What is your favorite radar detector?
10-20-2015, 12:47 AM
#91
Nordschleife Master
Call me dense but I never did get all the hype about arrows. I had a V1 once but didn't find the arrows useful. If the thing starts blaring, who in his right mind will keep speeding while trying to evaluate the message the arrow sends? If it's even accurate. I had more annoyance warnings with the V1 than any other detector I've owned. So instead.... I can stand to back off a bit for 30 seconds or whatever it usually takes for the whole episode to pass, arrows or no arrows.
If one needs proof for the importance of directional arrows (and yes they are accurate as they depict the output of a figure 8-directional antenna) is that Escort now has it, presumably after the lapse of the V1 patent.
10-27-2015, 12:37 PM
#92
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Longtime V1 user here (mine is probably 10 years old at this point at least, version 1.7). Received the Escort Max 360 on Friday.
General impressions:
The good:
Locking out known falses via GPS is a great thing to have.
Display can show you the kind and frequency of the radar.
Does not chatter constantly about nearby cars with onboard collision, cruise, etc. ... this made my V1 almost useless but in fairness, I don't have the latest version.
Controlling the detector via the bluetooth app on the phone is a nice feature.
The not so great:
Crazy expensive.
Firmware and database not upgradeable on a Mac because their application is only up-to-date on a PC. That's unacceptable, especially since they have a "made for iPhone" label on the damn box.
Big heavy detector, with clunky sticky mount that is really difficult to move from car to car ... in fact the mount broke into 3 pieces after just three days and was a PITA to put back together.
Cord is way too short and, unlike the V1, the lighter plug and cable are integrated, so you can't swap out different phone cable. Escort cable is half straight and half coiled and really clunky in both cars I'm using it in -- Ferrari and an Audi. With just a straight cable you can usually artfully run the cable around the dash, etc., but no way to do this with the supplied cable from Escort. Looks bad.
Not as sensitive as even my old V1 ... the V1 picks up K band in a couple of specific spots that the 360 does not.
Sound (voice) is really low-fi.
The arrows on the V1 are immediately readable and responsive ... the arrows on the 360 are tiny little LED triangles that are tough to see and there is a lag of a couple of seconds after the alert before they even light to tell you where it is. Also, they are slow to respond, as the front arrow remains lit for several seconds even after you pass the radar source.
Still falses on certain new cars ... Acuras, for sure, had that happen to me.
So, while it inspires a certain confidence that once it's used to your area, if it speaks up it's probably for a good reason, there is a certain wonkiness and clumsiness to it that makes it feel like they rushed it out as soon as they could get the arrows on it. They hinted that it would be better than the current Max 2 but the word is it's basically the same with a larger case and slow-responding arrows.
Might send it back and try the latest version of the V1, not sure yet.
General impressions:
The good:
Locking out known falses via GPS is a great thing to have.
Display can show you the kind and frequency of the radar.
Does not chatter constantly about nearby cars with onboard collision, cruise, etc. ... this made my V1 almost useless but in fairness, I don't have the latest version.
Controlling the detector via the bluetooth app on the phone is a nice feature.
The not so great:
Crazy expensive.
Firmware and database not upgradeable on a Mac because their application is only up-to-date on a PC. That's unacceptable, especially since they have a "made for iPhone" label on the damn box.
Big heavy detector, with clunky sticky mount that is really difficult to move from car to car ... in fact the mount broke into 3 pieces after just three days and was a PITA to put back together.
Cord is way too short and, unlike the V1, the lighter plug and cable are integrated, so you can't swap out different phone cable. Escort cable is half straight and half coiled and really clunky in both cars I'm using it in -- Ferrari and an Audi. With just a straight cable you can usually artfully run the cable around the dash, etc., but no way to do this with the supplied cable from Escort. Looks bad.
Not as sensitive as even my old V1 ... the V1 picks up K band in a couple of specific spots that the 360 does not.
Sound (voice) is really low-fi.
