Beltronics STi Driver Radar Detector Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Have this radar detector and am pleased with operation. Has all the bells and whistles until it gets hot. Assuming radar detectors are to be mounted on the dash or windshield, when this baby gets in the sun, you get a display memo that tells you to contact Bel for information. Upon contacting Bel, I find out that if the unit gets too hot, it shuts itself down and has to be sent in to repair at $40 a shot plus your shipping. This unit was a gift and therefore, I could stick the warranty in my ass. No receipt, no service. Unit was 8 months old when it overheated and Bel wouldn't do anything without a receipt. I called numerous times to get it repaired or replaced, to no avail. One would think when you spend $600 for a radar detector, you might just get some customer service. With Beltronics, you can keep it for a paper weight. Beltronics has the worst customer service in the industry. As they say in China: no ticky, no laundry.

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As a driver, you know that road safety is Number 1. The Beltronics STi2 Driver Radar Detector keeps you alert to assure that your driving reflexes are sharp and fine. It's a total shield against any radar detector detector with latest frequencies and technologies. Drive safely and be responsible with the Beltronics STi2 Driver Radar Detector in your car. Mount it on your windshield. Beltronics STi2 Driver Radar Detector protects responsible drivers from virtually any speed detection system used by traffic enforcement. Exclusive TotalShield technology makes this top of the line detector invisible to radar detector detectors. And if the best in class detection wasn't enough, the STi Driver package comes complete with a comprehensive owner's manual with quick reference card, quick-release windshield mount with suction cups, alert lamp and power-on indicator, molded zipper travel case and dont forget--360 degree protection. This is by far the best detector for the professional driver. The Beltronics STi Driver features a new platform for radar detection. A magnesium housing provides extra durability and shields the STi Driver from detection. Exclusive TotalShield technology makes this top of the line detector invisible to radar detector detector, including VG-2 and Spectre. Beltronics doesn't skimp on the advanced warning systems, either. With two forward-looking antennas, you are well protected against X, K, and Ka-band radar, including "POP" Ka-band instant-on radar. Multiple laser sensors sweep at long range, and you'll be protected against false alarms by the AutoScan feature. You can program the STi Driver's sensitivity for city or highway. For a drive-worry free car trip, get the leading STi radar detector. Features:9 programmable features Display Types - 280 LED Alphanumeric; Bar Graph, Threat Display, Tech Display,Automatic plus 4 levels of fixed brightness

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Escort Passport 9500ci Custom-Installed Radar Detector Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a car-guy, I've owned a ton of radar detectors. The past few years, the choices have been very limited and I've tried most of them.
I've gone through a Valentine One (V1), a Escort Passport 9500i and finally the 9500ci.
In terms of RADAR, all three are nearly identical in terms performance and sensitivity.
Here's a quick progressive comparison of the other features.
The V1 has the arrows, which is great and all, but I didn't really need to know where the threat is coming from. I just needed to 1) know the threat was real and 2) slow down to the posted speed limit. I replaced the V1 because it was just too noisy during my commute. A great detector, but too much chatter.
I upgraded to the 9500i. It shined because of it's built-in GPS feature. I pass by five K-based RADAR Speed Limit signs each way on my commute. With GPS marking, I could easily lock out those specific false signals. The next time I would pass by, the system would be silent. When approaching one of these "marked" locations, the GPS icon on the display would start to rotate. This was essentially the 9500i saying, "I'm picking up the radar signal, but I'm not "bleeping" because you told me this exact location is a false". Simply awesome. The system is quiet until an unknown threat is detected.
The one thing I still hated; constantly removing the unit from the windshield every time I would park downtown or in a not-so-secure location. It was a thief-magnet and I didn't want to attract any unwanted attention.
That is what finally led me to the 9500ci. It takes all of the features of the 9500i and gives you an "integrated/stealth install". No more tacky black box suction-cupped to the windshield and no more worries!
The 9500ci also includes a pre-loaded Red Light/Speed Camera database which is upgradeable via the installed USB port. As you approach a Camera in the database, the system alerts you at a user-defined distance. Very handy.
If there was one not-so-great feature with the 9500ci, it would be the laser shifting. The kit includes ZR4 laser shifters. They are "decent" performers against some types of LIDAR guns, but not as good as top-of-the line Laser Interceptors or the new Blinder system. There are a ton of resources/reviews on line. Many include detailed performance figures. Do your homework with regards to what LIDAR guns are used in your area to help determine what system is best for you.
Installation took two days and included a custom-fabricated mount so the heads would be placed "just" ahead of the lower grill and level with the road. This would provide maximum range and functionality. The GPS unit, brain and speaker are all located under the leather instrument cluster shroud, just below the windshield. The USB port and a "kill" switch are located under the dashboard. The controls and display were stealthy mounted in the ashtray, also using a custom-fabricated panel. Be sure to check out the customer images I uploaded.
The only other negative and why this ultimately got 4-stars instead of 5-stars is the price. $1600 plus another grand or more to have it "properly" installed. You gotta pay to play they say. :)

