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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Beltronics STi Driver Radar Detector (Black/Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)Here is my "short list" of the top performing windshield mount radar detectors which are available from any manufacturer and at any price. This list is grouped in order of decreasing performance. Models within a particular group have nearly identical performance:
Valentine V1
Escort Redline
Beltronics STi Driver
Escort 9500ix
Beltronics GX65
Escort 9500i
There you have it. That is the short list of the top performing windshield radar detectors.
In a nutshell, the V1 and the STi are designed primarily for highway driving and long road trips. The models listed in the second group are designed mainly for suburban and city driving since they feature GPS in order to filter out known false alert locations. Those false alerts are caused by either X band or K band microwave automatic door openers and by alarm systems which use radar motion sensors.
The V1 has front and rear antennas plus arrows to indicate where the radar source is located -- front, back, or to the side. Yet the V1 is readily detected by the Spectre radar detector detector (RDD) which is used by police in VA and by the DSP in Texas to nab motorists who are using radar detectors. The STi, on the other hand, is completely immune to detection by the Spectre RDD or any other RDD since the STi does not emit any type of microwave radiation. In short, the STi truly is a stealth radar detector and its steath makes the STi worth its weight in gold.
I have extensively road tested both the V1 and the STi. Both perform very similarly in terms of overall performance, with the V1 having a very slight edge. Yet the STi's stealth, combined with its superior quietness when used in cities or other suburban areas makes the STi the clear winner in my book. The STi, unlike the V1, is also extraordinarily easy to program in order to configure its settings to perfectly suit your needs. My one major caveat regarding the STi is that its built-in speaker isn't very loud. But this issue is easily solved by installing the extremely loud amplified remote speaker which Beltronics includes with the STi. You can hear the remote speaker with the top down and with the radio blaring.
In short, the Beltronics STi Driver is my favorite windshield mount radar detector. It is so good that I use it all the time even though I also have the Escort 9500ci remote installed radar detector and laser shifter system installed in my car. I always operate one or the other radar detector in bar graph signal strength display mode with the other radar detector in radar frequency display mode. This way I not only know how strong a radar threat is, but also the specific nature of the radar threat. For example, 24.7 frequency Ka radar guns are relatively easy to detect, but 35.5 frequency Ka radar guns are harder to detect since these radar guns have very long and narrowly tapered radar antennas. You have to slow down immediately when detecting 35.5 Ka radar since most of the time there is no easy way to determine just how far away the 35.5 radar gun really is.
Finally, although the Beltronics STi Driver is my favorite windshield mount radar detector for my particular driving needs, it may not be the most ideally suited radar detector for you. For example, if most of your driving (or my driving) is suburban/city driving, then I would pick one of the radar detectors which I listed in the second group. On the other hand, if you are a road warrior who logs hundreds of interstate miles every month and if you frequently travel through VA or TX, then the STi Driver is your only real choice. Excluding these two states, then the V1 also is an excellent choice, and at that point it boils down to your own personal preferences as to what features between these two radar detectors which are most important to you.
If you buy a used STi, keep in mind that most likely it will not have any warranty. If you buy an STi from an unauthorized dealer, then it will have no warranty whatsoever. If you buy a used STi, then you should be willing to send it to Beltronics and have it flashed with their latest firmware which addresses several issues and which improves overall performance. Yes, there will be a fee for this service, but on the other hand, a used STi with the latest firmware flash will perform exactly like a brand new STi. Something to think about.
So, there you have it! I always try to cut to the chase and write unbiased product reviews.

