luv2xlr8
Well-Known Member
I'll chime in as I just went through this a few months ago and ended up with an R4 (I know this wasn't an option as listed by the OP but maybe it'll add some insight).
At the time, the R8 was just coming out, and it had some first run problems, so I stayed away. When I looked into it, the last detector to come out BEFORE the R8 was actually the R4. When I went deep into the features I came to the following conclusion that if I am incorrect someone will be able to set me on the right path....
R7 = R3 with a few firmware upgrades and arrows.
R8 = R4 with a few firmware upgrades and arrows.
Now, I really wanted an R7 or R8, but I also wanted the latest tech. Not being able to get an R8 due to reliability issues, I went R4 as the reviews stated that in areas with a ton of corners and grade changes it would be the best. In saying that, I still really want an R8 but... the size is huge! Plus, I got my R4 for about $540CAD where is an R8 is still $900CAD when they are on sale, and $990CAD regular price; can't do it. I feel like the R4 doesn't often get talked about because the R3 was so good for so long.
Now, feet to the fire.
I just did 4000kms from Vancouver, BC, down to Northern California, then back up through Central Oregon and by the time I was done my confidence in the R4 was extremely high, especially on open freeways. In 4000kms I didn't encounter one speed trap or highway patrol using laser, and I picked up every single signal well over a mile away, it was impressive.
The R4 also mounts and hardwires to the mirror insanely easy, and cheap (I'm sure this is the case for 99% of detectors, just saying my experience was great).
Will I end up with an R8 in the future? Yes. The arrows add a sense of direction I love, and remove that last guess in high traffic areas. And to resonate what another member said about the V1 version 2, I would love to try one. My brother had an original V1 and it was really, really good.
So full disclosure and conclusion. I love the R4, but I will eventually get an R8. Would I upgrade from an R4 to an R7? No. I have used the earlier Escort products (think 9500i) and the first gen V1, so I can only speak to these but not a wide variety of others. But, after 4000kms through one province and three states with the R4, I wasn't in a hurry to upgrade. Hope this helps OP and anyone else diving into the subject.
PS, my only surprise on the entire trip was the lack of use of lasers for speed traps in the US. Only time I hit one was in BC, and I knew a mile away because another officer had left his radar on while the other guy was running laser. The R4 identified the laser in use but I had already shaved about 20MPH off my travel speed and tucked back into the slow lane. As well, I don't promote driving like an absolute hoodlum, but this cars ability to responsibly cruise at a speed slightly higher than posted does make it a satisfactory baby GT car.
Hope this helps!
At the time, the R8 was just coming out, and it had some first run problems, so I stayed away. When I looked into it, the last detector to come out BEFORE the R8 was actually the R4. When I went deep into the features I came to the following conclusion that if I am incorrect someone will be able to set me on the right path....
R7 = R3 with a few firmware upgrades and arrows.
R8 = R4 with a few firmware upgrades and arrows.
Now, I really wanted an R7 or R8, but I also wanted the latest tech. Not being able to get an R8 due to reliability issues, I went R4 as the reviews stated that in areas with a ton of corners and grade changes it would be the best. In saying that, I still really want an R8 but... the size is huge! Plus, I got my R4 for about $540CAD where is an R8 is still $900CAD when they are on sale, and $990CAD regular price; can't do it. I feel like the R4 doesn't often get talked about because the R3 was so good for so long.
Now, feet to the fire.
I just did 4000kms from Vancouver, BC, down to Northern California, then back up through Central Oregon and by the time I was done my confidence in the R4 was extremely high, especially on open freeways. In 4000kms I didn't encounter one speed trap or highway patrol using laser, and I picked up every single signal well over a mile away, it was impressive.
The R4 also mounts and hardwires to the mirror insanely easy, and cheap (I'm sure this is the case for 99% of detectors, just saying my experience was great).
Will I end up with an R8 in the future? Yes. The arrows add a sense of direction I love, and remove that last guess in high traffic areas. And to resonate what another member said about the V1 version 2, I would love to try one. My brother had an original V1 and it was really, really good.
So full disclosure and conclusion. I love the R4, but I will eventually get an R8. Would I upgrade from an R4 to an R7? No. I have used the earlier Escort products (think 9500i) and the first gen V1, so I can only speak to these but not a wide variety of others. But, after 4000kms through one province and three states with the R4, I wasn't in a hurry to upgrade. Hope this helps OP and anyone else diving into the subject.
PS, my only surprise on the entire trip was the lack of use of lasers for speed traps in the US. Only time I hit one was in BC, and I knew a mile away because another officer had left his radar on while the other guy was running laser. The R4 identified the laser in use but I had already shaved about 20MPH off my travel speed and tucked back into the slow lane. As well, I don't promote driving like an absolute hoodlum, but this cars ability to responsibly cruise at a speed slightly higher than posted does make it a satisfactory baby GT car.
Hope this helps!
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