Challenges of Choosing Which Radar Detector is "Best"

Let's explore the thought process behind deciding which detector should be the "best."
Is there one simple answer?
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[@ncdogg425]

When your choosing a detector start at YOUR #1 need. Mine would be stealthiness because ill be using it in VA so ill start there. Just fig out what your most important need is and work down the line.

[@donmckinney4091]

Mann-What did you finally end up going with?

[@ncdogg425]

@@donmckinney4091 I went with the R7. It's not completely stealthy but it doesn't leak like crazy either. VA hardly use RDD

[@vedder10]

I'm still using a Max 360c and it just works. Might not have the best range but the range it has, has been adequate enough to keep me from getting a ticket. I can count about 3 times that it has saved me where I actually confirmed that the cop was there and shooting radar. For the most part it's very silent.

[@KiraOniiChan]

As much as I would of love to have Theia, went with the Redline 360c and I'm very happy with it.

[@torionate59]

Theia has been took off of life support

[@sean2137]

1yr later Theia is still fake lol

[@KiraOniiChan]

@@sean2137 I honestly forgot about this lol

[@aopse98]

R7 it is for me! No apps, plenty of filtering, rarely any false alerts. Once I have the $, I definitely want to upgrade to the R8. I’ve heard it’s absolutely ridiculous with range. Let’s see if they have a 4th of July sale 🙏

[@serg2523]

Don't do it I have one the rear facing radar is better then the road facing range I also have the r7

[@MrLukaszcu]

@@serg2523 so why don't u just turn down rear sending?

[@80sCrazyCatDadNGunAddiction]

Apps are great bcuz not only can you get radar map layouts but you can control all the settings from the app, even settings you can't control from the detector itself.

[@XDgamer-lk8nf]

Bro I’m happy with my escort max cam 360 love the both in one the drive smart app kinda sucks but the cam and radar is really nice like how it tells me how fast I’m going too

[@christopherjackson210]

Penn and Teller once did an episode on Bullsh*t about “the best” and how it is - not meaningless but….not what people think? The premise was around their show being nominated as the ‘best’ show and how excited they were that they were the ‘best’ only to loose to another show. And their response was “ah sh*T, I thought *WE* were the ‘best’. That made me fundamentally rethink what ‘the best’ means. I had a discussion once with my aunt (a runner) about the ‘best’ running shoes. I wear, and I love, and I run (well…ran) in Adidas. She once told me “oh yeah, they are okay…for a beginner. You should wear Asics because those are the ‘best’. Well, I did, and I hated them. They felt dead, like I had just strapped two wooden boards to my feet. They returned no energy to my stride. My feet were all over the place in the toe box. The heels were wooden. Now, my aunt has short wide feet. Mine are long and narrow. But, none the less, I was very distressed that I somehow didnt like the ‘best’ running shoes and they just didnt work for me. Then, I thought about that episode of Bullsh*t and I had an epiphany. I suddenly realized that the ‘best’ running shoe is the one that fits your feet and works with your style (she is a toe strike runner, I am (well, was in both our cases now) a heel strike runner. Turns our that I naturally fell into and like Adidas because they fit my feet! So, those are the ‘best’ ….. for……ME. Now, whenever I read reviews for the ‘best’ this or that thing I pretty much ignore it all and focus on those details that fit my use case most closely because in the end, that will always be the ‘best’ option. *for* *me*. And, what is best for me may not be what is best for you or anyone else. So, good job explaining that Vortex, every individual really needs to consider what is their use case, what are their unique challenges, and what shoe, what TV, what kitchen knife, what radar detector, what laser jammer, etc, most closely checks all of those boxes, and that will be the ‘best’.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

This is why, even with their flaws, I prefer Escort. For my driving in my area with my preferences, I love my Escort. If I drove a 911 GT3 (as intended) Id probably want something else.

[@thegrimmer]

The endgame radar detector would use GPS to detect your location and automatically adjust your settings to detect what local LEOs use. Since no company is apparently willing to stitch this together from their user data, can the community come together and generate a live database? Device updates would only really need to be pulled every couple months as LEO devices may change. Isn't everyone getting tired of googling different jurisdictions when they go on travels? Maybe it's time to jump to the next level

[@VortexRadar]

Stinger already does this internationally. It’s been discussed many times domestically, but the issue is usually getting enough valid data and ultimately being responsible for ensuring that you don’t accidentally disable a setting that someone somewhere needs and be the reason they get a ticket. This is a concern for both manufacturers and for third party devs creating apps.

