Professionals
IVT Filter
360 Diploma Protection
Crowd-Sourced Alerts
Cons
Worth
Vulnerable to false alerts at instances
I’ve not owned a radar detector since 2008 once I picked one up randomly for no matter purpose. After it went kaput a short while later (it was an inexpensive one), I by no means changed it. To be fully sincere, I’ve since thought radar detectors had been frivolous, pointless, and silly. At finest, they’re mildly annoying with their fixed beeping and blipping; at worst, radar detectors are a complete waste of cash.
That stated, Escort had their work lower out for them after they despatched me the MAX 360c. And much more so once I noticed the retail worth of 650 bones! I’m most likely not spending $50 on a radar detector, not to mention $650. What on the planet might the MAX 360c probably do to justify the price? I’m certain it’s a pleasant unit and all, however $650?
Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog and its companions could also be compensated while you buy the merchandise featured on this overview.
Escort MAX 360c
8.5/10 Our Rating
The Escort MAX 360c gives long-range detection, false alert and IVT filters, Bluetooth connectivity, and a multi-color OLED show. Throughout the preferences menu, drivers can personalize their expertise with the MAX 360c.
Though the MAX 360c is flexible and feature-packed, do you actually need such a high-end radar detector? In any case, there are different dependable models – which we cowl beneath – for much less cash. We spent three weeks on the highway with the MAX 360c to see if it’s definitely worth the $650.
Why Purchase a Radar Detector?
The obvious purpose is to keep away from a rushing ticket. For those who take into account the typical value of a rushing ticket within the U.S. at round $150 (not counting the elevated insurance coverage premium), then sure, a radar detector is sensible. Nevertheless, the query is whether or not or not it is advisable to spend $650? Since there are different models out there for much less, do you actually need to spend a lot for the Escort MAX 360c?
After three weeks of driving with the MAX 360c, I consider the reply is sure and no. You don’t want one thing close to as fancy because the MAX 360c to get issues like false alert and IVT filters, long-range detection, and a colourful show. Even inside Escort’s product lineup, the extra budget-friendly MAX 3 will do the job. Or there may be the Cobra RAD 380, a literal steal for $100 when you think about the value of the MAX 360c.
Nevertheless, these cheaper models might really feel like greasy sardines versus having a prize catch mounted to your windshield. In that regard, sure, the Escort MAX 360c is the large fish value bragging about to your mates. And that is the place the MAX 360c began to vary my thoughts about paying good cash for a radar detector.
Escort MAX 360c In-Depth: What It Gives
The MAX 360c is loaded to the gills with options, which helps justify the value. As I arrange the Escort MAX 306c, I used this fast reference information and corresponding spec sheet. Enable me to clarify a few of the finest options.
360-Diploma Safety
The MAX 360c lives as much as its title with its entrance and rear antennas for max protection. Moreover, the MAX 360c points directional alerts by way of illuminated arrows across the OLED show display. Proper now, I’ve the directional alert arrows color-coded based on the alert. For instance, x bands mild up inexperienced whereas okay bands mild up blue. Throughout a laser menace, all arrows flash in pink.
Escort is assured sufficient to supply a ticket assure for the MAX 360c for one yr after buy. Basically, when you get smacked with a radar or laser rushing ticket, Escort pays for it (topic to phrases and circumstances, after all). The ticket assure is a pleasant perk when you find yourself spending $650 for the MAX 360c.
AutoLearn Expertise
The MAX 360c makes use of GPS know-how to memorize your route and reject false alerts robotically. When this occurs, the MAX 360c reveals the phrase “STORED” on the show display. Equally, you need to use the little button on the USB adapter that powers the MAX 360c to both mute or retailer a false alert. Press it as soon as to mute an alert and 3 times to lock out an alert. For those who lock out an alert by mistake, no worries. The following time you obtain it, hit the little button twice on the USB adapter to unblock it.
It’s also possible to hit the mute button on the unit itself to lock out false alerts, however so long as the USB energy twine is inside attain, it’s simpler to make use of that.
Escort’s AutoLearning Expertise is a unbelievable characteristic, however I didn’t all the time have the most effective luck with it. The MAX 360c shortly realized and filtered out false alerts across the regular procuring plazas and grocery shops. No points there. Whereas driving by means of Detroit correct, nevertheless, the town’s industrial areas overloaded the MAX 360c with false alerts, and I think that may be the case the place you reside too.
For instance, when you take I-75 southbound out of Detroit, you cross Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant and the Marathon Refinery, two huge services on the River Rouge. It’s the same story over by the American Axle services in Litchfield, Michigan. The MAX 360c, for no matter purpose, struggles to filter false alerts in and round these industrial places. I’m always hitting the USB energy twine to both mute or block the false alerts.
However the MAX 360c does redeem itself. This time of yr, there may be important highway building on I-94 westbound, which leads out of the Detroit metro. After solely two journeys down I-94 heading in direction of Ann Arbor, the MAX 360c acknowledged the digital highway building indicators and locked them out.
If you need, you’ll be able to flip the AutoLearn characteristic off by way of the preferences menu.
