Lovely unbiased breakdown for people that plan to purchase a radar detector. This video breakdown will save many of us time and money since you really put lots of work and effort to test each radar detector in real life. I hope people appreciate the hard work you put in. 🙏
My R8 has been amazing. I had the R3, R7, and even a Redline 360c. I can with confidence say that Uniden may lack app support but they have it figured out better than comparable, all around detectors.
@@colekirby8580 but r8 is loud and redline is quiet or something I heard? What’s the downside and benefits from both of these? Uniden r8 is great on MRCD?
@@theederominus in my experience, the redline didn’t have half the range the r8 does. With the correct auto mute settings and Q Ride, the r8 is my favorite detector I’ve had
I feel the R7 has plenty of range, I get a couple miles sometimes. I feel good that I bought mine used for $300, great upgrade from the R3 that I loved. The arrows are a must have to me
I upgraded from an R1 a few years ago and I love my R3 and keep it updated regularly. It has great range and the low speed and gps lockout is nice. It’s a little annoying on new K sources so I put it on the least shrill tone and have a remote mute button for quick silencing. It has saved my bacon numerous times and I think it’s about time for an R7 or R8 and pass the R3 down to my lead-footed son! I also use Wayz app and even in the car I don’t have a detector in, I can still know what’s going on around me.
After doing research on radar detectors for weeks, Best buy had the Radenso DS1 for $329. I'm sold. The R3 and R4 was on top of my list but at that price it's right down the middle. Not a bad choice for my first radar detector.
been using DFR7 for 5 years with ZERO issue, been saving me out of troubles so many times i got my money back 10 times or more. so impressed with its range and performance i bought another one for my new vehicle. cant go wrong for the money and performance hand down the best in its class!!!
Been using a V1 since I got my first car, upgraded to a V2 a couple months back and retired my V1 after more than 10 years of fishtail service. Love the V1.2 and recently installed the SAVVY and that makes the V1.2 even better now
I’ve had the R7 for a little over a year now. Had other detectors before, none as good as the R7 (never had the R8 lol). From the top of my head, I can confidently say it saved me from at least 6 or 7 tickets, all probably 10 to 15 over, has definitely paid itself off. I drive for a living and the range on it is absolutely amazing. Gives you PLEEENTY of time to react, slow down and cruise until the alert goes away. LOVE the different sounds it offers for different bands and the filtering is amazing. Can’t go wrong with it. It’s an investment rather than an expense.
I know its probably far too late to get a response, but if you could answer a question for me I'd appreciate it. How well does the r7 work in smaller towns with less traffic?
@@VocallyChallengedApe Hey ! That’s when it works the best I dare to say it lol. The only thing it will not help you with is with cops running laser gun. By the time the detector alerts you it’s already too late and they already have your speed by the.. But if they are running regular K or KA, it works just fine in urban areas/ city driving.
@megafriend09 hey i got ticket the other day and dont want to have one anymore. I was thinking abt getting r7 to avoid getting tickets . You said it doesnt help with laser radars. In my ticket it says LIDAR . Does it mean that r7 not gonna work. I d really appreciate ur answer
Most Americans gloss over the "Undetectability" of radar detectors, when you drive through VA and DC often, it's absolutely critical to have... best budget undetectable detector is going to be the Radenso DS1, and if you want arrows V1 Gen2/Redline360c are great. Most VA units to my knowledge that actually use RDDs(usually counties on the border of VA/DC as well as VA State Troopers) use the Spectre Elite, but I have seen the Spectre III in use as well. If you want to be risky the uniden R1/3/4/7/8 are pretty much undetectable to the Spectre elite in practice. But just be careful because one officer could be running a Spectre III or possibly catch you using a Spectre Elite as well. **While possession of a detector is illegal, it's a secondary offense, so as long as you're not doing ANYTHING illegal near police (yes, 1 mph over is enough here) you won't get pulled over.** Be safe out there!
I’m not convinced the DS1 is sufficiently stealthy. Check out this thread: www.rdforum.org/threads/126568/ If you’re serious about stealth, something along the lines of a V1 Gen2 or Redline 360c would be preferable.
Same with the R8. Until Oregon State Trooper hit me with laser. Then i wondered if there is much point in even running one anymore if you don't have laser jammers, it seems pointless. And even ALP struggles with dragoneyes.
@@Jolinator do you run Waze or similar as well? At least the parts of Oregon I travel though, troopers leave Ka on constant and then sit in the median to do laser. Waze has given me plenty of warnings.
