Radar Detectors

The Bel Vector 985 is just awesome! Beltronics Vector 985 Radar Detector The Bel Vector 985 radar detector is a sweet product. The price maybe a little high but the 985 rules so much you ...

Beltronics Vector 985 Radar Detector Technical Details:985 Key FeaturesDetection Mode:City / Highway modesDetection Area...

Note: This review was written during the summer of 2002 and not published until yesterday, but I still believe this is a pretty accurate review after having almost a year of experience with the 985.

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The Bel V985 is the fourth detector (and third made by Beltronics) that I’ve had in a very short time period, reason being because I kept switching them out to see which one was better. I’ve had the V985 for about one month now, and I really do think that it is a very, very good detector. The only comparisons I have done was between the V940 (the first in the line of Bel’s Vector models) and the Escort 8500- true to reports, the Escort was a little quicker on Ka than the V940. Other than that, they were virtually identical as far as detection goes; at least, that was my impression for the short time I was trying them both out. (If you’re interested, Beltronics (www.beltronics.com) will have lab results of the new detectors’ sensitivity posted later this summer.)

Speaking of reports, the “Radar Test” website (www.radartest.com) is devoted to radar / its detection. I’m told that they recommend the V985 over the 8500; if you’re seriously considering one or the other, it may be a good idea to e-mail them and ask.

Unfortunately, I have yet to experience anything really outstanding as far as the V985’s capabilities go, and I’m not sure if that is because of the detector or the fact that I haven’t been in a situation to experience that “something outstanding” (I’m thinking that it’s more the latter choice). It has picked up cops over hills in the city before, and has warned me in ample time of radar that was straight ahead (on the other side of a curve you could see through). I wish I could compare it to the 970 (you may want to read those reviews as well), but I can’t return the V985 anymore, so I guess that would be a little pointless.

All things considered, I can’t say that the V985 is “the best of the best” or that I’d pick it over the Escort Passport 8500 or the Valentine One. However, another person that is interested in radar detection and has the 8500 told me once that you’d be fine with either one. I have come to believe that. Besides, because Bel and Escort have merged, I would think that it may be a good idea to go with the newest technology, which is the V985. Hey, if nothing else, try it out from your local Circuit City or even from a respectable online vendor that has a good return policy, because the Bel V985 is definitely worth some serious, serious consideration if you’re looking for a high-end radar detector.

(little updated information): A Bel customer service representative just told me this: “Between the 970 and V985, there is very little difference between detection alone. The V985 may have a small edge, however.” Of course, if you’re into features, then the V985 is definitely the pick of the two. And even if you’re not, well… like I said, it’s worth some serious, serious consideration in the search for a high-end detector. With that in mind, good hunting. =)

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Updated, Apr 29 2003: I’m wanting to get the Valentine One to try it out over this. I stick with my original conclusion, after almost a year of experience, that it is definitely going to have you pretty covered. However, for some reason, I think that getting the V1 may just be “that much” better. When I get some time in with that, I will update this again.

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Updated, May 28 2003: As promised, here’s my final update!

After some testing with the Valentine One and the Passport Escort 8500, I’ve decided to stick with the Valentine. While not necessarily scientific, I made it as close to favorable as possible: if one would receive a signal, I would turn it off to give the other unit a chance.

Having said that, every one of my K-band encounters showed the Valentine as better. Multiple runs heading towards a radar sign with only one unit on confirmed this.

What I think I will miss about the Bel 985 and the Escort 8500 is strictly feature-related. For instance, I loved the ability to see the frequency of the signal received, both of which have that capability. The Valentine does not.

On the other hand, the V1 also has the arrows that are so highly acclaimed, the bogey counter (the Escort has a somewhat more restrictive version of this, and the Bel has none), and the rear-facing radar antenna.

But I’ll go into the V1’s details in my review of that. As far as the Bel 985 goes, suffice it to say that I really think that you’d be well equipped with either of the three. I’ve used the Bel 985 for almost a year; the Escort, I’ve just finished testing against the V1 for a couple of days; and I’m quite happy with the Valentine. Anyway, for more details on the 8500 vs. V1 issue, check out my review of that item at:

http://www.epinions.com/content_101309451908

As far as this detector goes, it is still a very solid unit. I had nothing but good experiences with it. Just remember that no detector save you from the laws of physics!

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Tags: 8500, Beltronics, Escort, Valentine One

Filed under: Radar Detectors Reviews