BlendMount recently released an updated version of their rearview mirror radar detector mount which they’re calling their BlendMount R Series. (Read my review of the original Blendmount here.) The updated R Series has a number of improvements over the original design that bring some nice refinements to just about every area of the mount. Let’s take a look at more in this Blendmount R Series Review.
If you’d prefer to watch my BlendMount R Series video instead of reading the article, you can watch it here:
Blendmount R Series Review
Let’s take a closer look at the design of the BlendMount R Series now. 🙂
The main change is there’s now a new section in the middle that makes the BlendMount longer and more adjustable. One common issue people had with the previous version of the BlendMount was that if they were using an Escort Max series detector, for example, the detector’s GPS chip would be blocked by the RVM and so it would have difficulty getting a GPS lock. This new mount gives you the ability to move the detector farther back behind the RVM and closer to the windshield so the GPS chip has a better view of the sky, taking care of this issue.
Now this middle section is actually removable so if you want, you can shorten it down and move the detector farther forward, similar to what the previous BlendMount was like.
As you can see, the front of the detector sits under the RVM in the shorter configuration. This is similar to the previous design of the BlendMount.
The shorter configuration is also a nice option if you run a dashcam right behind your RVM. If the BlendMount sticks farther back towards the windshield, it can interfere with your dashcam’s placement and also make it tougher to mount/unmount your RD using the BlendMount’s spring clip. Because of this, you may want to mount your dashcam off to the side a bit when using the BlendMount.
One cool tidbit, speaking of dashcams, the removable middle piece actually has a screwhole along the side where you can mount accessories such as a Mobius Dashcam.
Note: If you go this route and you’re also running a GPS based radar detector, the Mobius can interfere with your RD’s GPS abilities. To solve this, get the shielded Mobius case for your dashcam.
Coming back to the BlendMount, the new mount also offers 1/4″ of vertical adjustment so you can slide the detector up and down to get it to the height you like. That’s a little less than the previous version so that’s a bit of a step backwards, but if you want extra length with the new version, you can use it with the midsection.
Now if you look closely, you’ll notice the clamp for the RVM has also been made more slim and sleek. There’s also a set of holes in the sides of the clamp. Those are for a set of removable nylon bushings which can inserted between the clamp and the rear view mirror stem in case your stem is too thin for the clamp. This new design replaces the strip of padding they used before so the new solution is more refined.
There’s also been some really nice updates to the MirrorTap cables that let you plug your radar detector into your rear view mirror if you have a powered rear view mirror (Autodimming, Homelink, Compass, etc.). The way it used to work is there were several different cables to choose from and you had to pick the one with the right sized connectors to tap into your mirror. If you picked the wrong one and the metal tips were too big or too small, it wouldn’t connect properly. What they’ve done now is come up with a new MirrorTap cable that has replaceable tips and you get them all so you can easily find the right size for your car with no worrying about figuring out the right size. I like this much better.
Be careful when you’re installing the MirrorTap cables though because the little metal taps are kinda fragile, especially the smaller ones. They can bend and even break so don’t be too rough with them. Once you get it all installed, you’ll be set and your RD will be powered right off your RVM which is a convenient way to power your detector.
Finally, there’s two different versions of the BlendMount actually. I’m using the standard one since it’s what fits my car, but if you need a specialty one (usually for European cars), they have those available as well. They’re all built differently to make sure they fit the appropriate car.
Now if you want to purchase a BlendMount, there’s two places to do it. The best deal is to order directly from BlendMount themselves.
Click here to purchase a BlendMount directly.
Doing it this way, you can select the correct BlendMount for your specific car when you order so the process is easier. Additionally, although they charge shipping, BlendMount has a coupon available that makes it less expensive than your other options.
The other option is to order from Amazon. This works too and you get free shipping. You can’t select which RVM connector you need based on what car you drive so after you order, they’ll contact you to find that information out so they can ship you the right one. Personally I’d rather just figure it out from the start and just order the one I need without extra hoops to jump through. However, Amazon is pretty great too so here’s the links depending on which radar detector you have.
Escort & Beltronics detectors like the Redline, Magnum, 9500ix, 8500, Passport, X70, & RX65, etc.
