The Uniden R8 (purchase here) improves upon the performance of the already strong Uniden R7 by adding a new dual LNA design as well as an upgraded condenser lens in front of the horn. I’ve been really curious to see how much better the R8 performs and so I headed back to my usual red barn test course to test the R8 against all the top contenders on both K band and Ka band.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2022/03/uniden-r8-long-range-testing/
Uniden R8 Review
The Uniden R8 is an impressive new radar detector. It’s been my daily driver since November and I’ve been enjoying it so much that even after finishing beta testing and creating this Uniden R8 review, I continue choosing the R8 as my go-to radar detector of choice.
The Uniden R8 is now available for pre-order in very limited quantities (more detectors will be available after the first initial batch) and so I wanted to go ahead and share my personal experiences and test results with the R8, as well as some reports from other fellow beta testers.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2022/03/uniden-r8-review/
V1 Gen2 Firmware 4.1028: Improved Ka Bogey Alerts
Valentine just released firmware 4.1028 for the V1 Gen2. (Purchase a V1 Gen2 here.) This March 2022 update brings a few small improvements to the V1. Let’s go over the details of each change and learn more about the detector’s new behavior.
You can download and install this new update using the V1connection app for Android or iOS.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2022/03/v1gen2-41028-ka-bogey-alerts/
Uniden R8 Announced
Today at CES, Uniden announced the new Uniden R8 radar detector. I’ve been daily’ing it for the past few months and I’ve been liking it overall. My full review is coming, but let’s take a quick look at the R8, especially including its new improvements over the R7.
When the R8 goes on sale later this year, it’ll be a very strong contender for best radar detector on the market.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2022/01/uniden-r8-announced/
Black Friday Deals 2021 on Radar Detectors & Dash Cameras
Black Friday & Cyber Monday may be weird this year, but luckily we’ve still got a bunch of nice deals on different radar detectors & dash cameras with savings of up to $150 off.
Note 1: Due to supply chain issues causing inventory issues, many of these links will give you multiple purchase options. This way you have a better chance to get something in stock. 👍
Note 2: Some of these deals are only good for Black Friday. Others are good until Cyber Monday.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2021/11/black-friday-deals-2021-radar-detectors-dashcams/
Radenso DS1 Firmware 1.07
Radenso has released firmware 1.07 for the DS1 and this update brings a bunch of new changes. You can also now download the Android app to connect to your DS1. Here’s a look at all the new features and improvements.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2021/11/radenso-ds1-firmware-107/
How To Setup & Configure the Uniden R4
If you have a Uniden R4 (purchase the R4 here), you can customize its settings to get better performance, filter out more false alerts, change the display color to match your vehicle’s interior, and further tweak it based on what’s best for you.
There’s no universal “best” settings for everyone since what’s best for you depends on both where you drive and your own personal preferences. That’s why they gave us options. 🙂
In this guide, I’ll explain all the different features and settings to help you better understand your R4. At the very bottom of this article you’ll find my general recommended settings as well as the settings I run on my personal R4. You can use these settings as a starting point and then customize them further based on what’s best for you.
Note: This guide is current as of firmware 1.36 and will be updated when new firmware updates are released (Last updated November 2024.)
Here are the video guides if you’d rather watch.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2021/11/how-to-setup-configure-uniden-r4/
Uniden R4 Review: An R3 on Steroids
The brand new Uniden R4 ($449) is now available for pre-order. It builds upon the R4 offering even longer range, improved false alert filtering, a refreshed design, and a bunch of useful new features. You can think of it as an R3 on steroids.
I’m a fan of this new R4. Let’s take a look at its improvements over the R3.
Note: Due to supply chain issues, there will be a very limited number of R4’s available initially and I expect them to sell out quickly at launch, just like the R3 and DS1 did. Pre-order the Uniden R4 here.
Disclosure: This is not a paid or sponsored review. Uniden sent me an R4 earlier for test and review. It’s a pilot production sample (same hardware as retail copies) and I’ve tested with both beta and public firmware. I make a percentage when you purchase using the affiliate links in this article. It supports me and allows me to continue doing tests and reviews like this for you.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2021/11/uniden-r4-review/
V1 Gen2 Firmware 4.1027: Increased Ka Range
Valentine has released a Mid-October 2021 update for the Valentine 1 Gen2 (purchase the V1 Gen2 here) that updates the detector to firmware 4.1027.
