Radar Detector - What’s Good ?

I did a search and it seems like the threads are a year or 2 old and there’s newer units out there. I’m thinking of getting one for X-Mas.

So.... what are you using and/or want ?


I’m kinda liking the Escort ix. ( not sure why but it’s pretty )

But wow it has a lot of options. Maybe it will confuse the heck out of me or I just won’t use them and it will still be good ?

I can’t figure out how to embed YouTube videos on this forum so I’ll just throw it here

Valentine One with a Blend Mount and a Mirror Tap is a real nice setup worth every penny, but no detector will save you from Laser/instant on...I just got nailed and received a ticket that way about two months ago...still. V1 is great.

Look up the Uniden R series. I was coming from an old tried and true Passport 8500 and was looking at the Escorts until I read up and watched quite a few youtube vids on the Unidens and went with an R3. This thing blows all the others out of the water with its range and sensitivity as well a s great functions.

You wont be disappointed.

My recommendations are;
1. Get one with GPS. The GPS will allow you to lock out radar based door openers and other non police stationary radar sources. It will dramatically reduce the false alarms.
2. Get one that you can turn off X band. X band is all but non existent with police radar so having it turned off it will dramatically reduce false alarms.
3. Get one that is all digital over analog. They do a better job filtering out all the radar based blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control features in new cars.

For me I favor filtering over range. Unless you live somewhere with long straight streaches of road even a $50 detector will alert you before they can clock you with enough buffer to slow down.

I have an Escort MAX2 which does a very good job of filtering. I don't find the Bluetooth connectivity of much use but it's there if you need it. This detector has been replaced by the MAX360 and 360c which add direction arrows.

My Escort Max 360 has saved me so many times, it has paid for itself. The Escort Live network feature is phenomenal.

Uniden R3 gets my vote.

Valentine Ones are great but only when paired with a phone for GPS false lockouts. If you want location arrows MAX 360 is a simpler option, but wont have the range of the R3.

Dont dismiss X band if you travel into NJ.

Aren't there some that has laser jammers in them too Or are those separate units?

rum_punch_ruby said:

Aren't there some that has laser jammers in them too Or are those separate units?

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Laser jammers are always a separate unit. ALP is really the only jammer out that's worthwhile. It can be paired with a radar detector though for one complete package. The Netradar is a very good unit that can be added onto the ALP system.

Look into ALP if you need jammers and make sure you research how to properly use them.

Dang that's expensive. I think I'll risk it ;)

rum_punch_ruby said:

Aren't there some that has laser jammers in them too Or are those separate units?

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rum_punch_ruby said:

Dang that's expensive. I think I'll risk it ;)

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Yeah it is, but if you see laser often enough they pay for themselves. Varies by area of course

dgc333 said:

...
3. Get one that is all digital over analog. They do a better job filtering out all the radar based blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control features in new cars...

For me I favor filtering over range...

I have an Escort MAX2 which does a very good job of filtering.

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I have the MAX2 which is phenomenal and I am very satisfied with, but does not seem to me like it is filtering any false alarms from the blind spot monitoring systems in newer vehicles, I get them all the time in heavy traffic. I didn't think it had that capability.

BTW, I'm thinking of going to a newer unit that does a better job of filtering blind spot monitoring.

There is a software update coming in the next month or so for the Max and MAX2 that is supposed to improve the filtering significantly.

Agreed, the Max 360 has transformed my driving experience and helps infinitely with situational awareness. Outstanding range on the freeway and faster roads, it's a brilliant detector for the price. I shopped over a month before pulling trigger and got a nice deal at Best Buy.

sublimaze said:

My Escort Max 360 has saved me so many times, it has paid for itself. The Escort Live network feature is phenomenal.

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Update regarding my comment on my Max2 not filtering auto systems - I figured out that I have never installed a firmware update and I was on version 1.3. I just updated to 1.7 which is supposed to work better so I'll find out next week. I'll keep tabs when the next update is released as mentioned by dgc333 and do that one then.

Well it was a tough decision between the Uninden R3, Escort Max 360 and Escort ix but I'm told that Santa is delivering me a Escort ix.

Reviews seems to be pretty good on all 3 so it was a tough decision. Hope I like it.