Radar Detectors

BEL Vector 995 Beltronics Vector 995 Radar Detector I did lots of research on this model and the Rx 65. Wanting something with Ku ability since in 2006 this band will...

Good range… but WAY too many false alarms Beltronics Vector 995 Radar Detector My previous radar detector was a Beltronics Vector 985. The 985 had become one of those 'industry standards', and ...

My name is Brad, and I have owned radar detectors since the early 80’s, and have always read up on all the tests, and experienced how they work from my own perspective.

Back in 1987, photo radar was introduced in Paradise Valley (a neighboring town), and it was touted as being “UNDETECTABLE”. Well, of course a detector came out, and I bought it. It didn’t give you much warning, and was VERY similar to the Bel 995. Horrible detection!

I own 3 Bel 980 radar detectors, and they ALL pick up photo radar up to a 1/2 mile away. Here in Scottsdale, we have a lot of vans that sit on the side of the road and shoot this photo radar.

Today, I purchased a Bell 995. I eagerly searched for a van, and found one on Scottsdale Road. The 995 didn’t even go off until I was 20 feet away from the van! MUCH TOO LATE, and I would SURELY have gotten a ticket. I then did a U-TURN and turned on my Bel 980, and picked up the van about a 1/2 mile away!

I was so dismayed. I called Circuit City, where I purchased this thing, and they told me I could return it, but will have to pay a 15% restocking fee. Not only have I been inconvenienced with a company that makes POOR products, but now I have to PAY for it!

In summary, Cincinnati Microwave used to be the best radar company back in the 70’s and 80’s until it went through a lot of troubles (joined with Dynascan to make other products, got bought by Bel, got bought by a Chicago business man out of Bankruptcy court, etc). Mike Valentine LEFT the company to start Valentine One (the next detector I will try).

The BEL 980 was probably the last BEST detector made by Bel, before they were bought out by a company that knows nothing about detectors.

The NEW Bel products have a LOT of similarities to the “Escort” brand. The “Phone Cord” plug, the “Automute” feature which still continues to beep but at a lower volume (rather annoying), instead of the OLD AUTOMUTE on the 980 which simply CLICKED after a radar encounter, and even the “smart cord” feature, which has a mute button and warning indicator on the cigarette lighter plug (big deal, no value whatsoever).

This tells me that Escort probably has the same innards placed in the Bel line. This is EXTREMELY disappointing. Essentially this company is making money off two brands, and is make inferior below par equipment that only makes people FEEL like they are safe.

The BEL 995 in NO WAY gives you adequate time to stop for photo radar! And don’t be fooled…PHOTO RADAR IS DETECTABLE UP TO A 1/2 MILE AWAY!

They will probably tell you that Photo Radar is a “low power signal”, and is “shot on an angle” and is very hard to detect, and probably not detectable in time to stop or slow down. Malarkey! I challenge ANYBODY to compare a BEL 980 to the Bel 995.

My BEL 980 goes off well in advance when a Photo Radar Van in the area, and I slow down. In fact, the Bel 980 picks up KA from these vans IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION! It gives me plenty of time to flash my lights and warn the oncoming cars as well!

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Tags: Beltronics, Escort, Valentine One

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