Escort x70 VS x80
In this review, it is the predecessor taking on the successor as we have an Escort X70 vs Escort X80 showdown.
Both radar detectors are great in their own right, but if you had to choose between either of them, would you be able to pick one?
Well, the aim of this article is to cut through all the noise and marketing, giving you the facts so you can make an informed decision. Let’s begin with the advantages of both devices.
- High performance laser sensors
- Auto sensitivity mode
- Quick-release mount
- Spec display
- Expert meter
- Bar graphs display
- Sensitivity control
- Multiple operating bands which provide wider detection range
- Bluetooth capability
- Wide band range: K, X, SuperWide Ka band
- Escort Live availability
- Multi colored OLED Display
- Voice Alerts with two unique tones
- Auto calibration circuitry
- Dark Mode and Dimming levels
- Sensitivity control options: Auto No X, Auto and Highway
- Auto Mute option
- Compact
Features of Both Radar Detectors
Here are the features we have chosen to highlight in this Escort x80 vs x70 battle.
GPS
The X80 comes with a design and circuitry that is quite similar to the iX, however, it does not have the built-in GPS chip. You get a decent range with this device and the false alert filter sticks to its task.
However, the lack of an integrated GPS system means that this radar detector is unable to seamlessly learn and recognise false alerts. It is also incapable of differentiating between automatic garage door openers and speed signs. It also leaves a lot to be desired as it cannot alert the driver to speed and red-light cameras in the vicinity.
That being said, it does have built-in Bluetooth capability, enabling the driver to pair the device to their phone which can operate the Escort Live app. When this happens the x80 utilises the phone’s GPS to gain a few GPS features that other models have.
The X70 also falters in this regard as it also does not have GPS built-in. And while the x80 can work around this thanks to its Bluetooth capability, the x70 does not have that. Drivers must work around this with a Smart Cable.
Filtering
The x80 is blessed with 5 varying levels of filtering to ensure that false and real alerts are carefully filtered accordingly. While it does not have a built-in GPS chip, it does have a GPS accuracy system whose job it is to learn the driver’s route and filter the false alerts from K band technologies out.
It also has a filtering system which lets the driver adjust its responsiveness and performance between three modes. They are Auto, Auto No X and Highway. The device’s sensitivity can also be adjusted to specific speeds.
The x70 does not have IVT [1] filtering, so you will have to get used to a lot of false alerts.
It might seem that Escort foresaw this as they decided to add IVT filtering technology into the x80 to help eradicate false report from vehicles. Thankfully, false alerts from other sources can be filtered out due to the inbuilt filter and the crowdsourced information that Escort Live provides.
Radar and laser detection, traffic sensor rejection
Escort promises that the X80 offers quick detection of varying forms of lasers and radar bands. This helps the driver know when a radar gun is being utilised in the vicinity. That being said, the system is not infallible and like all radar detectors, the X80 can still fall prey to false positives.
Both the X70 and the X80 falter when it comes to registering Blind Spot Monitoring systems as false alerts. The X80 does attempt to rectify that with its Ka-band detector, however, its effect is negligible.
Performance
When it comes to performance, it is very clear that the X80 was the successor to the x70.
While the X70 in its day was the best out there, it has easily been superseded by the x80. This, however, does not mean the X80 is without its fault. For one, the fact that it does not have a built-in GPS chip can sway potential buyers from it, even though it does make up for it with its Bluetooth capability.
The range on both the X70 and x80 are both decent, not great when compared to newer models. They are both effective enough at detecting various laser and radar signals quickly enough to save you from a ticket.
The performance of the x80 is just better than the x70, especially when you consider just how many bands the x80 can search for.
If performance is what you’re after, then the new Redline 360C is worth considering.
Conclusion: Escort x70 or x80
Now here comes the part where we pick a winner of the Escort X70 vs X80 battle.
When it comes to picking out the very best radar detector, you have to consider the numerous features and capabilities present. The X80 might fall short of newer, particularly top models out there, but it sure does best the X70. Not only does it come with extra bands, but it has also Bluetooth capability enabling a driver to link the device to their phone.
This link up lets the x80 learn about speed traps, speed cameras and false alert locations that have been dropped by other drivers on the Escort Live database.
The simple truth is there are upsides and downsides to every device. It just so happens that the x70 has more downsides and the x80 that was created to fix those downsides still has some drawbacks of its own.
If you don’t mind that the x70 is not what it used to be given the proliferation of BSM systems, and the fact that you are limited when it comes to connectivity. Then you should definitely go for it.
If you are the type that wants an upgrade on the x70 in regards to features and filtering, then you have to get the X80.
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William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.