@@Constabruity Yep run Waze also. In my experience I have found most leave Ka on which gives you some alert. On sunset highway a motorcycle officer hit me with laser and I got a laser warning(No Ka Alerts) then on I-84 just near Mosier I was hit with laser coming around a bend, Officer was in a patrol car. No Ka Warning. Lets just say I am lucky he was friendly..
If you want to consider 150 int, you'll be able to select more K blocks to remove more BSMs. You'll also get speed based sensitivity mode changes which are better implemented than on the R4 and R8 (i.e. both Auto/City and Adv-Hway modes). You'll also get many GPS speed camera enhancements and better auto GPS lockouts.
Been watching multiple videos on radar detectors none of them were explaining everything properly halfway through this video I clicked the link and purchased an R4 Thanks for simple easy to understand honest reviews❤
I have the Uniden DFR7. Just came back from a 4000 mile road trip from NC to CO and back. I love this detector. it saved me atleast a few hundred just on this road-trip alone lmao. I highly recommend it, under $200!
Thanks for all your vids, super cool stuff. For me, I like the idea of an R8 but my R3 has been awesome for years.... most of my driving is urban or urban-ish in nature, I like the smaller size of the R3 in my smaller sized daily driver, & the continual updating of features by Uniden (for free) has been beyond any reasonable expectations. Your channel & the RD Forum has been instrumental in me going well over a decade since my last speeding ticket.
I just bough the R8 with your affiliate link. Thank you for the excellent video. I've used my Beltronics Pro 300 for probably 8 years and was always happy with it, but just gave it away with a car I sold so time for a major upgrade. Really though, if this saves me from just 2-3 tickets, it's already paid for itself and my Pro 300 probably saved me from 10 or so. Thanks for the great video as always.
As someone who’s tested and put radars to the test. The r7 has been a blessing. It’s not a device to use so you can drive full speed everywhere it actually keeps your speed in check. I’ve been in most states and I know which states are sneaky. Nevada is the sneakiest ones so far. They have time and time again did things no other state does when running radar.
@@justinwcannon auto - on / off radar. Basically makes a radar useless because they’ll only trigger their radar when they see a vehicle rather than always on
Just purchased the Uniden R8 from Amazon using your link hope you get some credit for it. Thanks for all the info on all your reviews. You really helped me narrow down exactly what I needed when before I only knew of Escort and V1.
FWIW.....Got the R4 because of your reviews. I got the non-arrow version because I wanted to double it as a headsup display for speed since I drive a Tesla Model 3 with no front dash. Using a custom mount it sits right in front of the driver in place of where a "normal" speedometer should be. Instead of arrows, I prioritized for a LARGER display instead.
Only ever used escort radar detectors. Had a 8500, 9500i, x70, max 360 and x80s. loved every single one of them and they have certainly kept me out of trouble. X80 is what i currently have and it has never let me down and the Bluetooth and M1 dashcam capabilities are a nice plus.
I bought the escort 9500 about 10 years ago and it was expensive but it worked very well. I agree. But I’m now wanting a video dash cam that does a lot and a new radar detection as the police state has gotten much much worse. And the migrants are lousy drivers along with many other idiots on the roads. 🙄🙄🙄😡😡
Great video and so many options, I want to buy a couple more RD. As a V1G2 user, you don't necessarily have to use app for it to run and be quiet. I run mine without app lately and it did a great job and I noticed zero KA band false sigs.
My favorite feature about my R7 is the Dark mode. Its a black screen with a little dot until you get an alert then the screen lights up. When running stealth its super nice.
Great review! This was really helpful. Even better was seeing some of my old stomping grounds. I used to live out in the unincorporated part of Redmond near Woodinville. Good times!
Great video! Thanks for putting in the time and effort! Your site is the only place I go for detector info! I've been using an R3 for 3 years now and it's saved my butt countless times. I'm considering an R4 due to my R3 having that dreaded screen burn in issue or whatever it is that messes the colors up a little. I'm just waiting for them to iron out any R4 bugs and maybe a little bit of a price drop. Cheers!
Went with the R4 for my Camaro SS.. Loving it so far. Range for days here in East TN that can be a challenge. Quite a step up from my old 8500x that's now in my Titan lol. Thanks for the solid coverage. Cheers.