This update brings a number of nice improvements to the V1, but it also introduced an annoying issue too. Here’s what you need to know about this latest update.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2021/10/v1-gen2-firmware-4-1027-increased-ka-range/
Escort MaxCam 360c Long Range Testing
Yesterday I went out to do some testing with the new MaxCam 360c. Escort says it performs better than the Max 360c, but not quite as good as the Redline 360c, so I was curious to test and verify. Additionally I was curious if we finally have a radar detector / dashcam combo unit that, for the first time, uses a good radar detector.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2021/09/escort-maxcam-360c-long-range-testing/
Best Radar Detectors
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
Best Laser Jammers
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”)
Best Custom Installed Radar Detectors
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
Facebook Reviews
Dewayne G.
07:10 04 Aug 24
He gives great advise and helps you understand everythingSteve M.
00:14 11 Mar 24
Give me the best advice on buying a radar detectorWes P.
14:48 02 Nov 22
A great source of information! Consistently updates when new information or products come out. Reviews radar detectors,... laser detectors, laser shifters, dash cams, and more!read moreGregory K.
23:48 06 Apr 22
Clearly the most thorough, comprehensive radar detector review and testing site / YouTube channel.Tommy W.
21:12 17 Jul 21
1. He’s honest!!2. He knows what he’s talking about!!
3. He does in depth research!!
4. Only review/testing I... listen to!!read more
Saif K.
01:05 16 Mar 21
This guy will help you save money !!! Excellent accumulated experience, quick and in-depth reviews, and very useful... information overall. Significant personal annual saving on tickets !
I recommend Radar detectors for anyone who got more than two tickets within the last 5 years! and I recommend Vortex Radar as your one stop shop, for all the support you need for Radar Detectors, dashcams, and many other reviews 😀read more
Frank B.
18:45 17 Dec 20
Great reviews, in-depth and very thorough.Would love to see 2 channel dashcam reviews for convertibles with the... rear unit on the front windshield Blackview or Thinkware or any with cloud access.
It would help decide which cam has better coverage through rear window.
Thanks again for your efforts.read more
Jerry G.
01:08 17 Oct 20
unbiased reviews and will give you the best information possible on tbe products he test.Steven H.
16:11 25 Jun 20
This guy yes I watch everything he does is the Master on radar detectors and counter measure equipment . He’s saved me... a lot of money on equipment buying and not waisting my money he’s the Man!read moreTony S.
06:40 19 Jun 20
Exceptional YouTube channel dedicated to radar detectors. Thoughtful discussion - and solid technical conclusions.Robert K.
17:31 16 Jun 20
What I like most about Vortex Radar is the fact that you give an honest review what's good and not good on all products.Kyle S.
18:09 19 May 20
The most knowledgeable data based source for radar / laser detectors in addition to countermeasures. Very informative... in giving both manufacture details and real world test results. Check out the YouTube channel it is enjoyable to watch. I personally do not know of any other easily accessible source of information with such a wealth of content on this topic that is assimilated into an easy to understand format. Thank you for all the great content and advice.read morePete H.
15:20 25 Apr 20
There’s no one else that puts in the time and information about the radar community than him.Joe T.
01:17 22 Apr 20
Notting but the FACTS and the 411 on all that you need to know.Willie B.
01:24 22 Mar 20
Been a fan of radar detectors for over 40 years. Following Vortex radar detailed reviews and side by side comparisons... of the newest detectors allowed me to make a very informed decision on the best value for a windshield detector. Great page to follow.read moreChris M.
18:59 07 Mar 20
If you're shopping for a Dashcam or Radar Detector, Vortex Radar is the one and only place to do your research! Vortex... does all the testing for you and lays out all the facts!read moreShawn S.
00:41 03 Mar 20
Knowledgeable about Radar DetectorsHal Y.
13:18 02 Mar 20
What you always wanted to know about radar detectors but were afraid to askCarter J.
17:07 22 Feb 20
Great Information and easy to understand! I wish all tutorials were like these. Great Job!!!!Eric W.
01:42 28 Jan 20
I've been watching his Radar Detector for years. He really knows his stuff! Please keep up the great work!! ;-)Aaron W.
18:04 22 Jan 20
Great source of unbiased info.Glenn L.
14:17 05 Jan 20
Excellent non-biased recommendations.
Chris P.
17:27 22 Dec 19
Nice information to help you with making a choiceMartin L.
12:53 22 Dec 19
he is the go to guy for radar detector knowledge & makes informed videos.Kat S.
22:24 16 Dec 19
Very helpful with making a decision on which detector to buy. Explains the features very well!William F.
18:50 14 Dec 19
For up to date non biased information on radar and laser counter measures. He has very good information on dash cams... and storage too. I trust his reviews. Definitely pull good deals together and gives you options.read moreAndy B.
