Escort Max 4 Review

Let's check out Escort's new Max 4 radar detector.
Purchase the Max 4: geni.us/EscortMax4
Best Radar Detectors: www.vortexradar.com/best-rada...
Max 4 Discussion: www.rdforum.org/threads/137509/
Updates will be posted here: www.rdforum.org/forums/15/
Response time testing w/ fw 1.2: www.rdforum.org/threads/138188/
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0:00 Intro
1:18 Key Features
1:53 Blind Spot Filtering
2:45 GPS Lockouts
3:49 Range
5:50 Response Times
11:22 USB C
11:52 Laser Falsing
12:35 Drive Smarter
14:44 Conclusion
Best Radar Detectors: www.vortexradar.com/best-rada...
Best Laser Jammers: www.vortexradar.com/best-lase...
Best Dash Cameras: www.vortexradar.com/best-dash...
Recommended Equipment:
Radar Detector: geni.us/UnidenR8
Laser Jammer: bit.ly/AntiLaserPriority
Dashcam: geni.us/ViofoA229Pro2CH
Dashcam battery pack: geni.us/Powercell8-A139
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Full disclosure: The purchase links in my videos are typically affiliate links and I may make a percentage when you buy. Whether I get paid or not, it’s important to me to ensure that I stay objective and unbiased and give you my honest opinion so you can make an educated decision as to what’s best for you. You deserve that and I wouldn’t have it any other way. :)
© 2024 Vortex Radar, LLC. All rights reserved.
#RadarDetector #EscortRadar #EscortMax4 #RadarDetectorReviews #RadarDetectors

[@garyglenn3654]

Was expecting a much better review on the Max 4. Escort has some homework to do. Thanks Vortex.

[@randylondon9462]

Max 4 or Uniden R4 for KA?

[@usasupra23]

Love how this guy said “ they have a customer already pulled over “ 😝. Love how he can identify a true lockout for proper reason vs just a gps lockout for things like BSM etc. So far, he has NOT been swayed to the dark side and keeps it honest and blunt! Love ya Vortex, stay sharp!

[@islandboyist]

Was hoping for a new flagship product, tragic.

[@skypallman6169]

Unbelievably tragic! Glad I didn't sell my redline!

[@joshjenkins3815]

I was hoping the redline would at least go on sale, but no luck.

[@pats1fan151]

@vortexradar love the time you put into radar detectors! Keep up all the great work.

[@JosephSmith72]

I'll stick with my R8. Thanks again for another great informative review!!

[@1kwoof.eubpuu42]

Don’t think the max 4 is trying to compete with the R8 lol

[@RyanS493]

My OG Max used to false laser as well. Seemed to be sunsets and some Volvos. My R4 doesn’t have any laser false so far. But it does false to 34.7 due to a satellite dish at a local stop sign, lol. Great review! Happy to see escort continue developing detectors, albeit with the usual quirks.

[@markmiller4595]

Nice, balanced review Vortex. Thank you.

[@TheKurtLyon]

Thanks for always keeping us in the know.

[@rmp5s]

If nothing else, it's awesome to see a company with such good communication.

[@docholiday9562]

I’ve still got my 9500iX. Only issue I have with it, is the constant K band alerts from Honda/Acura, Chrysler minivans, Cadillacs, etc. Other than that, it’s been great. At the price point, had considered buying this one, for the filtering. But I guess, I need to wait a while now.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

I upgraded to the Max 360 MkII from my trusty 9500ix and Im extremely pleased. Just my personal experience.

[@jaysmoke3132]

Great review. Thank you.

[@michaelbreeland8823]

Put a second detector that you know always alerts to the radar gun next to the escort to determine if it's the gun or detector.

[@VortexRadar]

Not a bad idea. That should be fine if I set it up like 20-30 ft away or so. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@SB-mr2nk]

@@VortexRadar I mean you obviously knew to do that, I'm not sure why you even entertained escort's suggestion here. (the gun isn't warmed up, haha). Why did you even consider that? Instead of simply proving them wrong?