@@intimidate4339 Not a one. Its essentially the R8 minus arrows. Range is fantastic. R3 would've probably been sufficient, but I wanted the newer guts.
call me slow but i just recently realized what state you are in, that's a tuff gig, i totally understand now why these counter surveillance measure hold so much value for you, i wouldn't want to deal with those cops up there ever again , as far as having a license goes, getting out of that state was the best thing i ever did, all the years i lived there, even with detectors i think the longest i went without some bs trumped up ticket was 9 months, since leaving there i haven't had a ticket in probably 20 years and in fact where i live my old escort 8500 x50's still save my butt every time.......
Been following you for a couple years, largely for updates on Redenso Theia - which may not be happening... (disappointed - been waiting for that since announced). Ready to upgrade from Passport Max and this is quite helpful. Down to R7, R8 or 360C MKII. Wondering if you might do a side-by-side, more specifically, between R7 & R8 - and which you think is more comparable to MKII. Also, I have not seen you comment on Amazon refurbished ($75 off R8 and $54 off R7). Not in a hurry, so will wait for your "test" of the 1.2 firmware on MKII. Live in AZ; like the longer range, arrows, filtering out cars, traffic-light cams (and ability to change the display colors is a big plus too), so I think I'm looking at the right 3 detectors - just hoping for a bit more (herein) before I pull the trigger. Thanks for all you do - welcome input from other enthusiasts too (thanks in advance).
Update: MKII firmware 1.2 review was kind of disappointing - yet I most certainly do appreciate you doing and posting it. Pulled the trigger on Maxcam 360c. Current firmware 1.7 - do not know how that compares to your last testing firmware, and I hope the next version is not far off (and better than 1.2 for MKII). Escort says recent updates to Drive Smarter app, so I’ll get into that when the device arrives; upgrading from Passport Max, I don’t really care about the WiFi. I do not have a dedicated WiFi for the car and can easily update firmware visa computer - they are not very often. Not an enthusiast, obviously - given upgrading now from Passport max - and while I had not planned to get next from Escort, mostly due to a bad taste from prior corporate ownership customer service, Theia is MIA - MaxCam 360C is same guts as MKII, and I did not really want the additional focus on Uniden setups, updates, etc. Also, while perhaps a lesser consideration, the number of states detectors are less than welcome seems to be increasing and the number of those restricting windshield mount - the ability to change the color of the display to match the ambient lights in my car makes the display less noticeable than those that have multi-colored displays (especially at night). Nonetheless, Maxcam 360c does feel like I’m taking a chance given no recent firmware update, none scheduled (at least that Escort would say), the genesis gun issues (which are apparently used here in AZ), and the fact that there are so few videos on youtube for this device (implies less than popular), one might project a less than stellar future for this model - the cam seems worth having (even if I do not plan to add another for rear), the guts are the same as MKII (and perhaps RL360c) so they are the top of Escort’s current lineup and still in your top few. if Theia launches suddenly, especially if it performs well, I may regret getting this one now and not waiting - but shy of that, seems like R7, R8, MKII, Maxcam 360c and RL360C are the current contenders and it is just a matter of which one subjectively stands out compared to the others; for me that was the maxcam 360c. Added: Found some of your comparison between R7 & R8 in your video: "Best High End Radar Detectors of 2022" (for those who may be looking for that comparison). Also for those interested, V.R. also DID post a video about detector placement but it is from about a year ago - so I did not see it in the long list of posted videos immediately: "Best Place to Mount Your Radar Detector on Windshield". While I wont have the MC360C until Monday, I am a little more confident I made the correct choice (for me) after weighing the pros/cons of each of the top contenders - and reasons each may appeal more to individuals (e.g. RL360C's stealth vs cam in MC360C, plug and play vs more details, etc.). Lastly, again for those who may be interested, while Vortex Radar did not post a setup video for MC360C - he did post one 2 years ago for RL360C (yet to watch - hope the settings are still relevant), and some other settings in the MC360C "review" video. When shopping for detector in the $450-$750 price range, evaluating the various +(s)/-(s) of the various devices can be a tough (and subjective) "decision" - as we all want one that is "best" and has it all (like Redenso's Theia is "supposed" to have = MIA - REDENSO??); if you spend the time poking around Vortex's videos - and listen carefully - you are bound to find the "right" device "for you". All herein stated, I do not drive much and chose based on my priorities - I do hope I do not end up regretting MC360C, and I suspect Theia is the only likely competitor that "could" leave me in regret (as MKII, RC360C and MC360C are all so similar with essentially just feature differences). Thank you Vortex Radar for all you do - your efforts certainly DID help me choose and I look forward to catching your future content postings.
