Best Radar Detector for a M3?

byroncheung · 03-28-2018, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by are0lies

Didn't know these exist, don't keep up with this. Got hit by an Arizona Highway Patrol with one. Good to know that they're available.

they are illegal though... although i guess if never get caught then that's ok?

WingZeroX5 · 03-28-2018, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byroncheung

Quote:

Originally Posted by are0lies

Didn't know these exist, don't keep up with this. Got hit by an Arizona Highway Patrol with one. Good to know that they're available.

they are illegal though... although i guess if never get caught then that's ok?

Theyre not illegal...depends on the state you live in too. You're suppose to shut it off after getting hit with the laser and slowing down. Keeping it on after that will alert the officer that you have a jammer which is obstructing justice or something similar

oolas3 · 03-28-2018, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byroncheung

they are illegal though... although i guess if never get caught then that's ok?

Perfectly legal in over 35 States.

Mvy · 03-28-2018, 03:46 PM

Start by doing some research online as to what local police use in your area so you buy the right system to defend against it. A radar detector in GA is just about useless since they almost exclusively use Lidar. It can vary across a state in many cases where one area uses laser and another ka so in some states installing two units covering both is necessary to get full coverage. Try this site, its very helpful on the topic:
http://radarandlaserforum.com

TomHudson · 03-28-2018, 03:49 PM

Escort 9500 ci.

Just pulled it from my S3R, illegal in Ontario.
Listed in classifieds, asking 800.

New, around 2000.

NitroBiz · 03-28-2018, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDPLV

Heard good things about Uniden R3 & Escort Max 360.

I have a 9500ix (blue LED), and I've also been looking. Worried that it is getting dated and its only a matter of time.

Updated my firmware on my 9500ix last night and I wish I had done it a long time ago, no need to buy a new one now!!!

NitroBiz · 03-28-2018, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WingZeroX5

Get a laser jammer

What is a laser jammer? When I had my old M3 I had sprayed my front and back license plates so they wouldn't reflect so much so the cops couldn't bounce a signal back for a reading.

WingZeroX5 · 03-28-2018, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NitroBiz

What is a laser jammer? When I had my old M3 I had sprayed my front and back license plates so they wouldn't reflect so much so the cops couldn't bounce a signal back for a reading.

Those things never work, unless you bend your license plate into radar absorbing shapes and spray it with R.A.M

I'm so surprised that there's a few people who have never heard of a laser jammer. A laser jammer is just that, it jams the laser (in cases like these, the police laser shooting at you) by sending back a bunch of light back to the cop's gun, thus jamming it. The gun will show a no-read

thkfast · 03-28-2018, 09:20 PM

I've been a V1 fanboy forever. It tells me everything I need to know about possible threats and I trust it.

Hagasan41 · 03-28-2018, 09:58 PM

I run 3 different detectors for each vehicle and keep the V1 (older firmware) in the M3. Something about the V1's analog feeling blends well with the M's interior and it's driving experience. It's a bit noisy with false alerts due to not being updated for a number of years, but running the additional hardware and apps Valentine One offers just doesn't sit right with me. The range is great and the directional arrows are spot on.

Compared to the V1 and the Uniden R3, the Max 360 doesn't have the best range, but the arrows and it's out of the box functionality is tops. Updates are seamless and programming is easy via Bluetooth. However, Escorts poor customer service and slow response to issues combined with a lack of software updates is a real turn off.

The Uniden R3 being the newest has great range and the filtering seems to be the best performing. But the lack of directional arrows makes it feel incomplete. It also feels a bit cheap compared to the other two. Each has pros and cons but all of them perform well and will help keep you out of trouble.

JsL · 03-28-2018, 10:31 PM

This thread made me start looking on radar forums. I see Yav1 come up alot (V1 connected to your phone using a bluetooth adaptor). What are people's thoughts on that?

kawstik · 03-28-2018, 10:52 PM

I really like my Escort iX. It's saved me from multiple tickets in the two years I've owned it.

That plus a BlendMount makes for a very clean install.

GVIFlyer · 03-29-2018, 12:37 AM

I'm very happy with my Valentine 1.

kyippee · 03-29-2018, 12:56 AM

FYI the current hot product for laser jamming is the antilaser priority (AL priority)

pbonsalb · 03-29-2018, 05:59 AM

Or maybe the new Blinder or the new Escort that have just come out in the past 6 months are the best laser jammers.

SDPLV · 03-29-2018, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NitroBiz

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDPLV

Heard good things about Uniden R3 & Escort Max 360.

