The real question isn't which is better. The real question is, which is better FOR YOU? Both are fantastic performers. This is what it really comes down to: The Escort Max 360 has most of its features built into the detector itself and is designed for "plug and play". The Valentine 1 has all the functionality of the Max 360, but most of the advanced features are handled via the app and add-ons and requires specific input by the user. Each set-up has its own advantages and disadvantages. So, the real question is, which set of those advantages or disadvantages do you prefer? One fact of life about automated functionality is that the parameters are set to address the most likely scenario. There is limited (and sometimes no) ability to alter the response to specific inputs. Here is a very simple example: The Max 360's threat warning volume is automatic. One can chose between Off, High, Medium and Low. Also, the difference between full and muted alert is fixed. While these choices most often will be suitable for most people, if they aren't, there isn't much you can do about it. On the other hand, the V1's "old fashioned" dual rotary knobs allow one to set the volume of both the full and muted alerts at the exact levels desired. However, the Max 360's push button is a lot easier to use, especially in a moving vehicle, than the V1's knobs. This is illustrative of the general design philosophy differences between the two detectors. So, do want a detector that handles 95%+ of the situations you are likely to encounter with relatively little tweaking by yourself, or are you more of a control freak, who would prefer to invest the time and effort in setting up the detector to your specific desires? If you are the former, the Escort Max 360 is definitely your guy. If you're the latter, go for the V1. That is what it comes down to. If you use your phone for navigation, I might be more inclined to go with the Max 360 since most of its features are built in and automatic. That is, the app isn't as important and, there is less likely to take up real estate on your phone's screen. But see my comments below.
Now, as a long-term V1 user, I would like to add a few comments.
*It is true that the V1 falses more than Pinocchio. But, as alluded to above, this can be greatly reduced through the app., by eliminating specific or ranges of signals. The Max 360 does this automatically, via "most likely" algorithms. Again, do you want a device that is ready to use 95%+ of the time, or one that requires tweaking, for a more accurate result?
*One of the big selling points of the Max 360 is the GPS-based ability to block out known falses. This is true. What is not true is that the V1 cannot do this. It can, but, again, through the app and without on-board GPS.
*The directional arrows on the Max 360 are slower to change as you pass a stationary (or slower moving) radar unit. This is fact. Escort admits this. The reason, according to Escort, is that the software intentionally delays the change by 4+ seconds to eliminate much of the arrow "bounce" that otherwise occurs. This refers to the effect of the directional arrows flickering from one to the other when you are very close to the source of the radar. To me, this "fix" is illogical. First, the Max 360's arrows still bounce. Second, one of the great things about the arrows is the ability it gives you to identify exactly where the source of the radar is as its relative direction changes. For example, if a cop is hiding down a driveway, I want to know that. With a 4+ second delay built in, I could have passed 4 driveways, a billboard and stopped semi before the arrows change. So, where, exactly is that cop? Or was it even a cop?
*Bluetooth for the V1 is supplied by a small add-on unit that plugs into the power jack. It costs $40. The price shouldn't be a deciding factor because, even with the optional bluetooth and SAVVY, the V1 is cheaper than the Max 360. Of course, some may not appreciate the aesthetic of a separate unit.
*SAVVY - this is another V1 add-on that addresses the "shopping center detector" issue. Whereas the Max 360 addresses the issue via the GPS-based feature that allows the user to block out alerts in specific areas, the SAVVY addresses the problem by allowing the user to mute those alerts. The SAVVY works by muting alerts if you are travelling below a speed you set. This alone could be problematic. But, combined with the use of the app, it accomplishes as much as the 360, without making the signals completely disappear. Personally, I prefer Valentine's approach because (1) the area blocked by the 360 Max simply vanishes. This may be a "so what?" to some. (2) The muting by the SAVVY still lets me know the signals are there - and I want to know. But the more important thing to me is (3) a new signal in the "blocked" area still exists. So, if a cop decides to hide out in that shopping center's parking lot, I still get warned. And that is a biggie to me. Once again, the addition of a separate unit to accomplish this may be unacceptable to some. $50. Still cheaper than the Max 360.
Of course, the bluetooth module doesn't have to be placed next to the detector. It can be mounted where convenient (and/or out of sight). The SAVVY plugs into the OBD port. The V1 can then be plugged into the SAVVY, leaving the cigarette lighter port available for other things.
*The lack of built-in GPS does not eliminate the ability to receive real-time alerts and red light camera alerts. Again, with the V1 this is addressed by an add-on, albeit a software one that is free: Waze. The V1 app is designed to work with Waze. Waze, which provides the real-time information addressed above (and has a larger community), can occupy your phone screen (which is nice if you use it for navigation) and the V1 app overlays it when it alerts, without covering up Waze.
*The V1 is significantly smaller and lighter than the Max 360 and its mount takes up much less space. There have been many negative comments on Amazon and elsewhere about the 360's mount failing, not being able to mount the detector level and the detector bouncing excessively. I have been using V1's since they came out, in several different vehicles. The mount has become dislodged once and, since it uses two suction cups and only one dislodged, the detector merely tilted.
Yes, I have a V1 and prefer it. But, I am not trying to persuade anyone that it is "better" than the Max 360. The items with the * are simply addressing misinformation, or lack of information, I have read in various sources. Bottom line, the real choice is between built-in automation versus hands-on use. Check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PHCnjfk8T8.
Originally Posted by Elbeau
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