Mark Location
The “MRK” button (or Mark Location button) on high of the unit will flag a location for an alert. There are 4 labels to select from: Purple Gentle, Pace Digicam, Pace Lure, and Different. Over close to Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn one night, my MAX 360c despatched me a laser warning (and I used to be capable of see the patrol automotive just a few moments later). I instantly marked the situation as a Pace Lure however determined to hang around within the space. As I circled Fairlane City Heart and the now-abandoned Edward Lodge, I used to be capable of drive proper into the patrol automotive’s path.
The Escort MAX 360c displayed slightly icon of a blue police automotive with a corresponding distance measurement as I moved towards the marked location. The primary warning issued by the MAX 360c got here at a formidable 1,500 ft, over 1 / 4 of a mile away. The space displayed all the way in which right down to 140 ft once I drove proper previous the patrol automotive.
IVT Filter
Just like the AutoLearn characteristic, the IVT Filter (or in-vehicle know-how filter) reduces the probability of false alerts that stem from the superior security options on different automobiles round you. This consists of radar-sensor-dependant techniques like adaptive cruise management and blind-spot monitoring.
The IVT filter works flawlessly on the MAX 360c. On a number of events, I might see the blind-spot indicator mild on the outside mirror of the automobile I used to be passing. And the Escort MAX 360c was as quiet as a mouse. The IVT filter’s effectiveness helps justify the $650 price ticket.
Becoming a member of the IVT filter is the Clever Pace Sensitivity characteristic, which robotically adjusts the unit’s sensitivity based mostly in your present velocity to scale back false alerts.
Customized Configurations
By means of the OLED Show, you’ll be able to create your individual expertise with the MAX 360c. Though the default settings are fairly good already, I like to recommend scrolling by means of them anyway. On the highest of the unit, hit the “SEN” and “BRT” buttons to entry the preferences menu. Faucet “SEN” to scroll by means of every part within the menu and the quantity buttons to vary the totally different settings inside a given class.
You may alter issues like the brink of the over-speed warnings, alert tones, and the GPS filter by means of the preferences menu. You may dive into 15 particular person radar bands and switch them on or off. For instance, the ka-POP band is off by default (which is typical for many detectors as we speak), however you’ll be able to swap it on when you need.
It’s also possible to change the show shade between blue, inexperienced, pink, and amber. It is a enjoyable little attribute of the MAX 360c, particularly when you have ambient lights in your automobile. I desire blue or inexperienced as they’re a bit softer on the eyes, particularly at night time. Nevertheless, when you like louder colours, go for pink or amber!
Connectivity Options
That is the place the Escort MAX 360c reveals its worth and what separates it from lower-cost models. Three important parts make up the connectivity suite for the Escort MAX 360c. Getting access to these options helped promote me on the MAX 360c and high-caliber radar detectors basically.
Escort Reside App
Whereas you should buy a radar detector with out Bluetooth connectivity, utilizing the Escort Reside app with the MAX 360c makes it that rather more versatile. It’s nearly like Oreos and milk. Each time I leap in my automotive, I plug within the MAX 360c and pull up the app on my cellphone. Prefer it’s second nature by now.
The Escort Reside app is good in that it’s each practical and easy. Click on on the map tab to see any surrounding alerts in real-time, as reported by a neighborhood of over three million Escort prospects. Actual-time, user-generated alerts embrace issues like pink mild and velocity digicam places and the origins of assorted radar bands.
The over-speed warnings are significantly useful, particularly when you occur to overlook the velocity restrict signal. Over-speed warnings could be modified by way of the app in several increments, all the way in which as much as 25 mph over (I set mine for both 5 or 10 mph over). Whereas driving, you’ll be able to see your present velocity on the OLED show relative to the velocity restrict within the space. For those who journey quicker than your set over-speed, you’ll hear a voice alert.
The one disadvantage is that the MAX 360c with the Escort Reside app could also be too good at detecting velocity restrict indicators. Whereas touring on the interstate, the velocity restrict indicator can out of the blue go from 70 mph to a a lot decrease velocity, like 20 or 30 mph (during which case, you’ll obtain an alert). Nevertheless, the MAX 360c is just not studying the velocity restrict on the interstate, however slightly the velocity restrict of the off-ramp or surrounding space simply off the highway. Relying on the place you might be driving, it’s possible you’ll obtain a variety of false alerts relating to over-speed warnings.
Defender Database
If you wish to go above and past, Escort’s Defender Database (a part of the Escort Reside app and out there by way of a subscription) offers much more shared alerts from different drivers. The Defender Database gives weekly updates of pink mild and velocity digicam places, cellular cameras, and even air patrol zones.
Simply driving round metro Detroit and staying in my native space, I’d skip the Defender Database. Though, if I had been continuously touring to totally different states, then sure, I’d spring for the Defender Database. My recommendation is to get the three-year subscription ($49.95) versus the one-year plan ($24.95) because it’s a greater worth total.
Linked Automobile Appropriate
In case you have a automobile with a cellular Wi-Fi hotspot, you’ll be able to join the MAX 360c to it. Doing so will will let you obtain necessary software program updates from Escort on the go.