I have a 9500ix (blue LED), and I've also been looking. Worried that it is getting dated and its only a matter of time.

Updated my firmware on my 9500ix last night and I wish I had done it a long time ago, no need to buy a new one now!!!

Wow, that much of a difference? I honestly didn't even realize that was an option on these.

My first radar detector/"scrambler" was a Rocky Mountain brand detector. This was when I was 16 yrs old.

Got my one and only speeding ticket 72 in a 55 when it was off at 18 ys old. (And a radar detector fine in Virginia...ugh. I might be the only dumbass in the history of mankind.)

Since then upgraded through the ranks and now sitting on the 9500ix. Never got a ticket or pulled over for speeding in all these years and I've gone from ~180hp to ~430hp.

What I want is the Uniden R3 with directional arrows and I'm holding out for that specifically.

byroncheung · 03-29-2018, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oolas3

Perfectly legal in over 35 States.

oh thanks for clarifying! i confused between radar jammer v.s. laser jammer!

Transfer · 03-29-2018, 10:44 AM

Now ya'll got me thinking about V1 vs R3. Are the directional arrows really that helpful? That seems to be the only advantage with V1.

Aktavate · 03-29-2018, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Transfer

Now ya'll got me thinking about V1 vs R3. Are the directional arrows really that helpful? That seems to be the only advantage with V1.

I had a similar thought, I've had a v1 for years and swear by it but I've never sent it in for any updates. After researching whats best right now, the R3 seems great but I know I would HATE not having arrows. Its only a matter of time though since the valentine patent on arrows has recently expired.

mrspecter · 03-29-2018, 06:20 PM

I happen to have both the V1 and the Escort 9500 and I would say they are both pretty evenly matched.

I bought a V1 in 2014 after my first speeding ticket and it was the best decision I've ever made. Like everyone says, the range is impressive and the arrows are very helpful. False alarms can certainly drive some people nuts, but I'm already used to it by now and I know the type of sound it makes when a Laser or KA band goes off.

About one year ago, I picked up another radar detector the Escort 9500ix during a sale and it is definitely a lot quieter and has less false alarms than compared to the V1. Nonetheless it is just as effective at picking up radar and I really like that it has audio telling you useful info like the band its picking up, speedtraps and red light cameras.

If I had to pick one, I would probably go with the V1 for its longer range and the arrows because I think its pretty important to know where the threat is coming from.

thkfast · 03-30-2018, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Transfer

Now ya'll got me thinking about V1 vs R3. Are the directional arrows really that helpful? That seems to be the only advantage with V1.

YES.

You're cruisin' down the road, 9 mph over the limit, V1 starts to chirp. You look up and see ARROW AHEAD, you slow down. Or you look up and see ARROW BEHIND, you may want to speed up and increase the distance! Besides long range warning, the ARROWS make the V1 the best RD for me. When you pass a unit running radar, you can watch the ARROWS transition from ahead to behind and you know he's the only threat.

oolas3 · 03-30-2018, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hagasan41

I run 3 different detectors for each vehicle and keep the V1 (older firmware) in the M3. Something about the V1's analog feeling blends well with the M's interior and it's driving experience. It's a bit noisy with false alerts due to not being updated for a number of years, but running the additional hardware and apps Valentine One offers just doesn't sit right with me. The range is great and the directional arrows are spot on.

Compared to the V1 and the Uniden R3, the Max 360 doesn't have the best range, but the arrows and it's out of the box functionality is tops. Updates are seamless and programming is easy via Bluetooth. However, Escorts poor customer service and slow response to issues combined with a lack of software updates is a real turn off.

The Uniden R3 being the newest has great range and the filtering seems to be the best performing. But the lack of directional arrows makes it feel incomplete. It also feels a bit cheap compared to the other two. Each has pros and cons but all of them perform well and will help keep you out of trouble.

Great summary of the pros and cons although I've come to a different conclusion which is to use the R3 exclusively. Agree it feels cheap but it's range is incredible and it has an uncanny ability to determine real threats vs filtering the false. R3 is also very easy to adjust/program and gets free firmware updates from Uniden.