It seems like Radenso has fallen way behind the competitors in the last few years. My M1 Pro *still* doesn't detect laser because of some issue with the firmware that Radenso has repeatedly promised they'll address but haven't. And they never launched their Theia model. Side note... Love your B-roll footage. It's fun to see all the different places in the Seattle area that I used to drive in the 40 years I lived there.
I really want to get a new radar detector since I havent got a new one in 15+ years. I want that Escort Redline l, but they need to fix those problems. What I dont like about these manufacturers, and even though I love the channel, I wish you would criticize them more for releasing unfinished products.
Have a cobra rad450 and it does better long distance and around turns detection then the v1 and two of my uncles on road trips He returned it to get a rad 450, completely unrated detector especially with having 0 false alerts and oled screen
If you think the redline is a solid pick you are very poorly mistaken. the escort max 360 performes just as well as the escort redlines, and all the other max360s. I would rank the 360s and redlines as a smudge below the R7 in terms of performance but they are all very similar.
Do you have a link to your testing? Countless test results post online, including mine, show the Redline 360c giving longer range than the Max series detectors. Here's two quick examples: www.rdforum.org/threads/128697/ www.rdforum.org/threads/124435/ I could see times when they perform comparably if they're terrain limited, but the Redline 360c is more sensitive than the others and performs accordingly.
Something that I don't see mentioned anywhere in the video or your website is protection against vehicles with auto start/stop functions. In my F-150, my V1 gen 1 shuts off every single time the truck restarts at a stop light and it's driving me crazy. I have a BOB on the way, but it should be noted when detectors have built in capacitors that keep the detector powered for a few seconds when the vehicle restarts, such as the V1 gen 2. It also happens with my dashcam because the battery is junk, so I'm hoping I can use the BOB eventually for the dashcam and get a V1 gen 2 or something else that has built in BOB functionality.
I’ve briefly covered that a while ago. I have one in my car to help with voltage drops since I also have a start stop system in my Audi and additional voltage drops across a long power cable from the rear of the vehicle. It helps with many brands of detectors, not just V1’s. Anyways, if you’re having the issue, the BOB should help. Videos like this are really focused on the key aspects of detectors themselves. It’s not really practical to cover every edge case and accessory in one single video, as nice as that would be. :) Good luck with your BOB purchase! Hopefully it helps for you too. 👍
@@VortexRadar Fantastic. I bet installing, testing, then uninstalling all this stuff is a NIGHTMARE...hope you have some way to temporarily install it all that doesn't affect performance. Tricky tricky! I'll keep an eye out. Thanks!
I like the R8 but I use ios. I currently have a V1gen1 for years. Really nice vid as with you others. I am a subscriber and in the market for a new one
Nice video, It's been quiet on the custom radar end. Let hope something interesting comes out in 2023. We are all ALP'ed or Escorted out for the past 4-5 years.
Here ya go: www.vortexradar.com/2020/01/why-i-dont-recommend-k40-radar-detectors-or-laser-defusers/ and this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IuFZImColYU.htmlsi=eSuKD-FVAiiIcNNS
Dear Vortex Radar . May I know if Im gonna buy a laser jammer and fitt it in the back of my car.. lets say with two heads and tx. Is it gonna work properly since most of the police radar in my country face backwards.. so they detect tjr spees from the back of the car when the cars pass the LIDAR. Do you think the al priority and other laser jammers would have the time to jamm the laser hit ?
I have a very old radar detector it works fine here in Indiana but sometimes it will go off and I don't see any police around or it goes off and go up to the highest alert and as I go down the road it keeps alarming but no police around now I know it other newer cars equipment setting off my radar. If I lived in a state with red light radar and other stuff I would get a new detector but I use it going down to my old family farm just to remind me to watch my speed if it goes off.
any Rocky Mountain Radar Detector is great.................if you want to get a ticket. Best of the rest: V1 Gen 1 or 2 Any original M3 if you can run K band off Stir-O Uniden R1/3/4/7/8
@@craftyboi9169 yeah I'm glad I went with the r4. The customization controls with Bluetooth are nice and I'll often use the highway radar app to map out potential traps. The auto mute for K bands is great, too.
I missed the sale on the Radenso DS1 for $329 on Cyber Monday. Sadly. My brother rocks the Escort Max 3 and I rock the Uniden R4. I also run an Beltronics STI Magnum with Segmented Bands and a Valentine One Gen1.
