Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases. Commissions from Amazon and different affiliate companions come to us at no extra price to you. The MAX 360c on this evaluate was provided by Escort Radar. Automoblog is a member of the Radar Detector and Countermeasures Discussion board to make sure reality and accountability when overlaying radar detectors.
The Escort MAX 360c gives long-range detection, false alert and IVT filters, Bluetooth connectivity by way of the Escort Dwell app, and a multi-color OLED show. Throughout the preferences menu, drivers can additional personalize their expertise with the MAX 360c.
Though the MAX 360c is flexible and feature-packed, do you really want such a high-end radar detector? In any case, there are different dependable models – which we cowl under – for much less cash. We spent three weeks on the highway with the MAX 360c to see if it was well worth the $650 retail worth on Amazon.
Escort MAX 360c In-Depth: What It Presents
As I arrange my MAX 360c, I used this detailed reference information and spec sheet.
360-Diploma Safety
The Escort 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 so the place the risk is coming from. I’ve the directional alert arrows color-coded in response to the alert. For instance, X bands gentle up inexperienced whereas Ok bands gentle up blue. Throughout a laser risk (LiDAR), all arrows flash in purple.
Escort is assured sufficient to provide a ticket assure for one 12 months after buy. Primarily, in case you get smacked with a radar or laser dashing ticket, Escort pays for it (topic to phrases and circumstances, after all). The ticket assure is a pleasant perk when spending $650 for the Escort MAX 360c.
AutoLearn Know-how
The MAX 360c makes use of GPS know-how to memorize your route and reject false alerts routinely. When this occurs, the MAX 360c exhibits the phrase “STORED” on the show display. Equally, you should utilize 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 a false alert and thrice to lock it out. For those who lock out an alert by mistake, no worries. The subsequent 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 to lock out false alerts, however so long as the USB energy twine is inside attain, it’s simpler to make use of that. If you need, you’ll be able to flip the AutoLearn characteristic off by way of the preferences menu.
Escort’s AutoLearn Know-how is a helpful characteristic, however I didn’t at all times have the very best luck with it. The MAX 360c shortly discovered and filtered out false alerts across the normal procuring plazas and grocery shops – no points there. Whereas driving by means of Detroit correct, nevertheless, town’s industrial areas overloaded the MAX 360c with false alerts.
For instance, in case you take I-75 southbound out of Detroit, you move Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant and the Marathon Refinery, two large services on the River Rouge. It’s an analogous story over by the American Axle services in Litchfield, Michigan. The MAX 360c, for no matter cause, struggles to filter false alerts in and round these industrial places.
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 choose from: Crimson Mild, Velocity Digicam, Velocity Lure, and Different. Close to Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn one night, my MAX 360c despatched me a laser warning (and I might see the patrol automotive a number of moments later). I instantly marked the situation as a Velocity 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 just a little 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 gap displayed all the way in which all the way down to 140 ft once I drove proper previous the Dearborn police automobile.
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 autos round you. This consists of radar-sensor-dependant programs like adaptive cruise management and blind-spot monitoring.
The IVT filter works flawlessly on the Escort MAX 360c. On a number of events, I might see the blind-spot indicator gentle 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 Velocity Sensitivity characteristic, which routinely adjusts the unit’s sensitivity on the go. This can be a fancy means of claiming “Auto” sensitivity, that means the MAX 360c will shift between Metropolis and Freeway modes primarily based in your present velocity.
Customized Configurations
You possibly can create your individual expertise with the Escort MAX 360c by means of the OLED Show. 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 little thing within the menu and the quantity buttons to alter the totally different settings inside a given class.
You possibly can modify issues like the brink of the over-speed warnings, alert tones, and the GPS filter by means of the preferences menu. You possibly can dive into Ok and Ka band segmentation to make sure the MAX 360c is as responsive as attainable to police radar, given the place you reside.
It’s also possible to change the show shade between blue, inexperienced, purple, and amber. This can be a enjoyable little attribute of the Escort MAX 360c, particularly in case your automobile has ambient lights. I favor blue or inexperienced as these colours are softer on the eyes, particularly at evening. Nonetheless, in case you like louder colours, go for purple or amber!