[@DRH265]

Why i choose v1g2 as my favorite detector. Small , not bulky, stealth worthy, (live in VA) alert tones sound more aggressive and urgent , Uniden’s whistles are really irritating.. so are Radenso . Plus third party apps keep it quite!

[@james1795]

You are obviously unaware that uniden doesn't just have a whistle that irritates you. It has a number of sounds to choose from in the settings. I'm sure some that wouldn't irritate your overly sensitive ears.

[@DRH265]

@@james1795 I’m certainly aware of all the tones Uniden has ! All of them suck ! Good day

[@james1795]

@@DRH265. Hmm....I suggest you have your hearing examined. Even a minor hearing problem has been known to cause irritability and ones mood swings. All the best to you.

[@michaeljordan6008]

@@DRH265 - Haha

[@MHernandez731]

So v1g2 over uniden 8?

[@rino75214]

I'm in WA state east side. How do I know if they use mrcd mrct? Or what options I need for my area. I can't find anywhere on the forum that says which states use these. I'm between v1 g2 or r8.

[@Muffin192213]

When do you think there will ever be a detector that has the receiver heads mounted in front grill or lower grill) and rear, wirelessly using Bluetooth sends the signal to a small remotely mounted head unit interior mounted? No hardwiring ! lol.

[@juicebox22a]

Still need to power those receiver heads though… That needs solved… wire?

[@Muffin192213]

@@juicebox22a yes that’s true, i was thinking mainly of eliminating the wires going thru the firewall and snaking them to the main unit receiver and fuse box connection that’s usually a headache type of job, the main unit receiver could be powered via usb, aux plug in or 12 volt cig plug, the grill mounted receiver heads could go direct to battery with proper fusing.

[@daleschmideler5696]

How do know what type of radar is used in my area

[@fraliexb]

Have you ever heard of anyone taking their detectors apart to install it more like an integrated system? I just don't see the cost benefit for $1000+ system.

[@VortexRadar]

A few people have, but it’s not common given waterproofing and remote display requirements.

[@MALOX13RAIDERS]

What would you recommend for a lot Highway driving most of the time freeways and some city driving ?

[@VortexRadar]

www.vortexradar.com/best-radar-detectors/

[@prodbybigl]

I’m new to all this what are the benefits of a stealth radar? I feel like it’ll be useful since I own a sports car.

[@VortexRadar]

It has to do with using radar detectors in banned areas. www.vortexradar.com/2017/11/radar-detector-detectors-everything-you-need-to-know/

[@NotTurtleish]

I've got a question... Is there any specific way to store your radar detector in hot weather or is it perfectly fine in the heat? Just wondering because hotter temperatures are popping up and I'm unsure how to go about it. I just leave the radar detector on the mount usually.

[@TheNLHAZE]

If possible do not leave them in direct sunlight no matter what kind of a radar detector you have Electronics will get a little warm on their own. But having the Sun beaming down on it for long periods no matter what kind of detector it is is definitely not a good idea so if you can remove it and just put it in the glove box even though it's in a extremely hot car that would be a whole lot better than having it in direct sunlight sitting in a parking lot now if you're going down the road and the sun is shining through you obviously have the air conditioning going so no big deal but as far as sitting out in a hot car that's not ideal but that is a lot better than having direct sunlight you could damage the unit Beyond repair!!! Never do this if all possible!! Great question keep on testing and be safe out there remember instant on is instant death hope you have a great night my friend cheers😎.

[@Datsrboi]

Today for me, none of the radar detectors are the best or even worth it. WHY? because I am in traffic the moment I leave my house until I get home at night. The streets are so saturated with cars that I am never going fast enough to need one :(

[@Canoneosmiami]

Very general broad talk about any specific advantages..

[@korling99]

sell all your detectors now - it’s called Theia!

[@james1795]

HaHa!! Too funny!

[@jerryabbas4800]

Theia The radar detector (LOL)🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃😉😉😉😉 Will Be on sale The next presidential election . Vote for VORTEX To be our president of the United States of America😁😁😁😁 And let him know you will vote for him.

[@MaladresseTV]

Went with the Redline 360c as i need fully stealth. Im glad of the results sure the ramp up is a bit weird but im really glad with the rest. Yesterday coming back from work i got my first real hit after a week of owning it. Not much cops in my area but when their out they run radar 98% of the time. I radar a cop 2minute ahead, a good 1-2km ahead of me. Was shocked when i crossed him after 1-2min of beeping 😂

[@fredsharron2932]

Perfectly stated. Thats why we watch your testing and believe what you have to say. We know you have an unbiased point of view.

