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  1. #1

    Default Best Sub $200 detector???

    I am looking for a RD for my dad but he wants to spend less than $200. I was looking at the Bel's line up and the Vector series 940 can be had for $150 or so. The top model 955 is almost double. But on the GOL test there was not much difference and actually the 940 did better than the higher models? What are your opinions regarding the 940? Anything else that is better for similar price? Thanks for all inputs.

  2. #2
    Old Timer
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    Aug 2006
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    Default

    From what I understand, the V940, V955, V965, and V995 are all the same platform, some just have more features than others.

    The differences between all the Vector series Bels was probably detector/manufacture variance.

    For the money, the V940 seems to be a great budget detector.

  3. #3

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ELVATO
    From what I understand, the V940, V955, V965, and V995 are all the same platform, some just have more features than others.

    The differences between all the Vector series Bels was probably detector/manufacture variance.

    For the money, the V940 seems to be a great budget detector.

    I have an older Bel 980 model that does not work properly. It just beeps and beeps a few minutes after it has been plugged in. I called and they said it would cost $80+shipping to get it serviced. I wonder if its worth it to service the old 980 or just buy a new 940?

  4. #4
    Radar Fanatic
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    May 2006
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    Charlotte, NC
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    Default

    I honestly would go ahead and purchase either a new Bel Vector 955
    or even the Whistler Pro 78. Both are very nice detectors for the price.
    You really can't go wrong with either.

  5. #5

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Orbital75
    I honestly would go ahead and purchase either a new Bel Vector 955
    or even the Whistler Pro 78. Both are very nice detectors for the price.
    You really can't go wrong with either.
    X2!

  6. #6
    Experienced
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
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    I've recently purchased a 940 after losing my x50 a year ago. It feels like it's not nearly as good, but it could just be psychological because of poor rampup. I'm accustomed to seeing a low alert, followed by a gradual progression to full. Now, it's low all the way until long after I see the leo, when it spikes and holds at full. Bel's in general also seem to be slower in the audiotory alert. Signal changes are much much more noticable it seems on the x50 than the bels. Also, the clatter at full alert is definitely way more convincing on the x50. Makes bel seem lazy.

    But having said that, now when I think about it, my first ka alerts do seem to still be a decent length. So the 940 still gets my vote. I recall reading that circuit city was having it on sale for 125 or something. I went to one today and they said they're no longer carrying it. The lowest model they're selling is the 955 (in terms of bel)

  7. #7
    Good Citizen
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    Location
    Massachusetts
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    147

    Default Re: Best Sub $200 detector???

    Quote Originally Posted by alpha6164
    I am looking for a RD for my dad but he wants to spend less than $200. I was looking at the Bel's line up and the Vector series 940 can be had for $150 or so. The top model 955 is almost double.

    I hope that is a typo - cause the 955 can be bought for as low as $152 at authorized sellers.

    Also, the top model is not the 955

    Check out the GOL testing it almost doubles the Pro 78's detection on many tests.

    955 is my recommendation if the $200 is the strict cut off

  8. #8
    Newcomer
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    Jun 2005
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    Michigan
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by alpha6164
    I have an older Bel 980 model that does not work properly. It just beeps and beeps a few minutes after it has been plugged in. I called and they said it would cost $80+shipping to get it serviced. I wonder if its worth it to service the old 980 or just buy a new 940?
    Trade it in for $80 towards something if you don't want to get it serviced and isn't working right.

  9. #9
    Old Timer
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    Apr 2007
    Location
    New Jersey
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    6,771

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    go work at best buy for 2 weeks...my friend did that so he could get discounts on everything....$340 escort passport 8500 x50 blue cost him $123 :wink:

  10. #10
    Old Timer
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    Jul 2005
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    Great Lakes
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    Default again

    I would say either the Bel 955 or the Whistler Pro 78/XTR 690.

 

 

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