New Escort Passport review by CJR238

I got the opportunity to test the new Passport as well as a pre-release Passport so i wanted to share my review with my RD.net friends.


https://www.escortradar.com/passport...t-passport.jpg


The new Passport has a similar design look to the Max and new Max2 with built in duel Android/iOS BT to connect to Escort LIVE. It has a wide range of features included but with the addition of LIVE you get so much more.


Some of the new features:
-Dual language set for audible voice alerts. User selectable for either English or Spanish.
-OLED multi-color graphics display with four different color display settings. Threat reporting and other notices such as red light and speed camera alerts, posted speed limits, over speed alerts, driving speed and more are displayed in full color images and icons when used with EL.
-TSR traffic flow and false K band alert filtering. (effects K band only)
-Standard and miled tone/alerts.
-Voice alerts.
-Updateable via Mini USB


EL enabled features like Cruse alert to mute falses below a specific speed (20-90mph), Speed display, PSL display and all the other EL features like lock outs and the speed/camera database.


The passport is light but has a good build feel. The Passport incorporated the satin finish of the RedLine but in a Max type body style. Voice and alerts are very clear and loud and it utilizes the standard duel suction cup mount.


http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/...psnammf04y.jpg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQis...1XVKvluD5hZFNQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpbWVSruMNo&index=3&list=UU6fBIgo-31XVKvluD5hZFNQ


Escort also added a simplified BS/RDR (BS=Band segmentation and RDR=Radar Detector Rejection, for falses from other RD's. Effects Ka only) to take the M4 to the next level of sensitivity:


http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/...psc18d8afa.jpg


Over all the features and integration to EL really make the Passport a great RD, but its still is a solid feature filled product even with out EL. And all at a small starting price point.


I have compared this upgrade of the M4 to what BS/RDR did to the RedLine M3 and V1C did for the V1, and though the Passport does not have the superior range of those units its a great all around unit that's easy to use, packs in the feature options and costs a lot less. One hell of a entry level RD! Its a great replacement for the old 8500 X50.


Real world driving:


I have had quite a few encounters so far, and from the encounters i have had i observed similar off axis sensitivity to an regular M4 like the IX or X50. The limited off axis on the M4's is a double edged sword, on one hand i love it because it eliminates off axis falses, but on the other it lags a bit for off axis threats so you have to be very proactive when it goes off. On axis encounter is been impressive to good, similar to ECCTG's testing of the X50 black its long range is more than adequate and closer to top dog performance than old M4's of the passed.

As a side note (and more importantly) Escort enlisted many enthusiasts from RDF and ERF to be sure they had real world data before official release, they utilized the data we compiled to improve/refine the new Passport and upgraded Max2 but also to improve EL to where it should be. Even i cant wait to see what evolves!


Got my new Blackvue dash cam and got an awesome forward facing K band alert!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNyA4MpHLoc&list=UU6fBIgo-31XVKvluD5hZFNQ




This was a tough one with all the foliage, hill and curve.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meCk8bgW5Zg&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtRzRDkP_oM#t=22

As time goes on ill add more testing results. And if you own a Passport please share your observations.

Original review: The New Passport (pre-release review) - Radar Detector & Laser Jammer Forum - RDForum - RadarDetectorForum

Well heck...NOW what do I have to complain about?

You've taken all the fun out of my whining.

Seriously, I actually did learn something very important there...how to set up for highway properly. I've been keeping it on automatic, NOX, for around town, and now I see how I can jimmy the whatsis and maybe make it a bit better than that for Interstate.

Thank you sir, and well done!

Ride safe,

CR

A new owner here...REACT with this baby---when you get a Warning--REACT!! The Passport is PERFECT for me...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CeeAre

Well heck...NOW what do I have to complain about?

You've taken all the fun out of my whining.

Seriously, I actually did learn something very important there...how to set up for highway properly. I've been keeping it on automatic, NOX, for around town, and now I see how I can jimmy the whatsis and maybe make it a bit better than that for Interstate.

Thank you sir, and well done!

Ride safe,

CR

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Ill use Auto NOx if looking for the most filtering, but yes Highway mode is optimum for Interstate driving. BS/RDR will help a good bit on Ka band too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marty

A new owner here...REACT with this baby---when you get a Warning--REACT!! The Passport is PERFECT for me...

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X2, i enjoy the quiet sensitivity of this unit, but when it goes off definitely react.

Great review. Thanks for taking the time and effort to write it and post it here on rd.net.

DAMN IT!! LOL I already posted but..Have some more use time, under my belt. I am a very low speeder (Usually under ten over..Wisconsin is pretty liberal with setting their alarms at 12 over..I learned from the inside)..ANYWAY...Like CEE said.."REACT"...Again, off axis is a lil slow, as the vid shows...Just be ready to react...I leave my baby on highway all the time now....and when in Illinois-turn the X on..Some have un dusted their old X'es because they know..we have shut X off...GREAT review again..Martini

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marty

DAMN IT!! LOL I already posted but..Have some more use time, under my belt. I am a very low speeder (Usually under ten over..Wisconsin is pretty liberal with setting their alarms at 12 over..I learned from the inside)..ANYWAY...Like CEE said.."REACT"...Again, off axis is a lil slow, as the vid shows...Just be ready to react...I leave my baby on highway all the time now....and when in Illinois-turn the X on..Some have un dusted their old X'es because they know..we have shut X off...GREAT review again..Martini

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X2, the Passport is a decent performer for the average speeder that's not looking for over kill. Thanks for your observations, very much the same as outher Passport users.