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The PASSPORT 9500ci is the ultimate custom-installed radar and laser defense system. With blistering all-band radar protection and precise laser "shifting" technology, speeding tickets can be a thing of the past. ESCORT continues to lead the industry by incorporating its patented GPS technology that automatically identifies the source and location of all radar signals. Real threats are processed in less than a second, while false signals are learned and eliminated. Now all you have to do is drive!

The PASSPORT 9500ci is completely undetectable to all radar detector detectors, keeping you unseen and unnoticed. Crystal-Clear Voice Alerts, Speed Alert, Safety Warning System and its stealth installation make the PASSPORT 9500ci the ultimate in discreet protection.
It also comes pre-loaded with thousands of Safety Camera locations, (red light and fixed speed cameras) throughout the U.S. and Canada, and can be updated through ESCORT's web site. The PASSPORT 9500ci comes complete with owner's manual and installation guide, installation DVD, separate miniature controller and text display, front-mounted radar receiver, twin front-mounted laser receivers/shifters, rear license plate mounted laser receiver/shifter, 12-volt interface module, GPS antenna, 12-volt amplified speaker, display bezel, bi-color LED, and all mounting hardware. Also includes a 3 Year Database Subscription. There is nothing else like it.
Features
Ultimate in custom-installed discreet protection
Precise Laser Shifting Technology*--360 degree protection
Blistering All-Band Radar Protection
Completely undetectable to all Detector Detector Scanners
New Variable-Speed Radar Performance
New AutoLearn Feature
New Safety Camera Database--(pre-loaded with thousands of safety camera locations, including red light and fixed position speed cameras, located throughout North America)
New GPS-Powered Truelock Filter
New Mark Location Features
New Adaptive Signal Processing
New Speed Alert
New Crystal-Clear Voice Alerts
Free 3 Year Database Subscription
Database Compatible (Safety Cameras)
User-Selectable Preferences
High-Resolution Brilliant Blue Display
5 Levels of Brightness Control
Mute, AutoMute & SmartMute
Safety Warning System--60 specific safety messages

What's in the Box Owner's manual, installation guide, installation DVD, miniature controller and text display, front-mounted radar receiver, twin front-mounted laser receivers/shifters, rear license plate mounted laser receiver/shifter, 12-volt interface module, GPS antenna, 12-volt amplified speaker, display bezel, bi-color LED, and mounting hardware.

