Truly state-of-the art, the Escort Passport 9500i is an intelligent radar detector that works toward permanently removing false alerts.

For a retail price of about $450, the Passport 9500i is not cheap, but what exactly do you get for your money?

Well, for starters, the Passport 9500i utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking to determine frequent false alert locations. In past reviews of other detectors, we found that most geographic areas had at least one or two locations that consistently generated a false alert. This unit lets you log those locations, thus removing them from future detection. In addition, the detection of new radar bands in the same vicinity will result in a new alert from the Passport 9500i. For instance, we received a false alert every time we drove past a particular grocery store. We logged it and the alert went away. A few days later, we drove past the store and noticed a police cruiser parked outside scanning for speeders. The Passport 9500i lit up and notified us of the new radar source. Needless to say, we were impressed with the results.

In addition to removing false alerts, the Passport 9500i is also capable of memorizing speed traps and other locations. We wanted to receive a notification every time we passed through a specific intersection. Using the unit's TrueLock GPS filter, we saved the location in the detector's memory. Afterwards, anytime we drove within half a mile of the intersection, the detector would notify us with a "SPEEDTRP" alert.

Speaking of alerts, the Passport 9500i adjusts its alert volume depending on the noise levels inside the vehicle. We found this very useful. While driving with the stereo on, the unit alerted us of detection with an audible sound louder than the existing music. With no music, the Passport 9500i alerted us at a quieter volume. It also offers voice alerts for times when we needed to keep both eyes on the road.

In regard to detection, the Passport 9500i is capable of detecting K, Ka, Ku, X, and laser 904nm radar bands. Depending on our driving habits, we were able to select highway, city or auto mode detection. We found the auto mode more than adequate for daily driving. When in auto mode, as our vehicle speed increased, the radar sensitivity increased. When we slowed down to city driving speeds, the Passport 9500i's sensitivity decreased, resulting in fewer false alarms. This feature is absolutely brilliant.

The Passport 9500i also has the ability to display our vehicle speed when notifying us of an alert, which won us over. After picking up a K-band detection, the system informed us of our speed, along with the detection's signal strength. In general, the display on the detector was clear and easy to read. The unit offers five varying brightness levels. A "dark" mode--which turns off the visual display, resulting in audible alerts only--is also available.

Overall, we were very impressed by the Escort Passport 9500i. In fact, we liked it so much we didn't want to return our review unit! Technology has come a long way since the first radar detector was created, and the Passport 9500i is a true testament to that. We recommend this detector to those who want state-of-the-art radar detection with plenty of bells and whistles, regardless of the cost.


Pros: Removal of false alerts using GPS tracking, intelligent audio control, vehicle speed readout included with alerts, front and rear protection, handy travel case
Cons: Expensive

Warranty
1 year, limited