Beltronics and Escort are the same company
If you’ve ever seriously looked for high-end radar detectors, you’ve probably come across Beltronics and Escort, but did you know they’re actually the same company? That’s right, a few years ago Escort acquired Beltronics and since then the two companies have been sharing technologies between both brands.
Some of the features present in both brands are automatic alert silencing, radar signal frequency display, voice alerts, automatic scan modes to reduce false alerts, and voltmeters. Beltronics radar detectors are generally less expensive due to the fact that they lack one or two of the key features that Escort models have. Beltronics models are often a better deal, but be careful to check feature sets because the feature you are looking for may only be available on Escort units.
While the Escort and Beltronics radar detector models are similar, there are a few key differences that we would like to point out. We recommend products from both brands, but the features differ slightly between the brands, so make sure you’re getting exactly what you want.
Starting at the top of the line, the Beltronics STi Driver and the Escort Redline are extremely similar. Both are based on the same high-performance radar detection platform and differ only slightly in features. The STi Driver has a male voice, while Redline has a female voice. Our preference is overwhelmingly for Redline’s female voice. It is much clearer and more pleasant. On the screen side, the STi controller has a threat screen, while the red line has the expert meter. Both modes allow you to see multiple radar signals on the screen at once and the signal strength of each signal, the STi Driver can only display one threat from each band, while Redline can display 4 X bands, 2 K bands, and 2 Ka -Band signals all at once. The detection range on these devices is very similar and the STi controller can be bought a bit cheaper, so if that’s your only requirement, we would go for the STi controller.
The Beltronics GX65 and Escort Passport 9500ix are very similar GPS radar detectors. Both devices allow you to block signals based on the location and frequency of the signal, but the Passport will automatically block the signals it detects, but the GX65 will require manual signal blocking. Other than that, these models are basically the same, so if you don’t mind blocking alerts yourself, go ahead and go for the GX65, it’s a great detector.
Overall, the Escort and Beltronics product lines perform excellently and will surely serve you well. If you’re looking for the most advanced and feature-packed units, look to Escort, but if you’re looking for a bargain and are willing to give up some features, look no further than the Beltronics product line.