@@googleuser1456 Get a cobra 480i--a member of my car club has had one and loves it.I got the R4 because i dip into triple digit speeds and simply need the extreme range to avoid a massive ticket when I travel out of state.I also rode with him and the 480i was actually pretty quiet and seemed to work well--I almost got one and it actually gets good reviews--CNET and anothe site have user ratings and it scored very high for the price.
@@HSB_88 Pretty much identical, can’t tell a difference. Main difference to me had been the arrows, just knowing where the radar is coming from is nice info to have.
Uniden's feature versus price rate makes them so compelling at each price range. And they seem to be the only brand that regularly drops in price (like a sale) which only makes there detectors more compelling.
I bought a Uniden R3 in 2017 (I think?) on your recommendation and haven't regretted it at all. I'd love to have a newer model (with arrows!) but I can't justify spending the money on it when the R3 has really only saved me maybe one or two times in the past several years. Either I don't drive enough or eastern Washington doesn't have very many cops where I typically drive.
The fact that you’re doing a self check on this specific topic just shows that you aren’t bias my friend. And it’s refreshing to see someone in your field check yourself to make sure you’re being as honest and unbiased as possible. Keep it up my friend!
Dollar for dollar Uniden gives you the most radar detector. I do wish they would make available for download the latest firmware version for the R3. The firmware that the new R3's now come with.
@@joeysalvatore4289 works similar just added range and I think more Sensitive Plus the buttons on the front of detector is a nice touch instead of on the side. No firmware updates yet on Uniden site for the R8 yet
Brought a Uniden R8 to replace my Escort 9500ix. Loving it. Actually jammed on the brakes on the car yesterday and then wondered why I bothered as the cop was so far away. Got to have double the range of the old detector. Debated for a while with the arrows but finding them really useful now.
You convinced me on the DFR7. I upgraded to the R3. Couldn't pass up on the R7 for $350...on your recommendation. Whole family is running Unidens. Thanks for all your research and information. It's working perfect for this household.
I’ve been using uniden r3 bc of you about 3 years or little more !! Thank you I’m about to buy r4 soon bc of you too I tried other brands they are not even close to uniden
Glad you're taking a look to make sure you are not being biased, we could all stand to do that on everything. I think your logic is impeccable, you are recommending the best at price points and you list why. The data from all the testers speaks for itself. You keep doing what you're doing and we will be here listening with interest. I bought the R3 when it first came out due to your recommendation and years later I am still very happy with it. I travel many thousands of miles all over the USA on my motorcycle and it has warned (and saved) me many times. I have recommended Uniden to a lot of fellow motorcyclist and they love their detectors too.
Uniden offers really good detectors at fair prices, it's not your fault. It's up to the competition to *compete with them* not on you to deal with peoples nonsense about too many recommendations. Uniden buying out ATTOWAVE was huge for them too. I wish V1 would get their stuff together, it's literally the hubris of the big guy himself that holds them back. If he would pull his head out of his 4th point of contact he could probably put more pressure on Uniden for sure. Same for Radenso. They need to step up.
There’s a reason we keep coming here and watching your videos. For me personally, you test each product more so than anyone else. And the facts just speak for themselves, just keep on keeping on.
I will say...I was an escort guy for many years until this year I somewhat reluctantly tried a uniden r7 because it was available at a store nearby and the redline seems to be forever backordered. I have now become a uniden guy! Lol I love that darn thing. And for half the price of a redline. No regerts.
Still running a V1 Gen 1 ESP. K-band and X-band are disabled since those bands are not used in my area. Ka-band false alerts are extremely rare, but the J-out takes care of those. Don't really care for Bluetooth, I am using a concealed display, and it also allows me to mount the RD high enough to hide it. Don't really care of the GPS lockout, I've tried an Escort 9500i and didn't care for that. Custom kill switch added in case I am stopped. ALP LJ to handle the laser. Life is good.
