Kustom Eagle

[97bmw328i]

What is the best detector for detecting the Kustom Eagle? I creeped around on the cop cars in my town and saw this is what just about all the units are using. Thanks for the help

[leo68]

What is the best detector for detecting the Kustom Eagle? I creeped around on the cop cars in my town and saw this is what just about all the units are using. Thanks for the help. Valentine One or Bel RX65 or Bel Sti all are excellent at detecting 35 GHz.

[97bmw328i]

how does the x50 stack up with this radar?

[leo68]

how does the x50 stack up with this radar?

my town uses Kustom Golden Eagle and I own the Valentine One, Bel RX65 and Escort 8500 X50 blue display, The Escort 8500 X50 will serve you well but not as good as the Bel or Valentine One. Escort 8500 X50 is also behind when it comes to K band detection. The Escort 8500 X50 probably has the best audio ramp up followed by the Valentine One. See latest test.

http://www.guysoflidar.com/march-2007/radar-detector-test.html

[<<JAZZY>>]

The Valentine One is the best at it.

GOL Radar Detector Test - August 2005

Winner of 35.5 Ka band detection test


GOL Radar Detector Test - October 2006

Winner of 35.5 Ka band detection test


GOL Radar Detector Test - March 2007

Winner of 35.5 Ka band detection test (SR7 was not mounted under the bumper or inside the grill as stated in installation manual)

[lowkey]

how does the x50 stack up with this radar?well some say the x50 does poor but i have testted a x50rev5 on 35.5 with a kustom signal talon ka radar gun and the x50 does a really good job

[KnightHawk]

how does the x50 stack up with this radar?well some say the x50 does poor but i have testted a x50rev5 on 35.5 with a kustom signal talon ka radar gun and the x50 does a really good job

Most of the top 4 radar detector will do the job and the 9500i does well with 35.5 using it for a couple weeks where 35.5 is mostly used in my area. Does well with 90 degree angle approach and forward facing radar.

[maxima lover]

One thing I know about the X50, with it against the Golden Eagle, you'll show 2 threats a lot of the times when there is only 1. Not sure if the others do this though.

[KnightHawk]

One thing I know about the X50, with it against the Golden Eagle, you'll show 2 threats a lot of the times when there is only 1. Not sure if the others do this though.

When you put it in spec mode, it will jump signals from 35.5 to 33.9 and vice versa and that is why you see 2 bogeys instead of one in expert mode. You even get 3 bogeys at times - 2 ka band and 1 K band.

[maxima lover]

One thing I know about the X50, with it against the Golden Eagle, you'll show 2 threats a lot of the times when there is only 1. Not sure if the others do this though.

When you put it in spec mode, it will jump signals from 35.5 to 33.9 and vice versa and that is why you see 2 bogeys instead of one in expert mode. You even get 3 bogeys at times - 2 ka band and 1 K band.

hmm, I don't think StLouisX50 got that. I thought it was 35.5 the whole time. We didn't do a lot of tests with it or anything and it was only brought up when he asked how I had both antenas on at the same time cause he was showing 2 Ka alerts.

[KnightHawk]

One thing I know about the X50, with it against the Golden Eagle, you'll show 2 threats a lot of the times when there is only 1. Not sure if the others do this though.

When you put it in spec mode, it will jump signals from 35.5 to 33.9 and vice versa and that is why you see 2 bogeys instead of one in expert mode. You even get 3 bogeys at times - 2 ka band and 1 K band.

hmm, I don't think StLouisX50 got that. I thought it was 35.5 the whole time. We didn't do a lot of tests with it or anything and it was only brought up when he asked how I had both antenas on at the same time cause he was showing 2 Ka alerts.

Expert mode uses frequency based detection method. If it has 2 different frequencies, it will show 2 bogeys. If it has the same frequency, you will only see 1 bogey even though in reality there was 2 sources of the same band. Tested it with 34.7 speed sign and stalker ATR Ka band and 2 K band police radars @ 24.150.

So beware when using expert mode and that is why i don't use expert mode.

[97bmw328i]

Ahhh...I really liked the X50 but now you guys are making it sound like crap. I don't know what to do

[spyder2000]

Ahhh...I really liked the X50 but now you guys are making it sound like crap. I don't know what to do

I think the 8500 (non X-50) is better all around. Can't buy them new of course. I own both and use both all over the state. My preference; your mileage may vary.

