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      06-09-2019, 02:45 PM   #1
MisterF80M3
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Which Radar Detector to Buy in 2019?

I just sold my Escort 9500IX after using it for 8 years. I am looking to purchase a new RD. I live in CA so I mainly just need the best KA band and Laser detection.

It seems like everyone is swearing by the new Uniden R1/R3/R7 primarily for BSM filtering and K & KA band range. But it seems like it is lacking when it comes to laser detection.

V1 seems to be the best laser detector but it is lacking a lot of key features. GPS, BSM filtering, etc. But it does have arrows which Uniden R3 and R1 doesn't have.
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      06-09-2019, 03:02 PM   #2
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bottom line the best of the best are the Uniden R3 and R7. R7 if you care about having the latest and greatest and directional arrows. Otherewise R3 is essentially the same without the arrows
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      06-09-2019, 08:08 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nioh_lbbm2 View Post
bottom line the best of the best are the Uniden R3 and R7. R7 if you care about having the latest and greatest and directional arrows. Otherewise R3 is essentially the same without the arrows
I just scored a new R7 in Craigslist today. Looking forward to my first detector. Thanks for the recommendation
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      06-10-2019, 10:08 AM   #4
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No need to break the bank for a very high quality, high performance detector. I've been a huge BEL/ESCORT guy for 2 decades, until I started using UNIDEN. The R3 is unquestionably the best option under $300, heck even $400 on earth! Check the reviews. You won't be disappointed.
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      06-10-2019, 10:12 AM   #5
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I've had my uniden r3 for about a year now and its worth every penny. I really like how I can customize it to my route or use of it. It also has different modes you can program. If you do get one, use this guide https://www.vortexradar.com/2017/06/...den-r1-and-r3/
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      06-10-2019, 10:19 AM   #6
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Don't buy a RD for the laser detection. It's useless against that.

If you are concerned about laser, get the TMG15 for protection.
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      06-10-2019, 10:22 AM   #7
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I have an R1 and I love it. Very nice unit that WORKS.
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      06-10-2019, 10:40 AM   #8
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Max 360 is great especially since you can combine with M1 and have dashcam too with no additional wiring. Escort Live is like Waze on crack, combine the two and you're as informed as you can possibly be.
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      06-10-2019, 12:07 PM   #9
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There is talk a new/updated Valentine 1 is in the works (the Valentine 1 site has the detector listed as 'out of stock'). Nice thing about maybe waiting for a new Valentine 1 is the quality.

MRCD MRCT (laser is in the MRCD photo radar unit) BSM filtering, segmentation, frequency display, These are all features that can be very helpful.
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      06-10-2019, 02:22 PM   #10
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R3 has a bad stock mount. Plan on buying an aftermarket mount.
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      06-10-2019, 02:34 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWILUVU View Post
R3 has a bad stock mount. Plan on buying an aftermarket mount.
I wouldn't go that far. The metal clip is fine. It simply has crappy black suction cups. I bought a replacement bag of clear ones that work perfectly for under $10 and now have extra when needed.
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      06-10-2019, 02:41 PM   #12
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most NJSP are shooting LIDAR in hard to see nests. so whats the point. Everywhere else the speed limit it enforced by other cars on the road

Edit: had a valentine in the past..loved it...I guess maybe I should try some of the newer devices..but I really dont travel at excess speeds for that long
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      06-12-2019, 10:17 AM   #13
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How do you R3 & R7 guys feel about BSM falsing with these units? The guys on the RD forum seem to think the Max 360c is a little better at falsing, but lacks the range of the Unidens. I'm on the fence between the R7 and the Max 360c. One other thing that concerns me with the 360c is the lock up issue some are experiencing with the latest firmware upgrade. Thanks.
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      06-12-2019, 10:51 AM   #14
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K40

I have the K40 system in my M4. I found it to worked better than expected. It saved me yesterday as I was going over an overpass and was hit by laser. The trouper couldn't get a reading of my speed.
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      06-12-2019, 11:00 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by antennahead View Post
How do you R3 & R7 guys feel about BSM falsing with these units? The guys on the RD forum seem to think the Max 360c is a little better at falsing, but lacks the range of the Unidens. I'm on the fence between the R7 and the Max 360c. One other thing that concerns me with the 360c is the lock up issue some are experiencing with the latest firmware upgrade. Thanks.
I have HD my unit for months now. No issues with over falsing for me. Protection outweighs it if it did. The range even around corners is BANANAS!
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      06-12-2019, 11:06 AM   #16
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Blind spot monitoring has essentially ruined any usefulness of a radar detector if you live in a more populated area. I also find Waze to be much more effective.
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      06-12-2019, 11:52 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by antennahead View Post
How do you R3 & R7 guys feel about BSM falsing with these units? The guys on the RD forum seem to think the Max 360c is a little better at falsing, but lacks the range of the Unidens. I'm on the fence between the R7 and the Max 360c. One other thing that concerns me with the 360c is the lock up issue some are experiencing with the latest firmware upgrade. Thanks.
I have the same concerns on both, plus not sure how I feel about the display burn-in issue as well Still holding onto my V1 for now.
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      06-12-2019, 04:58 PM   #18
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I heard cops have radar detector detectors
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      06-12-2019, 05:15 PM   #19
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Quote:
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I heard cops have radar detector detectors
Yes, but only in DC and Virginia where radar detectors are illegal
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      06-12-2019, 05:38 PM   #20
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Waze plus a Uniden R1.

Laser jammer’s are getting better by the week.
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      06-12-2019, 05:47 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KingOfJericho View Post
Blind spot monitoring has essentially ruined any usefulness of a radar detector if you live in a more populated area. I also find Waze to be much more effective.
I turn off K and X band. It is useless in California where 99% of the police uses KA and Laser.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sbernard49 View Post
I have the K40 system in my M4. I found it to worked better than expected. It saved me yesterday as I was going over an overpass and was hit by laser. The trouper couldn't get a reading of my speed.
Do you have any pictures of your setup? Installation must have cost you a pretty penny...

I thought laser jammers are illegal? How do people get away with them?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottSinger View Post
Waze plus a Uniden R1.

Laser jammer’s are getting better by the week.
I feel like Waze is more effective than radar detector in populated areas. A lot of times my Escort does not pick up any signal even though there is a highway trooper shooting his radar/lidar at cars driving by.
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      06-12-2019, 05:50 PM   #22
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Uniden R3/R7 and 2 V1's. All work well except one....I got hit with a laser with the R3, it never made a sound. I follow Vortex Radar on YouTube often.

Last edited by pearlpower; 06-12-2019 at 06:16 PM..
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