I switched to the R3 when it first came out after having multiple Escorts followed by a Radenso XP. The R3 has been an absolute rock star, excellent range, highly customizable, and pretty good filtering for false alerts (why I moved away from Escort at the time). It's been so good that several years ago I bought a 2nd one for my daily driver (so I wouldn't have to move it back and forth between cars), and I'm now considering getting another one (or maybe an R4) to replace the XP that I passed down to my wife for her car. The R3 just really hits the sweet spot of performance and value.
Most people want bang for the buck. Uniden is the KING at that and so it makes sense that you would recommend them in a variety of categories. I bought a R7 because it was cheaper than a Gen2 or the escort while having the same, if not better, performance. Their detectors may feel cheap in the hand, but that’s not what matters to me. I don’t see a problem with it since you look at things so factually
I bought a red line 360 c about two weeks ago straight from escort. After much frustration and glitches and buggy wi fi, I sent it back to escort yesterday for a refund. I went to Best Buy and picked up a uniden r8. So much better imo, this morning while backing out of my driveway in the private subdivision I live in, the ka alert went off and there was a cop with radar shooting across the lake and two streets over. Amazing
i got uniden r3 have had it for almsot a year and at this point i can decode all different types of cops the Uniden r3 detects. Very very good range has saved me multiple times.
Makes sense though. Look at phones- top 10 are either Samsung or Apple. Electronics seems to always have a clear top 2-3. Got the r8 and alp on your recommendations
Just a little advice on radar detectors, I have a daughter and 3 son in laws who are cops and I’ve been on close to 100 ride a longs and I’m just warning you guys, if you get pulled over for speeding and the officer sees your detector you are getting a ticket!! I used to always drive with a detector 40+ years ago when I was a young man (I actually had an old escort with the analog S meter… anyone remember those??),Im just saying mount it permanently and hard wire it or if possible hide it before you get pulled over. I still like going fast when conditions allow, but I use Waze, I know it doesn’t always work on secondary roads but on the interstate it’s great. Just saying….be safe out there.
In just a couple more years radar detectors will have computer functions in them. Once the cop turns on their radar or laser....all the detectors in the area will know the general location. Then cops will have to look for other sources of ROAD REVENUE...seatbelts....turn signals....dirty windshields...smoke coming out the tailpipe...tinted windows..you know all the things cops shouldn't be wasting their time with on a shift while criminals are roaming the communities.
Vortex, I think you give the detectors a fair review. Only bias you state is you like arrows. That said, your reviews are enjoyable. Now I prefer my Radenso DS1, it has most of the features I want, doesn’t false much. Auto-lockouts are sound and the range is fantastic. I don’t need arrows. I have been using detectors since Valentine worked at Cincinnati Microwave…I am used to having, none. I upgraded to the DS1 when I saw your review and I was using the Escort 9500ix. No regrets. keep up the good work. I appreciate and watch all your videos. Thank you.
While uniden is not perfect, you have arrived at the fact of the matter. For the money, they give you a lot. I own 2 an R3 and R7 I do not regret either one. I have an escort 360 which is collecting dust because the performance of these two is well above average. That’s why they are on the list. They belong there for now.
I have both the Uniden R8 and R4 I like the R4 is wayy cheaper than the R8 I got mine for $136 on amazon on prime day, and I tested both of them at the same time they perform the same. I have no bias but when I see a good product perform I buy it. The uniden R8 On the other hand just gives me the arrows and is good for that self awareness, and fits my car better. If you want to see it in action I posted some short videos on it here
Today, I purchased and installed an R4. Although I've always had escorts, I gave up on them when cars began to be equipped with radar detectors in the early 2000s. After seeing your R4 vs. R7 video, I decided to buy because the price was fair.
You know what would be nice? If Radenso could come out and give an update on Theia. Like literally anything. It feels... bad. All the hype and then it was just gone, like vaporware. I understand supply chain. But c'mon it's 2022. At least give a statement about what's going on. But they don't do that. Looks really bad IMO.
So glad I bought an R7 a few years ago instead of waiting for Theia. Sometimes I think my own mind made up Theia, we hear so little about it. It feels like some imaginary fantasy device, and then so much time passed I just completely forgot about it altogether. It doesn't seem like something that actually exists. Every once in a while one of us will mention Theia, but it really doesn't exist outside of the mentions of people wondering what's going on with it.