Escort Dwell App
Whereas you should buy a radar detector with out Bluetooth connectivity, utilizing the Escort Dwell app with the MAX 360c makes it that rather more versatile. In principle, anyway. Buyer critiques of the Escort Dwell app are blended at greatest, with extra one-star critiques than we’re snug with for an app that accompanies a $650 piece of {hardware}.
The elective Escort Dwell app is useful when it’s working accurately. Click on on the map tab to see any surrounding alerts in real-time, as reported by a group of over three million Escort prospects. Actual-time, user-generated alerts embrace purple gentle and velocity digital camera places and the origins of assorted radar bands.
The over-speed warnings are significantly helpful, particularly in case you miss the velocity restrict signal within the space you might be driving. Escort Dwell picks up the posted velocity restrict in your location and shows it. Whereas driving, you’ll be able to see your present velocity on the OLED show relative to the velocity restrict within the space. Over-speed warnings might be modified by way of the app in several increments, as much as 25 mph over. You’ll hear a voice alert in case you journey quicker than your set over-speed.
Defender Database
If you wish to go above and past, Escort’s Defender Database, out there by way of a subscription, gives much more shared alerts from different drivers. The Defender Database gives weekly updates on purple gentle and velocity digital camera places, cell cameras, and air patrol zones.
Driving round metro Detroit and staying in my native space, I’d skip the Defender Database for my Escort MAX 360c. Though, if I have been often touring to totally different states, I’d spring for the Defender Database. I counsel getting the three-year subscription ($49.95) versus the one-year plan ($24.95), because it’s a greater worth total.
Related Automotive Appropriate
If in case you have a automobile with a cell Wi-Fi hotspot, you’ll be able to join the MAX 360c to it. Doing so will help you obtain vital software program updates from Escort on the go.
Is The Escort MAX 360c Value It?
There are radar detectors with the most recent know-how for much less cash. If all you want is just a little peace of thoughts in your every day commute, you might be overbuying with the Escort MAX 360c. True, the MAX 360c will ship, however there isn’t any sense in grabbing a shovel when a spoon will suffice.
As a substitute, take into account getting a radar detector like the Uniden R3 or Uniden R4, which nonetheless provide good long-range detection and stable false filtering for lower than the MAX 360c. Granted, they don’t have the total vary of functionality just like the MAX 360c, however the efficiency of the R3 and R4 is difficult to beat for the cash.
Nonetheless, the MAX 360c holds a sure attract amongst radar detector fans for its options, reliability, long-range detection, and total efficiency. Because the MAX 360c debuted in 2018, it has impressed a second-generation MAX 360c detector and the “two-in-one” combo unit, the MAXcam 360c.
If you’re out there for among the best radar detectors cash can purchase, the Escort MAX 360c remains to be a superb alternative. As of this writing, it’s out there on Amazon for $650.
Carl Anthony is the Managing Editor of Automoblog and the host of AutoVision Information Radio and AutoSens Insights. He’s a Midwest Automotive Media Affiliation member and on the board of administrators for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Basis. Like many Detroiters, Carl is holding out for a Lions Tremendous Bowl win.
Escort MAX 360c Specs
Working Bands
X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHzK-band 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHzKa-band 34.700 GHz ± 1300 MHzLaser 904nm, 33 MHz Bandwidth
Radar Receiver/Detector Kind
Superheterodyne, Varactor-Tuned VCOScanning Frequency DiscriminatorDigital Sign Processing (DSP)
Sensitivity Management
Freeway, Auto, Auto No X, Auto Lo Ok
Energy Requirement
12VDC, damaging groundEscort 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 substitute your radar detector freed from cost (you do pay for delivery, nevertheless).
Dimensions
1.38” H x 3.25” W x 5.15” L
The Escort MAX 360c will allow you to go nuts with equipment. Obtainable upgrades embrace the 1080p M1 sprint digital camera, the upgraded M2 sprint digital camera, and the ZW5 or ZR5 laser shifters. The M1 and M2 sprint cameras are quick plug-in-play choices, though the laser shifters will take just a little extra work. Laser shifters are unlawful in some states, so verify your native legal guidelines earlier than set up.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Ought to I register my Escort MAX 360c?
Sure. Registering your MAX 360c offers you entry to the Escort Dwell app. It is going to additionally streamline issues if you should 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 that could 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 delivery?
Escort gives free delivery on all orders over $99.
