Black Friday (Nov 29th) is starting early this year. Amazon’s Black Friday runs Nov 21-29, but some places have already started discounting popular radar detectors & dashcams with Black Friday pricing.
Check back daily as more BF discounts go live. Let’s take a quick look at some of the best countermeasures that you can buy on sale today with Black Friday pricing.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/11/black-friday-2024-deals-radar-detectors-dash-cameras/
Uniden has finally released their own native app for their Bluetooth compatible detectors including the R4/R4w, R8/R8w, and R9/R9w. The free app is called R/TACH and is available for download on iOS and Android.
It was just released this week and I’ve just started playing with it. Here’s a look at the app’s features and my initial impressions.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/11/uniden-rtach-radar-detector-app/
I’m a fan of 360 degree dashcams to help provide additional coverage compared to traditional dashcams, and Vantrue has released a new model that caught my eye, the Vantrue E360. It’s a dual fisheye lens camera that’s sort of a cross between a vehicle dash cam and a portable action cam.
I’ve been keeping an eye on its development over the past few months and it’s finally been officially announced this week at SEMA. Let’s take a look at the early key info about the E360.
It’s available for pre-order now and is estimated to start shipping December 5th.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/11/vantrue-e360-creative-360-degree-dashcam/
Uniden has just announced three new Wi-Fi capable detectors, the R4w, R8w, and R9w.
They’re effectively the same as the original R4, R8, and R9, with the exception that they now have 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi built-in, letting you connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot and update your detector over the air.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/11/uniden-wifi-radar-detectors-r4w-r8w-r9w/
Uniden has released firmware 1.35 for the Uniden R8. This has several new features (Mazda CX-5 K block and improved autolockouts!) along with several bug fixes. If you remember firmware 1.34 that was briefly released before being pulled due to GPS errors, this update is essentially a fixed version of 1.34.
I’m still waiting on Uniden to provide a full changelog and clarifications for this update, but here’s what I know so far regarding all the updates. For more info, here’s the full discussion area on RDF.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/11/uniden-r8-firmware-135/
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?
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/10/what-the-best-means/
Amazon Prime Big Deals Day 2024 runs October 8-9. As usual, we’ve got some nice discounts on radar detectors and a bunch on dash cameras. Here are the discounts on my favorite countermeasures.
For many of these deals, you’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member. Sign up for a Free Trial of Amazon Prime.
While Uniden doesn’t officially participate in Prime Day sales, there’s some nice discounts across their lineup of detectors you can take advantage of. Prices do tend to bounce around during the sale so be sure to check current pricing, but here’s some of my favorite picks for the best bangs for the buck.
Uniden R8 for $699 $638 (9% off)
The R8 is my favorite high end Uniden with arrows and extremely long range. It’s one of my go-to picks for an all-around solid detector.
Uniden R7 for $499 $443 (11% off)
This is my favorite bang-for-the-buck radar detector w/ arrows. This isn’t a Prime Day specific deal, but it’s on sale nonetheless.
In one of my cars, I run it full time with the custom international firmware for more features, even in the US. It makes for a very well-rounded detector.
Uniden R4 for $379 $329 (14% off)
If you don’t need the arrows, the R4 is the best performing non-arrow detector around, plus it adds Bluetooth for app compatibility. This detector is regularly on sale, but given how much this detector blows away basically anything in its price range, it’s a killer deal.
Bonus: If you’re a Sam’s Club member, check out the R4 on sale here.
Uniden R3 for $299 $266 (11% off) Deal expired
For the lowest price deal on a Uniden detector, the R3 is available with a discount as well.
Bonus: You can also check out the factory certified used detectors from Uniden here.
Escort is one of the few radar detector companies that actually does participate in Prime Day sales. Here’s a look at their detectors on sale:
Escort Redline 360c + M2 Dashcam Bundle for $949 $899 (5% off)
This is Escort’s flagship radar detector with long range, arrows, GPS, autolockouts, bluetooth and WiFi. For Prime Day you can get it discounted when bundled with their M2 dashcam, a 1080p add-on dashcam that shares the same mount and power cable for easier installation and integration.
Escort Max 360c Mk II for $699 $617 (11% off)
To save some more, you can get the Max 360c Mk II by itself and then opt for a different dashcam (which will likely have more features). The Max 360c Mk II offers a very similar featureset to the Redline 360c, but it offers a little less range and it lacks the radar detector detector stealth features (which most people don’t need anyways).
Escort Max 360 for $499 $399 (20% off)
Escort’s original detector with arrows is also on sale for Prime Day, but personally I think the Uniden R7 for a few bucks more is a way better detector.
Escort MaxCam 360c $849 $737 (13% off)
This popped up towards the end of Prime Day, but I think it’s the best deal Escort is offering. It’s an integrated radar detector and dashcam, the MaxCam. Basically like a Max 360c Mk II, but with a 2K dashcam built in.
While Theia is still a no show, Radenso also makes detectors like the DS1.