12:54 11 Dec 19
Very good and fair reviews and regular updates on a wide variety of productsAlc A.
23:13 06 Dec 19
There is no better hands on information source on countermeasure devices.Atwell H.
20:04 06 Dec 19
Comprehensive, unbiased reviews and setup guides.Ilan M.
08:32 30 Nov 19
very good information and short movies abaout the detecters.Dennis L.
17:16 08 Nov 19
Wish they all were this good!Tony L.
15:54 08 Nov 19
Vortex Radar provides a wealth of knowledge on all radar and lidar platforms. Anyone interested in learning more about... the speed countermeasure industry, Vortex is your guy!read moreJohn S.
14:10 31 Oct 19
Excellent information about "countermeasures" associated with safe driving. Everything is conveyed in simple form, and... to the point. Great production standards, too!read moreMathew J D.
13:53 29 Aug 19
was a huge help on picking my uniden r3, lots of info on styles of radars for comparisons, to find what radar is best... suited for you and your style if drivingread moreKatheleen C.
08:59 19 Jul 19
I recommend the products and people reading the information on your web site to learn what is out there and availableStan L.
13:01 13 Jul 19
I really like the idea of having the ability of recording my driving in case of a traffic incidentBruce T.
15:31 12 Jul 19
Great resource for information on radar detectors and dash cams. Vortex knows his stuff!Brian Douglas K.
02:34 08 Jul 19
great information and unbiased reviewsFred S.
23:55 18 Jun 19
The fantastic unbiased reporting of the latest radar capabilities and the ability to Express the technical information.... Thank you all for the great updates and videos.read moreSteve W.
22:27 14 Jun 19
informative.................................................................................................Todd Y.
15:10 04 Jun 19
Very informative, unbiased opinions.Andrew B.
14:12 30 May 19
Bought an R7 on your advice and its been a great purchase. Keep up the good work!Gern B.
07:15 18 May 19
Great advice, great tests, great videos, great attitude, great knowledge of his subject matter.Fred M.
17:02 14 May 19
Most knowledgeable guy about mobile devices!Lauren M.
17:42 11 May 19
high quality product, easy to follow instructionsDan M.
19:47 02 May 19
Great find when I was looking for a RD. Honest assessments.Jon V.
18:41 25 Apr 19
The most knowledgeable honest testing and recommendations on earth! Vortex you can trust!John T.
23:35 23 Apr 19
The most complete and thorough reviewer of radar detectors. Tons of information here.Hector M.
15:42 19 Apr 19
I like the share of information and ideas on the use and maintenance of radar detectors and related products.Lester H.
00:49 01 Apr 19
Great Information and review to help make the best chose for you.Jim L.
23:52 31 Mar 19
Great and knowledgeable site!Chris J.
18:30 18 Mar 19
The man has done his homeworkJonathan W.
16:01 03 Mar 19
I completely trust the information that I get from Vortex. They have been a huge help with equipment training,... installation recommendations & instructions, to helping me compare products to make the best purchase. I cannot say enough good stuff about them.read moreJonny S.
23:06 22 Jan 19
This guy is a radar guru! His reviews are fantastic!
Phillip K.
04:03 21 Jan 19
Very knowledgeable and wonderfully detailed videosMike L M.
03:17 05 Jan 19
from what I've seen so far, good, fair testing.David B.
15:56 26 Dec 18
The current GOLD Standard in detection news and reviews. I trust everything he posts!James M.
14:00 26 Dec 18
This is my go to for radar detector knowledge, I want answers and he has them,William Wendy Everhart I.
02:17 24 Dec 18
Performance warranted and best reviews onlineRishi S.
21:34 23 Dec 18
Very knowledgeable man with lots of great advice.I currently own 2 Max 360, 1 Max 360c and lastly my favorite,... Uniden R3. By far, the R3 out performs all the Escort product and is a very reliable product when it comes down to picking up the accurate threat.read more
Joey T.
22:53 19 Dec 18
Lots of helpful advice, great video at youtubeJohn Matthew W.
00:25 19 Dec 18
Information is spot on if there’s anyone that knows anything here about Detectors here’s your guy ! I got all my info... from Vortex an have a nice collection thanks so much #Vortexradarread moreRobert C.
20:46 12 Dec 18
an insane amount of info. best Ever!Plato Ioannis D.
18:23 09 Dec 18
Expert advice on Dashcams and radar detectorsChris B.
17:07 09 Dec 18
love checking in to see what this guy has in store for the different reviews. Only resource I know of right now that is... this thorough.read moreDavid Ket S.
