Upgrade to R7??

[olemil]

Not sure if this is the best place to post buy I'll give it a try. Last week I bought an Escort Max3 on sale and so far have I liked it. Like the auto lock out, the bluetooth app and most of all the mag mount. So I've been pondering taking it back and getting the R7, which is on sale right now at Best Buy. I like the larger angled screen, 360* coverage and longer range. Also is the single suction cup mount pretty rigid, I know my older RD's with the dual suction cup mounts bounced all over when hitting the smallest bumps.Just wondering is it worth giving up the app and auto lock out ( i know hopefully the R7 will get that feature soon)? Also I thought the R7 uses a dsp board versus the old school analog like in the Max 3, is that correct? I love Uniden, I have their SDS100 scanner and it has been flawless. So any help making up my mind would be appreciated....lol. My other choice is the Max 360c but really the wifi isn't that big of a deal to me. Thank you for any help on this, gonna do the deal tomorrow if I hear positive results from this post. (PS I know the theia is coming out but a little out of my price range)

 

[Electro]

Currently $443.00 on Amazon with an extended return date. Can't really loose with Amazon's return policy to try it out and see how you like it.

Correct on the dsp board.

 

[RayC]

The R7 is a great unit. As for the single suction cup mount there is no bounce. Mine stays rock solid even though its stuck on the sticky dots at the top of the windshield. The smaller multi cup mounts would not stick to the windshield in that area. I have bought a lot of different units over the years from Uniden, Escort, Radenso and both V1G1/V1G2 and for me the R7 is the best. All features built in and the customization it offers display wise/sounds are great.

I was an early buyer of the R7 and have been running it with zero issues since day 1. Didn't even bother with the last firmware update as it's been great as is. I have mine dialed in to the point that I get very few false alerts. Run it in dark mode and it's nice that when you start the car it doesn't make a sound other than the display coming on for a few seconds. For an all in one unit IMO I don't think there is a better value out there. Really like the large display. Would buy it again with no reservations at all.

 

[RadarScout]

Not sure if this is the best place to post buy I'll give it a try. Last week I bought an Escort Max3 on sale and so far have I liked it. Like the auto lock out, the bluetooth app and most of all the mag mount. So I've been pondering taking it back and getting the R7, which is on sale right now at Best Buy. I like the larger angled screen, 360* coverage and longer range. Also is the single suction cup mount pretty rigid, I know my older RD's with the dual suction cup mounts bounced all over when hitting the smallest bumps.Just wondering is it worth giving up the app and auto lock out ( i know hopefully the R7 will get that feature soon)? Also I thought the R7 uses a dsp board versus the old school analog like in the Max 3, is that correct? I love Uniden, I have their SDS100 scanner and it has been flawless. So any help making up my mind would be appreciated....lol. My other choice is the Max 360c but really the wifi isn't that big of a deal to me. Thank you for any help on this, gonna do the deal tomorrow if I hear positive results from this post. (PS I know the theia is coming out but a little out of my price range)

I've had my R7 for a year this month. I haven't had any problems with it and I'm completely confident in its abilities.

 

[Boozehound]

Full disclosure: I'm a V1 guy. Some of the calculus on this might involve how much you paid for your Max3. Uniden did a fine job on the R7. It will significantly outperform your Max3 and as @RayC mentioned can be dialed in for excellent performance with reasonable quietness. If you can get it anywere under $430 the value is compelling. You've already found the place to look for setting suggestions.

 

[RayC]

I've had my R7 for a year this month. I haven't had any problems with it and I'm completely confident in its abilities.

I echo your thought there. It takes a while to build the confidence up (for me it's several months or more) but I can honestly say I have never had a situation where I was like "damn, that detection was weak".

 

[DC Fluid]

I have currently 2 R7s and have a Max 3 coming soon. Just helped my boss buy and set up the Max 3
R7 with arrows, more range, best screen currently out, auto lockouts coming, more tuning features. It's an advanced detector and should be a serious consideration, especially at sale prices.
Max 3 is a competent and well put together handsome detector in person. Auto lockouts and Auto mode are the killer features for any Escort. If you want a plug and drive detector that just looks after itself with minumum interaction, the Max 3 fits the bill.
I had the R3, then R7, now R3 as backup. It matches or beats the Max 3 in most categories, performance mainly. I never regretted upgrading to the R7, and really can't imagine any extended time without an arrow detector that works as well as the R7.
You shouldn't be second guessing the Max 3, it's good, but if you desire an upgrade in performance and features and can afford it, then by all means go for it.

