Why I Stopped Recommending the Redline 360c, Again

Summary

In this video, the presenter announces the retraction of their recommendation for the Escort RedLine 360c radar detectors due to numerous reported issues with the latest firmware, including response time problems and false alerts. They express concern over the detector's performance, particularly against competing brands like Uniden. The presenter shares their ongoing communication with Escort to address these concerns and outlines plans for further testing and updates. They emphasize the need for reliability in high-end detectors and remain hopeful for improvements, while also preparing for the upcoming SEMA event to gather more insights on potential new products.

Takeaways

• 😟 The speaker has retracted their recommendation for the Escort RedLine 360c series detectors due to numerous reported issues.
• 🔧 Firmware problems have led to false alerts and performance inconsistencies, particularly concerning response times and audio delays.
• ⚠️ Many users are experiencing bugs related to radar detection, specifically with the Decator Genesis 2 select guns.
• 📉 Users are advised to consider sticking with older firmware versions, as Escort does not currently allow downgrades.
• 🤝 The speaker is actively collaborating with Escort to address these issues and plans to send their radar guns for further testing.
• 🛠️ Escort is expected to release additional firmware updates, with improvements promised in a two-part update series.
• 👎 The current state of Escort detectors falls below the speaker's minimum standards for performance and reliability.
• 🔍 The speaker is looking into alternative brands, particularly Uniden, which offer reliable detectors at various price points.
• 📆 Upcoming updates and potential new product announcements from manufacturers will be closely monitored by the speaker.
• 🤞 The speaker remains hopeful that Escort will resolve the existing issues and return to a standard of acceptable performance.

Q & A

What prompted the speaker to withdraw their recommendation for the Escort RedLine 360c detectors?

The speaker withdrew their recommendation due to numerous issues reported by users regarding the latest firmware, including response time and false alerts, which surpassed previous concerns.

What specific problems have users reported with the Escort RedLine 360c detectors?

Users have reported issues such as false alerts on Ka band, laser falses, improper ramp-up behavior, and audio delays where alerts are heard after a noticeable lag.

How has the speaker engaged with Escort regarding these issues?

The speaker has been in communication with Escort, reporting user feedback and offering to send their radar guns for further testing and analysis to help resolve the problems.

What updates are expected from Escort to address the reported issues?

Escort is expected to release a second part of a firmware update aimed at improving the performance of the detectors, following an initial update that has shown mixed results.

What alternatives does the speaker recommend now that Escort's detectors are not being recommended?

The speaker recommends Uniden models, including the R9, R8, and R7, citing their better overall performance at various price points compared to Escort's current offerings.

Why does the speaker consider the response time of radar detectors critical?

Response time is crucial because radar detectors are expected to alert users promptly about speed enforcement, and any delays can reduce their effectiveness and utility.

What is the speaker's opinion on the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features of the Escort detectors?

The speaker appreciates the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features when they function properly, but emphasizes that these features should not compromise the fundamental detection capabilities of the device.

What concerns does the speaker have regarding the future of Escort's detectors?

The speaker is concerned whether Escort will adequately address the ongoing issues with their detectors and if new models will be released to improve performance.

How does the speaker plan to provide updates on radar detectors moving forward?

The speaker plans to provide updates after attending the SEMA show, where they expect to learn about new products and developments from various manufacturers, including Escort.

What are the speaker's minimum standards for radar detectors?

The speaker's minimum standards include effective detection performance without bugs or delays, reliable false alert filtering, and overall functionality that meets the expectations for high-end devices.