Uniden R3 VS Valentine One
The Uniden R3 and Valentine One radar detectors are both powerful detectors and they come foremost in the choices of serious drivers looking at escaping speeding tickets. Both pack awesome specifications and are super in range performance. However, there exist some noticeable differences in their features which makes one preferable than the other.
The aim of this article is to bring all their brilliant features to the fore in one sweet comparison and help you decide where your loyalty will lie. But be reminded that both detectors are great and people will always prefer one over the other based on their individual needs and perspectives.
So if you are ready, let’s begin with the advantages of each.
- Range performance is excellent
- Lightweight and portable in size for your windshield
- Quite affordable
- RDD immunity for those living in banned areas
- Dual antenna front and rear for directional alerts
- 360˚ laser protection
- Free RLC database updates for live
- Better BSM filtering
- Super 360˚ laser protection
- Smart on the highways
- Directional indicators with arrows to spot origins of signals
- Software and hardware updates available on Mac and Windows
- Long range detection
- Five different band frequency detection (K, X, KA, Ku and Ka)
- Front and rear antennas for picking signals
Features of Both Radar Detectors
Let’s compare the features of both detectors and see how they prove their mettle to beat each other in the game.
Blindspot Filtering
One of the integral parts of detectors that’s quite a tough nut to crack is blindspot filtering.
The Uniden R3 puts its best on this feature and filters out blindspots optimally. The only downside it has here is its high sensitivity that tends to pick false alerts on far distances. This has been remedied by an update in its firmware.
The V1 uses TMF and TSR technique to filter blindspots at the expense of range detection quality. There’s also a short delay in the process which can be overlooked, but its still a problem. So when putting the Valentine One VS Uniden R3, the R3 wins on this one.
Arrows
The Valentine One in the past was known for its arrows which it held the patent rights to for many years until the patent expired, leaving it open for stiffer competition.
The arrows are great for notifications of signals. And you can get the best out of this arrow feature by investing in the YaV1(a module connected to the V1 to improve some its features like false alerts filtering) which uses a phone and a mobile app. With this, you can have different colors for the arrows, each with its unique meaning.
This feature is lacking on the Uniden R3. However, it’s a spec most people can do without. Afterall, people have been using other detectors during the days when Mark Valentine held monopoly on the arrows.
GPS Lockouts
Both detectors come with a lockout feature that can identify false alerts locations and lock them out in subsequent times.
For the R3, you have to teach the detector to learn of this false alerts by pressing the mute button twice each time you get to the false alert location so it can serve you better and for the V1, you have to use the YaV1 to get the GPS lockout option. Neither of them spot the automatic GPS lockout feature.
The R3 comes with a GPS based lockout system while the V1 can only be gotten with an external feature – the YaV1. Both of them have lapses in this feature, they lack the automatic lockout and the V1 can’t perform without an extra accessory.
However, when comparing the Uniden R3 VS Valentine One, we give it to the R3 on this since it offers the Convienence in usage. It’s almost a clutter having one detector on your windshield to think of adding another module and then your phone.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, both these top of the line radar detectors are relatively affordable and they both fall fall within the same price range.
Size
Both detectors are lightweight detectors and are also portable.
Updates
Both detectors come with hardware and firmware updates [1] on Mac and Windows operating systems. For the R3, RLC updates are free for life. You have to pay for updates on the Valentine One.
Having updates improve the features and performance of both detectors.
Performance
From the comparison of their features, we can deduce that both detectors are really a competitive pair as they tie in some features. Although, Uniden R3 takes the lead on the most features no thanks to the archaic programming of the V1, but when it comes to performance, the Uniden R3 and Valentine One will beat most of their counterparts. They are long range detectors that perform maximally in notifying users of signals and can filter through various bands signals.
It’s a tough one here singling out the best. The R3 has one of the longest range seen on any detector and comes with a mute function that enables users to mute them in high radar traffic locations. Valentine One is super at ranges and with an arrow feature.
Both detectors are fine reccomendations for serious drivers. But if you need something more elegant and mordern in design without attaching extra accessories to boost performance and some features, then the R3 is an excellent option.
If you won’t mind the extra accessories which you really can’t do without and you love arrow indications then you can go for the V1.
Conclusion: Uniden R3 OR Valentine One
Finally, you will have to part with one of these detectors and since they are closely related in pros and cons, you have a tough call to make. But here’s what we suggest.
The Uniden R3 is best if you are a committed driver looking for the best performance out there to keep you undetected and save you off speeding tickets.
The Valentine One is best if you love its trademark arrow that are fantastic for indications. It’s also best of you desire same performance of a serious driver and you won’t mind the inconveniences associated with getting more out a detector.
William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.
