Re: Escort's New Pasport 7500

[Daniel Hussey <GY3WSX@vm.sc.edu>]

   Well, when it comes to radar detectors, I say go for the gold, or don't
get one at all!

   My family have been huge fans of the Cincinati Microwave products since they
first came out.  My dad got an original Escort in 1985.  The thing was awsome.
It was stolen, so my dad got the then new (and more compact) Passport in 1987!
Well, I can tell you.  I still have that same radar detector today and for X
and K bands, I'll say it's the best!  The Passport almost never falses and
has worked flawlessly for over 10 years now.  And, I have no intentions of
trading it in any time soon.

   As for the Solo.  I have always wanted one.  They are tiny, and have no
wires, so they can be hidden away easily and will not attract attention from
our local revenue collectors.  The original solo runs off of one 9V battery
and easiy fits in the palm of your hand (with room to spare).  I have thought
about getting one of these, but since they are no longer produced, and the fact
that Solo owners are usually unwilling to give them up, well they are few and
far between.

  I am, however, a little more skeptical about the newer Escort/Passport
products.  My father was looking for a radar detector last year, so my mom and
I bought him a new Escort Solo (the latest one that's still relatively small)
and although it works fine, I am less impressed with the quality of it than the
older original Escorts.  I don't think they rate as well in the tests either.
But it is nice that it is cordless.  The new Solos run off of two AA batteries.
We use Rayovac Renewal (rechargable alkaline) batteries in our Solo to make
sure they have a full charge.  But, I might hold off and see how well the 7500
stacks against the competition.

  I don't know what new radar detectors I would go for though.  I keep hearing
about how great the BEL detectors are, but EVERY person I know that's had one,
it didn't work a year later!  They are absolutely terrible build quality and
false like crazy.  So, I don't see why they sell so many.  I wouldn't give you
$2 for one.  I think the Valentine 1 is probably the best one out there (price
not an issue).  And, I think Mike Valentine (chief engineer at Cincinati
Microwave in the 80's) has made more leaps in radar detection than anyone else
and I'd trust his products because he is fanatical about it.

  But remember...Lazer is pointless, Wideband is still not used by most states
(as well as lazer) so this is why I can't justify the price when my ten year
old Passport (ol reliable) is still one of the best for X and K bands.  Well,
enough of my miselanious ramblings.  Sorry for the lack of good content or
advice, but I just thought I'd share my experiences on this subject.

  One more thought before I go....  Does anyone on the list have the latest
K40 Sonaradar?  I know these aren't very popular as they are about $600 not
including installation, but the latest version of the K40 Sonaradar (the hidden
one) is supposedly very good.  Never seen it in any of the comarison tests
though.  If your looking for the very best, this may be the way to go.  Anyone
with experience with the K40, I'd like to know about it.

  Later,
  Dan
  '90 200tq