@@DrezKill Well put. I remember watching ALL of Radenso's videos on it, I had an R3 at the time. Decided enough is enough and got the V1G2 instead of waiting for Theia and couldn't be happier. Now I'm so glad I didn't keep waiting because I was ready to pay 1,000 bucks for Theia... but then radio silence. Nothing. I don't know if Radenso could have killed their brand any quicker than by doing what they did. I lost all interest I had in Radenso (which to be fair wasn't much, only for Theia not their other detectors). I can't believe a company would put so much effort into making a revolutionary detector and then just... never mention it again. The supply chain was the PERFECT excuse because no one could argue it for all of 2020 and part of 2021. But supply chain is not really a valid argument anymore. We are nearly out of 2022 and still not a peep. It's as if Theia doesn't exist anymore. And that's sad.
Hopefully when Uniden breaks out the Laser Jammers, I hope it would keep up with ALP but lesser prices. However as of late, most brands are raising prices and most are going out of range for purpose. Escort use to be the go to but they start pushing the prices for no better performance. The original Max was promising then the 360 Max came out pushing almost $500. The arrows worked great like the V1 but when the 360c came out it was at $550 to $600. Now the Redline 360 is $800 and maxcam is $850. Uniden started the right way and learn from their own failures and now pushing some of the best range detectors, However they pushed the R8 up $200 more than the R7 for small upgrades not worth $200. Top Tier should offer more than what’s out there for sure. Now, Hopefully Uniden will work on the build quality because Escort do have better build quality and so does Valentine to compete at $700 or more. Great update Vortex
The reason Uniden can charge less money for good detectors is because they aren't spending a bunch of money on useless magnesium cases and all that. It doesn't make the detector perform better but it does drive up cost. I hope Uniden doesn't fall down that hole. It's the same thing with cars, now we have base model cars that cost 40k because everyone wants "soft touch" materials and other nonsense like heated steering wheels and cooled seats because they are a bunch of babies.
Thanks Vortex, I have a R1 and love it, and have been watching the R4 . I almost pulled the trigger about a week ago at 348 on amazon but after this video I got the R4 for about 337. Thank you sir.
I've been using Uniden R3 detectors in my cars, and they have paid for themselves a hundred times over. They have been performing flawlessly since I got them in 2018. I know the police are there a loooong time before they know that I am 🙂
Just an FYI- I received an email today from Escort that the Redline 360 is back in stock. They also use you (Vortex Radar) as an endorsement. Here's what it says: "...The Flagship Redline 360c: Back In Stock Unprecedented Detection Range and Accuracy The Redline 360c offers extreme range, full 360° directional awareness, and stealth and was rated "Best All-Around Radar Detector" by Vortex Radar. The exceptional range, advanced false alert filtering, and ease of use all make this the must-have radar detector for your drive. We didn't raise the bar. We shut it down. Get ready to REDefine the road..." I believe you use the R8 as your daily unit, no?
Bought a Uniden R1 3 years ago because of you and now I have upgraded to an r8. Saved my ass countless amounts of time on my road trips and in the city. Thank you for introducing me to Uniden!
I got the Cobra 480i, it was awful, the range was terrible and was always falsing. That definitely made me drive the speed limit the whole time I was on the road though. Ended up returning it for a refurbished R3. It still has K falses every now and then which is unfortunate since my county is entirely on K, but it is a lot quieter and the range is remarkable. I traveled to another county and in rush-hour traffic was able to detect radar over 0.75 miles away on Ka. Best money I’ve spent in a while. I originally thought that you were over hyping it a bit, but the R3 is hands down the best bang for your buck. HOWEVER. It will drain your car‘s battery incredibly fast if you do not disconnect power from it. This assumes your 12V is always on and not on the ignition, like mine. There’s been a few times where I’ve accidentally left it on only to get in my car with the detector screaming low battery alert.