 

[jestric]

As the other members have said the R7 is a great RD. I own both the R7 and the RL360C and absolutely love the screen on the R7, but don't underestimate the utility in the WiFi connectivity on the Escort C models. I love getting into my vehicle every Monday and having a database update pushed to my RL360C without needing to ever take it out of the truck (and no other manufacturer provides as many database updates). Additionally, the connectivity to Escort Live (if for nothing more than controlling your RD) is a feature that IMHO puts the Escort connected RDs in league of their own. Good luck with your decision.

 

[olemil]

Thank all of you for your honest input, I really appreciate it! I paid $359 + tax for the Max3 on sale, the R7 is on sale for $443 and not really worried about the price jump if it is an improvement/upgrade which it sounds like it is. Oh so does the R7 use a DSP board? I've watched several R7 videos all with positive reviews, guess the auto gps isn't a deal breaker for me since it may be coming soon to the R7 anyways. I think I have made up my mind, only thing that bothers me is the local Best Buy only has one in stock and if it's gone tomorrow morning before I get there, guess I'll have to drive a little further to the next store that has it in stock.....lol. I would really love to wait for the theia but I have a feeling it will be at or above the $1k mark, can't justify it for no more traveling I do. Thanks again for all your help!

 

[Boozehound]

Thank all of you for your honest input, I really appreciate it! I paid $359 + tax for the Max3 on sale, the R7 is on sale for $443 and not really worried about the price jump if it is an improvement/upgrade which it sounds like it is. Oh so does the R7 use a DSP board? I've watched several R7 videos all with positive reviews, guess the auto gps isn't a deal breaker for me since it may be coming soon to the R7 anyways. I think I have made up my mind, only thing that bothers me is the local Best Buy only has one in stock and if it's gone tomorrow morning before I get there, guess I'll have to drive a little further to the next store that has it in stock.....lol. I would really love to wait for the theia but I have a feeling it will be at or above the $1k mark, can't justify it for no more traveling I do. Thanks again for all your help!

@jestric made a great point about connectivity. Escort does keep a good database and we're also talking about Bluetooth capability. This is something not likely to ever happen for the R series. While I believe the R3 or R1 would outperform your Max3 in detection range, you want the autolockouts and that will only come to R7 AFIK. If connecting your phone is important to you then you should stick with Escort or maybe even G2. If this isn't an issue the R7 is one of the 3 best available right now for less money.

 

[olemil]

@jestric made a great point about connectivity. Escort does keep a good database and we're also talking about Bluetooth capability. This is something not likely to ever happen for the R series. While I believe the R3 or R1 would outperform your Max3 in detection range, you want the autolockouts and that will only come to R7 AFIK. If connecting your phone is important to you then you should stick with Escort or maybe even G2. If this isn't an issue the R7 is one of the 3 best available right now for less money.

The phone connectivity is yes very convenient but not really a deal breaker for me. Some times the EL app is a bit buggy, some of the speed warning alert settings change on their own, rather it's the app or my phone not sure. I wouldn't be going with the RL360c if I stay with the Escort line up, it would be the plain Max 360c. I did watch Vortex's reviews and the max 360c really wasn't a champ when it comes to range compared to the other top picks. Firmware updates would be done on my Pc so the lack of wifi isn't gonna bother me in that regard.

 

[Boozehound]

The phone connectivity is yes very convenient but not really a deal breaker for me. Some times the EL app is a bit buggy, some of the speed warning alert settings change on their own, rather it's the app or my phone not sure. I wouldn't be going with the RL360c if I stay with the Escort line up, it would be the plain Max 360c. I did watch Vortex's reviews and the max 360c really wasn't a champ when it comes to range compared to the other top picks. Firmware updates would be done on my Pc so the lack of wifi isn't gonna bother me in that regard.

Sounds like an easy move to R7.

 

[olemil]

Sounds like an easy move to R7.

 

[jcaptchaos2]

Can't go wrong with the R7, I love the sense of urgency it has, some people don't like it but I love it.

 

[rut]

Return the max.. get the r7.. I've been running mine since they came out. Like it a lot.. don't love it.. but it's way better than the max

 

[benzr]

Thank all of you for your honest input, I really appreciate it! I paid $359 + tax for the Max3 on sale, the R7 is on sale for $443 and not really worried about the price jump if it is an improvement/upgrade which it sounds like it is. Oh so does the R7 use a DSP board? I've watched several R7 videos all with positive reviews, guess the auto gps isn't a deal breaker for me since it may be coming soon to the R7 anyways. I think I have made up my mind, only thing that bothers me is the local Best Buy only has one in stock and if it's gone tomorrow morning before I get there, guess I'll have to drive a little further to the next store that has it in stock.....lol. I would really love to wait for the theia but I have a feeling it will be at or above the $1k mark, can't justify it for no more traveling I do. Thanks again for all your help!

