Radar Detector Review Beltronics Vector 955 Radar Detector: Feeling Comfortable

[RadarReviews_Net]

I have to admit, I drive too fast, always have...always will. After having a Whistler for about 7 years, I got hit with a laser that neither of us were ready for. Thankfully I had a front door and they got nabbed...so I went to the market to save myself from future panic.

Bel or Escort seems to be the biggest debate out there. I compared, contrasted, searched and talked to everyone I knew. Price was a concern for me I admit, but I wanted something that was reliable so it was a trade-off. Finally I did settle on the Beltronics 955.

I did order it online from Radarbusters.com and it came very quickly. The reason I didn't order it from some of the other online stores that did offer about $15 less was simply the return policy and the fact it didn't void the mfr. warranty. I have no complaints about the company whatsoever.

I've had this now for about 3 weeks and it has not failed me yet. Running about 75 on our local highway (posted 55) I had several drivers piling up behind me letting me lead the way. Ka started chirping so I let off. They thought I was nuts so I scooted over into the slow lane. Yep, give me about a mile of Ka's and there was the State boy. Thank you, trusty Bel, I got to work well before I needed...someone else...not so lucky.

One thing I have to say is that this does not pick up cop cars. Only those running laser or radar equipment. At first I was wary that it was picking up signals when I'd see a cop sitting out in the open like he was running radar. Now I will slow down some, but not cram on the brakes like I used to. Some people seem to think that it isn't working if doesn't pick up every officer in sight. 'Nuff said.

I do get false readings, but they are always on X band. Walgreens will set it off in a hurry. Funny, I can tell where every Walgreens store is from about 1/2 mile away! I've never gotten a false Ka, but one store does set off false K band. What you need to do is know where the X band typically goes off and look a bit. As if a cop doesn't know WE know they false there and blow through. Just be careful.

The sound settings are more than adequate. I have set mine to low simply because it is almost too loud. The pitch of the chirps drive the dog nuts and she climbs up near anyone out of fear (weird). After getting used to the different pitches, you won't need it very high.

The ability to change the display brightness and readout is great. My first drive at night had my showing the world the word "Autoscan". In no time I was looking through the book figuring out how to get the dimmer on, it can even go into dark mode to help with the distraction.

Also being able to change the readout is good. Rather than the whole word "Autoscan" I simply have an "A" on the left side and nothing else. Less distraction and less telling the cars you pass "Hey, I've got a Bel on my windshield"!

It does have settings allowing you to change from highway to city mode, blocking X band and other individual preferences. For me, all I want is dim, no words, ALL bands to show up, and RELIABILITY. < Got it!

In essence, this will save your insurance but not your mileage. I drive faster than I did before with confidence. I've never had a ticket in over 19 years of driving way too fast, and with the Bel 955 I don't foresee myself getting one too soon either.

Of course a little common sense needs to prevail. If you see a cop, slow down regardless of radar. If there is an accident, emergency or the road conditions are bad, slow down no matter what. Use the Bel 955 as a tool to help you save on insurance, not as a free pass to drive like a endanger others.

More...

[RadarReviews_Net]

Radar detectors can be a false sense of security if you dont have the right radar detector...plus I just use mine more as a tool and to know more what is around me....plus its fun finding where the cops are at... end of story

[CJR238]

Originally Posted by RadarReviews_Net

Radar detectors can be a false sense of security if you dont have the right radar detector...plus I just use mine more as a tool and to know more what is around me....plus its fun finding where the cops are at... end of story

A false sense of security is the 1 problem with RD's, you should always doubt your RD just a little.