Escort 8500ci/9500ci or Beltronics STiR on a new Model S?

[chillaban]

Not sure what this means, but if you're implying that the Stir+ or 9500ci need a cell phone to see visual alerts, that's totally not true. They have their own stealthy display unit.

When you actually compare units, the Stir+\9500 delivers the best bang for the buck. All other solutions cost thousands more to buy and install and only offer laser or radar but not both. If your cash is unlimited, sure, go for the $5000+ solutions, but most people don't want to spend that much on radar/laser protection. I got my full Stir+ system bought and installed for less than $2000.

FWIW it's probably also worth noting that WhiteX and those in California / Silicon Valley have slightly different dilemmas too. For example, the 2 quotes I got to install any grill mounted radar detector in CA start at $2000 on my MS. The going rate for labor is between $150/hr and $200/hr. That dramatically changes whether or not the incremental costs of the system matter relative to the probability of you having to rip out the system and replace it again.


The big weakness of the M3R detectors right now (including the STI-R and the 9500ci) is that they are terrible at filtering out K-band noise from blind spot radar systems used by non-Tesla cars, including just about every car made by GM and Acura within the past few years. Those will drive you up a wall if you live in areas where K band detection is required but folks drive newer cars.

 

[ecobon]

The big weakness of the M3R detectors right now (including the STI-R and the 9500ci) is that they are terrible at filtering out K-band noise from blind spot radar systems used by non-Tesla cars, including just about every car made by GM and Acura within the past few years. Those will drive you up a wall if you live in areas where K band detection is required but folks drive newer cars.

OMG. YES!! 9500ci was my staple for my cars for several years, and then I ran into blind spot lane departure radar signals and interstate traffic flow signals and my detector never stops signaling. Better filtering with faster DSP has improved it a bit, but did not eliminate it--still very annoying. Rural areas with live peer based warning is probably the best we're going to experience (Waze/EL) for now.

I remember Uniden used to have a police scanner embedded into a unit to alert for planes and nearby patrol vehicles that worked well decades ago. What will be next? Nothing is all that effective anymore. It's up to a seasoned driver to use the tools properly and understand the circumstances and probability of being stopped and cited. I do most of my spirited driving uphill. I am very conscious of staying within the speed limit on long downhill straights, especially when there is a large center divider.

 

[BestRadar]

One of the reasons we designed the Net Radar was to reduce those highway false alerts. While it's still a work in progress we have reduced ACC and BSM false alerts around 80% over the Sti-R Plus & 9500ci models.

 

[HankLloydRight]

But at what price point?

 

[chillaban]

But at what price point?

The Net Radar + ALP bundle is actually lower priced and more effective than the 9500ci....

 

[HankLloydRight]

So less than $2k? How about some specifics? Any details?

 

[BestRadar]

So less than $2k? How about some specifics? Any details?

Pricing is available on the AL Priority USA website: AL Priority USA - Official USA Site for the Best Laser Jammer from 2013-2016 as far as install rates that can vary from dealer to dealer.

 

[whitex]

I'm saying paying that much more, for ever so slightly improved performance isn't worth it. That doesn't hold for S60 vs P85+ or 19" wheels vs 21" wheels or whatever other red-herring you try to throw out there that doesn't really apply. Notice in my initial post, I said "bang for the buck".. not just "bucks".

Many would make the same argument about 21" wheels, marginally better cornering performance for $5K + more expensive tires to replace + replace them more often ->all add up more than $5K cost. But I get that that is not your opinion, that's why I said value is subjective and everyone makes up their own mind. Personally by the way I don't think 21" tires are worth it, but I do think the Stinger setup is. I know this is opposite to what you think, so that's why you bought 21" tires and an STiR+ and I got 19" tires and a Stinger. The important thing is we are both happy with our choices. I respect your opinion, just don't share it. It's ok to have different opinions.