Radenso Pro and Radenso Pro SE
The new MirrorTap MTX cables you can get directly from BlendMount as well.
So yeah, this is new R Series mount is a nice evolution of the BlendMount. It’s not a night and day difference or anything, but it does refine just about every aspect of the mount from the adjustability to the placement, the mounting system to the ability to add accessories, and even the power cable has received a nice upgrade.
If you already have an older BlendMount I don’t think that there’s a huge need to upgrade unless you have a Max and have been having GPS issues, but if you’re looking to get a new BlendMount, the new ones are even better than the old ones so go ahead and get one and enjoy. 🙂
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20 comments
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Is there a mount for the Uniden DFR6/7?
Author
Unofficially, yeah. If you use the K40 mount, it actually works with the Unidens too. 🙂 https://www.rdforum.org/showthread.php?t=50540
Thanks Vortex for the usual Great info and details!
FYI the Unidens will NOT lock in place using the K40 mount… Blendmount does not make an adapter/mount specifically for the Uniden… Something to consider before you purchase.
Hello! First off thank you for such quality info and sharing it with us. Stumbling upon your YouTube page (& subscribing ?) I purchased a Max360 for my 2010 RR HSE. I found out about blendmount around the same time you posted the first review video for their oroducts but unfortunately they do not make one that is compatible with my vehicle. I’ve messaged and contacted them numerous times to try and come up with a solution. The closest thing they came up with was to purchase one that fit some BMW model?? I saw the “R” series models a few weeks back and because of the new middle piece I thought this might work due to the fact my RVM is oddly shaped and any mount used would need more flexibility. I wanted to find out if you would happen to know if it is possible to purchase more of the middle extension pieces (accessory maybe) so I can finally get a blendmount to work with my RR and Max360. PLEASE HELP!!
Hello Leo,
Yes you can order more of the middle extension pieces/links… Go to BlendMount home page…click on “BlendMounts Product Line”….Scroll down and click on “Spare Parts”…This will take you to the part you need “BlrndMount 2000R Series, SpareParts, Body Link Kit” Price $24.99 each. Simply order the number of links that you need… Hope this helps.
Fred
Fred, thank you for your reply and help!!
Hi, you mentioned action/dash cameras can be attached to the new Blendmounts. How does this work? Could you possibly show what that would look like?
Author
Yeah sure, take a look here: http://blendmount.com/gopro.html
The BlendMount coupon here should apply to that mount as well: https://bit.ly/Blendmount-VR
Oh I see, so I couldn’t mount a detector and a camera with one mount. That’s what I thought you meant. Thanks.
BlendMount does not have anything for my 2012 Mercedes e63 wagon or for any MB from what I can tell. Do you know of anyone making a mount for my R3? Thank you.
Quality product through and through …
Blendmount does not make a unit to fit my MB e63 wagon (2012). Do you know if anyone makes one to fit? I have their unit in our M3 so would love one for the MB.
What mount for the Uniden R3 on amazon?
Just purchased the Uniden R7. Do you still recommend the Blendmount as the best windshield mount for the R7?
Author
It’s the best aftermarket mount I’ve seen so far, yeah.
The Blendmount doesn’t work with a 2019 Honda Accord 2.0 Sport. The mirror stem is angled toward the driver, the mount can’t compensate, which results in the detector pointing at the sidewalk. Blendmount is not aware of this.
Author
Really? Normally you can adjust the mirror stem so that the Blendmount is angled properly and then adjust the mirror itself so that you can see behind you properly. Do you not have the ability to adjust both in your Accord?
Do you have a mount for Whistler radar detectors?
Just bought an Escort Redline360c and ordered a Blendmount bracket for the rear view mirror and used your discount coupon. Thank you! Is the mounting bracket and installation basically the same as your 2016 video? Can you tell me how to open up my auto dimming mirror on my 2018 Porsche Macan?
Author
Ah nice! The new bracket design is still the same unless you have a custom bracket that’s designed for vehicles where the normal one won’t work. My Audi requires a special bracket, for example, because it’s more cramped around the RVM. I’m not sure if it’s the same for your Macan.
As for opening the mirror, you can search around on Google or Rennlist to see if someone has that info for you. I don’t know personally, sorry.