Escort 9500ci Radar Detector Review
“I can honestly say that Escort has developed the most intelligent and ‘super charged’ performing radar detector/laser shifter that I have ever laid hands on!” Radar Roy May 2008
Last Updated – 10/3/2010
Still My #1 Pick for the Best Remote Mounted Radar Detector and Laser Jamming System made today!
The Escort 9500ci is the ULTIMATE custom installed radar detector and laser jamming system made today! With all band radar detection, laser jamming, GPS speed camera notifications speeding tickets are something from the past.
Top Reasons to Consider the Escort 9500ci
No One Will Ever Know: The discreet installation and the stealth capabilities of the Escort 9500ci allows it to be completely hidden from the eye and those deadly Spectre RDD’s (Radar Detector Detectors). All of the sensors utilize modular connections to the interface to the miniature control module allowing multiple installation options and install flexibility. Color coded cables make installation a snap.- Twin Antenna Design: Its dual antenna design introduces a new level of radar performance each tuned for each specific radar band allowing the 9500ci the longest possible warning on all radar bands, including POP.
- Adaptive Dual Signal Processing: The 9500ci antenna system analyzes all incoming radio frequency signals and automatically filters out false alarms. The result is the top performing long range radar detector ever made.
- Laser Jamming Protection: Radar Detectors by themselves are typically useless against laser, “if you’re shot your got”, therefore unless you have a laser jamming system installed alongside your radar detector you are vulnerable. The Escort 9500ci addresses this issue by the inclusion of their Shifter laser jamming system for both front and rear protection.
- End Those Annoying False Alerts! False alerts are the number one compliant among radar detector users and to combat this issue Escort incorporated their AutoLearn feature which utilizes artificial intelligence to automatically learn by the exact location and frequency each radar signal and determines if it is a real threat. The result is the most accurate long range dash mounted radar detector on the market and a permanent solution ends all those false alerts that you may have grown accustom to with other radar detectors.
- Fight Back Against Photo Enforcement: States and municipalities have discovered a new cash cow, photo enforcement cameras. These automated speed cameras are everywhere today snapping our photo and mailing costly citations to our home and businesses. Escort Inc. has developed one of the most complete and accurate databases of known fixed camera locations with their DEFENDER Database for North America. Each 9500ci is shipped pre-loaded with thousands of these camera locations programmed into its memory. As you approach one of these locations the 9500ci will alert you in advance, keeping you ticket free. You can even program your own “hot spots” using the Mark Location feature. Programming updates to your 9500ci’s DEFENDER Database is easy online through their detector tools program.
- Download New Firmware Updates Online: New firmware updates are developed by radar detector manufactures on a regular basis to address new and emerging technology from the police radar gun manufactures. In the past to have your radar detector upgraded, you had to pay to mail it back to the manufacture and wait weeks to get it back, not anymore! The Escort 9500ci is web ready simply connect your detector to your computer, log into Escorts website and download and install the latest firmware and Defender database updates in minutes.
- Variable Speed Sensitivity: Most of the other radar detectors from other manufactures have two sensitivity settings to combat false alerts; Highway and City. The premise is when you set your radar detector to city; the radar detector is less sensitive and less prone to false alerts. The problem with this is if you forget to set your radar detector back to Highway mode when on the Interstate your detector may not have the range or sensitivity to pick up that patrolman around the corner and now you’re caught. Escort’s solution to this dilemma is their GPS based Variable Speed Sensitivity technology. The GPS inside of the Escort 9500ci senses how fast you are driving and adjusts the sensitivity accordingly and it never forgets.
- Easy Programming: Even if you’re someone like me who cannot program my own TV remote control I find the Escort 9500ci a snap in programming and set-up for its advanced features. The Escort 9500ci is pre-set and ready to go out of the box, but some of our power users may want to set the unit up to complement their own driving experience and personal preference. The easy to use 9500ci’s preferences menu allows you to do this in a snap. Don’t drive in an area where X band is used, turn it off; rather use the Expert Meter display, turn it on. It is that easy.
- Crystal Clear Voice Prompts and Alerts: Keep your eyes on the road, not on your detector! The 9500ci alerts you with clear and easy to understand voice alerts so you will immediately know what threats your detector is alerting you to.
