5 reasons you should buy the Escort Passport 8500 X50

Yesterday we hit you with our Escort Passport 8500 X50 review, and today we're back to give you our top five reasons why you should purchose this radar and laser detector. This list will cover things like price and sensitivity of the device, but also gives a nod to the smart features that make owning it a joy, like Escort Live social integration and the functionality of the smart cord. Click on through for our full list, and if your convinced, you can pick one up on Amazon.

Price
In the $300 range, this is the best of the best. If purchasing directly through Escort, sales tax does not apply to out-of-state purchasers (company is located in Ohio). My total came out to be $315 with shipping. Not to mention their customer service pleasant to deal with.

Smart Cord
Many of my friends have radar detectors mounted on their windshields. When the radar goes off they have to awkwardly reach over the dash to silence it. The Smart Cord solves this issue by having the mute button located on top of the power plugin. 

 

360-degree Range of Protection
The Escort 8500 X50 features 360-degree range of protection from radar and laser. This proved itself to be true over and over again. Whether the officer was coming head-on or creeping up behind me, the Escort 8500 X50 alerted me from every direction.

Escort Live!
Escort Live marries the beauty of social networking, technology, and whistleblowing all at the same time. Though I did not have this option when in California, it would have come in handy. Escort Live allows you to warn other drivers about officers, speed traps, and other hazards drivers face on their daily commutes. They get the notification through the Escort Live app on their smatphones. Escort Live is available on all models for about $40 more, or if you currently own an Escort you can purchase it for $80 from Escortradar.com.

Sensitivity
There were countless times that the Escort 8500 X50 sniffed an officer out before I could see him. The 8500 was recently updated to feature a black housing, from its previous sliver housing. According to Escort this improves range of detection by 40%. Though I cannot vouch for the previous model, I can vouch for this one, the range of radar detection is incredible.