Escort 8500ci Radar Detector Review
Not only is the Escort 8500ci an affordable remote mounted unit, it was the easiest remote mounted radar detector that I have ever installed” – Radar Roy 2010
The Escort 8500ci is an affordable and fully integrated radar detector and laser jamming system.
(Note; the Escort 8500ci was called the Escort QI45 when this review was first published)
Top Reasons to Consider the Escort 8500ci
- After months of customer and dealer research Escort was able to come up with the first fully functional radar and laser speed countermeasure device that was affordable.
- No One Will Ever Know: The discreet installation Escort 8500ci allows it to be completely hidden from the eye. All of the sensors utilize modular connections to the interface to the miniature control module allowing multiple installation options and install flexibility.
- Easy Programming: Even if you’re someone like me who cannot program my own TV remote control I find the Escort 8500ci is a snap in programming and set-up for its advanced features. The 8500ci 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 Escort 8500ci’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 8500ci alerts you with clear and easy to understand voice alerts so you will immediately know what threats your detector is alerting you to.
- Three Levels of Sensitivity: Choose from three levels of sensitivity; Highway (full sensitivity), Auto (filtered mode), Auto NoX (Filtered no X band)
- Optional Laser Jamming Protection: Radar Detectors by themselves are typically useless against laser, “if you’re shot you’re got”, therefore unless you have a laser jamming system installed alongside your radar detector you are vulnerable. The Escort 8500ci addresses this issue by offering the optional Shifter laser jamming system for frontal protection.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Escort 8500ci
- Does this detector have 360 degree protection? Yes, every radar detector manufactured by Escort and Beltronics has full, 360 degree protection.
- How easy is it to install the Escort 8500ci do I need to have it professionally installed? Very Easy! If you ever installed a car stereo system or if you’re good with a screwdriver and basic electrical components you’ll find the installation very easy. The installation instructions that come with each Escort QI45 are very easy to understand and a typical installation will take you less than an hour.
- Why is the Escort 8500ci also called the QI45? When Escort first released the Escort 8500ci in 2010 they called it the QI45 to describe it as “Quick Install under 45 minutes“. A few months after it’s release they renamed the unit the 8500ci as it is basedt on the Escort 8500’s platform.
Potential Issues with the Escort Escort 8500ci Radar Detector
- The QI45 is non stealth forget about those claims that radar detectors make about being stealth against the VG2 radar detector, that device hasn’t been used in years! If you are a professional driver (drive a semi truck) or drive in Virginia, Washington DC or other countries or providences where radar detectors are illegal police use a device called the Spectre to detect if you’re driving with a radar detector in your car. Therefore you need a radar detector that can beat the Spectre. There are only three manufactured today, the Escort Redline, the Escort 9500ci and the Beltronics STI.
My Bottom Line Recommendation for the Escort 8500ci
If you’re in the market for a discrete and affordable remote installed radar detector then I would recommend that you consider the Escort 8500ci.
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, the QI45 as one of my top choices!
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13 Responses to “Escort 8500ci Radar Detector Review”
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This detector alerts me to the situation well before other drivers can observe what is going on. Very low profile mounting which is nice, nothing to tempt thieves to break in. It also keeps the vehicle interior classy and clean while proving to be very practical. This detector paid for itself within a week!
What’s the performance difference b/w the QI45 & the 9500ci?
The 9500ci will have better long range performance on all the radar bands and much better filtering.
Seems like a nice unit – my fav. part is the stealth – might still get a warning like this…
was wondering why you put qi 45 head off set to drivers side any reson for that or was that the spot it would fit,i am installing my qi 45 today
Where it would fit when the hood closed
i’m very concerned about flase alerts does anyone have any comments on this subject. does the QI45 do a good job with filtering out flase alerts in urbrn areas.
False alerts are the #1 complaint from radar detector owners and the QI 45 does a better than average job in filtering them out
Hi Roy; I have a QI45 and have read that if you mount the receiver behind the passenger sun visor you can almost double the range of detection. Is this true? I also visited Radarbuster site as i am going to purchase a laser unit, either the JI or Binder. I understand that there is a wireless install kit available for the binder. Is this also true and does Radarbuster offer this kit for purchase? Thanks! James PS Your site is the best that there is for reviews! Keep up the outstanding work>
James, You may get a very slight increase in range but NOT 2x. Cheetah does make a wireless install kit and if RadarBusters sell it, it should be in their laser jammer accessory area (Radarbusters is NOT my site)
If you do get the jammer and/or the kit, use the links on radardetector.org
They will activate a 10% off discount code on radarbusters
Use radarroy at checkout
Installed mine yesterday, today while driving in severe wind, the 3m automotive double sided tape failed and I lost the reciever on the highway. 300+ $ lost and 2 hours of my time. Installed in my brand new 2012 veloster.
Did you use the 3m tape?
I have used this for years and never had a problem
Yes, hence me saying 3M automotive double sided tape.