- Self Adjusting AutoVolume: Nothing is more infuriating than having a radar detector go off and not hear it as it alerts you to a speed trap ahead. The 9500ci solves this problem by automatically adjusting the volume based upon the ambient noise surrounding you inside your vehicle ensuring that you will hear it even if you have your radio turned up or if you’re having a conversion with your passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Escort 9500ci
- How easy is it to install the Escort 9500ci, the Escort website says I need to have it professionally installed. Well that depends, have you ever installed a car stereo system, are you good with a screwdriver and electrical components? If so it is very easy. The installation instructions that come with each Escort 9500ci are very easy to understand and a typical installation will take you several hours. If you don’t feel comfortable installing the 9500ci call your local Best Buy store and see if they have a qualified 12 volt installer and if so find out how much they will charge. I’ve had clients tell me that Best Buy charged them from anywhere from $200 to $800 for installation, so shop around.
- What is the price of the Defender Database Subscription? It is free for the first 90 days of ownership. A one year database subscription is $19.95 and a two year is $29.95. A card with your authorization code is included with each 9500ix when you receive it.
- Why doesn’t Escort honor their warranty from the detector I purchased on Ebay (or Amazon, Overstock and others)? Escort has a very strict Authorized Dealer Program and MAP policy to ensure that you, the consumer are getting the very best service and support, this policy is outlined in their manuals and on their websites. If you purchase an Escort radar detector from an unauthorized dealer and you have a problem with the unit or want to subscribe to their subscription service you may be denied or required to pay an extra possessing fee. For more information I invite you to read a post on my blog on how Overstock.com screwed one of their customers.
- Is Laser Jamming Legal? Unlike radar jamming which is illegal in the US and carries hefty fines levied by the Federal Communications Commission, there are no federal laws regulating laser jamming. In fact laser is not regulated by the FCC but by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). However there are states that do have laws that prohibit jamming of police laser guns, these states include: Nebraska, Minnesota, Utah, California, Oklahoma, Virginia, Colorado, Illinois and Washington DC
- I live in a state where laser jamming is illegal what can I do? Well you have two options, let me explain both:
1- By default the laser shifting capabilities of the Escort 9500ci are turned off, so you’re not jamming, so it would be legal for you to use in this mode.
2 – Now I’m not recommending that you break any laws, but here is a thought. If you’re driving in a state where laser jamming is illegal and your laser jammers active, slow down and turn the unit off. That way as you approach the officer you will be at the speed limit and the officer will be able to get a speed reading on your car. I also recommend that you use this same practice when driving in states where laser jamming is legal. - Does this detector have 360 degree protection? Yes, every radar detector manufactured by Escort and Beltronics has full, 360 degree protection.
Potential Issues with the Escort 9500ci
- Many people are shocked when they see a $1599.00 price tag for a radar detector and laser jammer combo but remember, you get what you pay for. The 9500ci is the Big Daddy of all of the radar detector systems today, nothing is better on the market! If you want to have the confidence in knowing that you can beat virtually every speed trap device made today including; red light cameras, fixed photo radar cameras, police laser, and police radar then the Escort 9500ci is your only choice. If photo enforcement cameras are not an issue in the area you drive, then consider the Escort QI45, a much more inexpensive alternative.
- If you’re installing the Escort 9500ci yourself or if you’re having an outside installer do the installation for you, make sure that you or they know what they are doing and to take time to read the manual. I have had clients call me that have gone to installation shops and the installer had installed the laser sensors behind the grill, they will NOT WORK THERE. Laser is light, if anything blocks the light wave from the officers gun, you are caught. Also by default the laser shifting capabilities of the Shifters are deactivated, after installation you will have to go into the programming and activate the laser jamming capabilities of the 9500ci.
My Bottom Line Recommendation for the Escort 9500ci
If you’re serious about having the very best discrete long range radar detector that is stealth to all the RDD’s and also includes GPS capabilities for photo enforcement speed traps and automatic filtering then you have only one choice, the Escort 9500ci as there is no other radar detector in its class.
In fact, I am so confident in the performance of the 9500ci that I have this unit installed in my own truck!
This Based upon my 20 years in law enforcement as a certified police radar instructor and 15 years being involved in the speed counter measurement industry.
This is also backed up by literally thousands of other reviews and feedback made by other automotive publications and happy Escort 9500ci users that you will find online, a few of which are published at the end of this article.
If you support my quest as being an independent reviewer of the radar detector industry and wish to support me in my journey, please do me one favor, consider purchasing it at Radarbusters.com. As an affiliate I earn a commission from them, if you make a purchase utilizing the links within this website, that offsets my costs and time and supports my cause.
If you have any further comments or suggestions please contact me or use the comment box at the bottom of this article.