[@deregulationIC]

I got the v1gen2 last year and it's a great detector, but wish I got the redline 360c. I miss the auto lock outs, had a max 360. Also, I don't like using JBV1/shotty Bluetooth. But I don't mind it. Still waiting for Theia lol.

[@TheDTrain2335]

I always appreciate the honesty of this channel. I have been running the redline 360C, and have been happy with it. But after watching some of your reviews, I’ve switched to the R8-after needing that better “short burst” detection.

[@vancity2349]

Ah the old have a drink question! No 1 detector exists today that fits everyones needs. Good analogy to standard vs automatic transmission. No one here mentioned MRCD/CT, and most on RDF dont even know when asked. So as you stated you need to find what works best for you in your location and your budget.

[@jasonb4988]

It’s super easy ! V1 Gen 2 .. why ? Simple, easy to understand, superior real world performance, and frankly the best guy in the business developed it. MV. Over the air updates are fantastic and I can’t say enough good things .. 20+ year customer. V1 and now the Gen2.

[@donmckinney4091]

Jason-I've heard some complaints of the windshield mount falling quite a bit also the K and KA band aren't as sensitive as others because some users have complained of the device not giving them enough response time is that correct in your opinion? I'm looking to upgrade from my R3 and would like arrows but stealth is a must!

[@xalos911]

Jason can you message me in regards to some questions I have about my v1 gen 2

[@smitherzz5789]

As someone who's in the market for a 'new' detector.. last time I had one was when the escort 8500 x50s where "newish" so.. its been a long time. Im overwhelmed with the options BUT as much of an escort fanboi that i WAS.. Uniden is calling my name I think.. Ive never had arrows so I'm really liking the R7.. the R4 is very temping though.. would be something I could really get attached to... as for "quiet" radar detectors.. as someone who drives 99.9% alone and doesn't mind the noise of detectors, at all actually.. am i alone here? does that change my options of what I should be looking at detector wise?

[@james1795]

@Smitherzz. I did a lot of research on many different brands and models of "middle to higher end" radar detectors before and after the R7 became available. I decided to get an R7 and have had it over two years now. I'm happy that I decided to purchase the R7. I'm not speaking bad about any other detector, it's just that the R7 seemed to meet my personal needs better. My bet would be, if you get the R7, you will not be disappointed.

[@smitherzz5789]

@@james1795 im hearing NOTHING but good things about it and of course, goes with the video.. depends where you are, how you drive/how much you drive and so on.. i live in a more flat terrain area so thats also a factor.. laser isnt really an issue/thing here so thats also not tooo worrisome but yeah.. for the price that im seeing them at and even what I think they may go for in the next coming months.. its between that and the R4. If they had an app it would be a no brainer, mostly anyway

[@mikeo2820]

Photo radar. What is recommended? None of the top 3 provide that function? Unless it's Waze.

[@VortexRadar]

Uniden, Escort, Radenso, they can all pick it up. www.vortexradar.com/best-radar-detectors/

[@oshane2012]

Valid points. Youre pretty much the go to guy for radars. can you please do more videos on the uniden r8 and also why are there so few new radar detectors?

[@johnguest7830]

I've got a Uniden R3 and I live in Thailand, we seem to have all photo radar here and the R3 picks up maybe 40% and I never here it picking up KA bands only K. Which detector should I be looking to buy that will pick up the cameras. The R3 is firmware up to date, can you recommend?

[@-_-saucynocap2427]

My wife drives with an Escort. She loves that it runs quite and not too many false alerts. I run with the R7. It has much more false alerts but I love the range and sensitivity and arrows. My wife doesn’t like the R7 because of the number of falses from shopping door openers and BSM. She could care less about arrows. Just wants to know if radar in area.

[@-_-saucynocap2427]

Quiet not quite

[@picklerick9578]

THEIA if it would come out.

[@dennissteul5445]

Thanks Vortex for a very thorough discussion on ‘what’s the best detector’. I have been running radar detectors for 45 years. I have been in search of the ‘perfect’ detector for those 45 years. I am now at the stage of my life wondering if I will be alive to see a Theia. Keep up the good work!

[@wellfleetion]

R8 is clearly the best.

[@dcmackintosh]

Still stoked with the V1G2, but only because I run JBV1 all the time. If I didn't want to do that I'd choose another.