[@TheErmin36]

Thanks for the effort on the video. Something to consider are the high voltage power lines you were testing under. This may have skewed the results as they give off pretty strong magnetic fields. I don't know if it is a factor, but it is a variable that wasn't accounted for.

[@VortexRadar]

I’ve seen that suggested previously with other detectors so I went to other locations and replicated the issues so I presume the same will be true with the Max 4.

[@wellfleetion]

I'll stick with my Uniden.

[@-loki-7727]

I wonder if the power supply could be an issue. Do you test with the car on or off? Some cars have a lot of electrical noise that could cause issues. Nice vids

[@stevenshizzle]

We''ve been in the hunt for a new radar detector. I've had an Escort 9500ix for quite a while, which definitely doesn't do the job against BSM/CAS we see now days. I really wanted to like the Escort line, but based on all of the evidence from Vortex, we're going with the Uniden R4 for one of our truck, maybe an ALP setup down the road. The dream is to get an R9 for my car somewhere down the road. Whatever the case, it won't be Escort.

[@BSE1320]

Honestly boss, the Uniden R4 is the modern 9500ix. Gps lockouts, speed auto quiet mode, rlc database, excellent Ka/K range sensitivity, good bsm filtering. Its basically an R8 without arrows. Its an absolute beast, and at $300, you cannot get more for less.

[@benturner4352]

I was always an escort guy for years. My last one was 9500ix as well. When I went to upgrade one time and look around the place had no Escorts but they had Uniden. I somewhat reluctantly bought an r7 not knowing much about it. My god im glad I did. I LOVE my uniden. I am now a Uniden guy.

[@stevenshizzle]

@@benturner4352 We are really liking our Unidens. We have the R4 in our Volkswagen Tiguan and an R8 in the Audi A4. I'm convinced I'll be a Uniden guy for quite a while to come!

[@Topsrite]

Nice work, thanks.

[@NKaumans]

Thanks for the update, just an FYI it appears the video is frozen solid while the audio still plays starting from 0:17-0:27

[@VortexRadar]

Weird, I just checked and it’s playing for me. I wonder why KZbin did that. Maybe buffering or something?

[@NKaumans]

Sorry man, my bad. Yeah must have just been my PC, checking it on my phone just now no issue

[@VortexRadar]

Phew! Great lol. Thanks for letting me know if anything looks amiss. :)

[@OU812B12]

Thought you’d be doing most if not all your testing with the blend mount. Was looking forward to seeing various radars on the mount.

[@VortexRadar]

Why? I don’t have a good way to put a camera on the detector when it’s on the Blendmount. In fact for most of the clips you see here, I have the GoPro on the Blendmount so you can see the detector. I have an entire video on this topic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipbSdHmNaJiqfa8si=u8_d0aSxmN0aT0dy P.S. They’re not radars. They’re radar detectors. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGekdY2wfaaFaK8si=VNy-u2CUHEC173LM

[@dougcjohn]

just looking into radar detector... was looking at the 360C Redline... noticed new Max4, which is lower model than 360C. New to Radar Detectors, what is the Blindspot filtering, specifically toward Mazda & Honda? Do they emit some odd electronics other cars don't? GREAT Videos, always informative.

[@VortexRadar]

Ah yeah with those cars in particular, for whatever reason, the radar they use for blind spot monitoring is especially difficult for radar detectors to filter out.

[@bobseabert7230]

Spend the money, go with the Redline IMO

[@vedder10]

At this time in radar history I just can't see buying any detector that doesn't have arrows. In addition these radar companies really look ancient when it comes to software support, development, and design. They need to get some forward thinking software engineers and developers to bring them into the 21st century.

[@SB-mr2nk]

why lol. isn't this detector like 350-400 bucks compared to paying 800+ for one with arrows. I don't need arrows for another 400 dollars

[@wowdude8244]

400 extra for just arrows complete waste of money LOL

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

Compared to every other piece of electronics technology, radar detectors are still dinosaurs.

[@brianbowden6302]

“He had a customer pulled over” 😂😂😂

[@victorgudmand4592]

Hey man, really great video! I've been watching some of them for some days now and want to get one myself. The problem is i live in Denmark and don't know which ones could work there and i don't know any that owns one. Do you know anything about it by any chance? Thank you!