But the bottom line is that the difference in the number of speeding tickets you get, and the number that I get will be asymptotically approaching zero. But you paid thousands more for the privilege.

A single ticket can cost you well over $1000 if you consider the insurance hike, could even much higher.

And as a side note, I've avoided most potential speeding tickets by using situational awareness and noticing cues and behavior long before any detector would pick up a threat. I use radar/laser detectors a backup method of detection.

Agreed on the situational awareness, but given that, I'm surprised why you didn't opt for a detector with front and rear coverage along with directional information (is the radar ahead, behind, or to the side of you) as it really helps with situational awareness. I've used Valentine One (only $500 detector) for years because of this exact reason - had to give it up with the Model S because of the coated windshield, hence my choice to go with Stinger.

 

[whitex]

Send me a message with your zip code and I can tell you if there are local dealers who can sell and install a system for you.

Thanks, I ended up doing the install myself after getting a few multi-thousand dollar quotes costing more than the detector itself. Not saying that it was a rip off my any means, I just chose to save money and make it into a fun project getting to know my car. It took me 100+hrs for complete front and back and having to reinstall the front laser twice for better results. I am not a professional installer and it was my first time taking a Tesla apart so I'm sure it took longer than a professional who does this a lot (heck, I could probably do it in half the time after doing it once). I ran out of time actually, and to this day I still haven't finished the retractable LCD screen inside (need to redesign the retract mechanism as the one I did in a rush doesn't work well). At the time ALP NetRadar integration was not ready, so I picked the Stinger as the only fully integrated solution at that time. I've been really happy with it and still would recommend it, even though as @HankLloydRight said, it is on the pricey side.

 

[HankLloydRight]

Many would make the same argument about 21" wheels, marginally better cornering performance for $5K + more expensive tires to replace + replace them more often ->all add up more than $5K cost. But I get that that is not your opinion, that's why I said value is subjective and everyone makes up their own mind. Personally by the way I don't think 21" tires are worth it, but I do think the Stinger setup is. I know this is opposite to what you think, so that's why you bought 21" tires and an STiR+ and I got 19" tires and a Stinger. The important thing is we are both happy with our choices. I respect your opinion, just don't share it. It's ok to have different opinions.

Still with the wheel analogies?? You're starting to look like a fool with all these assumptions because you actually have no idea. As I said just above, I bought an Inventory car, so the 21" wheels were part of that -- not my choice to upgrade or pay over the 19" wheels. I asked if I could downgrade to 19"rims at the time for a reduction in purchase price (something they had been doing previously) and they said "no." They also said they wouldn't remove the rear-facing seats for a similar credit. All Inventory cars are sold "as-is". (I later sold the RFS for $1500).

There ARE significant differences in performance between 19" rims and sloppy all-season tires and 21" rims with high-performance summer tires, that part is clearly not subjective. In addition, I don't buy the stock OEM $550+ Michelin PS2 tires, I buy the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2s for about $200 each, which perform better and last longer. And if you must know, I also do have a set of 19" rims with all-season tires for winter use, and the handling and performance is remarkably different. So, please, I'll ask you once again, STOP making foolish, error-prone assumptions about the wheels or anything else NOT related to radar/laser detectors.

A single ticket can cost you well over $1000 if you consider the insurance hike, could even much higher.

Yes, I know, and I included that into my analysis. I paid $800 for my Stir+, refurbished, on ebay, including F+R laser shifters. The expected value stats are still way in my favor for not buying a $5000+ system like the Stinger.

Agreed on the situational awareness, but given that, I'm surprised why you didn't opt for a detector with front and rear coverage along with directional information (is the radar ahead, behind, or to the side of you) as it really helps with situational awareness. I've used Valentine One (only $500 detector) for years because of this exact reason - had to give it up with the Model S because of the coated windshield, hence my choice to go with Stinger.