Radenso DS1 $399 $299 (25% off)
This is a long range non-arrow detector with Bluetooth and GPS. It competes directly with the Uniden R4 and Escort Max 4 (personally I think the R4 is better than the DS1), but this is the lowest price I’ve ever seen the DS1. You can also pick up the smart hardwire cable on sale too.
Blendmount (10% off w/ coupon “Vortex10”)
This is a solid aftermarket mounting solution to avoid dealing with suction cup failures. I run a Blendmount in each car and I highly recommend them.
Viofo’s are my go-to pick for excellent video quality and the core features you need in a dashcam.
Bonus: Save an extra 5% off at checkout with the coupon FALLSALE2024
Viofo A119 Mini 2 (2K) for $129 $98 (24% off)
For an inexpensive front-only dashcam, this is my go-to recommendation. It builds on the A119 series dashcams, adding a Starvis 2 sensor, WiFi, and more useful features. It’s an easy pick, especially around $100 for Prime Day.
Viofo A229 Plus 2CH (Front 2K, Rear 2K) for $259 $179 (31% off)
This is one of the best options for a front/rear dashcam. It features the same 2K Starvis 2 sensor front and rear that the A119 Mini 2 uses. It’s essentially a more affordable 2K version of the A229 Pro which is one of my favorite dashcams.
Viofo A229 Pro 2CH (Front 4K, Rear 2K) for $369 $279 (24% off)
Viofo A229 Pro 3CH (Front 4K, Rear 2K, Interior 1080p) for $399 $299 (25% off)
This is one of my favorite dashcams on the market and the one I run in both of our cars. The 4K video quality is among the very best I’ve seen, plus its night time HDR works better than the A229 Plus’.
I run the A229 Pro 2CH in my wife’s car and the A229 Pro 3CH w/ the added cabin camera in mine.
Want a cloud connected dashcam that can give you remote notifications if something happens to your car and let you livestream the video from your phone? Blackvues have the best cloud features.
Their flagship DR970X Plus series dashcams all use the latest 4K Starvis 2 sensors up front and come in a variety of form factors.
Blackvue DR970X-1CH Plus (4K) for $359 $323 (10% off)
Blackvue DR970X-2CH Plus (Front 4K, Rear 1080p) for $469 422 (10% off)
This is the standard version that I run in my cars. Pair with the CM100G LTE and purchase a separate SIM card to give it an internet connection.
Blackvue DR970X-2CH LTE Plus (Front 4K, Rear 1080p) for $539 $485 (10% off)
The LTE version builds the LTE antennas into the dashcam for a more integrated setup, though the dashcam does become a bit larger as a result.
Blackvue DR970X Box-2CH Plus (Front 4K, Rear 1080p) for $499 $449 (10% off)
Blackvue DR970X Box-2CH IR Plus (Front 4K, Interior 1080p) for $529 $476 (10% off)
For the most stealthy setup and added security, check out the “Box” versions that have a separate box for the brains and memory card that get tucked out sight and thus have a smaller front cam. The rear cam is a bit bigger than the regular versions with its tamper-proof case. To add an LTE connection, pick up the CM100G LTE.
For parking recording, you can add the B-130X battery to power your Blackvues while parked. It integrates nicely with Blackvue dashcams and the app.
Thinkware specializes in their energy saving / low power / long term parking recording features.
Thinkware U3000 1CH (Front 4K) for $429 $379 (12% off)
Thinkware U3000 2CH (Front 4K / Rear 2K) for $549 $479 (13% off)
Features a 4K Starvis 2 sensor up front and an optional 2K Starvis sensor back behind. Killer feature is the super low power / long term parking recording mode with radar to allow it to record motion before any impacts.
Thinkware U3000 2CH (Front 4K / Rear 2K) + iVolt Mini Battery for $799 $679 (15% off)
The U3000 2CH front/rear (my preferred configuration) is also on sale when bundled with the iVolt Mini battery. Since the U3000 sips so little power, you can opt for the smaller battery to save money and still get well over a week of parking recording time. If you want even longer parking record times, you can get the larger iVolt Xtra battery for 8% off.
Thinkware iVolt Xtra Battery for $399 $369 (8% off)
VanTrue N4 Pro (Front 4K / Rear 1080p / Cabin 1080p) $379 $279 (21% off)
If you’d like a Starvis 2 dashcam with an integrated interior cabin cam, the VanTrue N4 Pro is on sale.
VanTrue N5 (Front 2K / Rear 1080p / Front Cabin 1080p / Rear Cabin 1080p) for $399 $279 (30% off)
If interior recording is a priority and you’d like not just one but two cabin cams, pick up the VanTrue N5.
VanTrue F1 Motorcycle Dashcam (Front 4K / Rear 1080p) $399 $279 (30% off)
If you ride a motorcycle, this is a dedicated waterproof front and rear dashcam you can use.