[@JamesVelez]

@4:57 The cops pulled over a customer lol

[@adventvalor]

Now I need a comparison to the redline 360

[@oveneva]

hey vortex, I also live in washington also around bothell. Do you think most cops have there radars on while driving in bothell or do most have them off? Thank you because I was planning on getting the uniden r3 do you think it’ll come in handy around there most of the time?

[@VortexRadar]

There's a lot around here who leave them off while driving. The R3 is a great choice for the area.

[@louiealberigo5151]

I just got a ticket in speed trap with escort max 360. Had speed sign by school, passed it and radar was still alerting. turned corner and Speed trap cop (laurel, De) was sitting in liquor store parking lot.

[@talichni002]

I don't know if this is common knowledge, but if a response time for a radar detector, in this case at least (ballpark) is under 1s, how much time does it take for a radar to pick up a speed in an instant on mode?

[@48Boxer]

I think I'm done with Escort after they dropped the ball with app support. When I first got my redline 360c the app was a little buggy but decent and did everything it was supposed to . Now it won't connect and does nothing. Probably go back to valentine 1

[@skypallman6169]

Trying taking it out and downloading their radar detector updater on the computer. Go up to the left top corner and under one of the tabs it says update all. Don't just do the update table in the green box with the database update above it. Do that, let it update and when it's done eject it. Go back to your car and power it on and let it stay on for about 5 seconds. Then bring it back in plug it back up and then do the top green box with the database up/download. Then ejected again and take it back to your vehicle. After I actually did it on the computer and my red line connects much better. And it connects even faster if you start the app right when you crank your car and then go to the hamburger menu in the top left for the settings drop down menu. Click device where it shows you your vehicle and the radar detector and just let it sit for a minute and it will connect very quickly. It will still pair for me if I don't do it that way but I find if I want it to pair quicker, it's better by just pulling up the device menu. Which I agree is definitely kind of a pain. But my connects every time.

[@48Boxer]

@@skypallman6169 Already done that several times

[@48Boxer]

@@skypallman6169 I'll try again but if you go to the Google app store you'll see everyone has issues with each update getting progressively worse

[@KingKeno777]

Nice Review, will be waiting for Theia though...... LOL SIKE

[@michaelramirez2382]

What will come out first theia or GTA6 😂

[@KingKeno777]

@@michaelramirez2382 GTA 6 for sure lol. At least we know about Rockstar and they have real history of creating excellent games. Theias entire operation coulda been a troll job from the beginning for all we will ever know 😂🤣

[@cloutfoam9783]

Just bought it😬

[@Kevin_Craig]

Curious, are any of these sub $400 detectors any good? Which would you recommend, Uniden R4, Escort Max 3 or 4? Something else? Can any of them be updated with an iPad and usb a adapter or do you need at least a Chromebook, I don't own a pc. I prefer quiet to over sensitive (Escort vs Uniden) but if Uniden is your pick I'm good with that. Also if I need to spend a little more to get a solid performer I will, I'm not concerned with arrows though. Thanks

[@silvercommander]

I have 4 cars. 3 if them have R4s. The vehicle that gets driven the most 800+ miles a week has a V1Gen2 paired with JBV1 = perfection 🥰

[@festerofest4374]

I started trying to research what detector I should get and after watching these videos I don't know how I'll ever be able to decide.... holy cow this is more involved than I expected. I've been using a Passport (Solo, I think) powered by 9v battery for many years and am very happy with it. It saves my butt regularly and has for years. Once I got it set up when new I never have to mess with it... just on/off or mute. Can you guys who follow this stuff make a rec for me if I try to list priorities? - Minimum complexity (don't want to use a phone app with it!) - Not having to mess with buttons/setting much or at all once set up with preferences. - Lower cost if gets the job done decently overall. - Has install cables available as I want to hard-wire and not use "cig" adapter for power. I drive more rural where laser doesn't get used much. Any recs are greatly appreciated!