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Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar and Laser Detector (Blue Display) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Before I actually begin, one thing should be perfectly clear - you're looking at this radar because you understand accuracy is not only important, it is critical when looking for a radar detector. If you look at my other reviews, you'll notice that I've given 5 stars to those products as well - you'll also notice I haven't done many reviews in the past, that's because I only really write reviews for items that I think deserve it. As for the rest, well, I don't keep the product if it doesn't meet the 5 star requirement! So trust me when I say this radar is the best you can buy under $500.
Accuracy:
I've always been a little skeptical about using radar detectors, everyone knows they won't prevent tickets every single time. But, if it can save you a couple tickets it's already paid for itself. I live in Chicago, and frequently drive to neighboring states for work and to visit family. Because of this, I knew that I would have to buy a solid detector that was effective if I was constantly on the road. I made the right choice. Driving on the expressways in the midwest is simple for me now knowing I am using the 8500 x50. It has alerted me much in advance if a cop was gunning and I've always had time to slow down and pass the cop at the posted speed limit. The three main alerts, K, KA, and X are pretty much always on target - and with minimal false readings, it stays quiet when it needs to.
Ease of Use:
One of the best aspects of this radar is how easy it is to use. Right out of the package, it's ready to go. However, if you're a little more technical and always need things a certain way, you can configure it with a number of different settings to fit your style. One of the downfalls is that I wish the x50 would have a better volume control - I feel that it doesn't go loud enough, especially when I'm listening to music in my car. To make up for it, I've moved the x50 from the center of the winshield to more to the left, so it is in my field of vision while I drive to allow me to see the display at all times out of the corner of my eye. In addition, the Escort SmartCord works well with it's auto mute button on the adaptor itself.
Value:
Hands down, the x50 takes the gold as the number one radar on the market. You're probably thinking to yourself, $340 for a radar detector is a lot of money. And you know.. you're absolutely right. But.. if you save yourself two speeding tickets, the x50 has paid for itself (not to mention the pain of having to go to court and traffic school). If this radar was over $400, it would still be worth it considering what you may be saving yourself from. I got the x50 with the blue display because it was from the Sharper Image, and that's all they had. If you want to save yourself $40 by going with the red display, I say do it and save some cash.
The Bottom Line:
If you want to make a solid investment, get the 8500 x50 and don't waste your money with a $100 or $200 radar that isn't accurate - doing that will cost you the price of your ticket plus a radar detector that would be better off being used for a paper weight. Although Bel and the Valentine One are solid detectors, they don't match up to the stats that the x50 has - see it for yourself at www.radartest.com.


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The Passport 8500 has been hailed as the most revolutionary radar/laser detector ever.Forbes.com said, "it might be the best radar detector ever made!"Popular Mechanics called it "state of the art." RadarTest.com named it "The World's Best!"Now, we're raising the bar . . . again.Introducing the all new Passport 8500 X50 - the most advanced and sophisticated detector ever!

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Beltronics RX65 RED Professional Series Radar (Black/Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this radar as a present from my in-laws. Of course, I knew what I was getting, since that was what I asked them to get for me for my birthday :-) . Anyhow. The first week, my brother-in-law borrowed it from me to go to NYC (we live in Upstate, NY - about 6 hour drive to New York City). When he came back, he didn't want to give me the radar back, that's how much he liked it. He's had a few radars in the past, but he said that this one is by far superior to all the other ones, including the latest one from Passport. The next week, my wife and I took a trip to Niagara Falls, and this little "guy" worked its magic. I could "see" the cops long before they could "see" me. So, here is a little pros and cons list for this item:
Pros:
Range - like I already mentioned before, it's got a great "range", and gave me plenty of time to slow down before the cops could catch my speed on their radar guns.
Features - it's got "tons" of cool features. You can program it any way you like it. It's also got one of those "safety" features on it. It tells you if there is a construction going on or an accident on a road ahead (this feature is not present in all areas though).
Controls - the controls are totally awesome! Their easy to access and very "user-friendly", meaning that you don't have to read through the manual to figure out how to do something. Even the power cord has a mute button on it! Very sleek!
Cons:
Price - this is probably one of the most expensive radar detectors on the market. But, if you want the best, be prepare to pay for it.
Summary: It's certainly not cheap, but I think it's well worth the price. Great radar! Highly recommended!

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Beltronics Pro RX65 radar/laser/safety detector provides ultra performance! This detector has it all. Digital technology provides ultra long-range detection. Features include text display, digital voice alerts, 7 selectable features, and custom travel case. It integrates with Laser Pro 905 for laser blocking.