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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.9 programmable features 280 LED alphanumeric display voltage meter display 2 city modes and highway mode Operating Bands - X-band -10.525 GHz +- 25 MHz; K-band -24.150 GHz +- 100 MHz; Ka-band -34.700 GHz +- 1300 MHz; Laser -904nm, 33MHz bandwidth Dimensions -3 1/16 W x 1 1/4 H x 4 3/4 D

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Beltronics Pro GX65 Radar Detector (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Beltronics GX65 is the best radar detector that I have ever owned. I have had many over the years including the Valentine V1. Although this is a good detector, the GX65 gives me more warning on the signals that matter as well as not having to worry about listening to it go off for the wrong reason (You tell it what you want to not listen to). The other thing that is great about this detector is the pre-warning it gives when you are approaching a red-light camera. It tells you exactly where these are before it is too late.
Very well built, you can immediately tell you are not buying a product that skimps on material. The GX65 also comes with a very well written owners manual that is easy to understand.
Recommend very highly!!

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The Beltronics Professional Series GX65 delivers the best long-range warning on all radar bands including X, K, Superwide Ka, Ku, and instant-on POP. Multiple front and rear laser sensors provide 360-degree laser protection, including the widest field of view. The Beltronics Pro GX65's GPS-powered technology provides permanent relief from false alarms, including automatic door openers, motion sensors, and other radar-based sensors. And, it comes preloaded with thousands of red light and fixed position speed camera locations throughout North America.

Superior Detection The GX65 delivers the best long-range warning on all radar bands including X, K, Superwide Ka, Ku, and instant-on POP. Multiple front and rear laser sensors provide 360-degree laser protection, including the widest field of view. A revolutionary AutoScan mode provides real-time radar performance based on vehicle speed, plus Highway and AutoNoX settings.
In addition, the new Safety Camera Database provides warning for thousands of locations throughout North America, and web-ready access allows you to update your safety camera data and other software through Beltronics' website.
Excellent Functionality The GX65's 280-LED text-matrix display gives you easy-to-read messages and visual alerts to match the crystal-clear voice alerts. Simple user programming lets you instantly set several features. Use the optional SmartPlug for instant Mute and AlertLock access.
Installation is a breeze as well. Just use the quick release mount to attach it to your vehicle's windshield, and remove it in a snap. The included travel case lets you pack it up and take it anywhere.
BRT Dark (Full Dark Mode) In this mode, the display will not show any visual alerts when the GX65 detects signals. Only the audible alert will tell you of detected signals.
Mark Location (MRK) The "MRK" button allows you to mark a specific location and label it for future reference. Once marked, the GX65 will provide an alert with an arrow indicating the direction of the location when you reach this area again. This can be extremely useful for known speed traps or camera locations that you'd like to remember.
Speed Check The GX65's Speed Check feature provides a visual indication of your vehicle speed during the first few seconds of an alert. This allows you to instantly check your speed without looking at your speedometer. Speed Check is displayed regardless of your meter setting.
New Variable Speed Sensitivity also provides real-time radar protection based on your vehicle's speed.
Display Safety Radar Messages Safety Warning System (SWS) uses a modified K-band radar signal to alert users of Highway Construction or Maintenance, Highway Hazard Zone Advisories, Weather Related Hazards, Travel Information/Convenience, and Fast/Slow Moving Vehicles. The SWS has 64 possible messages (60 currently allocated), all of which can be displayed on your RX55's LED display.
One Year Limited Warranty Get a little more peace of mind with Beltronics' one-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box Beltronics Pro GX65 Radar Detector (Black), owner's manual, quick-release windshield mount, coiled SmartPlug, quick reference card, travel case