[@rkk112]

Look into the Uniden R4. and hard wire/mirror tap cables are readily available

[@festerofest4374]

@@rkk112 Thank you!

[@markrein7282]

Looking forward to response testing on K-band. Hopefully it can do better than the redline 360.

[@VortexRadar]

Oh you're right. I did some testing, but forgot to mention it in the video, so I just posted about it here: www.rdforum.org/threads/137509/post-1915326

[@BSE1320]

Honestly, Escort needs to put a 'performance' mode in their detectors with custom BS/RDR options. Plug and play is great, performance is still king. Good cobra detectors can save you from C/O radar nowadays. You pay more for the reactivity to I/O shots. Cops know this; and in certain muncipalities, they are encouraged to transmit in Instant On mode. Escort knows how to sniff brief I/O shots. They've done it before. -TerragonSix

[@mtufts1000]

So I got a question ?? Is there not a minimum distance that an “Instant on” is legal (or maybe even to far)

[@560val]

Nice EV9!

[@user-do3uy4fu8m]

Did they work on uk.?

[@McCoyMcMillan]

“ A customer pulled over” 😂

[@ostn8iv]

Ok, so 0.97 second(s) to alert means another second to slam on the breaks....equals...enough time to read/record my speed? Ultimately, means no speeding ticket?

[@djmerchant]

I just bought a new vehicle had an original Escort mounted in my in my trade in. MANY YEARS OLD. It stopped reading cop radar or even grocery store doors. What it did alert to was Honda vehicles that use radar for driver alerts. I can't see any reason to have a radar detector again.

[@dvdbiller]

Do I upgrade from a max 3

[@bashikikia4249]

Please can you confirm if the Max 4 can detect the TPCam H20 laser unit

[@bkanegson]

Anybody out there know if there are free apps that can adequately substitute for the Escort paid subscription app? (Linked in some way to the detector, not Waze or similar.). Been a while since using my older Escort, but may eventually upgrade. If I find a solution for this. Thank you.

[@TimLSim]

So given the mixed results for this new detector, what are better alternatives from Uniden and Valentine?

[@VortexRadar]

I’ve done videos on that many times. Here’s the latest version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2G7n4OJrMt8rZIsi=rhxSYNAqqhzJSTKW

[@mikec6447]

In this price range a R4 is good all around Tim. If you find it on sale it’s a great deal for 300.0

[@bielvich]

is it detectable? Detects Multaradar and Dahua ?

[@crnibosanac4639]

Is there any radar with setting option to make alerts only on cell phone but not on the device?

[@VortexRadar]

You can do that with Escort, Uniden, and Valentine apps

[@xingbat]

What is the latest firmware you have tested on the Max4. How fast are they with addressing shortcomings with future firmware updates?

[@VortexRadar]

I’ve tested the latest firmware that came out recently, v1.2, and unfortunately there’s still issues. www.rdforum.org/threads/138188/

[@xingbat]

@@VortexRadar Thanks. I've been an Escort guy since their start (Cincinnati Microwave). Your test looks like a pretty good endorsement for the R4

[@Michael-ex9uo]

Ive been wanting to buy a radar detector for a while now. I believe in buy once, cry once. I really think the redline is the best one. What do you guys think?

[@VortexRadar]

Here ya go, this should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2G7n4OJrMt8rZIsi=K3Lzg2dJ26-bto_j

[@PW.Skyline.V37]

I recently got offered a Max 4 to test and it will replace my Max 3. Is the Max 4 better than the Max 3?

[@falklan]

The questions being: was he pushing a button around the sun visor area as he approached you. How good is your copy of that video? If he's having to touch a button to pop, and you can see him do it, there is your timing reference. It's a long shot but hey. I don't think it ever hurts to verify something like that.

[@falklan]

I magnified the YT vid (10x @ 2160) and didn't see any indication of hand movement. I tried.