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Other Independent Testimonials from Customers and Automotive Publications
Car and Driver | December 2008
“Overall, the 9500ci is a bit like the Bugatti Veyron: darn expensive, but if you’ve got the money to spend, you won’t be disappointed”
RadarTest.com | February 2009
“the use of GPS and clever programming make the Passport ci the quietest remote radar detector ever tested”
43 Responses to “Escort 9500ci Radar Detector Review”
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The 9500ci is by far the most sensitive radar detector on the market. The GPS features though keep it as quiet as a mouse until there is a real threat to worry about.
If you have the money you have to have this detector, worth every penny just for the detector alone. That’s a good thing because the laser shifters are practically useless for all intents and purposes. For such a great detector it’s a shame Escort combines it with the ZR4 laser shifters.
The shifters are some of the weaker on the market. To be protected adequately against laser, it is imperative you lose the ZR4′s and move up to Blinder or Laser Interceptor.
Will the Laser Interceptors shifters work with the 9500ci if so how does that install work and what do you do with the old ZR4s?
They will work with but would not interface with, they would be two stand alone units
I’m unclear on the details of how best the 9500ci and Laser Interceptors integrate (or don’t integrate); specifically….
1. If you “loose the ZR4′s and move up to Laser Interceptor”, since these systems supposedly operate independently, what integration features, if any, do you lose versus using just the weaker ZR4′s? Are you just giving up the consistency of both the radar & lidar alarms and control from a single pod?
2. There is now an Escort “8500ci plus” system that appears to be the 9500ci minus the ZR4′s. Is that true? If so, wouldn’t it make sense to get that one plus Laser Interceptor to avoid paying for the unwanted ZR4′s? Or is there some benefit to still using the ZR4′s or some other feature of the the 9500ci not included with the 8500ci Plus? Note that if you use both ZR4 and Laser Interceptor it would seem to be a bit crowded in the grills (twice the gear) so that doesn’t appeal (or please explain if it makes sense).
None of Escort’s products integrate with anyone else s products, however they do work together
The 8500ci is not new, its been around for years called the QI45
I suspect you’re looking for a detector that has the performance of the 9500ci without the ZR4
If you are then check out the Bel STiR Plus: http://www.radardetector.org/reviews/bel-sti-r-plus-radar-detector-review/
Roy, thanks for the feedback. I don’t see why Escort is apparently selling the 8500ci & Qi45 as they appear to be the same unit as you say. The “8500ci Plus” adds the GPS so I think it is different than either the 8500ci or Qi45. The Bell unit does seem to be similar or possibly functionally identical to the 9500ci sans laser shifters or the 8500ci Plus. I wish they (Escort/Bell) would be a little more transparent in the feature sets across these products. If you can add anything further please do; I agree the Bel STiR Plus with Laser Interceptor looks close to ideal.
Escort/Bel does cross market their products under different names and even with their own branded products
Yes it does cause confusion. The 8500ci is the same unit inside no matter how you slide and dice it
My first radar detector was a toy compared to this. Pricey, but top-of-the-line and nothing gets by this one. Highly recommended for today’s driver.
I run this radar detector/laser jammer system on my own personal vehicle and it is by far one of the most sensitive radar detectors available today. Its GPS capabilities allow me to mark speed trap locations, lock out false alarms, and mark redlight camera locations. The system allows for a very stealth install.
The big negative about this system though are the laser shifters that come with the system. While the radar detector portion of the 9500ci is superb, the laser shifters are below average. I found, through laser jammer testing, that the laser shifters could not adequately protect my vehicle so I had to buy a separate laser jammer system (Laser Interceptor) to supplement my 9500ci.
i have installed it in my car . but the question is where laser shifting not working with photo laser ? is this mean my laser shifting for only laser guns ?
Not sure of your question about photo laser, the only photo laser cameras I’m aware of are in AU and NZ and it does work in jamming those.
Laser shifters are not working against poliscan mobile vans or stand still speed traps poliscan. I have tested it. It could’t detect any of them. Escort company been mailed and their excuse they don’t know since it’s not in service by US police. Therefor I started looking for LI dual. by the way radar sensor are working great also Gps and these are the best things I like about it, but is there a problem with mounting the radar detector behind car logo ,it’s made of plastic and they told me even objects can effect the radar proformance to detect
One of these days I hopefully can scrape up enough $$ to upgrade to one of these!
Wow!! this is a super unit!
Stealth mount + radar + jamming.
If I had the $$ to go all out – i’d go for this!
I disagree with this review. The detector on this unit is top notch, but the jammer is a disappointment. If you look at the test results of Escort’s “shifter” you’ll notice it’s not nearly as good as the leading jammers. You would be much better to buy a 9500ix and then a top quality laser jammer (like Laser Interceptor or Blinder) and you’d be at about the same price point and have a better performing unit.
