Why a V1 over a Bel RX65 or STI Driver???

**cableguy** · 03-26-2006, 10:21 AM

Gentlemen, I am new to this forum as you can see and have recently taken a job that requires me to travel extensively throughout Central PA. I am torn between the V1 and the Bel RX65. Every...and I mean every review that I have read shows the Bel coming out ahead of the V1 but I also find that the V1 has an excellent reputation. It appears that the V1 hasn't won a single battle against the Bel and Escort since around 2002.

Can you V1 enthusiasts please share with me some insight and experiences you have had to help me make the right decision? The $400 doesn't phase me so its not about the money...I just want the best protection possible and every review points me towards the Bel.

Thank you all, in advance, for your insight and patience!

**jimbonzzz** · 03-26-2006, 10:34 AM

Have you looked at the Guys of LIDAR detector tests?

http://www.guysoflidar.com/radar-det...ctor-test.html
http://www.guysoflidar.com/radar-det...testjan06.html

**TeamQuack** · 03-26-2006, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by cableguy

Every...and I mean every review that I have read shows the Bel coming out ahead of the V1 but I also find that the V1 has an excellent reputation. It appears that the V1 hasn't won a single battle against the Bel and Escort since around 2002.

dont believe everything you read, look for a trusted source.....and each of those RD's u can send back within 30days, and since money isnt a problem, why dont u try both and decide for yourself....

**V1 Dave** · 03-26-2006, 11:14 AM

Detector testing from various groups have shown to be very biased over the years seems the only people that you can trust is some of the people on this forum that make a hobby out of finding what is new or performs the best and that would be Guys of LIDAR.
Bel,Escort,V1 they are all typically neck & neck in detection range so it all comes down to personal preference for the sounds, lights direction, controls configuration.
Like Mike Valentine says buy them all and send back the losers!

ES13Raven · 03-26-2006, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by V1 Dave

Like Mike Valentine says buy them all and send back the losers!

Originally Posted by TeamQuack

dont believe everything you read, look for a trusted source.....and each of those RD's u can send back within 30days, and since money isnt a problem, why dont u try both and decide for yourself....

x2 :wink:

**jerry540i** · 03-26-2006, 02:41 PM

I've been using detectors for over 20 years and have had units from all of the major (and some minor) manufacturers. I'm driving with a V1 right now.

Basically the top 3 detectors are similar in overall performance as far as radar detection goes, but the V1 clearly is the leader in laser detection. Some users of this forum may comment on V1's excellent x-band range, or that certain detectors are better at specific frequencies of Ka band, but overall, any of the top 3 should alert you in time.

As far as influencing you to purchase the V1, once you use a detector with arrows, you'll wonder how you ever used one without them. It is hands down the most useful feature that is unique to the V1--no more searching around your car ahead and behind looking for the source of the alert.

Hope this helps.

**cableguy** · 03-26-2006, 03:29 PM

Thanks guys! From what I have read, there really isn't any detector, including the V1, that can protect you against laser unless you pick up a scattered signal from another vehicle. If you are the only vehicle...sounds like you're screwed :cry:

I was looking to purchase a M-20 X-Treme Blinder (highly recommended by Roy) for the laser and just want a solid detector for the radar. If I am missing something here, please feel comfortable in letting me know. I was an RF engineer for many years with Motorola and feel that I understand this fairly well...but as my wife would say, sometimes men think they know more than they would like to admit

Thanks again for the replies and if I am missing something as it pertains to the laser, I would like to better understand.

Longsnowsm · 03-26-2006, 04:01 PM

The V1 has the most consistent results across the board of those that you listed. I have had my V1 save me a couple of times with laser. It easily picked up the scatter off the cars being shot in front of me. It truely is that amazing. Granted no detector is going to help you if your alone on the road regardless of radar or laser. Your eyes are your first line of defense in that case. Not too many LEO's are that uninformed to sit and just spray radar or laser all over the place... It is instant on usually.

Longsnowsm

**Cloud9** · 03-27-2006, 03:08 PM

wait and buy an AL6 laser jammer when they come out..its much better than the blinder and the rest of the lot according to recent tests.

**cableguy** · 03-27-2006, 04:09 PM

Well, I ordered my V1 today and it should be here on Wednesday! I plan on testing it against my RX65 and will indeed return the loser

When is the new laser jammer coming out and who makes it? Any idea of cost?

Thanks for the heads up and the feedback guys. I am looking forward to testing out the V1.