A few early thoughts about the Escort Solo S2 cordless radar detector...

[EighTT]

As I mentioned earlier, I purchased a Solo S2 cordless radar detector and have now used it for a few days. Here's a couple of impressions:

"Take my wife. Please!" That was my impression of Rodney Daingerfield.

But seriously...

I haven't been hit with actual police radar yet, but I did test it on X band (rarely used) and K band radar though known sources, namely Vons and Sav-On.

The S2 definitely registers the signals sooner. In fact, I placed the S2 side-by-side on my windshield right next to the previous model Solo. The S2 always registered sooner.

There are a couple of drawbacks to the S2, and they are potentially major. Major to the point where I may sell the unit. I have a roadster and the display is *very* hard to see in direct sunlight. I don't think this would be a problem at all if you owned a coupe, but an alert doesn't do you much good if you aren't aware of it.

With the less-sensitive, previous model Solo, bright red alert LEDs illuminate, which are pretty easy to spot. These red LEDs show you the band that the alert is hitting on. With the new Solo S2, there is but one LED that blinks all of the time. The alert is on a back lit screen which is very tough to see. This is so even with adjustments to the S2's contrast control. Also, the audible alarm doesn't seem as loud as the previous generation Solo.

So we'll see if I keep the thing. It seems to be relatively sensitive, though no cordless detector is as good as some of the top corded units (though you could use a cord and presumably the sensitivity would be similar to the Escort 8500).

I do like the "expert mode" display, which shows multiple targets on multiple bands and the strength of each. There's no arrow icon such as with the Valentine One, but it's still pretty cool and very helpful. That is, if you can see it.

If you own a coupe, I'd recommend the S2. If you own a roadster and drive with the top down fairly regularly, I'd likely pass.

[seanka]

I'd be interested in hearing your experiences after long term use. I have a V1 now but like the idea of a cordless unit....

[CarbonFibre]

[EighTT]