Some radar detectors on the market seem to try and cram every possible feature into the case. Unfortunately, you end up paying for a lot of features you’ll probably never need that don’t add a lot of value to your purchase. This Uniden DFR3 review will show you how a well-made radar detector that is very simple may be the right choice for you. (>>> Check on Amazon)
Uniden DFR3 Review of Main Specs:
 | |
|---|---|
| Uniden DFR3 | |
| Range | Long range |
| Built-in GPS | No |
| Display | ICON Color |
| False Filter | Advanced K Band Filter |
| Red Light & Speed Camera Alerts | No |
| Speed-based Auto Mute | No |
| Bluetooth connectivity | No |
| Price | Find on Amazon |
This radar detector is light on options, and that may be one of its strongest features. It does one, basic thing- detects radar and laser in use around you. Since that is the primary reason for buying a radar detector, any other features just make the device more complicated to use, frustrating, and drive the price up.
Bands of Detection
The Uniden DFR3 uses the same detection technology as more expensive models, so you know you are getting a good detector. It’ll pick up X, K, KA, and Laser, providing you with a heads-up so that you can avoid getting unnecessary tickets. This detector uses a 360-degree antenna to locate radar and laser signals from any direction.
Users say that the detection programming works very well. It consistently does a good job of capturing in-use radar. A downside to models in this price range, including this unit, there is no built-in filtering for false alarms. That means you’ll pick up automatic doors, driver alert systems in other cars, and many other types of radar that don’t pertain to speeding.
Modes of Operation
There are two modes of operation that can help reduce the number of false alarms. The modes are City and Highway. City mode reduces sensitivity and helps to prevent unwanted alerts. Highway mode is high-sensitivity to capture radar signals as far out as possible, even though you may get more false alarms this way.
Pros
- Simple to use, uncomplicated, and small enough to be discreet when mounted in the car
- Works well in the city for identifying radar signals
Cons
- No filtering of false alarms
- Lacks some of the common features found in slightly more expensive models
- Range is lacking, particularly noticeable at high speeds
Features the Uniden DFR3 Lacks
Some of the more common features you’ll see on slightly more expensive models include IVT filtering that prevents false alarms, marking modes to track alarms you don’t need, and a display that indicates the direction of radar in use.
These features may not matter to the casual user who simply needs to know if police are operating in the area, but they do make for a more livable radar detector. This is not the right product if you don’t want to listen to a device chirp at you every time you drive past a red light camera or one of those road-side check-your-speed signs.
Is the Uniden DFR3 Worth It?
Considering that this is an older model and there are lots of other products on the market, you probably want to know whether this is a radar detector that is worth buying. We talked to users about their experiences to get a sense of whether this radar detector is worth the money.
As far as radar detection goes, this unit does a good job of capturing signals. The range is somewhat sub-par compared to other units on the market that are only slightly more expensive. Several owners commented that if you are driving less than 15 miles per hour over the speed limit, you’ll get enough warning to slow down. Faster than that and you probably are going to get a ticket.
The City/Highway modes work pretty well considering they do not use modern technology to differentiate between random signals and those that are important. Many users found the lack of filtering to be irritating, causing them to silence the device and potentially miss important warnings.
Because this unit does not store or save any data, you don’t need to mark false alarms, but you also can’t access the Uniden app available on higher-priced models that incorporates user input with mapping software to provide a heads-up about known sources of radar and to assist in filtering out unwanted signals.
Who is the Uniden DFR3 For?
This is a great option if you need a simple, easy to use, basic radar detector that simply detects. It works well enough that for most drivers, they saved the cost of the unit the very first time they didn’t get a ticket. It’s reliable and durable in part because it isn’t complicated with unnecessary features. This makes for a great purchase for casual drivers who mostly drive around town or on city streets. The range is a little lacking for highway use.
Conclusion
We think this is a decent purchase for casual drivers. If you are a road warrior spending lots of time on long-distance drives, you’ll want to invest in a more expensive model. This is a great introductory product for buyers who are looking for their first detector and don’t want to spend a lot of money. (>>> Check the current on Amazon)