But have they succeeded? That is the key question we will be focusing on in the following review.

Escort RedLine Ultimate Performance Dual-Antenna Radar Detector (Black)

• List Price: $499.95
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $435.99
  

Escort RedLine Ultimate Performance Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
For just under $500.00, you would expect this machine to cover every possible band available to law enforcement agencies. Thankfully, the Escort RedLine Ultimate Performance Radar Detector does this with ease, providing detection for K, Ka, Ku (the most important three), POP, X, SWS, and a variety of Lasers.

Detection itself is tasked to two separate antennas in this model, which helps to increase sensitivity and increase the reach of the device (more about this in the performance and range section).

Display & Layout
The Escort RedLine Ultimate Performance Radar Detector looks similar to any other radar detector from Escort, except for the added "flat deck" display which now protrudes from the bottom of the original user display.

This flat deck allows the user buttons to be brought closer to the driver and they are therefore more accessible than devices which have them on the top of the unit casing.

The deck also acts as another micro-display, showing information on the strength of secondary signals in unison with the main display.

Unique Technology
The "TotalShield RF" technology which has been transplanted in to this device from Escort's previous models has been slightly upgraded here to provide protection from both VG-2 and Spectre detection systems.

Basically, this means that the machine is completely undetectable by law enforcement agencies, as long as it is not blatantly positioned in the middle of your windscreen (and even then they would have to physically see it to know it was there).

Performance & Range
The dual antennas on this device could very well be the key to the stunning increase in range and performance that we clearly measured in our testing, when compared to other Beltronics and Escort radar detectors (Beltronics is another top manufacturer).

Line of sight Ka band detection rose to an incredible 2,800 meters - over 2 miles - and our cornering tests turned up similarly impressive figures, with an identical Ka band leakage being detected 1,200 meters away.

Our Rating of the Escort RedLine Ultimate Performance Radar Detector
It doesn't get much better than this. The Escort RedLine Ultimate Performance Radar Detector is clearly one of the best machines out there on the market for serious motoring enthusiasts and long distance drivers. So to answer our initial question - yes, Escort has done it yet again!

Trust Escort to have fixed the problem. With the Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar Detector, you can literally wave goodbye to cords, as this detector has none! That's right, by utilizing an inbuilt, rechargeable, solar powered battery; the device is able to run non-stop without being "plugged in". But does this compromise on the performance? We put it to the test to find out.

Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar and Laser Detector

• List Price: $339.99
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $210.00
  

Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
Escort radar devices detect every radar band on the planet, meaning that it would be pointless to list them all here. One thing to be wary of on this model however is that the POP (instant on radar) function is turned off by default, so you'll need to navigate through the menus to turn it on (this is very important).

This is also the case with VG-2 protection - you'll need to turn it on manually before you hit the road for the first time. Why did Escort decide to do this? We have absolutely no idea.

Display & Layout
The Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar Detector looks great. Not only does it have the smooth blue back lighting (which is very impressive at night), it also has one of the best windscreen attachments that we've seen.

In a number of past review tests, radar detectors have fallen from windscreen in what can only be described as dramatic motion - smashing down on to the dashboard, and in some cases - splitting the plastic coating (we're pointing the finger at you Cobra!) We're betting that this will never happen with the Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar Detector - so you can put those insurance papers away.

Unique Technology
Because this is a wireless device, most of the technological upgrades and inclusions on the Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar Detector are to do with power conservation and generation - which let's face it - isn't that interesting.

So, other things worth noting are the ZR3 laser jammer - which blocks a speed gun from locking on to your vehicle to read your speed. Police will simply receive a "fail" message if they try to ping your vehicle. Additionally, the motion sensor on the device shuts the machine down automatically when your vehicle is stationary for a reasonable period of time.

Performance & Range
We all know that nothing can beat Escort when it comes to range and performance. This is also true for the Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar Detector, however it is worth pointing out that because of its wireless nature, the overall range is a little bit lower than the wired devices from Escort.

Our Rating of the Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar Detector
As far as a wireless radar detector goes, the Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar Detector has absolutely everything going for it. Anything short of 5 stars would be scandalous, so we're upping the ante and giving the device 6 stars - because we can!

With that in mind, we ordered the Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector - which is a mid-range product when compared to the company's own line-up, but a high-range product when compared to the overall market. How did it perform? Read on to find out.

Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar and Laser Detector (Red Display)

• List Price: $299.95
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $180.00
  

Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
All Escort products have every possible radar band installed as standard, so there is no point in going through each one individually. Things worth noting here however are the on board ZR3 laser jammer - which literally shifts a fired laser beam off in a different direction, so that the speed gun cannot take an accurate reading.

Additionally, the display provides three different ways of identifying signal instances, with a standard meter for novice users, a "multi signal" display for detecting simultaneous bands at once (up to 8 at one time), and an exact frequency display for the experienced and capable user.

Display & Layout
The Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector is designed with solely the driver in mind, as the machine has a sloping display screen pointing in the direction of the driver's seat. The display itself is made from hundreds of micro-LED's, all of which are neon blue - creating an awesome visual effect, especially at night.

Unique Technology
Aside from the incredible inclusion of the ZR3 laser jammer (which is very rare in a windscreen mounted device we might add), the Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector is fully programmable, which means that new bands can be inputted in the future, as speed detection technology develops.

In built sensitivity screening helps to reduce false alarms, whilst AutoMute cuts the alert volume down after a few seconds to prevent annoyance.

Performance & Range
There is no product on the market which is able to consistently beat the detection range and abilities of the Escort product line. Thanks to clever thinking and hundreds of hours of research, the Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector is able to provide up to 4,000 meters of advance warning for "always on" radars, and up to 1,500 meters to catch leakage from "instant on" systems.

Our Rating of the Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector
Clearly, you can't go wrong with the Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector. Assuming you can afford the price (which ultimately only amounts to a few speeding tickets), this detector will be well worth the investment.

Escort gets 5+ stars for the design and development of this product, as well as an A+ rating for performance and detection range.

After some heavy duty testing, we're ready to sum up our findings on this device - as well as give our overall opinion as to whether it is still a competitive product in this fierce market.

Escort Passport 9500ix Radar/Laser Detector (Black)

• List Price: $549.95
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $399.99
  

Escort Passport 9500IX Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
The Escort Passport 9500IX Radar Detector still recognizes all of the key bands in the radar and laser spectrum, with notifications providing detail of K, Ka, X, and POP. At first, we were unable to find a facility for Ku detection - but after a bit of time spent surfing through the navigation menus, we found the option to turn it on.

This is important because Ku is the latest band being employed by law enforcement agencies throughout the world. It provides a faster reading of speed, and is therefore encouraging a shift away from the Ka and K bands.

The 9500IX also detects all types of lasers, making for a very comprehensive device.

Display & Layout
One of the first things which people always comment on with the Escort Passport 9500IX Radar Detector is the blue backlighting of the screen. This looks awesome at night, and provides a point of different from the usual black and red displays which most other radar detectors use.

Whilst this model only has 2 buttons on the top, navigation is surprisingly easy, and is customized by the length of time that you hold the buttons down for.

Unique Technology
Discovering the added technology under the hood of the Escort Passport 9500IX Radar Detector is as simple as filtering through the main menu. Here, you will find customizable features such as Auto Sensitivity - which is a program that automatically adjusts sensitivity of the unit depending on the number of signals it picks up in a given period of time.

Additionally, 3 types of signal notifications are available, with the exact spectrum of the band being reported along with the voice alerts, or a screen display showing spectrum rather than strength.

Performance & Range
Our testing environment featured a test track with a 4 mile length. The radar detector was able to pick up a signal on both Ka and Ku bands from a distance of 2 miles (in a line of sight). Instant On radar - which is the bane of most radar detector owners - could be detected from between 500 to 1000 feet (not taking into account any leakage from other vehicles - so technically this could extend to 1500 feet).

Our Rating of the Escort Passport 9500IX Radar Detector
Even though we have moved on from the Escort Passport 9500IX Radar Detector since its first release, we still think it is an extremely good product for the average motorist - and at the current price, it represents amazing value for money. It still manages to get 5 stars from us.

This unit is in fact our radar detector of choice, and a number of people here in our office have this exact model. That was particularly helpful when it came time to review it, because not only do we have testing results, we also have user experiences to include in our analysis as well.

Escort Passport 9500i Radar and Laser Detector

• List Price: $449.99
  
• Sale Price: $389.00
  
• Used From: $334.99
  

Escort Passport 9500i Radar / Laser Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
By now, you should have come to the realization that Escort never stops short of providing detection ability for every band in existence. In addition to this, the Escort Passport 9500i Radar / Laser Detector has an on board GPS receiver, which allows the machine to store the locations of areas where you find speed cameras or fixed red light cameras, so that you can have advance warning of these in the future.