The arrows on the V1 are immediately readable and responsive ... the arrows on the 360 are tiny little LED triangles that are tough to see and there is a lag of a couple of seconds after the alert before they even light to tell you where it is. Also, they are slow to respond, as the front arrow remains lit for several seconds even after you pass the radar source.
Still falses on certain new cars ... Acuras, for sure, had that happen to me.
So, while it inspires a certain confidence that once it's used to your area, if it speaks up it's probably for a good reason, there is a certain wonkiness and clumsiness to it that makes it feel like they rushed it out as soon as they could get the arrows on it. They hinted that it would be better than the current Max 2 but the word is it's basically the same with a larger case and slow-responding arrows.
Might send it back and try the latest version of the V1, not sure yet.
10-27-2015, 12:56 PM
#93
Former Vendor
V1 all the way. With the new iPhone connection I have a program that eliminates most false alarms by researching police bands. I can't take credit for the tune though, my friend shared it with me. I always have them hardwired tight to the rearview.
10-28-2015, 03:10 PM
#94
Three Wheelin'
I have loved my 9500ix and it has saved my butt more than a few times - that and the sloped 911 hood I suspect.
That said, I have just upgraded to the Max360. First impressions: it is quite large and heavy compared to the more svelte 9500ix. More road time before I decide if I keep it. I always laugh when I here that "situational awareness" pitch for the V1. Does it matter? Slow down. Seems reasonable. And it wasn't the directional arrows that drew me to the Max360 either - maybe they will be cooler than I think - or gimmicky; who knows. I reckon whatever sells it works, but the whole "battle zone" notion of driving - way not chill enough for me. The "we pay for your ticket" - now that's a selling point - that I hope to never have to use.
That said, I have just upgraded to the Max360. First impressions: it is quite large and heavy compared to the more svelte 9500ix. More road time before I decide if I keep it. I always laugh when I here that "situational awareness" pitch for the V1. Does it matter? Slow down. Seems reasonable. And it wasn't the directional arrows that drew me to the Max360 either - maybe they will be cooler than I think - or gimmicky; who knows. I reckon whatever sells it works, but the whole "battle zone" notion of driving - way not chill enough for me. The "we pay for your ticket" - now that's a selling point - that I hope to never have to use.
Last edited by stevepow; 10-28-2015 at 05:25 PM.
10-28-2015, 04:04 PM
#95
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I know that V1 is an RL favorite, and I've owned one. My preference is the Escort Redline. Early warning (my #1 priority), auto mute, and I don't miss the arrows.
I have one in my daily driver and I just bought another one to hard wire into my "new" 997.
I mount behind the rear view mirror so neither I, nor anyone else notices it, and its dual antenna picks up radar from all directions extremely well.
My $0.02
I have one in my daily driver and I just bought another one to hard wire into my "new" 997.
I mount behind the rear view mirror so neither I, nor anyone else notices it, and its dual antenna picks up radar from all directions extremely well.
My $0.02
10-28-2015, 05:33 PM
#96
Rennlist Member
After the deafening silence from Escort about when my Max 360 preorder would ship, I called them and after a 30 minute hold the customer service rep said she could provide no information about when I would receive it. When pressed it became clear that their management isn't allowing them to update their (once) loyal customers (I've owned mostly Escort products since the first in the late 1970s except for a time with an early V1). I cancelled on the spot based upon my irritation about such lack of concern about keeping their customers informed... and also due to the lukewarm reviews I've seen in the prior posts here. I was polite to the rep as she was apologetic about not being able to tell me more, but I'll compose something better for her management.
I understand from their forums that quite a few people are cancelling at this point. Geez. What a way to lose long-time customers. I still have a Max so that should do for now... but I think that will be the last Escort product I own. I guess next up will be a V1 or a Radenso... we'll see when the time comes.
I understand from their forums that quite a few people are cancelling at this point. Geez. What a way to lose long-time customers. I still have a Max so that should do for now... but I think that will be the last Escort product I own. I guess next up will be a V1 or a Radenso... we'll see when the time comes.
