Uniden DFR9 & Uniden DFR8 – First Look by VeilGuy
FIRST LOOK: Uniden DFR9 & Uniden DFR8
Uniden easily puts two more home runs on the board
Published: 07-01-18 by Veil Guy
Unless you have been living on Mars and haven’t had an Internet connection back to Earth you already know the Uniden has taken the radar detector industry by storm last year with the release of their top of the line models, the Uniden R3 and Uniden R1. Both of these radar detectors have shaken up the industry in a big way and Uniden, all by themselves, have redefined what we all thought was achievable in radar detection performance and filtering.
This time around, Uniden is enhancing their product line-up with to mid-priced models, the Uniden DFR9 and Uniden DFR8, to ultimately succeed their DFR7 and DFR6 models, respectively. These new products have been in the development phase for months, and now that we are close to their public release, I am free to discuss them now.
Essentially the Uniden DFR8 and Uniden DFR9 detectors are major facelifts to their previous counterparts. Theses new detectors get the brilliant multi-color OLED display found on the R1 and R3. Additionally, they also benefit from a vastly improved smaller chassis. While not quite as compact as the R1 or R3, these new detectors are considerably smaller than their predecessors.
Other nice touches include the moving of the power and audio connectors to the right side of the detectors, which lends itself to a more streamlined cable connection to the cigarette power adapter.
Beyond these physical changes, the DFR8 and DFR9 gets some improved firmware which includes some welcomed features found on the more expensive R1 and R3–like user selectable band sensitivity and auto dimming.
Taken in their entirety, the upgrades make for a significant improvement in the continuing evolution of the DFR series. As expected there is a small increase in the price of each unit (merely $30), but it is more than worth it. The new pricing is now $229.99 for the DFR8 and $329.99 for the GPS-eanabled DFR9. Unlike the previous DFR models, availability is going to be limited to a select number of authorized dealers, such as RadarBusters.com.
I have been putting some serious miles on these two new detectors and my impressions are that the DFR8 and DFR9 are currently the best performing radar detectors out there–at their respective price points. I have already had great encounters to K, 33.8, 34.7, 35.5 Ka, and some police laser. In many ways these detectors feel and behave like their more expensive counterparts, albeit with a little less outright sensitivity. However, so far, both models have performed flawlessly and at least in my mind, have already proven they’re the best overall performing detectors in their categories and at these price points.
Yes, they are that good.
Well done Uniden!
Key Takeaways
- Uniden DFR9 and Uniden DFR8 replace the outgoing DFR7 and DFR6, respectively
- Bright multi-colored OLED display from the R1/R3 series
- More compact and better designed external chassis
- Improved firmware (with some features from the R1/R3)
- Power and audio jacks positioned on right-side of detectors
- Price increase of $30 for each model over their previous models
- Exceptionally well behaved and refined (no half-baking found here)
- Easy to trust, R1/R3-esque
- Simply the best you can buy at these price points
- Can’t wait for what’s next to come from Uniden
- To other manufacturers: WATCH OUT
- To drivers looking for a great mid-priced detector: Now is the time to pull the trigger (no pun intended)
A full review will be forthcoming. In the meantime, please enjoy the following videos:
First Look: DFR8 & DFR9 Radar Detectors
First Documented Encounter: Constant-On/Instant-On 33.8Ghz Ka
Watch more real-world Uniden videos.
My understanding is that just like with the introduction of the R1 and R3, these detectors are going to be in high demand and in limited allocation, so if you are interested in either model, I recommend placing an order for one as soon as possible to maximize your chances of getting one.
RadarBusters is accepting pre-orders (links below). Expected availability is mid-July for the DFR9 and late July for the DFR8.
Veil Guy