[@VortexRadar]

Do you mean the short range Ka I/O encounter I shared? Dashmount radar guns typically have a handheld controller so you don't have to reach up to press any buttons on the main box, the counting unit. (The DSR 2X and Genesis II I showed in this video are examples of this. You'll see me triggering it off camera.) At most maybe you'd see an officer turn their head and follow you with their eyes if you're really moving, but otherwise there's not much physical movement to see when they operate their radar gun since their hands will be below the window line.

[@falklan]

@@VortexRadar I should have been specific. I was speaking about the encounter where you saw him before the detector pop alerted.

[@mikec6447]

Escorts test results on their unit “look very good” lol. I bet they do The Takeaway here for me is stay with my valentine and unidens. This is not a great competitor for the Uniden R4.

[@silvercommander]

Isn't escort owned by cobra? Aka cedar electronics

[@VortexRadar]

Same parent company now, yeah

[@RockStar1YT]

I’ll keep using Waze

[@ncdogg425]

Nah Vortex, I'm not buying Escort test results😅 Escort detectors slogan should be "Buy Escort later not now still working out the 🪳"

[@brazeagle]

Tottaly agree, having difficulties with my expensive escort maxcam 360c...not good and CANNOT CONNECT the damn thing to my phone, car, etc...

[@silvercommander]

Radenso is still around? 😂

[@SB-mr2nk]

my max 3 never gives full blast alerts for BSMs. Not sure what you talking about there.

[@VortexRadar]

I wasn’t referring to the Max 3 and haven’t seen that on mine either. That was more in the iXc and Redline EX era.

[@snarflatful]

Cost?

[@kjackson762]

Valentine one nothing else matters!!

[@Acc0rd79]

I just trust Uniden far more than Escort They used to be great but honestly Escort has slipped a lot in my mind. Just too risky if it's not working. Uniden is just killing the competition, if you can't beat them, then why buy anything else at this point?? Buttons should be on the fact of the detector as well, I don't want to feel around for the mute/volume button while I'm driving. I own 2 R3's, an R7 and an R8 and will keep sticking with them. I still own the original Redline and it sits in my wife's van but it's not for my primary cars.

[@WICKEDRADAR]

Max4 vs , uniden r3 , uniden r4, Radenso ds1, radenso pro max

[@michaelramirez2382]

Should I still get rodesno ds1

[@hamzashakir]

Way better then this trash, or even the Uniden R4, but don't get this detector!

[@jus_jun]

How does this compared to the R8?

[@VortexRadar]

Pretty different detector since that has arrows. The Max 4 compares more directly to the R4.

[@jus_jun]

@@VortexRadar thanks for the reply! Would you say the R8 is the best for WA for performance? I haven't used a radar for several years now, not sure if it's still worth it nowadays.

[@RatedX_Gaming]

I don't know why anyone would get this over the Redline 360.....

[@VortexRadar]

It’s half the price of the Redline

[@RatedX_Gaming]

@@VortexRadar True, cheaper isnt always better.

[@bobbyjones2112]

I didn’t think people used these things anymore..lol

[@adaboy4z]

Escort releases another detector without working out the kinks in current detectors.

[@rod4758]

Is it better than the redline?

[@VortexRadar]

No, that’s their flagship with more features and longer range. There’s a reason it’s 2x the price.

[@rod4758]

@@VortexRadar I just ordered 2

[@rod4758]

@@VortexRadar thank you

[@eddieryan63]

Dang escort has alot of issues these days

[@ExecuteBrandon]

When is Theia coming? 😂

[@tac_r_usoutdoors8984]

Typical Escort 😂 ... what's weird is the Cobra 700i does all that this does, but it actually works and quite well. Been testing one for a month+. I'm very impressed with the 700i. Great with low power K band photo, Lidar (for what it's worth) and KA is 2 miles+. I guess Escort needs to repackage the 700i and call it the Max 5 😂😂

[@stanthebull]

No arrows? No bueno i can't go back.

[@kd4baoc612]

Is it some what stealthy?

[@VortexRadar]

It’s not a detector designed for stealth

[@playvision5667]

For k band Which is better? DS1,R4,R7,R8,V1G2?