When I finally bought my first Uniden... R3 .. I WAS HOOKED !! The past few years I no longer had to travel, but when a new one comes out.. I've JUST Got to have it!! I am a gadget NERD! I'm Uniden All the Way. I've also been able to sell all my used Unidens for 1/2 the price of what I've upgraded to. (which All I did was take them out of the box, Plug them up to the same jacks and Leave them until my next purchase)
Great video. I bought a Radenso XP back in April 2020. When I recieved it the speakers didn't work. I sent it back and it was replaced. It worked great. Two years later, I only pick up K and X bands. It hasn't picked up an KA bands in over 6 months and I never paid it any attention until recently. I work at City Hall and see lots of police cars all day and it used to pick up KA bands all day. Radenso wants $85 to check it out/replace it. I decided to get a "renewed" R3 on Amazon for $255 after watching one of your videos. It works flawlessly. Then I watched another video and I must have the R7 because of the directional arrows, and long range. Since Amazon gave me 90 days to return it, that's what I'm going to do. I bought the "renewed" R7 for $414 and I am like a kid waiting for Christmas. Just thought I would share.
I misread your recommendation and bought a Redline 360c to replace my ValentineV2 but then saw your R8 review and bought one of those, too. I wish I could combine the Escort's wireless updates, ease of use, and having an app with the R8's screen and performance.
I been using the R4 I forgot about the R7 with arrows R4 has one of the best off Axis I've seen for not having a rear attenna after ya pass the source it's good 3/4 sway and still alert
Before I purchased the Uniden R7 and the R3, I've always ran the V1G1 and Escorts. Until I stumbled on your channel, I've never considered Uniden. After hours of watching your reviews, I went for the R7 to replace the V1G1. I have to admit, the V1G2 with the ability to use JBV1 almost had me and I'm still to this day wanting to give it a go, but I have no regrets purchasing the R7 or the R3. They are fantastic units, especially the R7. Nice sized display and it's nice to look at. Even when it's not detecting radar, it still presents what I feel is useful information. Time, compass, speed. I was a hardcore V1 and Escort fan for years. When something's good, it's just good! Keep up the great work. Your content helps a lot of us out here making a good informed decision.
I took my own advice and got an R1/3 and also an M3 based R360C. Its all about what YOU feel comfortable using and what's familiar. To me V1 and ER products are more familiar. NOT always better , but familiar.
Uniden is just doing it mostly right, having really good performance for a good price. I've recently bought a next base gw622 and rear cam, and wish I would have watched and subscribed earlier. I probably would have went a different route. After research and your reviews and the comments in them, I found the r4 to be the one for the sweet spot in price and absolute performance Do they suffer from screen burn? Are screen failures common? I'm about to order it and that might change my mind. If I'm spending $350, I don't mind spending $485 for the r7. Pay one cry once. Your videos are concise, transparent, the data collected, is shared for all to see. I find it easy to know where they stack up, and I know it's not bias from your end. Like I said, Uniden is a formidable player, they are dialing in more and more. Can't knock them for that, and I certainly ain't knocking you for being biased in your recommendation of their units. They are just really good. It's is that simple. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to help us make solid decisions, knowing it will help keep everyone safer on the road. You da man! Thanks for all you do!
🤣🤣🤣I like that…”pay once, cry once”😆😆😆😆…I just got the R3 because of Vortex, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT..if it saves me just ONE ticket, it will have PAID for itself IN FULL..
One major thing I would like to point out right off the bat the DS1 is a great detector but as far as performance against the R4 the DS1 is not as strong or should I say sensitive now it's not by a huge stretch but the R4 does out perform as far as range DS1 so why the price increase ?? I personally have owned both of these detectors to date the DS1 and I will say it again it's a great !!!! Detector however the R4 by Uniden outperforms this unit in Ka band every test we made so why the price increase, who knows now if they can update that detector and make it more sensitive than the R4 then you got something to talk about but as of right now it is not worth in my opinion what the price tag is no way again just my opinion thanks for all your help and work and videos wishing everyone a great day cheers!! Ok update just got off the phone with the great makers of DS1 and parts have gone for parts on their end so that is straight from the horse's mouth that is why the increase in price so who knows what the future holds for other detectors !!
