? about radar detectors.

JMcClure · #1 (**permalink**) 2008-10-17

I know the high units are better for the most part, but who do we believe about who/what the best detector is. For example.. The V1 isn't ranked as the best by some(including this site) but others it is?? Some sites say the Whistler XTR 695 is almost as good as the V1 or the Escort 9500, others say it isn't that great? What are we/I believe. I'm really considering the XTR 695(budget reasons) but I really am confused whether it's good or not.

Thanks

Veil Guy · #2 (**permalink**) 2008-10-17

JMcClure,

Welcome to the forum.

I really try to stay away from the term 'best' as that term can be very subjective especially when one considers that each of us may have different requirements or priorities as to what is a most important capability or feature to have for the routes that we drive (and may change accordingly in different locations/scenarios).

I have lived with and reviewed and have put an extensive amount of miles on radar detectors for more than two decades.

Each detector has its relative merits and of the ones you mentioned you really couldn't go wrong.

The XTR-695 is a very capable radar detector and have driven with it and its cousins the XTR-690 and Pro 78 at speeds and durations that would make most quiver. I'd really like to see some further improvement to lidar (police laser) reception capability, but all-in-all a these detectors present some of the best values for the money.

The Beltronics Vector series is another very very good choice. I'd give consideration to the V955, V965, or the V995. Each provide terrific all around performance with a variance of feature sets.

The V1 is still my reference radar detector and is a class by its own when it comes to laser reception and the arrows are a very desired feature in enhancing the utility of its sensitivity.

The 9500i is getting a little long in the tooth and really has been superseded by the 9500ix which adds a red light camera database to its arsenal. The GX65 provides almost the same feature set as the 9500ix save for the autolearn feature (of identified false locations).

The more 'mature,' but still relevant, Beltronics RX65 and Passport 8500 X50 are still extremely desirable pieces.

Today, more than ever, radar detectors from the top manufacturers are really much better all around than they ever were.

Bottom line: You really can't go wrong with your choice.

I believe this is not a subject opinion, but an objective fact.

I have written extensively about all of these units, both on my blog and youtube channel and on our corporate site:

Veil Guy

mhardy2288 · #3 (**permalink**) 2008-10-17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veil Guy

JMcClure,
The 9500i is getting a little long in the tooth and really has been superseded by the 9500ix which adds a red light camera database to its arsenal. The GX65 provides almost the same feature set as the 9500ix save for the autolearn feature (of identified false locations).
Veil Guy

Is the GX65 comparible in detection to the 9500ix? Just wondering because I just got rid of my 9500i for the GX65.

Veil Guy · #4 (**permalink**) 2008-10-17

In the month or so that I have had the BEL GX65, my gut tells me yes, it's comparable to the Escort 9500ix.

The Escort 9500ix, of course has the blue display, the auto-learning feature (of false locations), and and Escort feel where the BEL GX65 has the red display, does not currently provide autolearning, and has a Beltronics feel to it.

Veil Guy

JMcClure · #5 (**permalink**) 2008-10-19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veil Guy

JMcClure,

Welcome to the forum.

I really try to stay away from the term 'best' as that term can be very subjective especially when one considers that each of us may have different requirements or priorities as to what is a most important capability or feature to have for the routes that we drive (and may change accordingly in different locations/scenarios).

I have lived with and reviewed and have put an extensive amount of miles on radar detectors for more than two decades.

Each detector has its relative merits and of the ones you mentioned you really couldn't go wrong.

The XTR-695 is a very capable radar detector and have driven with it and its cousins the XTR-690 and Pro 78 at speeds and durations that would make most quiver. I'd really like to see some further improvement to lidar (police laser) reception capability, but all-in-all a these detectors present some of the best values for the money.

The Beltronics Vector series is another very very good choice. I'd give consideration to the V955, V965, or the V995. Each provide terrific all around performance with a variance of feature sets.

The V1 is still my reference radar detector and is a class by its own when it comes to laser reception and the arrows are a very desired feature in enhancing the utility of its sensitivity.

The 9500i is getting a little long in the tooth and really has been superseded by the 9500ix which adds a red light camera database to its arsenal. The GX65 provides almost the same feature set as the 9500ix save for the autolearn feature (of identified false locations).

The more 'mature,' but still relevant, Beltronics RX65 and Passport 8500 X50 are still extremely desirable pieces.

Today, more than ever, radar detectors from the top manufacturers are really much better all around than they ever were.

Bottom line: You really can't go wrong with your choice.

I believe this is not a subject opinion, but an objective fact.

I have written extensively about all of these units, both on my blog and youtube channel and on our corporate site:

Veil Guy

Thank you for the reply! I saw your reveiw on Youtube about the XTR 695, that's what really raised my eyebrow towards it! Where I live, the main threats is K band and Ka band. According to tests, the XTR 695 offers great range with both of those. I also really like the feature that it actually puts the frequency of the radar on the screen when it's the real deal, and it just goes off when it's a false alarm.

Is the Vector series from BEL a better choice in your opinion?