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Escort Passport 9500ix Radar/Laser Detector (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)WHICH ONE IS BETTER? READ AND FIND OUT. I bought both the Escort 9500ix and Beltronics GX65 for a week long, on dash, real world comparison. They both are sold by the same company and they offer a 30 day, money back guarantee. I figured, what the heck.....I'll try them out, side by side. These units were both mounted at the same level on the window of my truck.
I read all the reviews I could get my hands on and narrowed it down to these two radar detectors. The Escort 9500ix and Beltronics GX65 models are touted as the most sensitive window mounted units available with the new "GPS" advantage.
DISPLAY- Both units have the option of dim, medium, bright, dark and auto mode. The Escort 9500ix has blue lights. The background of this unit is black, but glows blue around the numbers, to a point of skewing the display a little bit. At night, it is easier to read. The Beltronics GX65 has red lights with a pure black background. The GX65 display is crystal clear, day or night. Advantage Beltronics GX65. Importance - Moderate.
POWER CORD- While sitting behind the wheel, the Escort 9500ix cord plugs in on the left hand side of the detector unit. The Beltronics GX65 cord plugs in on the right hand side. Depending upon the set up of your vehicle, SPECIFICALLY THE LOCATION OF YOUR POWER SUPPLY, this could make a big difference. Both of the detectors have a dark display mode, where the display goes completely black (for night use, so other drivers can't see your detector). While using dark mode, the only thing that lights up is the very end of the power cord, where it plugs into the power supply. The unit still makes sound, but only you will be able to see the light at the power supply. Very ingenious idea! Advantage to neither. It depends upon the location of you power supply. Importance - Moderate
SIZE and BUTTONS - Both units of virtually the same size, however, I personally prefer the shape and button layout of the Beltronics GX65. Importance - Low
WINDOW MOUNT - Both the 9500ix and GX65 use the same exact window mounts. For an expensive $500 dollar radar detector, I feel that the mounts are very cheesy. My old mount on my $79 Whistler was superior to this window mount. Both of these units tap the window when driving. This is due to the design of the mount. The mother company needs to improve this window mount in my opinion. Importance - Moderate
GPS "LOCKOUT" CAPABILITY - Both units have the ability to "Lockout" any false signal. When you know the detector is sensing a false signal, all you need to do is tap a button three times and it will permanently lock out the false signal. This is an absolutely fantastic feature. Both detectors also have the ability to warn you of red light cameras, photo cameras and speed traps. This is also a nice advancement. You can manually set the detector to warn you of any known speed trap in your area. Nice feature! The only GPS negative is when you're driving down the interstate and you drive over an intersection with a red light camera. The detector will sound, even though your not going through the light. This is the only negative I've found regarding the GPS system. Importance - VERY HIGH
AUTO LEARN - This feature is only on the 9500ix. You drive a false signal 3 times and the 9500ix will automatically lock out the signal permanently. For any proactive person (most people who purchase a radar detector!), this feature is not that important. The moment I drive by any false signal, I lock it out immediately. Why would I wait to drive by it 3 times? It only takes three taps of a button. On the other hand, for someone who is electronically challenged, this feature might be a lifesaver.With this feature, theoretically, after a few weeks of driving, you should be able to drive around your home area, never touch your detector and all false signals will be locked out. Therefore, no more false alarms, Police warnings only! Advantage: Escort 9500ix. Importance - Moderate
SENSITIVITY - This area is the most important of all. The reviews and tests I've read online, showed the 9500ix as being slightly more sensitive to Ka, K band and laser. It's only a few hundred feet, but that could be the difference between a speeding ticket or not.
These results are not scientific, but in every situation I encountered, the 9500ix picked up true police radar a second to a few seconds quicker the the GX65. This is really the main reason I decided to keep the Escort Passport 9500ix. In my opinion (and the scientific results back it up), the sensitivity of the 9500ix is superior to the GX65. Advantage: Escort Passport 9500ix. Importance - CRUCIAL.
THE WINNER, and better detector where it matters most is.................. the ESCORT PASSPORT 9500ix. I shipped the Beltronics GX65 back for a full refund.


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PASSPORT 9500ix comes complete with comprehensive owner’s manual, quick-release windshield mount, coiled SmartCord, quick reference card, and an ESCORT travel case.

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