03-28-2018, 03:46 PM	#26
Mvy Captain 546 Rep 977 Posts Drives: 2008 E93 M3 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: GA Peach iTrader: (0)	Start by doing some research online as to what local police use in your area so you buy the right system to defend against it. A radar detector in GA is just about useless since they almost exclusively use Lidar. It can vary across a state in many cases where one area uses laser and another ka so in some states installing two units covering both is necessary to get full coverage. Try this site, its very helpful on the topic: http://radarandlaserforum.com __________________ Harrop Supercharger, BPM Tune, K/W Coil over kit, Stoptek BBK, Magnaflow exhaust, ear to ear grin everytime I drive...
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03-28-2018, 03:49 PM	#27
TomHudson Major 660 Rep 1,118 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Escort 9500 ci. Just pulled it from my S3R, illegal in Ontario. Listed in classifieds, asking 800. New, around 2000.
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03-28-2018, 09:20 PM	#31
thkfast Major 263 Rep 1,028 Posts Drives: 2015 F82 M4 Sakhir Orange DCT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA iTrader: (1)	I've been a V1 fanboy forever. It tells me everything I need to know about possible threats and I trust it. __________________ "The likelihood of one individual being right increases in direct proportion to the intensity with which others attempt to prove him wrong." 2015 F82 M4 - Sakhir Orange Metallic 2013 E92 M3 / 2013 E92 335is / 2010 E90 335i / 2007 E90 335i
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03-28-2018, 09:58 PM	#32
Hagasan41 First Lieutenant 326 Rep 387 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 ///M3, 1999 E36 ///M3 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (1)	I run 3 different detectors for each vehicle and keep the V1 (older firmware) in the M3. Something about the V1's analog feeling blends well with the M's interior and it's driving experience. It's a bit noisy with false alerts due to not being updated for a number of years, but running the additional hardware and apps Valentine One offers just doesn't sit right with me. The range is great and the directional arrows are spot on. Compared to the V1 and the Uniden R3, the Max 360 doesn't have the best range, but the arrows and it's out of the box functionality is tops. Updates are seamless and programming is easy via Bluetooth. However, Escorts poor customer service and slow response to issues combined with a lack of software updates is a real turn off. The Uniden R3 being the newest has great range and the filtering seems to be the best performing. But the lack of directional arrows makes it feel incomplete. It also feels a bit cheap compared to the other two. Each has pros and cons but all of them perform well and will help keep you out of trouble.
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03-28-2018, 10:31 PM	#33
JsL Major 449 Rep 1,266 Posts Drives: 2011 AW M3 ZCP Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (2)	This thread made me start looking on radar forums. I see Yav1 come up alot (V1 connected to your phone using a bluetooth adaptor). What are people's thoughts on that?
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03-28-2018, 10:52 PM	#34
kawstik Lieutenant 642 Rep 456 Posts Drives: E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (13)	I really like my Escort iX. It's saved me from multiple tickets in the two years I've owned it. That plus a BlendMount makes for a very clean install. __________________
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03-29-2018, 12:37 AM	#35
GVIFlyer Large Member 295 Rep 978 Posts Drives: '19 Porsche C2S Cab_M3 DCT ZCP Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Somewhere in the air. iTrader: (0)	I'm very happy with my Valentine 1.
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03-29-2018, 12:56 AM	#36
kyippee Lieutenant Colonel 1076 Rep 1,617 Posts Drives: E92 M3, Supra MK5, F44 235GC Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	FYI the current hot product for laser jamming is the antilaser priority (AL priority)
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03-29-2018, 05:59 AM	#37
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5605 Rep 11,059 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	Or maybe the new Blinder or the new Escort that have just come out in the past 6 months are the best laser jammers.
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03-29-2018, 10:44 AM	#40
Transfer Major General 5291 Rep 5,875 Posts Drives: Bronco Wildtrak, Tesla MYP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Issaquah, WA iTrader: (1)	Now ya'll got me thinking about V1 vs R3. Are the directional arrows really that helpful? That seems to be the only advantage with V1.
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03-29-2018, 06:20 PM	#42
mrspecter Private First Class 75 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 11 E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (3)	I happen to have both the V1 and the Escort 9500 and I would say they are both pretty evenly matched. I bought a V1 in 2014 after my first speeding ticket and it was the best decision I've ever made. Like everyone says, the range is impressive and the arrows are very helpful. False alarms can certainly drive some people nuts, but I'm already used to it by now and I know the type of sound it makes when a Laser or KA band goes off. About one year ago, I picked up another radar detector the Escort 9500ix during a sale and it is definitely a lot quieter and has less false alarms than compared to the V1. Nonetheless it is just as effective at picking up radar and I really like that it has audio telling you useful info like the band its picking up, speedtraps and red light cameras. If I had to pick one, I would probably go with the V1 for its longer range and the arrows because I think its pretty important to know where the threat is coming from.
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