01:22 09 Dec 18
Excellent information for newbies or Pro’s. Love there unbiased reviews of multiple detector types. Look forward to... learning more tips about my favorite detectors!!read moreRobert P.
16:09 08 Dec 18
Very informative channel for Radar Detectors and Dashcams!Albert D.
06:11 08 Dec 18
great content and honest reviewsCraig M.
01:12 08 Dec 18
Great advice and reviews!Gary G.
22:44 07 Dec 18
Great website and video content!John N.
17:42 07 Dec 18
Awesome videos. Love my R3. 😎Robert D.
15:36 07 Dec 18
Very knowledgeable about the productBrian St D.
15:13 07 Dec 18
Great informative videos on radar detectors (and related stuff).Derrick L.
15:00 07 Dec 18
Great information and knowledge or productsThomas W.
13:18 07 Dec 18
Very informative and unbiased reviews.Tim S.
07:51 06 Dec 18
It’s a great Radar detectorLes Y.
22:54 05 Dec 18
Great reviews and advice on youtube channel and the forumsAllen W.
22:24 05 Dec 18
I have been watching YouTube videos for a while and have learned a lot of useful information on radar detectors and how... to set them up properly. Thanksread moreBrian B.
22:07 05 Dec 18
Best and most informative website for all things radar detector on the internet! ...and dash cams!Ron S.
04:44 04 Dec 18
Very informative and knowledgeable about a variety of radar detector products... Product areas also include laser... jammers and dash cams.. As a technician I recognize good testing methods and appreciate the unbiased reviews of the products featured...read moreVD V.
07:15 28 Nov 18
Very professional reviews, tests in details, nice videos... he is awesome!!! 😍😎👍
Gene E.
15:37 01 Nov 18
Great infomation No bias in his reporting.Benedict De Leon A.
01:26 28 Sep 18
Great Content and Very Informative videosTed D.
23:33 23 Aug 18
real pro can learn a lotTroy N.
03:46 18 Aug 18
Vortex is one of the most knowledgeable guys in the countermeasure community. His non-biased approach makes it very... easy to trust what he says. If you are looking to buy a radar detector or laser jammer, check out his videos before going anywhere elseread moreAsa E.
23:19 17 Aug 18
Great content and very informative.Eric C.
16:00 09 Aug 18
simply the best place to get the best information and recommendations, thanks for all your great workKevin M.
09:19 07 Aug 18
Outstanding U Tube channel. Very informative and answered a ton of questions I had.Tim C.
00:22 06 Jul 18
Vortex is awesome. Best instructional and detailed videos ever. Sold me on the Uniden R3, and it was the best choice!... Thank you!read moreGabriel R.
18:09 29 Jun 18
Great Page I have a V1 and just bought a Uniden R3 & love it to your reviews helped Big time cant wait to post my... reviews on the R3.read moreΠαναγιωτης Ν.
15:40 29 Jun 18
Top!Rick M.
11:18 28 Jun 18
very informitiveRodz R.
08:05 28 Jun 18
clear explanation on products ,clear how to videosErwin Y.
11:34 22 Jun 18
Thanks a lot Mr. Radar expert, really helped out on my purchase of an R3, especially the upcoming support for MRCD... photo radar. Changed my mind from Escort based on your videos and saved a ton of $$$.read moreMarc M.
15:11 19 Jun 18
This guy is the king when it comes to detectors. Incredible knowledge and willing to share what he knows.Solano H.
16:54 08 Jun 18
The best radar detector expert in the world and a very nice person that I will be honor to meet in my next trip to USA.... Gretings from Brazil.read moreLucas C.
02:02 03 Jun 18
Sherry H.
21:14 26 May 18
ENTER TO WIN A HIGH TEC BACK , FRONT AND PARK VIEWING CAM!Ed A.
02:22 19 May 18
Jerry N.
02:10 16 May 18
Bryon V.
21:46 14 May 18
Questions answered promptly, great informative videos! Has taken over the helm left by Radar Roy!John W.
16:24 23 Apr 18
Everything you'll need to know about Top Detectors this man has you Covered reliable Information and that's Facts I... really Enjoy His Videos online an on Youtube , many Reviews I've learned alot an really enjoy the Collection I own thanks to Him.read moreBrian P.
01:01 12 Apr 18
David E.
04:50 01 Apr 18
The go to guy for anything about radar/laser detectorsBrian L.
06:41 18 Mar 18
Dwight G.
23:27 17 Mar 18
Dennis A.
21:25 12 Mar 18
Brian H.