Have the CLOSEST STORE call all the other close stores and HOLD it for you !!!

Btw: I loooooove my R7. Kicks Total @ss !!
Nails 'em every time

I own/use/test BOTH R7 and V1G2 !!
BOTH KICK @ss !!
Caveat No Escorts.

See my "ode to R7" if at all on the fence.

Benzr

 

[olemil]

Thanks again for all the input, It makes me feel more confident in my decision. I am hooked now on the R7, I was pretty sure before this thread but no doubts now!! They do still show one in stock so hopefully it will still be there at !0 am when they open. Gonna be a nail bitter until I get the factory sealed box in my hands and on the way home with me...lol. @benzr, yes I've had them call and hold items before at another store and will do it again if I have to, worse case I have to order online and have it here by next Weds. Thanks again everyone and hopefully the next post will include a pic of the R7 in my mitts.

Post automatically merged: Dec 5, 2020

Today was my lucky day!! Got to Best Buy when they opened, returned Max3 and got their last R7. Ended up costing me $100 and some change for the swap but I think it will be worth it. I was sweating a bit because they had moved inventory around so it took them about 10 minutes to find it. Now I have to get the mount installed, check the firmware and start programming the beast. Updates to follow.

 

[DC Fluid]

Thanks again for all the input, It makes me feel more confident in my decision. I am hooked now on the R7, I was pretty sure before this thread but no doubts now!! They do still show one in stock so hopefully it will still be there at !0 am when they open. Gonna be a nail bitter until I get the factory sealed box in my hands and on the way home with me...lol. @benzr, yes I've had them call and hold items before at another store and will do it again if I have to, worse case I have to order online and have it here by next Weds. Thanks again everyone and hopefully the next post will include a pic of the R7 in my mitts.

Post automatically merged: Dec 5, 2020

Today was my lucky day!! Got to Best Buy when they opened, returned Max3 and got their last R7. Ended up costing me $100 and some change for the swap but I think it will be worth it. I was sweating a bit because they had moved inventory around so it took them about 10 minutes to find it. Now I have to get the mount installed, check the firmware and start programming the beast. Updates to follow.

View attachment 166658 View attachment 166658

LOL, firmware update process is where you will notice Escort eating Unidens lunch. Unfortunately...

 

[RayC]

LOL, firmware update process is where you will notice Escort eating Unidens lunch. Unfortunately...

Granted I have only done firmware updates on a windows pc but it was pretty simple and fast and the ability to rollback to any other version is a great feature. Maybe I was just lucky but don't think any firmware update took me more than a few minutes to do and you don't need to have it powered to update the firmware so no need for a remote power supply but I have one I got on ebay for like $10 as I found setting it how I wanted it to be easier in the house than toggling through the menu in the car. I guess if it had wifi built in it would pretty easy but the process overall to update the firmware was imo pretty simple.

 

[olemil]

Granted I have only done firmware updates on a windows pc but it was pretty simple and fast and the ability to rollback to any other version is a great feature. Maybe I was just lucky but don't think any firmware update took me more than a few minutes to do and you don't need to have it powered to update the firmware so no need for a remote power supply but I have one I got on ebay for like $10 as I found setting it how I wanted it to be easier in the house than toggling through the menu in the car. I guess if it had wifi built in it would pretty easy but the process overall to update the firmware was imo pretty simple.

I'll have to agree with you on this. I got the update software all figured out and took just a few minutes to complete. I think it is pretty similar to the Escort software difficulty wise.
I did get the windshield mount installed, firmware updated and went through the menu to set things up. DAMN there are a lot of options, I was impressed at all the settings. I was a bit confused on a few things so I watched the video posted by Vortex and it was very helpful indeed!!(thank you Vortex) I left most everything wide open for now to see how many falses I get on my first run around town, then I can dial things back to hopefully quiet things down. Only cons so far is yes, I miss the Bluetooth and phone app to make setting changes and the quick release mag mount my Max3 had. I feel those are minor knowing this is going to kick butt in performance. I like the fact it came with a nice sleeve to store the RD in when I pull it off the windshield to go shopping. That's all I have for now, more updates after my first spin around the area tomorrow. PS, I turned the battery saver mode on to see how it worked here on my power supply in the house, it just started chiming and counted down from 10 seconds and shut off.....NICE.