[@VortexRadar]

Better at what on K band? Range? Responsiveness? BSM filtering? GPS lockouts? Alert presentation? Frequency range scanned? Full power radar? Lower power or even photo radar? There’s so much nuance to this that a simple question can’t possibly cover every person’s needs in every location, sorry.

[@playvision5667]

@@VortexRadar range,in my county is only k band, i have DS1 and is good,But I'd like something stronger, preferably with arrows but not necessarily.

[@ericmutnan6358]

Per usual Escort expects you to pay top dollar for a detector that they are still finishing. MY Max360 falses on laser a lot as well. Some of it is iPhone face ID though.

[@dannyfeinberg3579]

whats the best plug it in and forget it for NY and Pennsylvania highways?

[@brettsbits5379]

Boring release, but thanks for the video.

[@derekjlight]

Escort’s motto: throw a bunch of shit and clever marketing at a wall and see what sticks.

[@TumanWK]

Make sure you get video proof, and measurements of how their tests were conducted. Range, height angle, orther things might give different results. As always thank you for your hard work.

[@silvercommander]

This or R4

[@napha1979]

I got R4 should I upgrade?

[@larrygoldman2530]

No

[@sgowski]

Not alerting to legit alerts, app issues, laser falsing… same song and dance the last 10 years with their products. Why won’t Cedar just ditch them?

[@otisgriffin572]

Well i had got the RED LINE 360c be call of you🤔🤔😂🤣😅😇

[@larrygoldman2530]

Buy a Uniden

[@spewp]

tl;dw - Another Escort detector that will need multiple updates over the next 12mo to be good.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

After all the hype for a new detector, and everyone expecting a new Redline type detector, they come out with an upgraded Max3?! Really Escort? Is this what you think the market is asking for?! WTF dude? And "warmup" time? TF are they talking about? Do better, Escort, and I say this as a long time Escort fan. FFS just give us an R8 with Escort interface and filtering! And a good app!

[@ddjslhomebase243]

RJ11 connectors have been around since 1973. Why are radar detector companies are stuck in the past?

[@VortexRadar]

There are several detectors that use USB C for power, but I'm not sure if it's a big advantage. RJ11 has a locking tab which is helpful for securing into the detector, especially in case it falls off your windshield. USB uses a friction fit. It also uses the native 12v, but with USB you have to have a voltage converter. What's the inherent advantage of USB C other than it's newer? Genuine question. Maybe a little cost savings for the detector since it's one less port, but I'm sure that's negligible.

[@ddjslhomebase243]

@@VortexRadar good call, never thought of it that way.

[@rod4758]

Of course not, admitting that would cost them millions!

[@teamgmotorsports]

No arrows, not for me….

[@AQ40V]

Whatever you do, don't buy an escort detector. They always so buggy and instead of fixing it they just release a new one that apparently fixed it but breaks something else

[@RaptorEyeWRX]

Which one would you recommend?

[@AQ40V]

@@RaptorEyeWRX definitely uniden. Stay away from escort and radenso

[@silvercommander]

Max2 was absolutely worst RD I'd ever owned

[@lunaco2008]

Escort claims that their detector has to “warm up?” Is it a toaster or is it a radar detector? That sounds like a sorry excuse from Escort. They should be ashamed of themselves. They need to do better, especially for the price of their detectors.

[@VortexRadar]

Sorry the radar gun, not the detector

[@lunaco2008]

Either way, it still sounds like a sorry excuse from Escort.

[@PurebredFL1P]

Second

[@ChromeDomeTurtle]

First

[@purplesabbath]

who actually cares!

[@garyglenn3654]

@@purplesabbathThis is obviously the high point of his day! Sad.

[@ChromeDomeTurtle]

@@garyglenn3654 how does it feel to be so negative in nature that you have to belittle me for a KZbin comment? The purpose is showing vortex support to his channel and algorithm and yeah I was happy to be the first one to do it… Do better next time.

[@ChromeDomeTurtle]

@@purplesabbath you too…

[@hamzashakir]

Another disappointment from Escort, and honestly I'm not surprised...

[@mattlankford1930]

Thanks, but no thanks.

[@KeokiDude]

No thanks on this model.