What radar detector do you use?
 

Don't answer that! I don't care what you use... UNLESS you use the Beltronic STI Driver. Does any one here have that?

I'm thinking about my upgrading from my X50, and I hear the STI has a bit more KA range and is undetectable by detector detectors.

I'm ever so pleased with my Passport -it's paid for itself. However, in my area, even though detectors are legal, I suspect traffic enforcement have radars that turn off when they detect detectors. Clever girl!

Reviews on the Bel are good, but I'd like to hear from some one with personal experience. Anyone got an STI?

I don't rely on a radar detector.

Valentine 1 is the only way to go

I don't rely on a detector, but it sure it helpful!

I don't want to debate different detectors, but I consider the V1 the Dodge Ram Van of detectors... sure it does what it's supposed to, but it's got the same (ugly) design since the the 90s. Seriously, they need to update that thing. Don't take offense V1 owners... "it's got arrows" -super duper... "who cares what it looks like as long as it works" -yeah yeah... I do.

So, no one has the STI?

Hi,

Don't use 'em, Don't want 'em, Couldn't afford 'em if I did.

But, I did do some research into them for our local Lotus Club. We Tested several with a Ka Band Gun one of our local members uses to make a living (MN State Trooper). The results? As mentioned the Valentine consistently detected the radar well ahead of the others in straightline, around curves and in road dips. If I were ever inclined to get one, it would be the V1, Bar none!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

I've used the same V1 for 11 years now. A $400 investment that has paid itself more than ten-fold in tickets and insurance saved over the years. I never drive anywhere without it. It has been consistently the most expensive detector for more than a decade without having to change much (if at all). That, in itself, speaks volumes in a free market -- in addition to wins in most independent tests (including Jim's).

And those arrows do help a lot more than one would expect.

Do you recall if there was a Bel STI in the tests?

I have an Escort Solo S2. Great for a cordless detector.

I still think the V1 is the best.

I had a Bell before the Escort and I was not very pleased with the performance.

I would go for a V1...

Hi,

Actually there was. It was the second most sensitive detector to the V1. Out of 5 runs with each detector, the STI beat the V1 once in straightline tests, that is, it sounded at a further distance. But, twice the STI failed to sound at all while the V1 was beeping away. The STI was good, but not the best...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

I wouldn't invest too much dough into stealth technologies. no doubt such an advantage will be expensive and you'll be looking at it as a longterm investment. which means that someone will figure out how to strip the detector of its stealth propeties and make allot of money selling it to law enforcement at one of those huge trade shows where they sell everything from Gucci bullet proof leather jackets to battering rams.

Also the X50 and V1 have more Ka reach than you will ever need. If the driver is alert and has fast reaction time, those two will give you adequate warning unless you are breaking a new land speed record at Bonneville.

I agree (as someone who studied at a product design firm in NYC) the V1 could sell a few more units if it came out with some more visually appealing packaging options. But form follows function and the functionality of the product is hard to beat.

"It was the second most sensitive detector to the V1."

Sensitivity is only half of the picture. Selectivity is another. It's easy to make a hyper-sensitive detector that will beep in a two mile radius around every store's automatic door -- rendering itself useless. Knowing the number of sources and their direction also makes a big difference, imho.

p.s.

in terms of tech hardware I would easily put the V1 in my top three of all time.

Agree. New systems making detectors more detectable.

http://www.radarbusters.com/support/spectre/Default.asp

I use BEL RX-65, BTW.

One thing that's nice about the V1 is they are upgradable. Check it out: http://www.valentine1.com/upgrades/

That's probably one reason why the design hasn't changed in 12 years. A new design means the old ones won't be upgradable anymore. Personally I like the design. It's simple, compact, and it just works.

One more thing to ask of BEL manufacturer is if it can be programmed. I programmed my V1, disabling X band completely, which really reduces the false alerts. I did this because the only state reporting to use the X band for law enforcement is Ohio, and I don't drive in Ohio (or anywhere near there, for that matter).

The arrows, ability to upgrade the software in one's existing unit, and the ability to program the unit as I have done have made it a very worthwhile investment. I looked at all the detectors before I made my decision last year to buy one that was $100+ more than all the others. I am very pleased with my purchase a year later, and if you were to ask my wife, me being satisfied and content with most any electronic gadget I bought a year ago is a big deal! :cheers:

Hi,

If you read this article: http://autos.aol.com/article/general/v2/_a/whos-watching/20060816150109990001 about a NHTSA proposed requirement, you may find that radar detectors may soon go the way of the Buggy Whip. It portends to have some really nasty and scary consequences for enthusiasts...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

My BEL RX-65 is advertized as programmable in 7 functions (including bands). Which I've done.

It is also listed as "software upgradable" for enforcement advances. Which I have not done. Assume you have to send it in?

I alert to X-band regularly from deputy sheriffs and small town cops here in NC and neighboring states. The alerts are generally veeerry early.

I don't think many/any detectors beat the V-1. But mine almost does with a lower falsing rate.

The BEL STi was mentioned in an earlier post is interesting in that it is undetectable by the latest radar detector detectors. VG-2 is on the way out.

When I get a radar detector, I will get the V1. Not just because its better than anyhting else in the world, but you can buy a new rear view mirror with the lights built in, so its invisible unless its lit up. With the detector hidden away (dont know how effective it would be in the rear compartment, not being sarcastic either, dont know if itd be fine or not work at all) , and a remote turn on switch, no cop would ever find it.

bt,
if you get the v1 and I highly recommend it for new drivers (speeding tickets and less than 5 years driving experience is a BAD combination) definitely go for the $40 remote display box that keeps the main unit from flashing at all.
You want to avoid flashing lights in your rear view area. Flashing blue or red lights attract attention of tail gaiters and trailing police.

Sometimes I'll play it safe on a 35 mph two lane and I'll only do 40mph only to have some dip**************** start high beaming me. I'll reboot the V1 so that dip**************** sees the sees the series of flashing lights from the main unit being rebooted(the only time it flashes when using the remote box) and he/she figures I know something they don't. They usually pass me or quit with the high beaming.

I have a V1, but didn't do much good for the laser gun ticket i received last month!!