When something is rated as “the best,” does that mean it’s flawless, with no issues or potential problems? And if you run into a problem, does it mean that product—and the whole brand—is bad, and no one should buy from them? It turns out it’s more complicated than that.
I sometimes struggle with calling a product “the best,” knowing about its issues and seeing reports of problems and failures from some fellow users. But when I look at all the available options, there are usually even more issues elsewhere. So while no option out there is perfect, one still has to be considered the best, right?
Take a look at the latest JD Power reliability survey for car brands, for instance:
Even the most reliable brands have a non-zero problem rate. In fact, the top-rated brands average about 1.3-1.5 problems per vehicle which means most people will encounter at least one issue, even with the best-rated brands.
It’s the same with countermeasures. Whether it’s radar detectors, laser jammers, or dashcams, there are bound to be bugs, occasional faulty firmware releases, or devices that might simply die and refuse to power on.
Reliability rates vary, and some brands are more consistent than others, but no matter which one you choose, there will always be some rate of issues.
As a reviewer, my goal is to recommend something that works well, is easy to use, and leaves every buyer happy. But the reality is there isn’t a single option that meets all those criteria. So I have to look at all the choices, weigh the pros and cons, and find the one that gets closest to those goals—not the perfect one, just the best available.
Ultimately, no matter what product anyone could recommend, some people are bound to run into a problem. That’s unavoidable. It’s frustrating if it happens to you, but it doesn’t mean the person recommending it must have some nefarious hidden agenda. Sometimes, it’s just the luck of the draw.
Nothing is perfect for everyone. “The best” is just that—it’s the best among the options available.
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Uniden R9
2 comments
I just saw your post,I would have given my opinion on my uniden r4.I have 2 of them and I never had a problem with either one.I have had the r3 and the r7 and got both r4’s when the r4 came out.I always update the firmware and the only complaint I have is trying to update.As you have said the r4 is without question the best bang for the buck.Also the reason I bought unidens is because of your opinion.I used to buy escorts but never again after all the reports on the the different radar detector you report on.
Thank you for your expertise
I have the 360c and the R8… I switch them out periodically. Getting ready to go back to R8. updates for Redline seems to be giving me more KA false alerts. Cloud alerts are present even though I turned them off. Too noisy now.
Update:
Ok, updated firmware on my R8 AND downloaded R8 Companion on my iPhone… THIS is the way to go. I used to prefer my 360C because of better filtering, now I prefer the R8. I am loving this set up with the Companion. I have had both detectors for a couple of years and I used to prefer the 360C… no longer by a long shot.