Escort Redline Review
The Escort Redline is the longest range windshield mount radar detector you can get. It’s the standard that other detectors are measured against when it comes to long distance range. It’s for this reason that it’s very popular among driving enthusiasts, especially people who drive on the highway. The filtering is dated at this point and there’s no GPS functionality available, but you can add that by pairing it with your phone.
You can watch my Escort Redline review video above for complete information, as well as a head-to-head comparison with some of the other toughest competitors (Radenso Pro SE, Valentine One, Max360, Max2, Magnum, STi-R Plus, 9500ci, and Stinger VIP) to get a good feel for the Redline.
Note: The Escort Redline has since been discontinued and replaced by the Redline EX. You can read my Redline EX review here.
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I bought this radar detector this past Christmas from Amazon and holy crap, it’s a MAJOR improvement from my old V955. Being in Virginia gives me peace of mind driving around. I also recommend this radar detector for anyone who wants something sensitive.
Thank you for this review Vortext, and the YouTube channel 🙂
Ivan-
** i too did a comparison, redline is a clear winner. (unless you have the dinero for the Stinger VIP)
The price above is $437 but when you click it the page shows $510 where is the redline for $437
Don
skycaptain21@comcast.net
Author
Prices on Amazon fluctuate quite a bit so if you don’t see it now, check back in a few days. BRD has them for $499 shipped https://bit.ly/1NSCN8f which isn’t $437, but it’s a better deal than $510.
I’m just wondering why you want the Redline to be run on auto over highway? I under the making of the xr part 2,5,8 trs off rdr off but not the auto part over highway. I have a lot of k band in my area so I thought that using highway is my best option. Also can you help me with my Max360? I’m getting a lot off ka bands false 33.4 any ideas? I’m using highway since k band is in my area. I have rdr off. these radars are in different cars just so you know.
Author
Auto helps cut down on K band false alerts, similar to TSR. It’s helpful in the city in particular so if you do a combination of highway and city driving, auto can be helpful. Highway will give you full sensitivity on K band. It’s all a balance with falses. There’s no right or wrong.
As for the 33.4xx falses with the Max360, that’s a known issue. Firmware 1.3 recently came out which helps the 33.4xx issues to a certain extent, but not completely. Update if you haven’t already and see if it helps.
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I did the update on the max360 I didn’t get much help. the max 360 is always on highway. Should I turn on rdr or will I loose a lot range on k band? Is the 33.4 cobra or what is doing that? Finally my stri plus doesn’t get the 33.4 alerts. Just max360. I did have to turn off the auto lock feature on my stri plus because the unit lock out true police traps. My Stri plus has 2,5,8 on tsr off rdr off and auto lock off. Finally I have a V1 but i’m not sure what to put the small dial on so the unit mutes. Does the vol. key go to the right more then the second small key? I just not postive what way those dials should be. I want load volume then do down automatically after. what should the smaller dial be at?
Author
Right, the update won’t fix the issue entirely, only somewhat. It’s a common issue at this point. As for RDR, the 360 doesn’t offer that feature. As for the V1, it has two volume knobs. The big one on the front is the main volume. The ring around it is the volume for “muted” signals.
thanks again where should I put the muted volume? does it go to right or left? Which way is lower volume after getting a false? finally should max 360 have tsr on or would this lower my range for k band a lot”? would you run max360 on auto would this help 33.4 k band false with no lowering k band range alot? does the laser Inceptor still do a good job in my area ct,ri,mass,n.h. vt? Also how hp-905 in my area?
Author
Put the muted volume wherever you want it. I like it a little above totally silent so I can still hear the volume. Experiment with it… Clockwise is louder, counterclockwise is softer, just like most volume knobs. TSR will hurt range and the 360 can filter out many K band falses without it, unlike the Redline. Try without TSR, but turn it on if you’re still getting too many K falses and see if it helps. Auto doesn’t help 33.4. That requires a firmware fix and there’s nothing you can do. LI and HP-905 will still work fine in many of those areas, however, there are some new guns coming out there like the Dragon guns and Stalker XLR that those jammers can’t handle so it’s best to spend your money on ALP’s.