03:47 12 Mar 18
Ryan B.
23:31 09 Mar 18
He's one of the most informed and definitely the most honest person you'll find when it comes to detectors and... countermeasures in generalread moreAlex B.
08:23 09 Mar 18
Anton F.
23:59 16 Feb 18
William R.
21:03 28 Jan 18
I appreciate the extensive time and effort Vortex has devoted to the subject of radar detector technology. His in depth... reviews and analyses of the products currently available has greatly helped me determine what is best for my needs.read moreSean Mashimarho R.
23:57 02 Jan 18
Awesome guy to work with. Very honest, personable, and has a passion for what he does.Tom A.
02:19 30 Dec 17
Excellent reviews of all the radar detectors. Great source of knowledgeChris M.
19:26 14 Dec 17
Best videos to learn about old and new radars. He's always keeping us updated on Radar news, updates, tests, and... reviews.read moreTy C.
12:57 12 Dec 17
Alway share valuable information. Im still undecided on which radar detector is right for me. Uniden R3 or the Radenso... proSo many choices...lol🤔read more
Bill B.
09:06 12 Dec 17
One should never buy a radar detector without first checking the reviews published by Vortex Radar for the various... products on the market. Absolutely a essential resource for decision making.read moreJc B.
08:57 12 Dec 17
your videos are very informative and has helped me select the best detector for my needs! thank you!!Kirk A.
22:16 11 Dec 17
Paul V.
04:47 07 Dec 17
It is always nice to watch Vortex videos. Simple-speak of complex gear, done by a guy who ENJOYS what he sharing. Sorry... to learn of your Miata getting smacked; glad you’re ok. I drive a new Miata and run a Uniden R3. I picked my car, but Vortex picked my R3 after following his research and testing. Best regards sir!read moreCristi M.
16:40 01 Dec 17
Clarence Glynn J.
18:38 24 Nov 17
Aissam B.
22:23 20 Nov 17
Jose Santana Y. Norma C.
00:13 15 Nov 17
Andrew G.
15:49 04 Nov 17
Love all the informative videos. Thank you for sharing!Matthew W.
19:55 07 Oct 17
Thank you so much for the reviews and videos of how to program and setup my R3. I purchased the R3 solely based on your... videos and recommendations. Best review and how to videos ive ever watched. I absolutely love this thing!read moreBrian S.
13:53 05 Sep 17
Great advise on the videos. This helped a lot on narrowing down so many choices.Steve C.
23:08 27 Aug 17
Terry A.
03:24 19 Aug 17
Brandon S.
19:25 31 Jul 17
Brandon B.
20:14 19 Jun 17
Curt C.
20:45 15 Jun 17
all is reviews are on target i do alot of reviews before i buy something an out of all the utube guys an gals this guy... is far better than anyone out there now with that said i think i deserve a 10% discount thats how it works i give you a good review i get mnie too lol just kidding keep up with the videos thanksread moreBobby B.
13:00 15 Jun 17
Brett W.
05:41 09 Jun 17
Tom Logan I.
04:57 22 May 17
Great unbiased reviews. I just put myself on the waiting list for the Uniden R3.Kent Riegl J.
01:17 16 May 17
I THINK...all the information they have on RADAR DETECTORS AND RADAR/LASER JAMMERS IS REALLY CLASSIC AND COOL....Lutu R.
03:39 11 May 17
Richard A.
20:42 09 May 17
Great unbiased reviews. Very thorough / excellent video quality. Full look at all the features and comparison points.Donny C.
22:35 14 Apr 17
Love the reviews, tips, and tricks! He has even taken the time to respond to questions concerning setups and... installations! Thanks to his advice I was able to hard-wire my Valentine1 in my MX-5. Awesome guy with awesome content.read moreAnthony F.
15:39 05 Mar 17
Glen B.
00:08 03 Mar 17
Wonderful tutorials and a wealth of knowledge! There is so much information here that will help one in finding answers... to the many questions that arise.read morePatrick P.
10:39 10 Feb 17
Awesome reviews glad to see some one honest and non bias keep up the good work mate :)Bart R. D.
03:34 25 Jan 17
Jonathan F.
22:40 28 Dec 16
Awesome information. Reviews are spot on with his competition. More importantly, he is not a salesman.Joshua S.
06:10 28 Dec 16
Tyler B.
20:10 09 Dec 16
He seems to be a great, honest guy. His reviews seem to be honest, straight forward, and correct.Natalie B.
13:36 02 Dec 16
D'Arcy R.
00:18 26 Oct 16
Incredible knowledge of radar detectors. Keep up the amazing work!