New Escort Product

[airboss]

Got this in an email from escort looks interesting.

Check this out.

 

[Meltdown]

Looks interesting, but for now it's not waterproof so it would be a no go for me. Although having one in the car would be a winner depending on how the NAV works as compared to the Nuvi I've got there now.

 

[MartyA]

Looks interesting, but for now it's not waterproof so it would be a no go for me.

Yeah, first thing I looked for when I got the email.

I'm still having issues with my non-functioning 8500 X50, so I'm not that excited about a new Escort. <_<

 

[fljab]

I have a V1 mainly for the direction of threat. It's not waterproof either, but have it in a legal speeding box and have had no issues.

I like this new product; will be interested in seeing a FJR report.

 

[JamesW]

Enough already, I just popped for one of escorts new "redlines" probably will use it to replace the 8500 50 currently on my fjr. For me all the other stuff is distracting overkill. Laser stuff your toast anyway, same with regular radar and the dreaded hold button. Thing is they have to be able to see you to clock you so you should be able to see them also, stay alert, lerts live longer.

 

[dcarver]

Between a good radar detector and gps one spends what, about 1,300 buckeroos?

 

[old Pilot]

Between a good radar detector and gps one spends what, about 1,300 buckeroos?

One could spend that, or go the less expensive route.

Refurb Escort 8500........... $150

Nuvi (pick one)................... 200

Misc cords/mounts ........... 100

Velcro/baggies/rubber bands

Total............................... $450

 

[fjrchooser]

I like the combo unit concept for clutter reduction, especially for space limited applications like a motorcycle.

I think they've missed the boat however in not spending the little bit extra to make it water resistant, they probably would have doubled sales.

 

[na1g]

Great idea and about time, too. I'm all for simplifying the gadget clutter on my FJR and in the car, too. But it doesn't look at all rider-friendly. Lots of controls spread around the edges where they are hard to see and impossible to find with gloves on. Maybe the folks at Escort will get around to a motorcycle-friendly version if this one sells well.

pete

 

[Hudson]

Hmmmm...a radar detector crossed with a GPS, which in theory could work, but Escort seemed to have missed the boat with this product.

With a radar, whether on or off a motorcycle, you need quick and reliable info. That's why the V1 does so well: your ear tells you whether the band is worth paying attention to (Ka in WA is used by state patrol),the numbers tell you whether it is one or more signals, and the arrows tell you where to pay attention. Lots of info in a quick glance, which this radar doesn't seem to provide. Maybe I missed something, but it just beeps and tells you which type of radar. Would have made a whole bunch more sense if they could have placed a blinking icon (cued to the type of radar) near the direction of the signal, overlayed on the GPS view perhaps, so you'd know where the threat is. V1's original patents covering directional radar identification are due to expire soon, so perhaps this feature may show up in a later unit.

As for the GPS, unless they licensed the nav from Garmin, color me not at all interested in the nav. Garmin may not be perfection, but amongst its competition, it is the best GPS going. And I agree, a motorcycle nav really begs for buttons, not touch screen.

I've seen a number of efforts to blend functionality in a single device (anyone remember the Spot-enabled Delorme GPS?). So far, the execution has been somewhat underwhelming. For now, I'll take the separate units, each focused on being the best at the one thing, instead of a compromised if integrated solution.

 

[dc1300]

It's almost there but, as already stated, not waterproof. More importantly though, no bluetooth. I work from the bike eight months of the year and really need the communication. Hopefully this will prompt competition and a one unit do all device will become available.

 

[FJRBluesman]

I almost posted this same thing, then I found this post.

Between a good radar detector and gps one spends what, about 1,300 buckeroos?

One could spend that, or go the less expensive route.Refurb Escort 8500........... $150

Nuvi (pick one)................... 200

Misc cords/mounts ........... 100

Velcro/baggies/rubber bands

Total............................... $450

Gunny.
I bought my Nuvi so I could also combine my MP3 player and Bluetooth. Right now many have three separate units. This product looks pretty good; however, is it water proof (for the bike, I know my Nuvi is not either) too? Does it have other gadgets i.e. Bluetooth and MP3 player? Other issues, any S/W will be rare for others to use. Many people have Garmin's and can use the MapSource regardless of models.

It is a great start and could be a huge item to combine GPS and RADAR detector in one. Good on them for combining these features.