Just under the MAX 360c is the usual MAX 360. The MAX 360 is near the 360c when you think about its options and performance (and even rather less at $450), however it gained’t help over-the-air updates. Just like the Defender Database, if you’re continuously touring, the dwell software program updates might be simpler than having to do them by way of your pc. The MAX 360c additionally has a nicer show when in comparison with the usual 360.
The MAX 360c will allow you to go nuts with enjoyable equipment. Out there upgrades embrace the 1080p M1 sprint digicam and the ZW5 or ZR5 laser shifters. The M1 sprint cam is a quick plug-in-play choice, though the laser shifters will take slightly extra work. Laser shifters are additionally unlawful in some states, so be certain that to examine your native legal guidelines earlier than set up.
Is The Escort MAX 360c Value It?
Regardless of my skepticism about radar detectors, particularly a $650 unit just like the MAX 360c, I do consider it’s value the price. Whether or not or not it’s best for you is one other query. As we mentioned, there are radar detectors with the newest know-how for much less cash. If all you want is slightly peace of thoughts in your each day commute, then you might be overbuying with the MAX 360c. True, the MAX 360c will ship, however there is no such thing as a sense in grabbing a shovel when a spoon will suffice.
As a substitute, take into account getting a unit just like the Uniden R3 or Cobra RAD 480i. The Uniden retails for $260 whereas the Coba is a mere $150, and each are stable decisions. In case you are okay spending $600 or $700 for a radar detector, check out the K40 Platinum 100 earlier than ordering the MAX 360c. The K40 is $100 lower than the MAX 360c and has related options.
The factor in regards to the MAX 360c is that it’s most likely arduous to return to a cheaper unit when you see all that it will probably do. I ought to observe that Escort despatched me the MAX 360c without charge for this overview. I nonetheless don’t know that I’d personally spend $650 for a radar detector, however I perceive the attract of the MAX 360c after driving with it for 3 weeks. Regardless of my skepticism, if not downright dismissal of radar detectors, the MAX 360c hasn’t left my aspect since I received it.
In a short while, my spouse and I’ll take off to seize some dinner. After all, I’ll stuff the MAX 360c again within the carrying case and toss it up on the windshield after we depart. Plus, the MAX 360c simply appears cool. A part of my skepticism about radar detectors stems from how I believe they typically appear to be a hunk of plastic with a pixelated display and a twine protruding. Oh, and it makes noise too? Nice.
I don’t really feel that means in regards to the MAX 360c, particularly when automotive wash attendants or drive-thru cashiers ask me about it. I inform them the identical factor I’m saying now: you don’t want such a high-caliber radar detector, however is it ever good to have. “My partner/different member of the family wants a kind of” or “I had no thought they might do all that” are the 2 most typical responses.
Regardless of not all the time getting the AutoLearning factor down, I consider the MAX 360c will give me a few years of devoted service. Possibly on the finish of that highway, I’ll look into Escort’s trade-in program. It could be good to have a next-generation MAX 360c in the event that they ever colonize Mars and I find yourself residing there.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Affiliation and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of administrators for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Basis, is a previous president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Our Verdict
8.5/10 Our Rating
The Escort MAX 360c gives long-range detection, false alert and IVT filters, Bluetooth connectivity, and a multi-color OLED show. Throughout the preferences menu, drivers can personalize their expertise with the MAX 360c.
After three weeks on the highway with the MAX 360c, it might be arduous to contemplate a less-expensive, and subsequently, much less succesful unit. If you need a top-of-the-line radar detector with all of the options and extras, the MAX 360c is a superb selection. In case you have a cherished one with a birthday developing, the MAX 360c will even make for an excellent present.
Escort MAX 360c Specs
Working Bands
- X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz
- Okay-band 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz
- Ka-band 34.700 GHz ± 1300 MHz
- Laser 904nm, 33 MHz Bandwidth
Radar Receiver/Detector Sort
- Superheterodyne, Varactor-Tuned VCO
- Scanning Frequency Discriminator
- Digital Sign Processing (DSP)
Sensitivity Management
- Freeway, Auto, Auto No X, Auto Lo Okay
Energy Requirement
- 12VDC, unfavorable floor
- Escort SmartCord USB (included)
Escort MAX 360c Guarantee
- The Escort MAX 360c comes with a one-year restricted guarantee that protects towards defects in supplies and workmanship. Escort will restore or change your radar detector freed from cost (you do pay for transport, nevertheless).
Dimensions
- 1.38” H x 3.25” W x 5.15” L
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Ought to I register my Escort MAX 360c?
Sure. Registering your MAX 360c provides you with entry to the Escort Reside app. It can additionally streamline issues if it is advisable to file a guaranty declare.
My suction cup mount retains falling down.
If this occurs, gently rinse the suction cup mount off below heat water and permit it to air dry. Doing so will take away any particles, mud, and dust which may be inflicting the suction cup mount to lose its grip.
Is the Escort Max 360c wi-fi?
No. To ensure that the MAX 360c to work, it have to be plugged in by way of the included SmartCord USB.
Does Escort cost for transport?
Escort gives free transport on all orders over $99.
