Escort 9500ci Radar Detector Review
“If your in the market for a remote mounted radar detector and laser jammer combo, check out the Bel STIr Plus and the AntiLaser Priority Instead!” Radar Roy January 2015
Are you considering purchasing a remote mounted radar detector and laser jammer combo to install in your car or truck?
If so the Passport 9500ci may not be your best choice and here is why.
The laser jammer that interfaces with the Passport 9500ci is the Laser ShifterPro is actually a laser jammer made by Laser Interceptor.
And both the Escort Laser ShifterPro and the Laser Interceptor are unable to jam the newer random pulse rate laser guns such as the Dragon Eye.
Because of this I recommend a different package.
Beltronics STiR Plus
First lets discuss review a better radar detector option.
Escort and Beltronics are the same company and many of their detectors share the same features and performance such as the 9500ci and the STiR Plus.
As both of these detectors are built on the Escort M3 antenna they are both stealth to all radar detector detectors and are rated as 4-star detectors having over 8 times the capture distance of a police K and Ka radar gun.
However the Laser ShifterPro is not included with the STiR Plus.
This enables you to then select a better laser jamming system, such as the Anti Laser Priority.
I dub the AntiLaser system the only laser jammer having the brains to jam the newer random pulse rate laser guns because it does not rely on the older database look-up tables like the Laser ShifterPro does, but instead uses their patent pulse rate matching pattern algorithm which is effective against all known police lidar enforcement including the Dragon Eye.
The result is that your Beltronics STiR and ALP combo system will provide you with much better performance and protection then the 9500ci.
57 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
Roy
I’m seriously thinking about buying the 9500ci
Your original review is from 10/2010.
Have you recently retested the ZR4s to see if they
are any better than three years ago for performance?
Are the Blinders still a better option?
Thanks
ZR4’s have had ZERO updates since they were released, so yes, the Blinder HP-905 is a much better option
I will first say that I really did not think much of detectors until I purchased my gt500 with upgrades that put the mustang at 740hp and I am so greatful the previous owner had the escort 9500ci installed. Believe it or not this one works and works very well. It has saved me more time then I can count . The chance on getting caught theses days going over the speed limit is very good. The laser jamming works 90 % of the time in my opinion which is far better the not having one . I would give it 10 stars out of 5 and I am sure that I would have had to sell the car if not for the 9500ci because of tall he tickets . That’s my opinion on the 9500ci .
Y don’t u have a test for this ” best radar ever” on ur site. U tested that veil crap. I want to see a laser/ radar treat For this system.
If you want to see tests then go to the area of the website that has the tests, under the FAQ section: http://www.radardetector.org/radar-detector-info/
The 9500ci protects me from the MP’s on the military post I’m stationed at. The 9500ci saved me in the small city of Hinesville,GA and liberty county a couple of times. Liberty county likes to use laser. I love there faces when I pass them and they keep hitting me with there laser gun(They are real lazy with it),(Note only going about 5 mph over) Then they follow me and hit me with KA radar as they do not see a radar detector. I also was driving beside a MP using a spectre radar detector detectors (RDD) the 9500ci never made the RDD go off. I travel DC and VA some posted speed limits are there for a source of revenue rather than safety.
Roy,
Thank you for your website – it is extraordinarily helpful.
I have a 2013 Mercedes S550 with Distronic Plus, blind spot assist, etc. (I.e., fully loaded with options).
I initially decided not to get the 9500ci because i was told it wouldn’t play nice with the Distronic Plus (or some other safety feature). It would set off the K band and the only solution would be to turn K band off. K band is still widely used in Texas so a purchase didn’t make sense.
Do you know of any solutions? My understanding is that even turning off the Distronic radar sensors won’t keep the 9500ci from constantly going off.
Many thanks!
Thanks Robert, I sent one of my contacts at Escort an eMail, interested in what they are going to share.
Purchased a 9500ci, and can’t update the software. Have never had an issue with n Escort product before, but after spending $2k, I’m slightly frustrated/disappointed in the product. When I connect the USB cable from the 9500ci, the software detects the unit for a few seconds, shows the serial, then immediately prompts on the screen “Cannot detect unit”, although it detected it, but not fully.
Well a couple questions
1- Where did you buy it?
2 – Have you contacted Escort about it
The reason that I ask is that if you purchased your unit on eBay or Amazon you may not even have a real 9500ci but a counterfeit
Had someone call me last week that had the same problem
Bought from an authorized dealer and had an absolute perfect install. Couldn’t have been happier!
I did contact Escort, and all 9500ci’s with serial numbers starting with “63” are not compatible with Mac computers and Detector Tools. So basically, I have to purchase a Windows laptop to update my $2k+, top of the line detector!
Not feeling very “top of the line” anymore….
How long has that 9500ci been sitting on the dealers shelf?
Sorry for the long delay, but the serial numbers starting with “63” are the newest production units…. So, Escort knows about the problem but doesn’t feel that it’s very important to make sure their “top of the line” model is up do date, so to speak. As I mentioned before, not thrilled that Escort is hiding the fact that they can’t update their model’s firmware… Actually, it’s really sad.
Well the Laser ShifterPro is NOT manufactured by Escort but by Laser Interceptor and they have not been able to update their firmware