Here is my Passport mount pics.

I have been struggling with getting my detector mounted discretely behind huge windshield of large SUV. Was not easy task as interior is beige on which black escort enclosure stands off. Mounting above the dash was not the option mostly because the device was so exposed in large flat area, anyone around could see it including pedestrians. I tried clip visor mount sold by escort which turned to be a mistake because the clip was good only for detectors with front controls, while making my passport buttons completely covered against the visor surface.

I wanted mount that would put detector as high as possible behind the windshield. I ended up with a combination of GoPro mount purchased in Bestbuy and original modified passport mount clip with removed suction cups and glued to mount using double sided 3M red tape. Final result is shown in the pics. The detector itself is not modified neither has anything glued into it, can be easily removed as it hangs off the original metal clip hanget. The power is supplied using short 6 inch PerformancePackage mirror wire power cord purchased on amazon connected directly to rear view mirror connector 24V and ground.

[IMG]www.eskwadrat.com/escort/pic1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]www.eskwadrat.com/escort/pic2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]www.eskwadrat.com/escort/pic3.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]www.eskwadrat.com/escort/pic4.jpg[/IMG]

Linke to pics will update up to 3 min after post is made. Thanks for patience.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by esdwa

Here is my Passport mount pics.

I have been struggling with getting my detector mounted discretely behind huge windshield of large SUV. Was not easy task as interior is beige on which black escort enclosure stands off. Mounting above the dash was not the option mostly because the device was so exposed in large flat area, anyone around could see it including pedestrians. I tried clip visor mount sold by escort which turned to be a mistake because the clip was good only for detectors with front controls, while making my passport buttons completely covered against the visor surface.

I wanted mount that would put detector as high as possible behind the windshield. I ended up with a combination of GoPro mount purchased in Bestbuy and original modified passport mount clip with removed suction cups and glued to mount using double sided 3M red tape. Final result is shown in the pics. The detector itself is not modified neither has anything glued into it, can be easily removed as it hangs off the original metal clip hanget. The power is supplied using short 6 inch PerformancePackage mirror wire power cord purchased on amazon connected directly to rear view mirror connector 24V and ground.

[IMG]www.eskwadrat.com/escort/pic1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]www.eskwadrat.com/escort/pic2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]www.eskwadrat.com/escort/pic3.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]www.eskwadrat.com/escort/pic4.jpg[/IMG]

Linke to pics will update up to 3 min after post is made. Thanks for patience.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

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Really nice, i like that a lot. I do many custom mounts my self as well, but the swivel is a nice addition. Any better close ups on how the RD is mounted to the mount?

http://www.eskwadrat.com/escort/pic3.jpg

Thanks for reading my post. Sure, I will take more detailed pics tomorrow during the day and post right after that.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

New passport owner here, actually supposed to get it tomorrow. I'm 65, yeah yeah I know, I'm old (guys, u either get old or die young!). Anyway I've been using RXS since the original fuzz buster. My last detector was a much lived V1. Which is at least 13 years old. It's been Great, but with all the false alerts from blind spot, front and rear monitoring, it's become fairly useless. I was going to upgrade it, but they wanted $289 (+ shipping,+ another $50 for the Bluetooth piece). Then I get this $100 off coupon for the plain Passport, which brings the price to $250 (+ shipping). So I went for the escort unit.

Like I said the V1 was a great unit, and I know that for my $289 I would have gotten a new unit. It's been awhile since I had an escort, so we'll see. I know I'll miss the arrows, but I have 30 days to check it out.

Been running a Beltronics STIR+ for several years now and my antenna just went out (water damage according to BelScort!!). Now I can either buy a new antenna $400 or snag this new unit for $550.
Sees like the sensitivity would be decreased if I made the change, but do the arrows make it all worth the sacrifice?

Thoughts?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stilldrivin

Been running a Beltronics STIR+ for several years now and my antenna just went out (water damage according to BelScort!!). Now I can either buy a new antenna $400 or snag this new unit for $550.
Sees like the sensitivity would be decreased if I made the change, but do the arrows make it all worth the sacrifice?

Thoughts?

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You may have already decided, but I would seriously consider getting the STi-R+ fixed. The remote M3 radar detector is one of the very best ever made and will remain so for a very long time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Veil Guy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stilldrivin

Been running a Beltronics STIR+ for several years now and my antenna just went out (water damage according to BelScort!!). Now I can either buy a new antenna $400 or snag this new unit for $550.
Sees like the sensitivity would be decreased if I made the change, but do the arrows make it all worth the sacrifice?

Thoughts?

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You may have already decided, but I would seriously consider getting the STi-R+ fixed. The remote M3 radar detector is one of the very best ever made and will remain so for a very long time.

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I haven't decided. Cost is better for sure, but if I have to replace this unit again in a few years due to "water damage" then the cost compounds overtime. Plus... Arrows!!! ??