Which Radar Detector to Buy in 2019?

MisterF80M3 · 06-09-2019, 03:45 PM

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.

nioh_lbbm2 · 06-09-2019, 04:02 PM

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

aBMWfan · 06-09-2019, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nioh_lbbm2

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

TXSTYLE · 06-10-2019, 11:08 AM

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.

Ickdeep · 06-10-2019, 11:12 AM

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/

JsL · 06-10-2019, 11:19 AM

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.

sspade · 06-10-2019, 11:22 AM

I have an R1 and I love it. Very nice unit that WORKS.

BEM-S4 · 06-10-2019, 11:40 AM

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.

overcoil · 06-10-2019, 01:07 PM

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.

BMWILUVU · 06-10-2019, 03:22 PM

R3 has a bad stock mount. Plan on buying an aftermarket mount.

TXSTYLE · 06-10-2019, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWILUVU

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.

G35POPPEDMYCHERRY · 06-10-2019, 03:41 PM

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

antennahead · 06-12-2019, 11:17 AM

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.

sbernard49 · 06-12-2019, 11:51 AM

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.

TXSTYLE · 06-12-2019, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antennahead

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!

KingOfJericho · 06-12-2019, 12:06 PM

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.

XMetal · 06-12-2019, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antennahead

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.

GoneIn4Secs · 06-12-2019, 05:58 PM

I heard cops have radar detector detectors

XMetal · 06-12-2019, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoneIn4Secs

I heard cops have radar detector detectors

Yes, but only in DC and Virginia where radar detectors are illegal

overcoil · 06-12-2019, 06:38 PM

Waze plus a Uniden R1.

Laser jammer’s are getting better by the week.

MisterF80M3 · 06-12-2019, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

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

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

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.

pearlpower · 06-12-2019, 06:50 PM

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.

06-09-2019, 03:45 PM	#1
MisterF80M3 Major 1070 Rep 1,170 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	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. __________________ 2018 BMW F80 ///M3 570WHP/578TQ
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06-09-2019, 04:02 PM	#2
nioh_lbbm2 Lieutenant Colonel 1720 Rep 1,897 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: California iTrader: (0)	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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06-10-2019, 11:08 AM	#4
TXSTYLE "Salud" 15025 Rep 4,919 Posts Drives: M8 Gran Coupe Comp & X5M Comp Join Date: May 2013 Location: The GYM! (The Burbs - N TX) iTrader: (0)	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, 11:12 AM	#5
Ickdeep Brigadier General 5727 Rep 4,209 Posts Drives: '13 F10 M5 \| '15 F15 X5 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2015 BMW X5 [10.00] 2013 BMW M5 [SOLD] [10.00] 2013 BMW 535i [SOLD] [10.00]	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/ __________________ Stage 2 Tune BPM \| Fabworx DP \| SSP Performance Clutch \| Muffler & Resonator Delete Dinan Adjustable Springs \| Powder Coated 343 Wheels \| F&R Spacers \| RW Carbon Front Lip & Diffuser Sold!
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06-10-2019, 11:19 AM	#6
JsL Major 454 Rep 1,266 Posts Drives: 2011 AW M3 ZCP Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (2)	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, 11:22 AM	#7
sspade Major General 2491 Rep 5,466 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Stevenson, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2016 BMW 320i [7.87] 2014 BMW 328i [6.83]	I have an R1 and I love it. Very nice unit that WORKS.
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06-10-2019, 11:40 AM	#8
BEM-S4 Major General 4535 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	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. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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06-10-2019, 01:07 PM	#9
overcoil Major General 3123 Rep 5,582 Posts Drives: M235i 6spd Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	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, 03:22 PM	#10
BMWILUVU Lieutenant Colonel 837 Rep 1,597 Posts Drives: 340ix Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: The Boibs iTrader: (0)	R3 has a bad stock mount. Plan on buying an aftermarket mount.
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06-10-2019, 03:41 PM	#12
G35POPPEDMYCHERRY Banned 5007 Rep 4,135 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (1)	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, 11:17 AM	#13
antennahead Captain 75 Rep 820 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MR silver grey Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Charleston, South Carolina iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 M Roadster [5.00]	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, 11:51 AM	#14
sbernard49 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Tampa Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW M4 [0.00]	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, 12:06 PM	#16
KingOfJericho Major General 2458 Rep 7,341 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 135i Coupe [5.26]	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. __________________ The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bimmerpost. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude Hemi \| 2010 S4 Sold \| 2010 BMW 135i Retired \| 2006 Lotus Exige Sold
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06-12-2019, 05:58 PM	#18
GoneIn4Secs Banned 1304 Rep 1,675 Posts Drives: BSM F87 LCI (DCT) Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	I heard cops have radar detector detectors
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06-12-2019, 06:38 PM	#20
overcoil Major General 3123 Rep 5,582 Posts Drives: M235i 6spd Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	Waze plus a Uniden R1. Laser jammer’s are getting better by the week.
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06-12-2019, 06:50 PM	#22
pearlpower First Lieutenant 115 Rep 369 Posts Drives: 2013 328i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Beverly Grove iTrader: (0)	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 07:16 PM..
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