Welcome to Tesla Motors Club
Discuss Tesla's Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, Cybertruck, Roadster and More.
Register

Radar Detector Comparison: STiR+ vs. 9500ci

This site may earn commission on affiliate links.
Hi,
I was looking to have a radar detector and jammers installed on my Model S.
I spoke to one of the body shops that said they would install the Beltronics STiR+ with shifters on my car, and today morning they called me up to say that its back ordered for 3 weeks, and that they can install the Escort 9500ci instead.
Has anyone had experience with the two systems? Is one better, or cheaper etc? Should I ask for a discount if I'm getting the 9500ci instead of the Beltronics STiR+, or should I just wait the 3 weeks?
 
They are built by the same company (Bell and Escort are the same). The 9500ci is the Standard, and they left a few of the options out of the STi, but the Sti plus added them back. I believe they would both do a great job, and the parts look identical.
 
I was a long time Valentine 1 user and recently switched to the Bel STiR +due to the Model S' windshield issues. The radar detection is equal to the Valentine without the many false positives. What really is amazing is the detector coupled with the Escort Live iphone APP. I can look ahead on a map of my entire commute and see any radar traps that I may encounter. I can't speak to the 9500ci but it really does appear to be an identical unit and also utilizes Escort Live.

AfterFX in Stamford actually installed the display into my rearview mirror. Expensive but stealthy and really user friendly.
 
I have been a long time valentine one user and have switched over to the 9500ci in my last two cars. I agree the radar detection is as good, but I do miss the directional arrows. The laser shifting works ok but I also have added blinder for laser jamming. I have read that a few laser guns are not detected by the passport. I admit that I am paranoid.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
Hi,
I was looking to have a radar detector and jammers installed on my Model S.
I spoke to one of the body shops that said they would install the Beltronics STiR+ with shifters on my car, and today morning they called me up to say that its back ordered for 3 weeks, and that they can install the Escort 9500ci instead.
Has anyone had experience with the two systems? Is one better, or cheaper etc? Should I ask for a discount if I'm getting the 9500ci instead of the Beltronics STiR+, or should I just wait the 3 weeks?

Depends on the price difference and which shifters they were planning to install.
 
I had the 9500ci installed on my Model S and I really like it. It really is the gold standard at this time but I'm sure it's a bit more expensive than other competing models.

The 9500ci is quite expensive but the hidden custom install is pretty awesome. After seeing DCopperfield's completely hidden 9500ci install I went to the exact same installer and asked for the exact same installation. No visible components and no holes in the dash. Alert light is hidden in the driver side vent and the controls are mounted inside the glove box. The display unit isn't installed at all because it isn't necessary (there are voice prompts for all settings and alerts). The hardware is about $1500 at most retailers and the install is another $800 so you are dropping some pretty significant money but I really like it.

Note: I actually found the hardware on ebay for only $1085 from what appeared to be a very dicey source (pretty much just listed a phone number). In fact they turned out to be a BMW Dealership who was authorized dealer who wanted to fly under the radar (no pun intended) :smile:

My local installer still did the job for $800 so I ended up getting the complete custom installed system for less than $2000.
 
Hi,
I was looking to have a radar detector and jammers installed on my Model S.
I spoke to one of the body shops that said they would install the Beltronics STiR+ with shifters on my car, and today morning they called me up to say that its back ordered for 3 weeks, and that they can install the Escort 9500ci instead.
Has anyone had experience with the two systems? Is one better, or cheaper etc? Should I ask for a discount if I'm getting the 9500ci instead of the Beltronics STiR+, or should I just wait the 3 weeks?

I have the 9500ci and am very happy with it. GPS sensor and Radar Detector hidden behind the nose cone, there is nothing visible except for the display and controls. Here are some installed pictures:

escort1.JPG
escort2.JPG
 
While both custom installed units are made from the same company and most think the 9500ci is the better unit the Beltronics Sti-R Plus is actually the better performing unit.

Here is why:

The Beltronics Sti-R Plus give you 2 options not available on the 9500ci which gives allows it to respond much faster. Band Segmentation and RDR (On/Off) capability.

BS (Band Segmentation) allows users to select certain frequency ranges within the KA band to turn on or off. Removing certain bands from the scan that you know are not used in your area allows the Beltronics Sti-R Plus to scan the important KA Band much faster.

RDR (Radar Detector Rejection) This option allows the detector to eliminate False alerts caused from nearby radar detectors in other vehicles. While this works great to eliminate false alerts it causes the detector to pause (UP to 1/2 Second) while it determines if the alert is a false or a real threat. The problem is I/O (Instant ON) and POP Radar are very fast and having this option on could cause the 9500CI to not alert to one of these real threats.

Using RDR & BS at the same time almost turbo charges the response time of the Sti-R Plus while not adding many additional false alerts. Since you eliminate segments of the non real police frequencies you can eliminate many of these false alerts and you can use the RDR Off function to dramatically increase the response time of the detector. These are not features the average user should play with without guidance of knowing what is used in their area.

Also with the Sti-R Plus you can purchase it without the ZR4 shifters (Not very good anyway) and save the money and apply it to better 3rd party laser jammers.
 
I got the STiR+, also ended up getting parking sensors, paint armor and window tints.

You will be very happy with it. In the menu dont forget to segment the KA Band. In the US you only need to activate KA Segments 2,5 & 8 and you can leave the rest off. You can also turn the RDR option off which will allow it to scan much faster and you will not be able to pick up fast I/O (Instant On) shots where is default settings it would miss most of these.

If you want a detailed breakdown on what these options do you can view this page on the Radar & Laser forum:

Optimal Settings for Beltronics Sti-R Plus

You can also PM me any radar and laser questions. I know several Tesla users that have installed the Sti-R Plus and they have been very happy with it.
 
Last edited:
I have the 9500ci on my P85+ and very happy with it. No experience with the STiR, but will be getting that installed onto our incoming 2nd MS in a few weeks. Will post back if I notice a difference between the two.