Same here, I'm a long time V1 fan and tried several different remote mounts to get the V1 to work in the Model S before giving up and going the StiR route. I do miss the directional warnings, but in the end after using the Stir system, it still gives me plenty of threat warning and has served me well (I have no tickets with it). The V1 has been returned to my BMW M5 where it was for 10 years prior.

 

[HankLloydRight]

I found both these videos quite informational comparing all these remote radar detectors:

The Escort 9500ci and STiR held its own very well against the Stinger for a much lower price point.

 

[whitex]

I found both these videos quite informational comparing all these remote radar detectors:

The Escort 9500ci and STiR held its own very well against the Stinger for a much lower price point.

Those are great tests (link to test: Remote RD Testing, Dec 2016: Stinger VIP, Net Radar, Radenso HD+, 9500ci, STi-R Plus, STi-R O). I follow votrex for radar and laser info, he even helped out with my Stinger setup testing. Do remember to keep updating your STiR firmware if you are expecting similar results (of course install also matters). As per my previous comments, value is always subjective. I don't want to convince you of anything, you see as 21" wheels as better for you, I prefer 19" (you may have a hard time believing it, but I would not have ordered them if they were free, but then again I removed free red calipers from my order too, which some people called crazy, and didn't order a pano in any of the 3 Model S's I got - all new so I had all options available). You got a solution you're happy with, and so do I. My replies here were to simply point out to other people that there are choices out there, with varying benefits and costs.

 

[timeslip]

Don't forget about the new Escort CI Max 360 that they just announced at CES to replace the 9500ci

 

[HankLloydRight]

Don't forget about the new Escort CI Max 360 that they just announced at CES to replace the 9500ci

Vortex Radar mentions that a few times in the second video above. Sounds awesome but a bit more expensive than the 9500ci--- like around $2800 MSRP.

 

[tornado]

OK finally got it all installed (I did the install). Pictures of the ordeal below. Hit me with questions.


Receiver in Front, held down by 3m automotive tape, with the wire back to the head unit and some zip ties as further backup. Note I switched to black zip ties and tightened it more in the final picture than what you see below. Did not screw into bumper. We'll see how well it holds.

Running receiver wire up the front side of car - easy peasy.

Coming "around" the firewall

Note the LED light fished from the front (pic below for finished shot), and the receiver wire coming around the firewall.

Finished shot of the LED light.

Not pictured is where I put the GPS unit, mainly because I forgot to take pictures. But I pulled the right side dashboard up (removing the same side panel as the driver side first), and pushed it way up "under" the front windshield, under the dash, with a long stick and some tape). That was the biggest PITA of all the process.

Next up was getting power from the passenger footwell. Hardest part of that was waiting for Amazon to send me the Micro Fuse Tap. I had to pull the sill off the passenger side and dig in a little. Here is where the fuses are:

The 20amp accessory fuse with the tap-a-circuit inserted is highlighted here:

Fishing the power line wire OVER to passenger footwell, and fishing GPS wire back from under glove box. Note the display wire is to the right side (I have display under radio area, above center console):

Placement of head unit - has a great spot under driver footwell area:

Hope this post helps anyone. It all works great now. The only thing that concerns me is the tape, but the wire holding the receiver, as well as the zip ties, are decent backups. If necessary I will drill in two screws but I'm loathe to do so at this time. The nose cone on prior Tesla was handy for hiding this stuff!

-Joe

 

[playoutside]

Related question: I'm likely going to trade my 2013 P85+ By the end of the year. So I don't want to invest heavily in a radar/laser detector and installation. Is there any benefit to using a regular $250-$500 detector mounted by my rear view mirror? I read the older 2012/2013 have a space beside the mirror that is not coated and let's signals through. Has anyone had success with this?

PS: my toll pass mounted by my mirror has no problem being read by overhead toll monitors.

 

[HankLloydRight]

You can try, but my Valentine 1 mounted in that spot on my 2013 P85+ didn't work very well at all. It was also so high up that there was essentially no rear laser protection and little to no radar. I opted for the STir+.