[@tompinnef6331]

Hello Vortex, Driving today with my V1G2 - got a alert for 3 blocks. Thought it was a 'new false' but a county squad came to the stoplight from the right. So it was a 'long' range off axis alert. Sometimes imho think you could get too much of a good thing. (alerts) As these newer detector get so much better. More problems could show up. Hope the family and you are doing well. Take care - thank you for the video and always be safe. Spin

[@mramosmix]

Either v1g2 or R8.....Rl360c I didn't have the same confidence in it.

[@MHernandez731]

V1 g2 great radar detector

[@steve345]

My first radar detector was the fuzzbuster, worked great till it didn't or didn't work at all and I was just lucky. The best radar detector for me now since I'm researching would be the one the guy who reviews the radar detectors absolute without question 'everyday' go to radar detector.

[@VortexRadar]

The Uniden R8 is my go to, but as discussed in this video, I don’t think it would automatically be the best for everyone else too. If you’d like one too though, you can get one here: geni.us/UnidenR8

[@steve345]

@@VortexRadar I bought a fuzzbuster, the one you use everyday is a welcomed trusted suggestion. Thanks for the link

[@robertobeltramelli4138]

Just got the Redline 360C on sale from ABT and am replacing my 9500iX. Your videos have been helpful. I should have followed the registration out of the box first. Joining Escort Live first caused me to have to backtrack alot. I was going to return it due to low audio but i saw how loud yours was and figured out that laying it on the dash covered up the lower speaker grille and lifting it up, the sound was fine. Having trouble connecting to wifi, have to call tech support, what password are they looking for? Hotspot ? Thanks for all your knowledge!

[@rezatiktak9140]

I’m truck driver got R8 I’m going to test it all over USA

[@theflyer99]

so after all the talk which radar you think is the best

[@VortexRadar]

www.vortexradar.com/best-radar-detectors/

[@Abubububu]

Hello vortex, awesome videos. Honestly, love your in depth reviews. I also need a favour… the webadres for european radar forum. Keep it up 👍

[@rickt2419]

Not only all the features but also the physical size for individual's in-vehicle installation preferences... 😉

[@mikeakins9713]

Thanks Ariel, great info as always. Enjoy your weekend

[@VortexRadar]

Thank you! I hope you and your lovely bride have a great weekend too. 👍👍

[@tariqamawi]

My concern is about Laser Band since am in saudi arabia and this is the main band for speed traps, am using v1 Gen 1 , is there is something better for this band.

[@biggorilla1999]

Just bribe the officer… who needs a radar detector?

[@tonymcflattie2450]

I am stealth AF, due to my jurisdiction

[@80sCrazyCatDadNGunAddiction]

Biz would die until newer technology and newer radars came out to beat one that has it all, which could be many years away. Companies want you to continue to spend money on more detectors and better performers but they'll never come out with one that has is all or companies would eventually go outta biz.

[@trojansky2348]

So…all that talk…now, what’s the best radar detector?

[@VortexRadar]

I’ve done a video on that so many times, I’ve done articles that I keep updated, and I’m going to do two more videos on that soon. The info is all out there if you go look.

[@Atlan_tis]

I’m a Veteran in Radar detectors, I can tell you honestly that any Escort 360 models are beast, from all 360 models is like comparing Apples 🍎 vs Oranges 🍊

[@petertorressr7725]

I Theia will never come out.

[@jasonb4196]

I live in Fort McMurray and drive highway 63 alot. Long range would be huge for me. I also drive in Edmonton two weekends a month. I think Radenso DS1 would best for me. I need goid MRCD AND MRCT for sure. I think I can move without arrows honestly.

[@Arizona_rider]

R7 was used when I drove over the road. It’s a big fine if I was caught but DANG!!! That bad boy was a life saver. All the states i was in it detected every cop running radar. I did filter out all the false alerts but I learned the frequencies so I didn’t care. CHP hides behind the over passes and it still detected them. I learned how to adjust everything in expert mode by watching your video. Salt lake city and El Paso Texas radar is useless. They have big digital signage that operates on ka band but the cops use ka but different frequencies and that’s what you have to use

[@Dbigpinoy]

Ive had a V1 G1 since 2005, and still use it, currently in my Truck. Run an R7 in the car. Moving towards a V1 G2 for next Detector investment.

[@bobb8423]

I need long range running up state WI and across the dakotas waze and a dfr 1 is what I'll run.

[@christopherlessley6202]

I just got uniden r8 coming from df6 and man it's so amazing highly recommend it!

[@highflysugar]

I’ve learned. “What’s best for you”

[@michaeljordan6008]

Hoping I’m alive to see Theia. Until then, I’ll stick with Valentine.

[@aidedflyer173]

Recently got the R8, best settings for road trip from Texas to Florida?

