A radar detector is an electronic accessory that mounts in your car and alerts you whenever officers nearby are actively running radar, looking for speeders. Note: A radar detector is not a police car detector. It’s a radar detector. It alerts only when officers nearby are actively running radar. It will also alert to some …
FAQ Category: Radar Detectors
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/faq/what-is-a-radar-detector/
What are the differences between radar detectors?
There’s a bunch of radar detectors on the market, some good and some bad, expensive or cheap, simple or fancy. What’s the difference? The most basic ones will beep when they detect radar, but typically the range is poor and you’ll get a ton of false alerts so I recommend avoiding the super cheap ones …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/faq/what-are-the-main-differences-between-radar-detector-models/
How do I set up my radar detector?
Check out my radar detector tutorials.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/faq/how-do-i-set-up-my-radar-detector/
How much range will my radar detector give?
Radar detector alert distance can vary due to many different factors. In ideal situations you can get over 10 miles of range. Here in Seattle, my maximum alert distance is no more than a mile due to the terrain and trees. In tougher situations you may get 1/4 of a mile or less. Lower end …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/faq/how-much-range-will-my-radar-detector-give/
Which radar detector should I buy?
The radar detector that’s best for you depends on your preferences, budget, and even personality. There’s no detector that’s best for everyone. Fortunately there’s a lot of great options and I’m happy to help you decide. Check out my radar detector recommendations here.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/faq/which-radar-detector-is-best-for-me/
Where’s the best place to mount my radar detector?
Generally the best place to mount a detector is up high by your rear view mirror. That gives it the best view of the road and thus the best performance, you can hide it behind your tint strip so it’s less visible from the outside, and it leads to a cleaner install when you hardwire …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/faq/wheres-the-best-place-to-mount-my-radar-detector/
Can police shoot radar behind them?
Yes. Many police cars are equipped with one antenna that points out the front of the vehicle as well as a second antenna that aims backwards.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/faq/can-police-shoot-radar-behind-them/
Can police get my speed while they’re driving?
Yes. Radar guns typically have the ability to operate both in stationary mode or moving mode. Police officers can also pace you which means they drive at the same speed as you and measure your speed by looking at their speedometer. Unlike using radar, pacing doesn’t set off radar detectors. Laser, on the other hand, …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/faq/can-police-get-my-speed-while-theyre-driving/
What are X, K, and Ka band?
You know how your car stereo can tune to different radio stations because they broadcast on different frequencies? Police radar guns also transmit on different frequency ranges, or different bands. X band (around 10.5 GHz) is the oldest technology and least common. With its huge antennas, X band has been phased out of most of …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/faq/what-do-the-different-bands-mean-on-my-radar-detector-like-x-band-k-band-and-ka-band/
What about radar jammers?
Radar detectors work by detecting radar that’s being shot up ahead of you and giving you time to adjust your speed accordingly before it’s your turn to be clocked. Radar jammers will actively jam the police radar gun, preventing it from getting a reading. The thing is that unlike radar detectors, radar jammers are massively …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/faq/what-about-radar-jammers/
Best Radar Detectors
Escort Redline 360c
($799)
Best for Set-It-and-Forget-It Drivers
Uniden R8 ($699)
Best Performing Radar Detector
Valentine 1 Gen2 ($599)
Best for Radar Detector Enthusiasts
Uniden R7 ($499)
Best bang for the buck with arrows
Uniden R4
($299)
Best non-arrow detector
Uniden DFR7 ($189)
Best radar detector 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
Escort ZW5 ($999 Dual)
Wireless laser jammers that integrate w/ windshield mount Escort radar detectors, easiest to install
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
Radenso RC M ($2099, radar only)
Can integrate with ALP, integrated controller/display
Net Radar DSP ($679, $1179 w/ arrows)
Affordable custom installed radar detector, integrates with AntiLaser Priority
Facebook Reviews
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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.
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Clearly the most thorough, comprehensive radar detector review and testing site / YouTube channel.Tommy W.
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1. He’s honest!!2. He knows what he’s talking about!!
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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 !
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What you always wanted to know about radar detectors but were afraid to askCarter J.
17:07 22 Feb 20
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I've been watching his Radar Detector for years. He really knows his stuff! Please keep up the great work!! ;-)Aaron W.
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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.
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18:50 14 Dec 19
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Very good and fair reviews and regular updates on a wide variety of productsAlc A.
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Ratings and advice on detectors and dash cams.His advice influenced my purchases on 2 detectors and a dashcam.
Ilan M.
08:32 30 Nov 19
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17:16 08 Nov 19
Wish they all were this good!Tony L.
15:54 08 Nov 19
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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 moreDave G.
21:57 30 Jul 19
Vortex Radar is a great source for factual information on Radar Detectors.Katheleen 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.
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I really like the idea of having the ability of recording my driving in case of a traffic incidentBruce T.
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02:34 08 Jul 19
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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.
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Phillip K.
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03:17 05 Jan 19
from what I've seen so far, good, fair testing.David B.
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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
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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.
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18:23 09 Dec 18
Expert advice on Dashcams and radar detectorsChris B.
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It’s a great Radar detectorLes Y.
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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.
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Gene E.
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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.
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clear explanation on products ,clear how to videosErwin Y.
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The go to guy for anything about radar/laser detectorsBrian L.
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02:19 30 Dec 17
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your videos are very informative and has helped me select the best detector for my needs! thank you!!Kirk A.
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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.
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