OlyS6
01-26-2019, 09:02 PM
So, I've been using the Escort Max CI 360 integrated radar and laser system since April 2018, and have absolutely loved it to this point.
For those that haven't seen it, it has front and rear radar receivers, and a total of 4 laser shifters (generally 2 in the front and 2 in the rear).
Installation is time consuming (Escort wants you to use a certified installer, and makes it difficult to buy for a DIY project, but you can generally buy it form most shops that do installs).
Biggest downside: the full 360 system is expensive! $3500. So clearly it would need to save you from a fair number of tickets to make it worth it.
On the upside, there is very little interference from lane assistance systems from other cars passing by, unlike other models.
Also, the laser shifter system is quite good. Here in WA, the state police use lidar, including the Dragoneye gun, and the laser shifters have saved me from a ticket many times.
I have had zero issues with system malfunctions.
Another plus is that MidCity Engineering makes a digital integration box for our cars, so the visual warning display comes up on your DIS (or your HUD, if you have one). They retail their box for our cars for another $450, and it works quite well.
The actual radar receivers are quite impressive, and pick up multiple bands at large distances, both front and rear.
All in all, the Max CI 360 works extremely well, and provides a fully integrated radar detection and laser shifting system in one package. Combined with the MidCity Engineering integration box, you don't even need any LEDs or other warning system. The audio warnings are very audible from under the driver's side dash (I installed the main control unit just under the driver's side fuse box).
Of note, it is quite easy to update the firmware on the unit as well. I just did it today, which made me think to write this review now that I've been using it for awhile.
A few pics:
I cut some of the lower lip on the front crash bar to provide a flat surface for the front radar receiver to attach to:
https://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/front_radar_bumper_off.JPG
The rear radar receiver attaches nicely to the rear crash bar behind the bumper:
https://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/rear_radar_bumper_off.JPG
The front laser shifters fir perfectly in the honeycomb grille. I cut the grille for the radar receiver to ensure there wasn't any interference and to make some space for it, since the AMS intercooler takes up space behind the crash bar.
https://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/front_radar_and_laser_complete.JPG
You can make out the rear laser shifters just under either edge of the trunk lid:
https://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/rear_radar_complete.JPG
Here's a pic of the controls and display bar installed in the ashtray compartment:
https://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/medium/control_panel_installed.JPG
For those that haven't seen it, it has front and rear radar receivers, and a total of 4 laser shifters (generally 2 in the front and 2 in the rear).
Installation is time consuming (Escort wants you to use a certified installer, and makes it difficult to buy for a DIY project, but you can generally buy it form most shops that do installs).
Biggest downside: the full 360 system is expensive! $3500. So clearly it would need to save you from a fair number of tickets to make it worth it.
On the upside, there is very little interference from lane assistance systems from other cars passing by, unlike other models.
Also, the laser shifter system is quite good. Here in WA, the state police use lidar, including the Dragoneye gun, and the laser shifters have saved me from a ticket many times.
I have had zero issues with system malfunctions.
Another plus is that MidCity Engineering makes a digital integration box for our cars, so the visual warning display comes up on your DIS (or your HUD, if you have one). They retail their box for our cars for another $450, and it works quite well.
The actual radar receivers are quite impressive, and pick up multiple bands at large distances, both front and rear.
All in all, the Max CI 360 works extremely well, and provides a fully integrated radar detection and laser shifting system in one package. Combined with the MidCity Engineering integration box, you don't even need any LEDs or other warning system. The audio warnings are very audible from under the driver's side dash (I installed the main control unit just under the driver's side fuse box).
Of note, it is quite easy to update the firmware on the unit as well. I just did it today, which made me think to write this review now that I've been using it for awhile.
A few pics:
I cut some of the lower lip on the front crash bar to provide a flat surface for the front radar receiver to attach to:
https://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/front_radar_bumper_off.JPG
The rear radar receiver attaches nicely to the rear crash bar behind the bumper:
https://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/rear_radar_bumper_off.JPG
The front laser shifters fir perfectly in the honeycomb grille. I cut the grille for the radar receiver to ensure there wasn't any interference and to make some space for it, since the AMS intercooler takes up space behind the crash bar.
https://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/front_radar_and_laser_complete.JPG
You can make out the rear laser shifters just under either edge of the trunk lid:
https://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/rear_radar_complete.JPG
Here's a pic of the controls and display bar installed in the ashtray compartment:
https://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/medium/control_panel_installed.JPG