What radar detector do you use? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Jeph · 08-20-2006, 12:08 PM

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?

crzn427 · 08-20-2006, 12:21 PM

I don't rely on a radar detector.

binaryc · 08-20-2006, 08:45 PM

Valentine 1 is the only way to go

Jeph · 08-20-2006, 09:16 PM

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?

MNBoxster · 08-20-2006, 09:20 PM

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

z12358 · 08-21-2006, 05:00 AM

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.

Jeph · 08-21-2006, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

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

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

NickCats · 08-21-2006, 06:56 AM

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...

MNBoxster · 08-21-2006, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeph

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

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

tonyg · 09-02-2006, 05:41 PM

I've had them all...........escort, passport, Bel, and nothing can compare to my
K40 850! It's hard wired and has saved me more times than I want to admit. No frills - but the most dependable detector I've ever owned. K40 pays all speeding tickets the first year with the exception of DUI - and it is upgradable.

Dr. Kill · 09-03-2006, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyg

K40 pays all speeding tickets the first year with the exception of DUI - and it is upgradable.

What is the fine print on that agreement though? If I am not mistaken, they only pay it if you are within something like 10% of the posted speed limit or something like that – unlikely you will get a ticket at that speed anyway.

jeff · 09-03-2006, 03:52 PM

Quote "It's true with the Factory installed Rain Sensor Wipers."

Thanks Jim. Guess I'll have to mount the detector on the dash. I wonder why the Interior of the window would have this ?