Note: Discontinued. Replaced by the Escort Redline 360c.
When the Escort Redline was rolled out in 2007 it claimed our record for the longest radar range—14-plus miles under perfect conditions. Not surprisingly, it quickly found a following among performance-minded drivers. Then it was replaced by the Redline EX.
Escort says the replacement is even better. To verify that claim we gathered up both models for a comparison. Here's what we found.
Features
Same as its forebear, the Redline EX is a large, heavy detector, a legacy of twin metal radar antennae. Unlike the original it has GPS, allowing it to lock out nuisance radar signals—automatic door openers, for instance—and mark GPS locations. The same technology will also display your speed and warn of red light and speed cameras.
Like its predecessor, the EX has a matte-black case adorned on top with only a discreet Redline EX logo, making it much more resistant to annoying windshield reflections than many detectors. A mini-USB jack on the side of the case links the detector to a PC for internet access and updates to its camera database and firmware.
The Redline EX windshield bracket has a large suction cup and attaches to the detector magnetically. Once installed, it grips the detector securely.
Once it's powered-up, the most noticeable difference is the new OLED display that replaces the earlier Redline's LED display.
When paired to a smartphone and the Escort Live app is running, a Bluetooth icon lights up to confirm that the app and phone are paired.
Also inherited from the Passport iXc and Max 360c is the Overspeed Alert. Factory-set at 70 mph, every trip north of that speed elicits a verbal warning—Overspeed!—and the speed display turns red. Fortunately, this feature is adjustable or it can be disabled.
Most of the EX feature set likewise is shared with the Escort Redline 360c, Escort Passport Max 360c and Escort Max 3. Included is the Auto Learn feature that automatically locks out nuisance signals like radar-controlled automatic door openers. Drive past one a few times and it's automatically stored to memory. Next time you drive past, there's no alert.
Most of the EX feature set likewise is shared with the Escort Redline 360c, Escort Passport Max 360c and Escort Max 3. Included is the Auto Learn feature that automatically locks out nuisance signals like radar-controlled automatic door openers. Drive past one a few times and it's automatically stored to memory. Next time you drive past, there's no alert.
Competing models require the user to press a button to lock out a door opener. They also limit the number of locked-out locations—200 maximum for the Radenso Pro M and XP, 100 for Unidens.
An IVT filter helps to recognize Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) radar and ignore it. Auto LoK chops K-band sensitivity by 65 percent and we found it effective in reducing false alarms from BSM radar, also those from door openers.
Ka-band segmentation divides the phenomenonally wide band into chunks. Only three are used by police radar, allowing knowledgeable users to shut off the others and quicken response.
The Redline EX detects four models of international K-band radar—Strelka, Multaradar CD/CT and Gatso. Aside from the Strelka, the others are FCC-approved for use in the U.S. and some are in service Stateside, also in Canada.
Performance
The Redline EX demonstrated somewhat uneven radar performance. In a recent comparison test, for instance, it trailed a few of the high-end Escort models.
The Verdict
The original Redline was rightly considered the enthusiast driver's tool of choice, blessed with the world's best range and a terrific information-delivery system. The Redline EX exchanges some of that range for more-civilized behavior, especially in town.
The Escort Redline EX has some notable advantages over its predecessor—greater sophistication, fewer false alarms and red light camera protection chief among them. In most respects it's as capable as its predecessor at protecting from tickets.