[@LawyerCalhoun1]

I think you could develop a "decision tree" that separates the various offerings based on their features, strengths, and/or weaknesses. This would help people narrow down their choices, and by developing the "tree", would define the relevant choices and decisions that need to be made.

[@VortexRadar]

heh that could help. I made one years ago back in 2016. Maybe something similar again for today? www.vortexradar.com/2016/08/choosing-the-best-radar-detector-for-you-a-flowchart/

[@samfish6938]

i see a lot of detectors in uk $150 europe uses gatso vans so needs rt3 and rt4 detectors

[@michael2782]

Love to see an annual decision tree. I loved the older one and have a few comments coming from one who has used trees in making extensive investigations into troubleshooting root causes in flight failures causing loss of vehicle. * Start from original task (Best Radar Detector) one line down to next choice to * Performance *RD or Windshield Output from those options go to next option which are valid for both of the above and so forth.

[@asapeek4981]

Prefer RDD immunity. Don't want anyone to be able to detect my detector

[@TWSmith42]

This is where I am with laser jammers. I want to have someone install them in the best place ever and they just work. The reviews I read tell me the products are not there yet.

[@kensupernor8487]

MAXcam 360c. In Florida. Perfect

[@AlwaysSmile]

Congrats on reaching 100k subscribers!!! 🎉🥳🎉

[@theodoremartin7111]

Great analysis. I absolutely agree that the best detector depends on the users needs and requirements. Thanks for being so logical and common sense!

[@ms19631964]

I like range and fewer false alerts. Went with the R8.

[@Abubububu]

Btw… does any radar work internationally… one radar that rules them all 😉

[@nyjoe702]

I live in Las Vegas and bought the Escort maxcam 360c in April of 2022. The detector in all this time picked up only one actual State Trooper taking radar. I've seen multiple cops and Troopers taking radar and I never get an alert. I do in fact get a lot of false signals from different businesses and in one area of the freeway I get a speed trap ahead but there is never a speed trap, I tried blocking this alert from the detector but it didn't work so I used the app and blocked this alert. The Drive Smarter app isn't great either so I don't use it often but that's by choice. I do see the Troopers using the binocular radar which I'm assuming is laser but still I don't get alerts either. The camera on the detector has very clear video which you can view on the Escort app. I didn't know Escort had the Redline detector because I bought my detector from a local stereo shop and all they had was the Maxcam 360c. I'm thinking of getting rid of the Maxcam 360c and get the Redline as it has really good reviews, I'm hoping it's better for Vegas driving than the Maxcam. If anyone has any advice it will be much appreciated.

[@cjceeez9897]

Had the maxcam 360 since launch. At launch it worked fine. After all the firmware updates, the application no longer works and it stopped reading a new SD card that works in other devices. Have the r8 now.

[@nyjoe702]

@@cjceeez9897 how is the r8?

[@cjceeez9897]

@@nyjoe702 less false alerts but just works. No glitching whatsoever.

[@JoseCastro-hc8zd]

wat you recommend for truck

[@tommywolf5693]

OK , , 😁

[@AhmedKhalil-on6zz]

Could you please do a shootout with the R8, V1, and redline 360?

[@VortexRadar]

Here ya go: www.vortexradar.com/2022/03/uniden-r8-long-range-testing/

[@AhmedKhalil-on6zz]

@@VortexRadar Thank you!

[@travisa3323]

Loving my R4

[@jamespeterson7100]

Is there a website for this Thea detector you refer to in your video?

[@brianhampton9392]

Theia is a mythological creature, like a unicorn, or the fountain of youth

[@jamespeterson7100]

@@brianhampton9392 Oh ok I gotcha. Thanks. 👍

[@JoseCastro-hc8zd]

please for truck you recommend

[@billjohnsonseattle]

Aren’t Radar detectors illegal in commercial vehicles? I know they are in WA state. When that’s the case Waze is your best choice to avoid the speed tax.

[@avram_fo20]

As of now escort passport max 2 works f000ing great for me when I have enough for an upgrade. I'll probably get the red line. If people say it's that good. Picked it up from OfferUp for 100. Mostly brand new. great deal I've been wanting myself a escort max 360. See the cheapest. I found this like 450

[@andrewgeorgelang]

Quick answer: Drive the posted speed limit. It honestly makes your safer driver, at the end of the day. Want to speed hit the race track Hey thanks for sharing

[@dsauce2864]

Thanks dad

[@andrewgeorgelang]

@@dsauce2864 LOL I walked into that 🤣