My $50. Cobra 🐍 RAD 250 radar/laser detector has served me well for the past 6 years. My only tickets or stops have been running a red light distracted, going into the center median around a slowpoke turning right, and slowly rolling past a white line at an intersection by 1 foot. I have the worst luck. No speeding tickets luckily. And…..no one wants to steal it.
I notice you're in WA State. More specific Snohomish county even and I'm just wanting to know your recommended radar detector settings for an R3 in WA to get the most efficient and reliable performance?
I’m very curious as in you’re very top pics. How reliable are these radar detectors, such as screen burn, and other issues that people have been complaining about ??
I'm new to this field of technology... I've always wanted a "radar detector". I live in a very "rural" area where all we have is one State Trooper, 6 or 7 Sheriffs and Zero Local Police. The highways are generally flat but there are plenty of hills and trees. Very few stores and ZERO traffic lights. It's Catron County, New Mexico... near the "Village" of Reserve. Would something like the DFR9/7 or R3 be recommended? I would appreciate ALL and any comments.
Hey I have a passport escourt 9500ci the two detecters are located in the front bumper and inside the car I have a little thing that turns them on and on the little pass port dash it says check wiring receiver and the car came with them and they did work at first and I can’t figure out how to fix them. Are these even good? I know there old should I just invest into a new one.
I had the 9500CI installed in my car about ten years ago. They were great, especially with the laser scramblers installed. They have great range and the GPS lockout. You should check and see if you have the laser jammers and the rear radar antenna as well. Either way I would say it's worth fixing the wiring and keeping. I think the best range detectors mentioned in this video will beat it but not by that much. They saved me many times.
I live in VA, so having a detector mounted on your windshield can be enough to warrant a police pull-over. This has happened to me twice. Even if it's not mounted, but plugged in and operating (hidden in your console, for instance) and a cop detects it, they will ticket you here on ole Virginny. My sister-in-law got hit twice on one trip coming from NC, unbelievable bad luck.
i thought these where stopped a long time ago when laser came out ? the laser beam runs at the speed of light and is a short bust not sure they can even work
Radar runs at the speed of light too, but that’s not the issue. Laser is a thin beam while radar spreads everywhere so it’s much harder to detect ahead of time. Against laser you need a laser jammer and Waze. Different tools for different purposes.
You got any tips on hiding these from prying eyes of potential thieves? I don’t like having to deal with the inconvenience of hiding my detector every time I park. I might forget to plug it back in before I start driving.
@@VortexRadar is there any mounts that can secure it behind the tint strip that don’t attach to the windshield because it’s illegal to attach anything to the windshield in my state for some stupid asinine reason even when it only blocks our view from airplanes.
I'm noticed on my Redline 360 C that sometimes it does not alert to laser. My wife was driving behind me on one occasion with my old (and still favorite) Redline and it alerted.
Depends on who they shot the laser at. Laser is super specific and you really on get notified if you get hit. If you have the detector mounted at the top of your windshield, they aim for your license plate, thus missing the detector. If you get notified for laser, you’ve already been hit
My Uniden R4 does slightly better on Ka but as good on K band and volume level is louder than my Uniden R8? Built quality and Auto-lock issues and paying up to $699 for the Uniden R8 questionable, when you can buy the Uniden R7 for under $500 making it the better bargain. Have notice that the rear antenna on the Uniden R8 is more sensitive than the Uniden R7?
I have had the uniden dfr6 which is essentially the dfr7 without the gps feature. I have had the detector for around 7 years and it has saved me countless times. I always rave about it and how if it broke or went missing I’d buy another tomorrow. I can’t recommend it enough, in my state the highway police run ka band so I block out all other bands and it works incredibly well.
I'm a truck driver and mostly drive the 11 Western States. It's illegal to have a radar detector in a commercial vehicle so I need the very best radar detector with long-range that is undetectable. What is the absolute best undetectable unit in your opinion?
@@VortexRadar I gotcha. It’s just I was considering getting one this year but after watching your videos on the subject, I’m thinking about waiting till they resolve this problem because it’s no good to me if ever I go into the Virginia area and it doesn’t work 100% to alert me when a high way patrol or cop is around.
I have a question regarding Vail G6 Does this product work against lasers ? And Does it really protect headlights from UV damage? Siri you’re the expert. Do you have any reviews on this product?
On the R8, you were talking about Bluetooth and all the other extras it does. Since I have iPhone can I simply just use it as a normal radar detector and not have to worry about all the extra frills that come with it?
I use the Beltronics RX65 Red Professional Series Radar/Laser Detector. I really want the r8 laser detector. Im looking for a radar that can detect any new radar and program it automatically