Multanova. Multaradar ( photo radar ) Works in Low power ka. Only v1 can detect it. I have escort 9500ci can’t detect it. Is there any way to modify it.
With the stealth and performance from this unit, it seriously makes me think about switching from my V1 to the 9500ci. My problem is getting somebody to install it for me.
I have a Redline, but my next very choice would be this unit the 9500ci. I’ve seen amazing results online and it’s even mounted at the bumper level. I’m not sure how that could help in range but it doesn’t hamper it at all. Maybe in my next car I’ll get these and have a stealth install with some LI quads installed too. Too many cool toys to think about.
The 9500ci is the best unit I have ever used. It is installed in a F250 and was a very easy install.
I did use the Quad LI for the front due to the big footprint of the ford grille. The 9500ci laser jammers are on the rear bumper for more support when driving around Dallas
Thanks Roy for the advice.
Rob
Roy can I adapt the Laser Interceptors to the 9500ci? It seems the 9500ci has lots of pluses but for the money shouldn”t have better shifters for the price?
Nope, they would not interface with each other
They each use different technology
I have one installed in my camaro. I do not have the shifters hooked up because I have a blinder m27. I’ve seen test done and the shifters do not perform will as a blinder system or a Laser interceptor. 9500ci Ka range, I’ve picked up 6.5 miles out in the California desert….that’s when I met him @ 6.5 miles and he was driving at me, who knows how far it picked him up. Love the GPS lock-out system, great for driving in town, has the red-light and photo camera system built in. I like the fact it is concealed. Nobody knows I have it until they sit in my car. The display is in the car left corner of the headliner, and little led is in the dash, controller is next to the gear shift. Totally stealth. It’s expensive but I recommend it to anyone. Even if you install the shifter heads, you have 3-5 secs of warning time to adjust your speed.Great for Virginia residents and military bases were it’s illegal to have a radar detector.
Hello.
I live in Australia and over here the police now use the new Vitronic Poliscan laser speed cameras. I have heard some rumors that the 9500ci’s zr4 laser shifters won’t work against that type of lidar system. Is that true or not. Will the 9500ci protect me from the poliscan. If not can I put better laser shifters on it.?
Cheers
Danny.
@Danny – Sorry not familiar with these Laser Cameras
Hi Roy, you’re a wealth of knowledge & resources & we’re lucky to have you. I’m in the market for a C5 Z06 Corvette, & am considering an Escort 9500ci (& yes, I’ll buy it through your source:). Some claim that the laser shifters on the ci are below average, & to adequately protect your vehicle, you need a ci AND a separate laser jammer, such as the Laser Interceptor. Do you agree with this assessment?
If I have to buy a separate radar detector & laser jammer, do you recommend the ci/LI combo, or would an Escort 9500ix/LI be a good choice? Please elaborate as I’m looking for maximum protection.
Exactly where on the front & back of an ’02 -’04 Corvette Z06 should the shifters be mounted? Are there any other components with the ci that need to be mounted on the front or rear of the car?
One Z06 that I have my eye on already has a ci installed (on the left of the dash). The owner said it was a professional installation, but how do I know for sure?
If I’m caught in the rain, can the shifters get damaged?
And lastly, can you recommend a shop, or individual in the NY/CT/NJ area that can do a pro installation?
Thanks in advance for your time, advise, insight,
Glenn
Thank you for your comments Glen. Here is what I recommend: The Bel STi R Plus: http://www.radardetector.org/reviews/bel-sti-r-plus-radar-detector-review/ and the LI : http://www.radardetector.org/reviews/laser-interceptor-generation-8-laser-jammer-review/
Each vette is different, but we have put the shifter heads under the bumper, in the air scoops under the bumper and even in one install in the airscoops in the hood. In the rear just attach to the rear license plate. Hope this helps, drive safe.
I’m looking for the very best system for my motorcycle. I ride a sport bike, a Buell (American Made!), so there is not as much room to mount stuff.
I know you can’t say without seeing the bike but based on what I’ve told you do you see any non-starters in attempting to mount the unit? How water proof is it? Since you can’t hear crap on a bike and I’m 56 and can’t hear anyway, I want a HARD flasher mounted in my helmet. Can this be mounted on the 9500ci? Thanks for your help.
These guys have several mounting systems, I would give them a call. Ask for Mike or Dee and tell them that Roy sent you: http://www.radardetector.org/reviews/techmount-radar-detector-mounts/
As far as the detector the only unit that is water proof is the TPX but it is not the best alternative for bikes.