Uniden are leading in making the most effective radar detectors right now and like all radar detectors there are pros and cons. I also recently gave up on my Escort Redline 360c after my own real time testing for the Uniden R8 and Escort radar detectors just don't stand a chance overall when comparing to the Uniden R8 other than the build quality. So on a scale of 1 to 10, I give Escort Radars a score of 6, Uniden a score of 8 and Valentine a score of 5. How do you score the 3 makers?
How did you determine a scoring of 8 for Uniden and a score of 5 for VR? I mean, to put it in perspective, that's like grading one with a grade of a 'B' and the other of grade 'D', there is quite a jump in grading there.
@@EJ257IHI For me the Uniden R8 KA band alerts along with the ramping up and color display of the threat, arrow performance and overall performance. The Escort Redline 360c score was based on how slow it was to alert me of the threat compared to the Uniden R8 which was like a 5 second difference and the Redline would instantly be on high alert without ramp up. Lastly the score for Valentine was based on my use of the radar without gps as and again the Uniden R8 overall out performed the both and for me my recommendation to purchase any one of the three would be 1st Uniden R8, 2nd Escort Redline 360c and lastly the Valentine 1 gen 2 in which I own all 3 but my primary use is the Uniden R8.
@Home Phone Doesn't need my phone if you actually bothered to read about my setup. I'm running a hardwired setup with concealed display. Why would I need a phone for that? I remember my Uniden LRD6599SWS from 1998, now that was trash. The V1 Gen 1 still works great.
@@EJ257IHI Still works great...if you are literally the only car on the highway. The false alerts alone would drive me nuts. Also Mike Valentine needs to stop huffing his own farts and get with the times.
left my old trusty escort 9500ix for an R3 because it was just the best bang for the buck -jumped to the r7 on clearance - other brands have decent options, but the prices vs. features for me just aren't worth the increase - I wouldn't have jumped to the r7 if it wasn't under $400 either, the r3 does everything I need and that extra savings needs to go to the ALP fund anyways.
@@khronin I really like my R7 but 20-25 over is about where it's tapped out IMHO. Any faster and you will get popped eventually, you'll be coming around a curve and won't get slowed down fast enough as it goes from silent to full blown panic mode about the KA radar that "popped up" right in front of you. I have had _several_ close calls and a warning issued because of this exact scenario. In your case I would absolutely step up to the R8. At a consistent 20 over the R7 has never failed to alert me in enough time to avoid a ticket but it has been close. Too close to trust it at 30 over consistently. Understand though that I set my cruise control at 20 over pretty much everywhere. The R7 has saved me more times than any one person can count.
The best bang for the buck is a refurbished Uniden R7. It is cheaper, looks identical to a non-refurb, and was probably better tested by a human before it was packaged and shipped. I own three.
Thank you so very much, I’ve been binge watching your videos, you have helped me so much, I’ve learned quite a bit! Once you said the R3 was an absolute legend, hard to beat, I knew I found the best in my price range. I was going to go with the DFR7, for $199, but decided on the R3 for $299, as you pointed out it’s a totally upgraded platform, better range etc..wish I could afford the R8..but..we do with what we have, lol..I figured the R3 is still MUCH cheaper then 1 ticket here in Ca…
Do you still have to send in a valentine radar detector for upgrades? I have an R7 and have been happy with it. Also, upgrades online. It's the best detector and the least amount of trouble. I bought it when they first came out and never regretted it.
3:15 nice GT-R Still waiting for R8 update. I drive by a satellite dish that sets off my KA band and it lags longer after I drive by it than my R7. Also keep getting Gatso and MRCD falses in Michigan. We don't have either of those.
Got my R7 after watching your videos and seeing how it out performs almost every other higher end detector. The performance is shocking. It’s sucks because it’s so good at picking up ka that I normally change directions before seeing who it is. I drive mainly around suburbs. It does fantastic on the hwy as well.