Additionally, areas where there are numerous false alarms can be flagged, so that sensitivity in that area is decreased each time in the future - ultimately resulting in an overall improvement in notification reliability.

Display & Layout
The Escort Passport 9500i Radar / Laser Detector looks good, and we like it because of the sleek finishing and simple menu navigation. There are 6 buttons in total on the top, which makes for very simple programming and selecting of functions and options. Once you get used to these buttons, it is also very simple to push them whilst driving, because of the small bumps which set each key apart.

Unique Technology
AutoVolume, Voice Alerts, and SWS compatibility are all unique technological advances which are worth a mention here.

The AutoVolume feature provides an initial, loud notification of a new band being detected, then automatically drops this volume down to prevent it becoming annoying.

The Voice Alerts feature is a nice addition also, with new bands announced by a human voice, which is then followed up with beeping at a pace relevant to the signal strength.

Finally, SWS compatibility provides advance warning of road hazards, approaching emergency vehicles (such as fire and ambulance), and notifications of road work areas, so that you can take preventative action.

Performance & Range
We asked the people here in the office what they thought about the overall performance of the Escort Passport 9500i Radar / Laser Detector - and the general opinion was that it is an amazingly powerful, accurate, and reliable radar detector. This was quickly backed up by our on road testing, which proved that range and performance are at the very top of the industry ladder.

Our Rating of the Escort Passport 9500i Radar / Laser Detector
Overall, the Escort Passport 9500i Radar / Laser Detector doesn't let us down on any level, and given the fact that it is the radar detector of choice for many of our staff - it gets a 5 star quality rating from us.

But why would you want to do this? Well, because given that the detectors are positioned outside of the vehicle, the level of detection (at both the front and rear of the vehicle) is automatically doubled. Let's take a closer look at what this unit has to offer.

Escort Passport 9500ci Custom-Installed Radar Detector

• List Price: $1,699.99
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  

Escort Passport 9500ci Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
Escort haven't missed a beat with the Escort Passport 9500ci Radar Detector. Support for Ka and K bands are standard, as well as the newer Ku band and X band. Ka band on this model is superwide, but the digital signal processing done in the main head unit will filter out any false or unnecessary signals.

Let's talk about signal quality for a moment. Obviously, the better the signal quality, the better the machine is able to do its job and inform you of oncoming Police units.

Because the detection units are placed outside in the grill and at the rear under the bumper - there is absolutely nothing to obstruct a band. That means the band can be recognized faster, and the driver (you) can be alerted in record time.

Display & Layout
Aside from the small user display (which is generic in nature and could be passed off as any device), there is nothing to look at. The 4 detection units are placed around the vehicle - with 2 at the front and 2 at the rear. Because of its nature, wiring and power supply will have to be professionally installed by a trained professional.

Unique Technology
Just been stung by a Police laser? Don't have any time to slow down? Not to worry! The Escort Passport 9500ci Radar Detector is not only a radar detector, but also a laser shifter - meaning that instead of your accurate speed being returned to the initial laser, a message of "signal void" will be return.

That means that you can literally continue doing exactly the same speed, without any risk of being caught.

Performance & Range
There is absolutely no match for the Escort Passport 9500ci Radar Detector. This device beats every windscreen positioned radar detector in existence, and also beats the Beltronics custom installed unit by a mile. Signals are detected faster and from a greater distance, and you have a huge amount more time to react when you are warned.

Our Rating of the Escort Passport 9500ci Radar Detector
It's pointless giving this unit a star rating, because it exceeds any scale that we could possibly concoct. Assuming that you can afford the incredible price tag - you will never think twice about whether this custom installed unit was a good investment or not. We're telling you right now, it is.

You are offered 360 degree radar and laser detection with the Escort Passport 9500i. You will be given long range warnings for all radar bands including X, K, Ka, Ku and instant-on POP modes. The GPS intelligence offers you permanent relief from false readings that include garage door openers, motion sensors and other radar-based sensors. You can use the Mark Location feature to store known speed traps, red light cameras and photo radar.

The Passport 9500i also gives you complete immunity to VG-2 radar guns which means that law enforcement will not know that you're using a radar detector.

