
Free 3 Year Database Subscription
Database Compatible (Safety Cameras)
User-Selectable Preferences
High-Resolution Brilliant Blue Display
5 Levels of Brightness Control
Mute, AutoMute & SmartMute
Safety Warning System--60 specific safety messages

What's in the Box Owner's manual, installation guide, installation DVD, miniature controller and text display, front-mounted radar receiver, twin front-mounted laser receivers/shifters, rear license plate mounted laser receiver/shifter, 12-volt interface module, GPS antenna, 12-volt amplified speaker, display bezel, bi-color LED, and mounting hardware.

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