Clearly, you are very knowledgeable about radar detectors. I don't see a problem with you recommending one brand more than others if it's warranted. Years ago, I was kinda brainwashed to think there's one that's superior to others but lately, I'm more open other brands including Uniden. Currently, I'm not in the market to buy anything since I have 2 of the old V1s. But if I were to upgrade one, I'd definitely consider Uniden. Anyway, thanks for your informative videos.
I got a used Uniden R3 for just over $200 - probably the best bang for my buck, since it's an EXTREMELY good detector. Either way good catch giving a critical overview of your own reviews.
Sounds like the other brands either need to step up or lower their prices. I have a Valentine 1 1st gen... thing is bullet proof but out dated, have to send it in for updates, yuck! Have a Escort Redline, left it on the dash during a hot day and it no longer works right. Reliability? Have a Uniden R7, no problems and can update it at home. Why would I buy anything else?
I don't think you are bias towards Uniden other than recommending them due to their features and price points. I personally have only ever bought Escort detectors in the past, until I couldn't get a Redline 360c a few months ago to put in my C8 Corvette. So I bought my first Uniden, an R4, based on your recommendation that it would be the quieter than an R7 which was similarly priced at the time. I couldn't be happier with the R4. I prioritize quiet over other things, and this does a great job of alerting me well in advance, but it isn't too noisy with false alerts. This will get passed down to my wife when Theia comes out. I appreciate your honest and logic-based reviews including pros and cons. Thanks!
I own the r3 r7 escort 360 and v1 gen 2 my v1 is my daily driver but I love the r3 and r7 both great especially at the price no need to worry abt ppl commenting that ur biased especially since they prob don't own or use any.
I found you while researching the v1g2. Found some forum posts, and ended up finding your YT. The v1 still seems great, but I ended up ordering an r8 because I run iPhone, and I’m not sure I’ll always want to run my phone. The built in screen is huge, and the apps are finally catching up. Im using the Highway Radar beta for now. It doesn’t seem like you’re biased. You preset facts backed up with experience, and that’s how you end up recommending them.
Thanks for laying it out straight! Always enjoy your analysis on these things. I've watched a lot of the old stuff and recommendations always changed based on what was going on and other context as things developed. I don't think you're biased at all. Keep doing what you're doing! ( I bought a Redline 360 because it's feature set appealed to me and I had a trade in to get some credit on, but I may have gone with the R8 otherwise ).
I agree with your selections in every price range. If Uniden stops making detectors what are we really left with? Upper end we have an option or two but generally speaking, they are the company standing out.
As someone who knew nothing of radar detectors and was ready to buy a $100 Best Buy one I say keep doing what your doing. The way you go into details with pros and cons is the reason I got the r7. Never thought it was bias because I know the redline 360c is better but too much for me
I use to have the Escort 9500ix for the longest time. It didn't always pick up everything. Picked up a Uniden R8 recently at its steep price... and its been working great! It picks up everything. IMO buy the best radar detector for the kinds of radar that your city uses. I picked up the R8 because I heard it was good for Alberta, Canada. It was expensive but it works for my city where my Escort didn't always pick up the photo radar vehicles or those speed radars that just show your speed in school or construction zones. I know the 9500ix is quite old now so, maybe the police are using better tech that it can't pick up any more without newer equipment.
As long as you speak the truth, which I certainly believe you do, you then have nothing to worry about. Your reviews are all zero bias, and that's a fact.
I’ve been using the R3 since I was 16.it has saved me numerous times, that’s why I have a clean driving record. It’s been 3 years the r3 still works great but I’ll be buying the R4.
I recommended a couple of Unidens to a family member recently. I forwarded your video to her. You said basically what I told her. There are better, but they cost more.
I have an R3 and love it. It's not too chatty and its detection is great. I also have a Redline 360c, and it's fantastic with the arrows and not too chatty, also. Lockouts are nice. In my youth I would have loved a Valentine, but right now I mostly just want them to work out-of-the-box (I use segmentation) without having to bring along and rely on supporting tech, mobile phones, 3rd party apps, and a host of other, necessary, odds and bobs. I got rid of an iXc, what a miserable device. Currently, I need a third detector. I can wait. I was interested in Theia a while back but have given up on that ever happening. I want to see what comes after the R8. If it's a Uniden, I will go that way.
