Uniden DFR3NZ Long Radar Detector 360° Radar and Laser Detection, Band Detected and Signal Strength Indicator

A good first radar detector, especially if you can get it at a discounted price.

Pros

- Good detection of the kA band on police cruisers, has always detected them within a few hundred meters.This is a reasonable detection range depending on your speed. Handy when a cruiser is driving with its radar on, or when parked up watching the road.
- Cheap and small, easy to tuck into the corner of the windshield.
- Audible alerts are distinct between different detected bands.
- Alert volume is analog control, so can be set to barely audible or very very loud.

Cons
- DOES NOT DETECT SPEED CAMERA VANS. Not much of a fault of the unit considering it...view more A good first radar detector, especially if you can get it at a discounted price.

Pros

- Good detection of the kA band on police cruisers, has always detected them within a few hundred meters.This is a reasonable detection range depending on your speed. Handy when a cruiser is driving with its radar on, or when parked up watching the road.
- Cheap and small, easy to tuck into the corner of the windshield.
- Audible alerts are distinct between different detected bands.
- Alert volume is analog control, so can be set to barely audible or very very loud.

Cons
- DOES NOT DETECT SPEED CAMERA VANS. Not much of a fault of the unit considering its price and technological limitations but should be understood before purchase. Nothing in this price range will detect those vans so trust your eyes and judgement instead.
- The K Band goes off frequently when passing trucks and some cars with lane/collision detection, and some automatic opening doors in shops. Signal strength alert threshold can be set higher using the Highway, City, City1 modes but still gives false positives often.
- Power/Volume control is on the left side of the unit, and the power cable plugs into the right side of the unit. Meaning if you have it in the centre of your dash, the controls are away from the driver. If you have it on the driver's side corner of the windshield as intended, you'll need to deal with the power cable crossing over/under the steering wheel or routing the cable through the dash.

Would recommend to others looking for a very entry-level detector.

It actually works well .. gives a different sound for each type of radar and detects unmarked cars and hiding patrol cars well in advance. Gives peace of mind on long trips in case you go over the limit. It actually works well .. gives a different sound for each type of radar and detects unmarked cars and hiding patrol cars well in advance. Gives peace of mind on long trips in case you go over the limit.

The Uniden DFR3NZ Long Radar Detector 360° Radar and Laser Detection, Band Detected and Signal Strength Indicator might look appealing on paper due to its low price and basic features, but in real-world driving in New Zealand and Australia, it often falls short — especially when it comes to detecting police radar.

1️⃣ Limited Detection Capability
The DFR3NZ struggles to pick up many of the radar frequencies used by police in NZ and Australia.

Modern enforcement often uses low-powered Ka-band, instant-on radar, and laser (LIDAR) — technologies that this detector is not sensitive enough to reliably detect in time to be useful.

Many police ca...view more The Uniden DFR3NZ Long Radar Detector 360° Radar and Laser Detection, Band Detected and Signal Strength Indicator might look appealing on paper due to its low price and basic features, but in real-world driving in New Zealand and Australia, it often falls short — especially when it comes to detecting police radar.

1️⃣ Limited Detection Capability
The DFR3NZ struggles to pick up many of the radar frequencies used by police in NZ and Australia.

Modern enforcement often uses low-powered Ka-band, instant-on radar, and laser (LIDAR) — technologies that this detector is not sensitive enough to reliably detect in time to be useful.

Many police cars run radar intermittently, meaning unless you are directly targeted, the DFR3NZ may not alert at all.

2️⃣ Weak Performance on Laser
While it advertises laser detection, in reality, like most budget detectors, it will only alert once you’ve already been targeted — far too late to avoid a ticket.

3️⃣ No Advanced Filtering
The DFR3NZ lacks GPS, lockout features, or modern false alert filtering.

You may still get alerts from automatic doors, adaptive cruise control systems, and other non-police sources — but completely miss actual police radar.

4️⃣ Outdated Hardware
This model uses older radar detection technology that cannot compete with modern units.

Models like the Uniden R8, Valentine V1 Gen 2, or Escort Max 360c offer far superior sensitivity, directional arrows, and advanced signal processing that are actually useful against current enforcement methods.

5️⃣ NZ & AU Enforcement Methods Have Evolved
Both NZ and Australian police have upgraded their speed enforcement tools:

Low-powered Ka-band radars (e.g., Stalker Dual, Redflex cameras)

LIDAR guns like LTI and Poliscan

Mobile speed cameras and fixed camera systems

The DFR3NZ simply does not have the sensitivity or filtering needed to reliably detect these threats in time.

✅ In short:
The Uniden DFR3NZ is not reliable for detecting modern police radar or laser in New Zealand or Australia. If you're serious about radar detection, you're better off investing in a higher-end detector that’s designed to handle modern enforcement technology.

Was able to spot highway cops easily with the ka band Was able to spot highway cops easily with the ka band

This is five stars based on price. I have had Radar detectors before, and this is equal or better. Definitely a great little unit. Has quick removal button so it is easy to remove from the windscreen support to keep it out of the sun or away from a possible thief. This is five stars based on price. I have had Radar detectors before, and this is equal or better. Definitely a great little unit. Has quick removal button so it is easy to remove from the windscreen support to keep it out of the sun or away from a possible thief.

The Uniden DFR3NZ Radar Detector delivers dependable 360° radar and laser detection, making it an excellent choice for enhancing road safety.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Detection: Detects X, K, Ka, and L bands with precise audio and visual alerts, keeping you informed of potential radar activity.
• Signal Strength Indicator: Displays frequency strength (1 through 5) and specific alert codes for quick situational awareness.
• Modes for Different Driving Environments: Highway, City, and City 1 modes ensure optimal performance, minimizing false alerts.
• User-Friendly Design: The easy-to-read icon display and mute alarm feature make it co...view more The Uniden DFR3NZ Radar Detector delivers dependable 360° radar and laser detection, making it an excellent choice for enhancing road safety.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Detection: Detects X, K, Ka, and L bands with precise audio and visual alerts, keeping you informed of potential radar activity.
• Signal Strength Indicator: Displays frequency strength (1 through 5) and specific alert codes for quick situational awareness.
• Modes for Different Driving Environments: Highway, City, and City 1 modes ensure optimal performance, minimizing false alerts.
• User-Friendly Design: The easy-to-read icon display and mute alarm feature make it convenient to use, even during extended drives.
• Memory Functionality: Retains your preferred settings (except mute) when powered down, saving time during setup.

Performance

The DFR3NZ provides impressive long-range radar and laser detection, ensuring drivers have ample time to respond. Its audio alerts are clear, and the display is intuitive, making it a reliable companion for both urban and highway travel.

Build and Functionality

The radar detector’s sleek black design complements most vehicle interiors. Its durability and thoughtful features, such as a memory-saving function, demonstrate attention to detail and usability.

Final Thoughts

The Uniden DFR3NZ Radar Detector is a top-performing device for drivers who prioritize safety and advanced radar detection. Its blend of functionality, accuracy, and ease of use makes it a trustworthy choice for any journey.

Let me know if you’d like further tweaks!

Works pretty well, K band filter for the city fails quite often if you are really in the city. Will work around corners most of the time, but there are definitely situations where using your eyes works better. Works pretty well, K band filter for the city fails quite often if you are really in the city. Will work around corners most of the time, but there are definitely situations where using your eyes works better.

Works really well. Works really well.