Looking to get a new detector

[ComputernerdBD]

Hey everyone. I got a Whistler PRO78SE and I was looking to upgrade it to something with better range, off axis detection, spec mode, voice and something that isn't a Cobra. I like my 78, but lately it hasn't been alerting when it should have and I almost got popped for speeding the other day. I was looking at detectors that I can get for around $225 or less online and I just wanted to get an opinion on how they are in the real world. I have looked at reviews and I am stuck deciding which one I should consider.

-Beltronics RX65 Blue
-Beltronics Vector V995

-Whistler XTR-695
-Whistler PRO-3450
-Another Whistler PRO78SE (maybe the later revisions are better?)

I know that alot of you would just say "Get a V1!", but I don't have that kind of money and I don't drive fast enough to have to worry about that kind of advance warning. I don't really need a GPS enabled detector or one with unimportant stuff like Ku band, but something that gives alot of warning so I can avoid cops. Thanks

[Mandingo]

Before you decide look at all the posts I made about my Cobra.

I switched from a whistler 78 Se when I had the same problems that your having.

Didn't mean too even. I was offered a top end Cobra for a steal at Radio Shack.

gave it a try on a lark

It was a complete surprise how much the top end Cobra's have improved.

wait I forgot

No Cobra

Never mind

Not that get a Bell rx65 blue with international channel selections

[warnerwh]

In the

[Mandingo]

In the Escort store on Ebay you can get the Bel RX65 or Passport 8500 x50 for dollars. These are both excellent detectors. Read the reviews of them. I wouldn't consider anything else. I have the RX65 because I know that one of the best radar detectors is the only way to go and for good reasons too. You are well protected with either of these. These days only look at the Bel, Escort or Valentine detectors if you want to have good protection. I don't know anything about Whistlers but I understand they have a couple of decent detectors. You aren't going to get better than the two I recommended for that kind of money. Btw

If I had more money I would buy the Bel GX65 or Passport 9500ix.

Be aware these are refurbished detectors and the 8500 is essentially a Bell 995

their main trouble are both have slow response time to qt/IO

the Rx65 has one version that is pretty quick in this way

I believe it''s the international version that can be set to limit the bands it scans.

Be also aware that their off axis reception isn't all that great because they use the m4 antenna.

[TerragonSix]

Out of your two choices, I'd go with the RX65

[Mandingo]

There is a beltronics vector LR for twenty bucks on ebay !

I just checked and it beats the snot out of the newer Bell 995 on qt and I/O

It also has the s7 antenna.

new RX65's use the lesser m4

BTW this model is a hand tuned special edition

[North Alabama]

I almost got popped for speeding the other day....I don't drive fast enough to have to worry about that kind of advance warning....something that gives alot of warning

??????? If you deal with I/O, no warning is advanced enough! "Wow! I should have had a V8" LOL.....

[EscortRadar]

The refurbished RX65 mentioned before has a selectable "Ka USA" mode that, when enabled, improves it's performance against Ka radar significantly. It's quick as lightning with it on. For your budget I highly recommend it. You'll also get voice alerts which many like and some advanced display modes.

Note that it will not be compatible with our new Escort Live smartphone app. You will have to purchase a newer Escort or Beltronics detector for this.

[ComputernerdBD]

If I find an RX65 on Craigslist or eBay slightly used (like a few months old), should I go for it or are used detectors no good?

[Mandingo]

If I find an RX65 on Craigslist or eBay slightly used (like a few months old), should I go for it or are used detectors no good?

buyer beware IMO. You could try escorttrader for a refurbished one but I have always be leery of RFU'S You could add a forty dollar warranty for a year I suppose,

but then price keeps going up