To ensure that you keep your eyes on the road, a voice alert will warn you of threats that are nearby. The 9500i also will automatically vary its sensitivity based on how fast you are traveling. At expressway speeds, all of the radar bands are working at full sensitivity for full protection. In parking lots and stop lights the sensitivity is turned down to nearly zero so you won't get irritating alerts when you're traveling well below the speed limit.

Escort Passport 9500i Radar and Laser Detector

• List Price: $449.99
  
• Sale Price: $389.00
  
• Used From: $334.99
  

The AutoVolume feature adjusts the alert volume based on ambient noise and the Passport 9500i uses SpeedAlert that gives you the speed that your vehicle is traveling during every alert.

The Escort Passport 9500i is without a doubt a leader and a champion. This innovative radar detector sets a new standard for functionality and ease of use.

Mounting the Solo S2 is a snap. A small suction cup bracket slips into the detector's release mechanism and it easily attaches to your windshield with just a bit of light pressure. The unit is in a sturdy plastic case and its small size makes it discreet.

The controls for the Solo S2 are all on the front of the device for easy access. The front panel contains the horizontal LCD display that graphs the intensity of the radar and laser signals the unit picks up. As a stronger signal is detected, the blocks in the graph grow larger.

You can run the Escort Solo S2 for months under normal use with two AA batteries. There is a built-in motion sensor that powers off the unit if your vehicle is not moving for 25 minutes.

Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar and Laser Detector

• List Price: $339.99
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $210.00
  

All radar bands that are in use in the United States and Canada are detected on the S2, which include the X, K and Ka bands.

The Solo S2 is very adept at minimizing false alarms that can be picked up from garage door openers, home security systems and other radar-based devices.

You're offered 10 built-in and customizable settings. While in the settings mode the LCD display serves as the menu system that allows you to control the brightness, mute, audio tones and power modes.

If you live in a state that prohibits the use of radar detectors, the S2 does include VG-2 radar detector-detector protection.

If law enforcement is using a laser detector-detector the Escort 9500ci picks that up too so you can drive by unnoticed.

The voice alerts are clear and with its stealth installation, the Passport 9500ci is outstanding and discreet.

You are offered 360 degree protection with this unit and you can adjust the brightness on the unit. The Mark Location feature will remember speed traps on frequently traveled routes so they won't be a problem, no matter how many times you travel past them.

The 9500ci is preloaded with a database of fixed speed cameras that are in operation across the United States. As cameras are moved or added, you're able to go to the Escort website to download the latest.

The Auto Learn feature is for X and K bands. If the exact frequency is detected at the same spot three times, the unit will lock out this location as a false alarm.

Escort Passport 9500ci Custom-Installed Radar Detector

• List Price: $1,699.99
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  

The Escort 9500ci uses an dual, internal front antenna scheme to provide an increase in K band and Ka radar sensitivity. The DSP or digital signal processing in this unit gives you outstanding range and reduced false alarms.

POP radar guns are extremely fast so the 9500ci alerts you to these as full signal strength because these threats must be dealt with immediately.

The Escort 9500ci comes with a comprehensive owner's manual, a quick-release windshield mount and lighter adapter, a 12 volt speaker, direct wire SmartPlug and a hard shell remote enclosure.

The Escort 9500ci is a leader in the radar detector arena, and will provide you accurate and reliable protection on the road.

The 9500ix is pre-loaded with thousands of safety camera locations that includes red light and speed cameras throughout the US and Canada.

Also featured on the Passport 9500ix is AutoLearn technology that recognizes false alerts. If the unit picks up a frequency from a flagged location three times, it will recognize that as a false alert and will lock that frequency and its location for future reference. If a frequency that is locked moves to a new location, the unit will unlock the signal.

This detector also uses the GPS technology to measure your speed and automatically varies the radar strength for the best possible radar protection.

As you get nearer to a radar source, the Escort Passport 9500ix will give you an audible alert for the radar as well as a visual alert on the clear, blue LCD display. Each particular radar has its own alert sound that will increase as you get closer to the threat. You may use the voice alerts if desired. You're told which band of radar is hitting you and the unit also displays the signal strength on the bar graph meter readout. If you are being pointed at with a POP radar gun, the detector will send a solid tone and show you a maxed-out bar graph because the POP radar is an immediate threat.

Escort Passport 9500ix Radar/Laser Detector (Black)

• List Price: $549.95
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $399.99
  

If you ride a motorcycle, the 9550ix is perfect for you. A 3.5mm headphone jack that is on the side of this detector can be used to send the audible signals to headphones or external speakers.