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Escort Passport iQ 5" Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Radar/Laser Detector Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When my 9500ix was stolen out of my car earlier this year, I went shopping for a replacement. I was happy to see that someone FINALLY came out with a legitimate Radar/GPS combo that was housed in a stealthy "GPS-looking" body. I ordered the IQ and used it for 2 weeks. Then I boxed it up, sent it back, and ordered another 9500ix. On the positive side, the radar seemed to work equally as well as my 9500ix did. On the negative side, the IQ was HUGE&HEAVY, the GPS software was poor (didnt like the user interface, the routes were not always the best, and it often brought me to a location "down the road" from the intended destination), and I did not like the design of the mount - whether windshield mounted or "bean-bag" dash mounted, the power cord plugs into the *UNIT ITSELF* and NOT the bracket. On the heels of having my previous 9500ix stolen, I certainly didnt want to leave my new and expensive IQ on display when the vehicle was parked. This meant unplugging the power cord from the side before removing it from the mount each time I parked my car. Sounds trivial, but one of many minor annoyances with this unit that I believe will be fixed in the next generation of IQ. Speaking of the next generation -- bluetooth would have been nice in a unit that cost $600+. These days, even a $100 Garmin or TomTom has bluetooth.
In short, I liked the idea of the IQ, but I think the product in its current state misses the mark. Perhaps if Escort addresses some of the issues and releases an updated version in the coming year I will try again, but for now I am perfectly happy with my "9500ix + Garmin".

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Raise your driving intelligence with the all-new PASSPORT iQ, a versatile auto accessory integrating state-of-the-art radar/laser detection, speed camera and speed limit information, 3D GPS navigation, and more. Protect yourself from unwanted tickets and get safely to your destination.

Radar/Laser Detection
Detector Mode
ESCORT'S award-winning all-band protection plus a myriad of useful features keep you on the road, not on the side of it.

Multiple Screen Options
Multiple screen options allow you to choose the information you want, in the color you prefer.

Expert Mode
Detector experts will appreciate the ability to track multiple sources, including numeric frequency.

PASSPORT iQ Detector View
Multiple screens track and display up to four different radar signals. You can also manage alerts and mark speed traps or safety camera locations for future reference.

Easy 3D Navigation
Ultimate Guidance
Easy to read 3D maps, powered by NAVTEQ, provide clear turn-by-turn voice-guided instructions with lane assist.

Patented Defender Database
ESCORT's Defender data is pre-loaded and provides audible and visual alerts for speed traps, red light cameras and speed camera locations for North America.

PASSPORT iQ Map View
View your current location and route on a map. You can also manage alerts and mark speed traps or safety camera locations for future reference. Map view will also provide speed trap and camera icons directly on the map. Radar and laser alerts are shown in the lower left corner with a corresponding bar graph.

PASSPORT iQ Features
Personal navigation system comes complete with NAVTEQ mapping, branded points of interest, speed limit data, and lane assist.
AutoLearn feature automatically learns and rejects false radar sources based on exact location and frequency.
New proprietary threat-signal ranking (TSR) software intelligently sorts, ranks, and rejects traffic-flow-monitoring false alarms automatically.
Cruise Alert feature offers modified radar alerts within specified speeds.
Defender Database stores thousands of red-light and fixed-position speed cameras throughout North America.
Revolutionary AutoSensitivity mode provides real-time radar performance based on vehicle speed, plus Highway and Auto NoX settings.
Mark Location feature allows you to instantly "mark" known speed traps, cameras, and other places of interest.
Exclusive SpecDisplay provides actual numeric frequency for any radar signal.
Selectable radar and laser bands allow you to customize which bands are monitored.
Exclusive SmartCord for easy access to Mute and TrueLock features.

PASSPORT iQ Specs
Operating Bands

X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz
K-band 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz
Ka-band 34.700 ± 1,300 MHz
Ku-band 13.450 ± 25 MHz
Laser 904nm, 33 MHz Bandwidth

Radar Receiver/Detector Type

Superheterodyne, Varactor-Tuned VCO
Scanning Frequency Discriminator
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

GPS Receiver

SiRFstar III

Laser Detection

Quantum-Limited Video Receiver
Multiple Laser Sensor Diodes

Display Type

5" LCD Screen with OneTouch User Interface
480 x 272 Resolution

Power Requirement

12-volt DC, Negative Ground
Escort SmartCord Included

Dimensions

5.35" W x 3.71" H x 1.62" D

What's in the Box
5-inch GPS/radar/detection device, SmartCord, USB cable, mounting bracket, owner's manual on CD, quick reference guide, and 90-day trial for Defender Database.

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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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