10-28-2015, 06:12 PM
#97
Nordschleife Master
Keep your V1 updated and it beats them all. I just did a scan of the RF design of several competing current units and most have a single RF horn pointing forward, meaning rear detection is dependent of forward target scattering. Not good.
10-28-2015, 06:27 PM
#98
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Redline has two antenna which pick up rear contacts just fine, in my experience. Hwy 101 and 5 between Los Angeles and San Francisco are thick with radar, and the Redline works early and great.
10-28-2015, 06:51 PM
#99
I just bought the redline (edit: for maximum 'cloaking') as i live in areas where radar detectors are frowned upon. I had a 8500 before and loved it. I had it hardwired, and that worked well. So, i decided to do the same thing. I bought the accessory, direct wire escort live for iphone. It connects the detector to the iphone app via bluetooth (it is listed at $99, but they have a promotion for $40 -- at that price, it is very much worth it for converting stealthy boring redline to tech savvy redline). I can run the detector dark and silent with only the alert on by phone. And, it tells me a lot about laser, speed cameras, redlight cameras, and frequencies of alerts. It also allows me to "lockout" known falses via gps. It's pretty slick.
I will say though that used in a city like environment for any detector isn't very fun. There are falses on every street corner it seems. I am eliminating them, but there are a lot.
On the highway, its been fantastic.
So, that's my $.02. You get what you pay for in advice...so ymmv.
Best,
I will say though that used in a city like environment for any detector isn't very fun. There are falses on every street corner it seems. I am eliminating them, but there are a lot.
On the highway, its been fantastic.
So, that's my $.02. You get what you pay for in advice...so ymmv.
Best,
Last edited by secondshot; 11-01-2015 at 12:45 PM.
10-28-2015, 06:57 PM
#100
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...I will say though that used in a city like environment for any detector isn't very fun. There are falses on every street corner it seems. I am eliminating them, but there are a lot.
On the highway, its been fantastic.
So, that's my $.02. You get what you pay for in advice...so ymmv.
Best,
On the highway, its been fantastic.
So, that's my $.02. You get what you pay for in advice...so ymmv.
Best,
10-30-2015, 12:57 AM
#102
Advanced
Valentine 1 !
11-03-2015, 12:39 PM
#105
Three Wheelin'
Wow - bummer. I had opposite experience so far. I ordered online, got email confirmation, and soon after, shipping notification, and within a few days it arrived via UPS.
It's bit large is my main complaint - seems to have missed 15 years or so of the miniaturization wave. I like the Blutooth / phone features, the speed limit info, and the display - and it works with my old direct wire / smartcord. I'll be pissed in a year or so when they shrink the size in half - and will immediately upgrade it.
It's bit large is my main complaint - seems to have missed 15 years or so of the miniaturization wave. I like the Blutooth / phone features, the speed limit info, and the display - and it works with my old direct wire / smartcord. I'll be pissed in a year or so when they shrink the size in half - and will immediately upgrade it.
After the deafening silence from Escort about when my Max 360 preorder would ship, I called them and after a 30 minute hold the customer service rep said she could provide no information about when I would receive it. When pressed it became clear that their management isn't allowing them to update their (once) loyal customers (I've owned mostly Escort products since the first in the late 1970s except for a time with an early V1). I cancelled on the spot based upon my irritation about such lack of concern about keeping their customers informed... and also due to the lukewarm reviews I've seen in the prior posts here. I was polite to the rep as she was apologetic about not being able to tell me more, but I'll compose something better for her management.
I understand from their forums that quite a few people are cancelling at this point. Geez. What a way to lose long-time customers. I still have a Max so that should do for now... but I think that will be the last Escort product I own. I guess next up will be a V1 or a Radenso... we'll see when the time comes.
I understand from their forums that quite a few people are cancelling at this point. Geez. What a way to lose long-time customers. I still have a Max so that should do for now... but I think that will be the last Escort product I own. I guess next up will be a V1 or a Radenso... we'll see when the time comes.