Escort M2 (1080p) for $199 $149 (25% off)
If you run a windshield mount Escort radar detector (or a Uniden on a single suction cup mount or Blendmount), you can connect this an add on a dashcam that shares the same mount and power cable as your RD. It’s a simple dashcam without a ton of bells and whistles, but it makes for a very convenient install.
I recently installed this in my mom’s car and it’s been great. It’s a 4K Starvis 2 rear view mirror style dashcam / backup camera. Add the hardwire cable for parking recording and a cleaner install.
BlackboxMyCar Powercell 8 Battery for $379 $349 (8% off) to power your dashcam while parked
256GB SanDisk High Endurance MicroSD Card for $59 $22 (62% off)
512GB SanDisk Extreme MicroSD Card for $43 $39 (6% off)
There’s a bunch of stuff on sale. Here’s a list of my favorite options 👍 in this list:
Radar Detectors: Uniden R7, Uniden R8, Hardwire Cable
Front only 1CH dashcam: Viofo A119 Mini 2, Hardwire Cable, Memory Card
Front/Rear 2CH dashcam: Viofo A229 Pro 2CH, Hardwire Cable, Memory Card
Front/Rear/Interior 3CH dashcam: Viofo A229 Pro 3CH, Hardwire Cable, Memory Card
Cloud Dashcam: Blackvue DR970X-2CH LTE Plus, Battery, Memory Card
Long Term Parking Recording: Thinkware U3000 2CH, Battery, Memory Card
Here’s some stuff that I enjoy and find useful. They’re not necessarily countermeasures, but I think they’re worth checking out regardless. 🙂
Apple AirPods Pro 2 $249 $168 (32% off)
Apple AirTags 4 Pack $99 $79 (19% off)
Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen $249 $169 (32% off)
Google Pixel Watch 2 $249 $179 (28% off)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 $329 $169 (48% off)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 512GB $1419 $1069 (25% off)
Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Headphones $348 $228 (34% off)
Instant Pot Pro 10-In-1 Pressure Cooker $169 $99 (41% off)
Playstation 5 Console & Digital Edition for $50 off (10% off)
Vitamix Explorian Blender Renewed for $319 $269 (16% off)
Noco Jump Start Battery $124 $79 (36% off)
iOttie Wireless Charger Phone Mount $49 $37 (24% off)
Amazon Echo Dot $49 $22 (54% off)
iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum Q011 $249 $139 (44% off)
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier $24 $16 (33% off)
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/10/prime-big-deals-day-2024/
Rove makes several popular fake 4K dashcams including the R2-4K and R2-4K Pro. They have recently released a 2 channel model for both front and rear recording called the R2-4K Dual.
This is also a fake 4K dashcam, but the front sensor is upgraded from Starvis 1 to Starvis 2. More notably, they’re also adding a rear 1080p camera.
Let’s take a look at the R2-4K Dual’s key features, its improvements over the single channel versions, as well as how it stacks up to the competition.
Full Disclosure: Rove supplied me with these dashcams for test and review. I’m not sponsored by Rove or any other manufacturer. I also have no restrictions on what I can say, good or bad. These are my actual thoughts. If you choose to buy a dashcam, the purchase links in this article are affiliate links and I do make a percentage of the sale at no cost to you which lets me continue doing tests and reviews like this.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/09/rove-r2-4k-dual-dashcam-review/
Valentine has released a welcome new update for the Valentine 1 Gen2. It’s the September 2024 Upgrade, firmware 4.1035.
There’s several new features including enhanced false alert filtering, a silent startup option, a stealthier display option, and a few other bonus features.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/09/v1-gen2-41035-sept-2024-upgrade/
Escort has released the successor to their standalone ZR5 laser jammer. These are the updated Escort ZR6 laser jammers.
They have essentially taken the same compact laser jammers that come with the custom installed Escort Redline Ci 360c and separated them so you can run them either fully standalone or paired to a compatible windshield mount Escort radar detector.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/08/escort-releases-zr6-laser-jammer/
Uniden R8 ($699)
Best Performing GPS Radar Detector
Valentine 1 Gen2 ($599)
Best for Radar Detector Enthusiasts
Uniden R7 ($499)
Best bang for the buck with arrows
Uniden R4
($379)
Best non-arrow detector
Uniden R3 ($299)
Best performance under $300
Uniden DFR7 ($199)
Best under $200
AntiLaser Priority ($1069 Dual, $1699 Triple TX BT HiFi)
The best performing and top laser jammer on the market
Stinger Fibers ($1825 Dual, $2525 Triple)
Tiny heads for stealthy installs, great for exotic cars, expensive, poor track record of updates
Adaptiv TPX ($949 Triple)
Best affordable laser jammer (Save 10% with coupon “Vortex”)
Uniden R9 ($3,999, radar and laser)
High performance radar detector & laser jammer combo
Net Radar DSP ($619, $1119 w/ arrows)
Affordable custom installed radar detector, integrates with AntiLaser Priority
