Installing a heavy-duty, high-quality radar detector in your car holds paramount importance in today’s time. Whether you are driving on the highway or within the city, you have to know when you need to slow down and when to stop.
Escort and Beltronics are two popular brands that are known to produce efficient and reliable radar detectors for use in the US market. Since there already are so many models available out there, it can be confusing to choose the best one. Every person has a different need and use of a radar detector.
So through this article, we will give you some insights into how these two brands are making all the difference. We will also understand why their products are amongst the best in the market.
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Escort Radar Detectors Vs. Beltronics Radar Detectors
Buying a good radar detector is a very tricky process. Because of the various options and different models and features, you can often end up getting confused or with the wrong products.
Beltronics and Escort radar detectors are known to be the best in the market. Users who have tried and tested these brands have been very satisfied with the results.
This review is based on the best radar detectors that both these brands offer. When you look at Beltronics’s, their Magnum Model is said to be the best one. The Redline model of Escort company, on the other hand, is the choicest product of their collection. Both of these brands offer great strength and ease of use. However, there are certain differences that steer clear one brand from another.
While choosing any of the above-mentioned models, you have to be aware of their contrasts so that you know what to buy. Also, for your information, Beltronics is the parent company of none other than Escort.
A Look At Beltronics Radar Detectors
If you are looking for up to date radar detectors, then Beltronics is a name that you can trust. Their detectors are known for their high-performance. The RX65i, for instance, is known to be one of their best radar detectors. To prevent detection by other radar detectors, the company uses TotalShield technology which helps to cover the detectors as well as prevent you from paying hefty traffic fines.
Their units are also equipped with the cutting-edge Escort Live Bluetooth technology. This is a technology that helps you know where fixed position cameras and speed traps are set up. The detectors will also help you drive within the speed limit so that you do not ruin your driving record or pay for costly tickets. The devices are user-friendly, easy to use, and even the installation process and programming does not take too much time.
A Look At Escort Detectors
Now that we have read a brief on Beltronics Radar Detectors let us look at some of the features that Escort detectors have to offer. Amongst the various features, you can not only use the hand-free option but also connect the units to your vehicle’s Wi-Fi. Moreover, these units have Auto-learn and IVT filtering technology. This technology will help you to avoid any false alerts.
The installation process is one of the most important factors while purchasing a radar detector unit. In that way, these detectors are easy to work with. You can easily set-up the display without any problems.
The display also comes with visible and nice icons that you can see at night and during the day. On the display or screen, you will also get to know the band identification and signal strength. Both Escort and Beltronics have their individual apps that are loaded with additional features.
If you want, you can also add the hot spots and favorite locations to understand where the speed traps are. This way, you can avoid them in the future and do not have to worry about knowing when to slow down. Moreover, you can enjoy hand-free driving, as you will know when you have to slow down due to the voice alerts.
The Performance Of Escort and Beltronics Detectors
Whenever we choose any detector, the performance of the unit plays a vital role. Both the companies have very similar features, and the units also come with antennas and the same circuitry feature. Moreover, the firmware for both the detectors is the same.
In the latest models of Beltronics units, they have extra sensitivity, better range, and a lower noise amplifier. When you compare these features with the Magnum detector, its performance maybe a little less. This means that the Escort models will be a better option for you.
A Look At The Case And Material
In this section, we will look at the materials used for the case of the radar detector. The Beltronics Magnum is known to be very sturdy and stable because of its magnesium shell. The Redline range from Escort has a casing of either magnesium or rubberized plastic.
Compared to the magnesium cases, the cases made from rubberized plastic have better heat resistance and better performance. While Magnum has a better grip, the Redline case can be slippery and hard to hold. Because of the case design, Beltronics Magnum has a better view angle in comparison to Redline from Escort.
Mounting The Unit
Now that we have seen the materials used on the cases of the two radar detector units, let us look at the mounting feature of the two. You have the benefit of inverting your display with the Beltronics Magnum. This is beneficial, especially if you want to install the unit upside down.
This is one particular feature that the Redline by Escort does not have. So before you think of buying the Redline model, make sure to remember this point. It is essential since not every car model will allow the detector to be installed just like that. In some cases, you may have to install it upside down because of space limitations.
Signal Detection
The next thing that we look at is the signal detection feature.
This feature, also known as, Threat Display on Beltronics devices and Expert Meter on Escort devices, offers unparalleled strength on both brands. But how does it work?
Beltronics Threat Display gives you three signals, i.e., for KA, K, and X band. The signal strength is measurable on a scale of 1 to 9. However, when you look at the Escort meters, the signal display cannot be seen. You only get to know how many signals your unit is catching. The display can show up to eight frequencies in total – two for KA band, two for K band, and four for the X band.
Updates
When you are using any instrument, you have to make sure that you update it regularly. It is the same with radar detectors – you have to keep updating them whenever the manufacturer launches any fix. Talking of these two brand devices, their firmware generally receives updates on a regular basis – all the more commonly with Beltronics detectors. The app will update the new or recent models only when there is a change in the firmware. However, if you have the older models, you need to update them regularly so that they can work effectively.
In the case of the detectors from Escort, you will either need to update them through your phone or send them back to the manufacturer. Updating it through the phone will save you a lot of trouble and time as you do not have to go anywhere or mail the device and wait for it to reach back to you.
Sounds
Escort and Beltronics units have different sounds. If you buy the Escort models, the alerts will be heard through a female voice. However, in the case of the Beltronics models, there is a male voice that gives you all the warnings. Even the tone for various bands and the laser are different. Most of the time you can hear the alerts or sounds on the basis of any customized settings. The significant difference here is that in comparison to the Beltronics models, the Escort models can grab the user’s attention.
Overall Comparison
While there are many similarities between the design and materials of the two detectors, the Escort models perform better because of the plastic case. While the magnesium material in Beltronics can be less handy.
When it comes to the signal strengths, Beltronics is a better option in comparison to the Escort detectors. However, in comparison to the Beltronics models, the Escort models’ overall performance is better.
The phone app makes it easy to update the Escort models in comparison to the Beltronics ones. Nevertheless, if you look at the price factor, Beltronics is much cheaper than the Escort models.
Final Note
While purchasing a radar detector, keep in mind that various factors affect your decision. While the internal specifications play an important role, the design and overall feel are equally important.
You must also have the benefit of getting the right updates at the right time. So before you consider any radar detector for your vehicle, it is always advisable to do proper research and understand which device will suit your particular needs.
Being on the road requires you to have eyes from all four sides. You also need to ensure that you do not end up speeding or jumping signals. These radar detectors are designed to help and protect you from those finicky police officials when you drive. This is why it is essential to make the right choice while buying a radar detector.
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