Clarion M502

BAD PURCHASE

This thing is pure junk. The control know is a real pain. Total mistake on the purchase. FIND SOMETHING ELSE or you'll be writing this same review LOL

Just right at any price!

The large, single knob joystick control is very easy to use, even with gloves on.
I don't know of any other unit on the market that operates as easily.
The Bluetooth connectivity is a breeze, and the ability to adjust the sound quality just right, is "just right".
I love the easy to see "ring-of-light" around the control knob at night, and the screen size and text is "just right".
Great design, should've won a design award! Just right at any price.

-The "BRE"-

Meh..

I purchased this deck to replace the aging M475 that had done me well for years. Clarion marine head units are known to be some of the most durable out there. I was excited for the Bluetooth capability and updated technology. Upon receiving, installing and using the unit, I knew that I had made a mistake. The technology is great, yes, but the interface is pure junk and has to do with the ridiculously large front control knob. This is the only - ONLY - way to control the deck. It's very sensitive and awkwardly large which makes trying to complete a task as simple as turning the volume up and down while the boat is moving in any kind of chop completely impossible.

One little bump to any side and a random menu comes up and it's mess to get it back to the start just to change volume. Just to get to the bass/treble control you have to hold it down just right in the middle, then scroll through menus, hoping all the while that you don't bump it to one side and lose your place and repeat process. In the two weeks that I've owned it, I've turned countless time to the female co-captain and said, "I HATE THIS DECK". I've decided that I'm returning it, and going with the M309. Oh, did I mention that the unit isn't even SEALED in back like the M309? The circuit board is wide open for water/moisture intrusion. Garbage. Sorry, Clarion. Nice try, but epic fail.

Great unit

Bluetooth works great with Iphone 5 and IOS 6 but only after software upgrade available at the Clarion website. After the upgrade you can control Pandora from the unit and remote. Only one button is kind of difficult to use but the included remote control is a plus.

Great Looks!

First and Foremost, this was a little bit of a unconventional purchase. Meaning that it's is for a custom motorcycle. The unit had to be silver in color to match the color of the bike and have very good audio performance,as well as ipod control capabilities. In my case, what I was looking in a head unit for a custom bike project, the Clarion M502 fit the bill!

Great Unit

Installed this head unit on my fishing boat about 6 months ago. Easy to use and the blue tooth works very well. Wheel on front works like an ipod. Overall great value.

Clarion M502

I think this is a great radio. Its easy to use if you know how to ready a manual. I will be buying another one soon again for my other boat.

Neat unit

Haven't operated it much, but so far, I like it. The controls take some getting used to, but it has a lot of versatility and looks sleek.

Great head unit

This clarion is amazing!! I use it in my open top Humvee that I regularly leave the top off in the rain as well as hose out after the trail!!! I would recommend this unit to anyone.

Great unit

Nice head unit . great look terrific sound quality. Easy installation. Bluetooth works great. Highly recommend for your boat.