There is nothing more frustrating than getting busted for driving. We’ve all been guilty at least once in our life of speeding behind the wheel of an automobile. There are plenty of individuals on the road that drive 5 or 10 MPH over the speed limit on purpose. Call it impatience, call it daredevilry, it is still illegal and the police will pull those individuals over. For the rest of us, speeding just happens.
We could be late for work or running behind getting the kids to their weekend soccer practice. Before we realize it we are going anywhere from 2 to 8 MPH over the speed limit because we are not focusing enough on the road. At the end of the day, law enforcement officers are not going to be interested in your excuses. Whether your focus had wandered or you simply zoned out, a citation is coming your way when you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror.
Now, if you had a radar detector in your vehicle you might have been able to avoid all of this. Nobody likes to waste their precious free time each week researching the best models available. There are countless radar detectors available today, ranging from cost-effective models for $50 to the high-end models for $400. We’ve taken the time to sift through all the information out there and provide you with clear, concise reviews of the best models out there. In this review we look at the Escort Solo S3 radar detector.
Features of the Escort Solo S3 Radar Detector
The Escort Solo S3 is one of the sleekest models available. The Solo S3 is the next-generation version of the Solo S2. Physical upgrades to the S3 include a black housing, as opposed to the platinum housing of its predecessor. The Escort Solo S3 boasts an enhanced display, long-range radar detection, high-performance laser detection, and a variety of other programmable and additional features.
The Escort Solo S3 is one of the few radar detectors available that offers cordless operation. Most radar detectors are powered by a cord that must be plugged in to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or 12V outlet. The Escort Solo S3 is the most portable model available and is great for travelers (business or personal) constantly hopping in and out of rental cars.
Escort’s Solo S3 may be cordless, but that doesn’t mean you’ll spend a fortune on batteries. The unit can last for several months of normal driving on 2 AA batteries. The unit also has an AutoPower feature that turns the Escort Solo S3 off automatically (programmable feature) to help conserve battery power. If you forget to turn the device off, the Escort Solo S3 will turn itself off. The low-battery warning system constantly monitors the condition of the batteries, providing audible and visual alerts when the batteries are low.
Escort uses a patented Digital Signal Processing system to provide drivers with the longest possible warning without the annoyance of constant false alarms. The system is capable of detecting all conventional and instant-on radar bands, including X, K, and Ka. The low-noise sensors in the Escort Solo S3 are capable of providing early detection of a wide range of laser signals, while also working to filter out false laser alerts.
Pros of the Escort Solo S3 Radar Detector
This particular Escort model is one of the top performers when it comes to modern radar detectors. The compact design and cordless nature of the Solo S3 make this model a favorite among travelers and those with busy lifestyles. It is easy to switch this model between different cars. While not useful on a daily basis, it is highlighted as a benefit by many current owners.
The performance of the Escort Solo S3 is touted by many users as its greatest benefit. This model is accurate and consistent, providing reliable detection of both radar and laser signals in a variety of conditions. Alerts around corners are often a sticking point for consumers, but the Escort Solo S3 tackles this challenge with ease.
Lastly, the user-programmable features of the Solo S3 make it a worthwhile investment. Drivers enjoy being able to switch the brightness with ease to adjust from daytime to nighttime driving conditions. The City mode on the Solo S3 is highlighted as another major benefit. Drivers have the option of turning down the sensitivity of X-band detection, and even turn it off altogether. This is particularly useful in urban settings where automatic garage door openers are a constant source of potential false alerts.
Cons of the Escort Solo S3 Radar Detector
That final pro for the Solo S3 has also been identified as a potential con. Drivers using the device have noted that opting for the NoX (X band turned off) City mode does experience fewer false alerts, but have also been caught speeding by police in urban settings because the device’s X-band detection was disabled.
Additionally, a handful of consumers have noted that the Solo S3 has a poor window mount and that constant rattling is a major annoyance. Numerous Escort models generate this complaint, suggesting that the issue is more of a company-wide problem, and less of a Solo S3 problem. Nevertheless, it may be necessary to seek out a universal window mount that more securely holds the Solo S3.
Honest Assessment of the Escort Solo S3 Radar Detector
The Escort Solo S3 is a reliable and effective radar detector that cannot be matched by many other devices on the market. The cordless design of the S3 is, in reality, more of a unique marketing point than it is a functional benefit. Compared to other Escort models, the Solo S3 has a lesser detection range, which is a bit of a setback given its relatively high price tag. At the end of the day, the Solo S3 is a reliable unit that does what it promises to do. Consumers do need to consider if the cordless design of the Solo S3 is worth the extra cost, especially when other units perform at or above the level of this device for an equal price.
Escort Solo S3 Updates for 2023
As per radartest.com, the Escort Solo S3 Radar Detector has already been discontinued. That said, you might still find some sellers selling it if you’re interested to get the Solo S3. But if not, here are other Escort radar detectors that you can look into:
Escort Redline 360c
This Escort Redline is known to have a high-performing radar and laser detection which comes with an easy-to-read screen, including a 280-LED ultra bright display. It also boasts of its triple radar antennas, directional threat arrows, 360° radar and laser protection, and the standard built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features. It also has GPS locks out false alerts, red light camera alerts, and has recently improved to ensure 100% stealth to make it totally undetectable by the police. Check our full review here.
Escort Passport X80
This product is known for its reliability in detecting radar and laser signals with enough advanced warning to adjust speed. Unlike the previous X50 version (check our review here), it has a built-in Bluetooth that may come in handy for those using the Escort Live app and a USB port that is necessary for online updates. It also added voice alerts, autoSensitivity, Color LED display, and TSR radar filter.
Escort Passport Max 360c
Check this out if you’re looking for 360° radar detection with arrows that will point toward any potential threat. It has a built-in Wi-Fi that links instantly to your Escort Live app’s ticket avoidance system in real-time. This feature also allows you to update the system online to block future firmware threats. What’s more, it features front and rear radar, GPS locks out false alerts, red light camera alerts, and BSM, IVT filters.