I see so what your saying is put mute button towards down arrow. that would be lower. if want higher go to up arrow. what do you put your volume key on, and mute? any pictures? how can i find out what is used in my area for laser guns? ct,ma,n.h.,vt? is hp-905 coming out rapid plus system? any ideas what last Aprils update was? i appreciate all your time.
should it be ok have a 360 and V1 in same car at same time? or add in a redline?
i will try 360 on highway with tsr off because of k band pop off
redline trs off rdr off pop off highway 2,5,8
stri plus trs off,rdr off x off pop off highay
Author
No pictures. I run my main volume louder and muted volume quieter. Play with it and it’ll make sense. As for what’s in use in your area, https://www.rdforum.org/wiki/index.php?title=RDF_Geographical_Survey I don’t remember the details with Blinder’s update, but you’ll find that information in the Blinder section on RDF. As for running two detectors at the same time, NO!!!! Don’t do it. They will interfere with each other and mess each other up. One at a time. Keep it simple. Your settings look good, but you’ll probably need TSR on on the Redline and Plus to help with the K band falses. Auto on the Plus and 360 are nice because they have a GPS chip. At higher speeds they revert to highway mode essentially with full sensitivity and at lower speeds they’ll drop down around town to help with falses. The Redline doesn’t have a GPS chip so it can’t do this speed sensitive stuff, but again it’s up to you. It’s a balance and you’ll have to experiment and find out for yourself. I can’t give you all the answers. You have the detectors now so you can play with things. That’s the same thing I’m doing…
I’m sorry I asked so many questions radar roy use to help me. Know i feel lost so I lost a very good friend. I hope you don’t mimd me asking you questions. So would you buy a radenso pro? with V1 if I have volume up meaning towards side arrow or down arrow where does mute button go? towards up arrow is quieter? have you every had lock out lock rear radar on k band/ my units do that. auto ok on 360 and stri plus even with k band?
Author
I understand. Sorry man but I don’t want to keep answering questions all day. A few, sure, but everything within reason. Please check out the forums. There’s a LOT of knowledgable people who can help you out, not just Roy or myself. Thanks.
vortex please help. i want to update my redline and am using a smart cord live direct wire and when i try to update it says “Error Updating Your SmartCord Live DW 2!”. if anyone has a solution please help
Are they any new updates for Escort RedLine
Author
Nope. Escort won’t be updating it beyond where it is today.
Hey, Vortex, just found your sight, I am in the market for a new RD and looking at the 9500ix, but see you don’t even mention it here. Does it not compare with anything you have reviewed – especially the redline? I like the GPS functionality, and it is cheaper than the redline. I haven’t ruled out the max 360, but it is pricier, for sure.
Hi Vortex,
Exceptional & indepth review. Thank you. I just recently bought a BMW 228i M Sport. Before mods to the car I thought it it wiser to consider a radar protection system before increasing the power output.
I live in Toronto Canada so my requirements are two folds. (1) I need to be immune to RDDs and (2) MRCD will be introduced into Ontario sometime this year.
What do you think about the combo of APL Priority w/4 heads 2 front & 2 rear, I think the BMW’;s width is narrow enough that 4 heads should be sufficient + the Passport Elite Redline. My iphone is paired to the BMW through its bluetooth, so I don’t require the chip and run the audio through the car speakers.
KMPH the authorized deal in Vancouver is offering a bundled package for $CND 1,499.00 ($US 1,090.00) including free shipping to Toronto and Pre-Programming the MRCD.
Your thoughts?
Ken N
Author
Good decision about getting protection before bumping the power. The ALP will definitely help for Toronto. However, the DragonEye is in use up there so you will need 3 heads up front instead of just 2. The MRCD antenna in addition to the normal one is a good idea too.
can u explian what the numbers mean eg K23.489 etc when the detector alarms .can i tell if it is something harmless from these numbers
Hi Vortex
I want to know old version redline radar support “international gun” ?? Yes or no?
Or just only new redline EX support international gun?
What is the different between redline and redline ex please?
Hi Vortex. I was wondering if the original REDLINE was still worth keeping. The speaker blew in mine and yes I’ve replaced it before so I know I can do it again but I’m quite certain I have one of the original ones and I know there are a lot options out there. Yes I’ve watch a multitude of videos, but I’m wondering if I should just run with what I’ve had for quite some time? thanks.
Author
For Ka only, it’s still a beast. If you need any sort of K band detection/filtering, it may be a good idea to upgrade. The Uniden R3 is the go-to pick with similar/better range than the Redline, better BSM filtering, GPS filtering, RDD immunity too, etc. You can always get a detector with arrows if you like too. For just straight Ka detection, the Redline with a fixed speaker would be just fine.