I know everyone here is either interested in the valentine 1 or Escort 8500 but does anyone here owned an Escort Solo S2, the cordless version. I read some reviews and they said the S2 is very good but of course not as good as the V1 or 8500 especially the Ka band. I like the cordless idea because I need a radar that I can use between 3 cars. Anyone with a solo S2 please give me a review. Thanks guys

2004 coupe Laser Red/Willow

 

according to radarbuster.com test, S2 can detect radar at 2 miles range. I don't really believe this because it's only running on 2 AA batteries. That's why I need your advice. Here is the link, check it out guys

http://www.radarbusters.com/support/product-tests/2.asp

2004 coupe Laser Red/Willow

 

i was going to hard wire my v1, but then took new job, 110 mile daily commute. wont' beat up g, so got a daily driver too.

i use wire, transfer it. or, you could buy extra hardwire kits.

04 6mtC, DG - possibly most babied G on the board.

 

I bought the S2, but within 5 minutes I took it back.

I had it mounted up at the top of the windshield, as soon as some sunlight hits it you cant see the display. The display is black on a blue backlit screen. At night it would have been cool, but pretty useless in the daytime, especially if the sunlight hits it.

 

The radar detector isn't "transmitting" the 2 mile distance so it doesn't require as much power as you'd think.

It's a receive-only device. When they say it can detect a signal from that distance they're really just talking about it's sensitivity - how weak of a signal it can pick up. The problem is that it still needs to amplify a weak signal so that it can process it. That's where it probably uses the most power. The hard-to-see numerical displays help it conserve energy.

Line-of-sight (no hills, curves, etc), with the radar gun pointed directly at you maybe it can receive a signal from that distance (but conditions aren't usually that perfect so don't expect to get that kind of performance out of it).

It's just a type of "radio" tuned to specific police-band frequencies. As an analogy, I'm sure you've had good FM radios and bad ones. They're claiming this is one of the better ones.

Not sure what's really the truth for this particular unit but it is plausible...

 

I would have serious reservations about using a cordless. I recall reading a Car and Driver radar test where the cordless Escort did not perform nearly as well as the top-ranked wired detectors. If you need mobility, just get two additional brackets and leave them mounted on the windshield for each car. The V1 can be mounted/unmounted with relative ease, and the power cord simply plugs right in to the outlet.

RainMeister
'04 G35C 6MT, diamond graphite, premium, nav, aero

 

Where do you live? I live in LA, purchased a V1 and return it. There is hardly a need to use it here. The only time I find it useful is during long drives up to the Bay or Vegas. In that case borrow your friends and save 400 dollars.

I read reviews the cordless isn't as good as 8500 or v1.

 

I've had the Solo 2 for about 6 months and find it to be more than adequate. It has saved a few times already. I can't really compare to V1 or 8500 as I haven't used them. However, be prepared to change the batteries regularly.

2003 Black Coupe
Premium Package, Aero package, 35% Tint