2018 Radar Detector Thread
Pro
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 567
Likes: 19
I have both the Valentine one and the Escort 360, and I prefer the Valentine one. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but I overall find the Valentine one more sensitive to Ka and Laser, and it is more responsive to a position change of the radar. In other words, as you drive by the radar source, the Valentine one reacts more quickly to the location of the source. Like Achtung6 I only use Ka and Laser on my V1, the remaining signals are turned off.
I also think that the controls on the front of the V1 make it easier to work. The Escort 360 is more updated functionally and it looks better to me. The Escort 360 is also less prone to false alarms. The App that works with the Escort 360 seems to be a Giant pain in the ***, and I turned that off within days of purchase.
I also started using my detectors with the Blendmount and the MirrorTap. However, I moved the detector up to the upper lefthand corner of the windshield on all my cars. This makes the device less conspicuous from the outside.
My 2 cents.
I also think that the controls on the front of the V1 make it easier to work. The Escort 360 is more updated functionally and it looks better to me. The Escort 360 is also less prone to false alarms. The App that works with the Escort 360 seems to be a Giant pain in the ***, and I turned that off within days of purchase.
I also started using my detectors with the Blendmount and the MirrorTap. However, I moved the detector up to the upper lefthand corner of the windshield on all my cars. This makes the device less conspicuous from the outside.
My 2 cents.
Build quality on aluminum V1 is great solid plugs and wiring. R3 is all plastic with a cheap power cord, but it does have USB plug at lighter socket.
Alert sounds on V1 are basic and functional. R3 sounds like R2D2 with whistles etc.
alert sensitivity was almost identical with R3 alerting 1-2 seconds earlier. R3 K band false alerts were constant and very annoying. The value of directional arrow on V1 is necessary as it prepares you to look in that direction only, not all around your car in a panic.
Finally, R3 felt like it belonged in a Camry, not a high end German Car. So V1 was clear winner.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 1,413
From: SW Florida
Originally Posted by 09RedGTS
Does the Uniden false alarm a lot? My 9500ix does, a lot with the new radar collision avoidance cars. I have an old V1 i could upgrade, but curious about the Uniden....
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: ATL/MSP
Otherwise, one could argue a 1-2 second delay is insignificant.
I'd take directional abilities any day over 1-2 seconds....given the above.
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 385
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, Arizona
agreed as well. So I ran V1 and R3 on both ends of windshield on my last road trip. Her are my impressions.
Build quality on aluminum V1 is great solid plugs and wiring. R3 is all plastic with a cheap power cord, but it does have USB plug at lighter socket.
Alert sounds on V1 are basic and functional. R3 sounds like R2D2 with whistles etc.
alert sensitivity was almost identical with R3 alerting 1-2 seconds earlier. R3 K band false alerts were constant and very annoying. The value of directional arrow on V1 is necessary as it prepares you to look in that direction only, not all around your car in a panic.
Finally, R3 felt like it belonged in a Camry, not a high end German Car. So V1 was clear winner.
As far as build quality, I'm perplexed by the belongs in a Camry comment. Regardless, its range is superior to any other radar detector I've used.
As far as the arrows on the V1, I never understood the point. If it goes off I'm not going to ponder where the signal is coming from before slowing down.
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 385
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Generally agree with this, mostly because the range on the R3 is incredible. If DPS is running radar the R3 will pick it up starting 1-2 miles away. Unless you are doing 180 there is plenty of time to slow down. If anything the R3 is too sensitive, but this can be adjusted down.
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 1,335
From: NH/FL
Very succinct and true. I have a V1 and a 9500ix but really prefer the Uniden R3. It has a small footprint and is reliable.
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 385
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, Arizona
if you are referring to the end that looks like a phone plug then yes. The voltage is the same.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Jim
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
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Joined: Sep 2008
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For those who don't know Massdrop, they are having 1 week drop on the R3. I bought both my dash cams from them. It's going for 364 (plus shipping, I believe) .
PM me for a referral link, extra couple of bucks...
PM me for a referral link, extra couple of bucks...
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 1,413
From: SW Florida
I’m guessing you slow down no matter where it’s coming from so why find out what might be too late.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 4
I would add that the region you live in can play into your decision making. I live in NorCal where Ka and Laser are the only real threats. My V1 is perfect here as X and K are turned off. My V1 stays silent until Ka or Laser are detected. For all intents and purposes, laser alerts in any detector are nearly worthless and in the age of Mazda and Volvo vehicles with their use of laser for cruise control, frequent false alerts on laser are commonplace. I may consider going with a laser shifter system and then just use Ka detection in the V1 which is superb. I have mine on a blendmount which allows the V1 front and rear antennas a good "view" of the outside world. The V1 is still a formidable unit, it doesn't have built in GPS for auto locking out falses on K but if the V1 in question is equipped with their newer DSP technology then the use of the optional bluetooth module and a smart phone app like V1 driver will give you that capability and a whole lot more.
I'm looking for another V1 so if anyone out there has a DSP equipped V1, drop me a line and I'll take it off your hands!
Tony
I'm looking for another V1 so if anyone out there has a DSP equipped V1, drop me a line and I'll take it off your hands!
Tony