I use the 8500 x50 with the Hard, but right now the HARD is out of production for 6 months for a redesign
Hi Roy.
I have a question for Roy…!
I just ordered the 9500ci for my 2009 BMW M3 Convertible. I bought this system because having it stealthily hidden away is a priority to me. Anyway I plan to mount the display in rear view mirror, And the control buttons below the stereo. Do you foresee any issue with this. I was going to ask my installer for a fast kill switch where the fog light switch is on the M3. (I hear it can be hard sometimes to shut the unit off quick).
My concern is. The cops in L.A (ca) are really savvy to even hidden detectors. I want to mount the rear Laser shifter behind the grill in my rear bumper. Not on the plate where it is visible. The rear bumper grill has the same size holes as most standard front bumper inhalations. This rear installation may affect the units rear jamming and detection ability. Do you think it’s a bad idea. I am willing to sacrifice some sensitivity all be. (25%) Do you think it would degrade the effectiveness of my 9500CI considerably from the rear ?
Cheers,
James
@James Would love to see the photos
Wouldn’t recommend putting any of the shifters behind anything as they may not work
If your installer is good perhaps he can do something so the lens is flush?
Hey Radar Roy! I have several personal vehicles. I was wondering if I could use the escort 9500 on all my vehicles by customizing the wires on the unit by cuting then adding you know one of those plastic plug style connectors. I would use one of those connectors on each wire of the escort 9500 so when its time to drive another vehicle of mine all I would have to do is unhook the wire from each unit on the escort 9500. Then use the same method with the sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle so it can be a breeze to unhook them and place on my other vehicles. Let me know what u think. Thanxs!
@mikal richey You could but would be very time consuming and you would void Escort’s warranty. It takes me as long as 30 minutes to get the Shifter heads properly aligned and balanced during an install for optimal performance.
With the 9500ci’s not so up to par laser jammers, would I be better off with the 9500ix,L I be a better combo for the money?
@Dave if you’re looking for a high performance radar detector that is remote I would go with the Bel STi R Plus http://www.radardetector.org/reviews/bel-sti-r-plus-radar-detector-review/ and combine that with the LI: http://www.radardetector.org/reviews/laser-interceptor-generation-8-laser-jammer-review/
The STi R plus radar detector is the same as the detector in the 9500ci
Hello. I have had this system in my S2000 for about a year now but I heard in the video that the jammer needs to have further work once it’s installed? So has my jammer not been working this whole time? lol. Luckly I haven’t run across an officer using a laser gun on me yet. Can you explain what I need to do further with my system?
You need to activate the jamming ability, it is not activated by default
How do I activate the jamming ability?
You go into the programming of the ZR4 and turn it on
Do you have the manual?
I appreciate your endeavors and information, I have consulted your website before and once again you prove to have the best and accurate information. I have had the 9500ci custom installed so the display is in my rear view mirror and the control is right below the engine start in my 2010 Nissan Maxima. The front two shifters are installed in the bottom grille and as per your advice, the rear shifter is mounted near the roof inside the back window. So far the 9500ci has proved unparalleled in it performance and red light camera locations throughout DC, VA, and MD. This morning I successfully shifted a VA State trooper… It has truly been the ultimate threat detector. I used to have the Bel Pro 75x, and I enjoyed that, but I am elated with the 9500ci. I ordered the Veil stealth coating, which might be overkill… However I feel the combination should prove to me the vehicle untraceable.
Does Escort have any plans to improve the jammer emitters on this setup, or is it as far along as they’ll go until the cook up a new unit? I’m extremely happy with my 9500ix, but I worry about laser coverage… looking at the Blinder 905 and the LI, but hoping to possibly win one during your contest here.
They are always working on improving their products, just don’t know where they are right now with their ZR5 as their focus is on building out their Escort Live network
Two (maybe 3) quick questions:
1: I mounted the radar receiver behind my plastic grill. One grill support partly covers the receiver. Do you think this will effect performance?
2: One reason some people like the Bell Sti-R plus is its ability to be set to not search some frequencies. (as I understand it, this is why it is a little faster than the 9509ci?) My 2012 9500ci has the ability to turn off x,k,ka,pop,etc. How is this different from the Sti-R plus?
3: If it is different, then do you think Escort can or will update the software to be like the Bell detector? Or does it take more than a software update?
Thank you in advance!
1: No your plastic grill will not have any effect on your radar detector
2: With the 9500ci you’re unable to segment out unneeded frequencies, the 9500ci just cuts out whole bands
3: No, the 9500ci is designed for a whole different audience then the STiR