I own a R3 and R7. Don't apologize for recommending their detectors. The simple fact is they make great detectors across price points and this should be a wake up call for other manufacturers. Performance and price point seems to be the sweet spot that Uniden has carved out across their brand portfolio of detectors.
I don't believe you're a paid sponsor however if the test results reveal Uniden is releasing the best products that provide the protection for daily drivers then all you're doing is simply telling the truth which is why you're such a respected person when it's comes to providing accurate information about these products. My choices are based on your test results.
First detector was an r3, recently ordered an r4 since the r3 speaker failed and just going to see how it fares. Ordered a speaker from ebay for $10 which I will see if it fixes it, if it does, I will probably auction it on ebay or smth.
I think it's just the fact for price vs performance that Uniden is hitting the mark. I keep going back and forth about which one to get as I haven't had a RD in over 10 years.
This is the way I look at it I have done extensive research on all these detectors and I remember when the R3 dropped. I Pre-ordered it never regretted my decision. The Next logical upgrade to me would be the R8. Uniden makes good products it's like you don't make Radars the facts are the facts.
It has always seemed to me that Uniden is a diversified (at least slightly) electronics company, competing in several industries. I remember when wireless home phones (land lines, but wireless) were a big thing and Uniden was a leader. Today they are leaders when it comes to marine radios and scanners and of course radar detectors. It seems that the other radar detector companies make only radar detectors. Perhaps Uniden's experience and size allow them to be slightly better at the moment. Good for them and good for us.
I have the Uniden R3 and recently I got a Cobra Rad700I. Between both, I like the R3 better, but the Rad700I seems ok. but the Jury is still out on the RAD700I. I would love to upgrade to a R4 or an R8 and eventually will do that, but in the case of the R8, they are a lot more money. I believe that with the latest firmware, the R3 also has Gatso and Multa radar detection like the R4
@@VortexRadar The R3 has incredible range. It is priced well, It performs more like a higher end detector rather than a mid range unit. The R3 also does well detecting police around corners and over hills as well. Since there are no traffic cameras in my area that issue tickets, It is my opinion that for all practical purposes it is all the detector you need in my area to get the job done. That being said, it would be nice to have arrows but not really necessary. The RAD700I is a decent detector so far, It does not have the range of the R3 but it is a bit too soon to know for sure if it suits my needs. There is one police unit that likes to sit on the downside of a hill near me. He catches people as they come speeding over the crest of the hill on the opposite side of the road I know the R3 will pick him up on the upside of the hill but I haven't had a chance to see if the RAD700I will yet because lately he has not been there. For some strange reason, I am getting false alerts at one intersection near me on both detectors. What I don't understand is why the same false alert comes in as KA on the R3 and K band on the RAD. I like the auto learn feature on the RAD and the Bluetooth and the app for the RAD700I so I can link to others who have similar detectors by Cobra or Escort however, I rarely see useful shared information about speed traps being shared in my area in rural Michigan. But, at the end of the day, All the bells and whistles are fun to play with but the true reason for having a detector is to detect speed traps and for that the Cobra does an acceptable job so far but the R3 seems to be better. I am still planning for an R4 (which is supposed to have even better range) or an R8 in time. I often wonder if there can be such a thing as too much range on a detector though. On my R3, I often pick up alerts for police that are not even on the same street I am on. Sometimes a street or two over.
remember you also back up your opinions with numbers and real-world experiences, and at the end of the day your job is to give credit where credit is due, and cost vs performance does matter. if you were an Undien fanboy you would just be telling everyone how great their stuff was without ever taking it out of the box.
I'd buy the Uniden R7 over the Valentine 1 G2 just because Valentine uses that metal case, which was what caused my V1 G1 to fail due to the high Texas temperatures and baking the electronics. For the price why doesn't Valentine use carbon fiber case for better heat dissipation?