[KnightHawk]

Ahhh...I really liked the X50 but now you guys are making it sound like crap. I don't know what to do

I think the 8500 (non X-50) is better all around. Can't buy them new of course. I won both and use both all over the state. My preference; your mileage may vary.

It's the same as far as expert mode is concern.

[KnightHawk]

Ahhh...I really liked the X50 but now you guys are making it sound like crap. I don't know what to do

It's not a crap RD. I like it better than the RX65 and still use it a lot. I'm using my V1 more lately to see if the 826 version is better than the 825 version.

[ES13Raven]

Its funny how you like to mislead people Jazzy...

GOL Radar Detector Test - August 2005
Winner of 35.5 Ka band detection test
It didn't "win" - it tied with the Original 8500

GOL Radar Detector Test - March 2007
Winner of 35.5 Ka band detection test (SR7 was not mounted under the bumper or inside the grill as stated in installation manual)
BS - the SR7 won

And you forgot:

GOL Radar Detector Test - Jan 2006
Not the winner of 35.5 Ka band detection test
6th & 10th place

http://www.guysoflidar.com/radar-detector-test-jan-06/355.jpg

[ES13Raven]

Most of the top 4 radar detector will do the job.
This is the correct answer. :wink:

[leo68]

Its funny how you like to mislead people Jazzy...

GOL Radar Detector Test - August 2005
Winner of 35.5 Ka band detection test
It didn't "win" - it tied with the Original 8500

GOL Radar Detector Test - March 2007
Winner of 35.5 Ka band detection test (SR7 was not mounted under the bumper or inside the grill as stated in installation manual)
BS - the SR7 won

And you forgot:

GOL Radar Detector Test - Jan 2006
Not the winner of 35.5 Ka band detection test
6th & 10th place

http://www.guysoflidar.com/radar-detector-test-jan-06/355.jpg You have to look at the entire Ka overall and not just 35.5 GHz. 2006 test is outdated the newest V1 3.861 has not been tested, Valentine Research claims that they improved detection of 35.5 GHz. Only time will tell.

[ES13Raven]

You have to look at the entire Ka overall and not just 35.5 GHz. 2006 test is outdated the newest V1 3.861 has not been tested, Valentine Research claims that they improved detection of 35.5 GHz. Only time will tell.
Well, the topic is 35.5 Ka.

The 2006 test is not outdated. You should look at all the GOL tests - not just the most recent. They do things different each time.

Where did VR say that 35.5 detection is improved with 3.861? As far as I know only DTC was added recently and VR said there was no performance improvements in the recent software changes.

[leo68]

You have to look at the entire Ka overall and not just 35.5 GHz. 2006 test is outdated the newest V1 3.861 has not been tested, Valentine Research claims that they improved detection of 35.5 GHz. Only time will tell.
Well, the topic is 35.5 Ka.

The 2006 test is not outdated. You should look at all the GOL tests - not just the most recent. They do things different each time.

Where did VR say that 35.5 detection is improved with 3.861? As far as I know only DTC was added recently and VR said there was no performance improvements in the recent software changes.

My V1 3.861 is outstanding at detecting 35.5 GHz my town uses the Kustom Golden Eagle Directional Radar and it doesn't matter if radar is stationary or moving and with POP off have not had any falsing problems with Ka. Cobra radar detectors are widely used around here and are nothing but junk.

[ES13Raven]

The topic is Kustom Eagle and not 35.5 and isn't the Kustom Eagle avalible in other frequncies other then Ka?
I believe the Kustom Eagle is only 35.5


Have spoken to a technician and not a sales rep at Valentine Research and they stated that there was a slight improvement on 35.5 GHz detection
When Michael B tests HappyA$$ 3.861 and if there is a sensitivity increase on 35.5, I will believe it.

[jimbonzzz]

The topic is Kustom Eagle and not 35.5 and isn't the Kustom Eagle avalible in other frequncies other then Ka?

They were available in K-Band. And according to IACP, even X-Band :lol:

[ES13Raven]

They were available in K-Band. And according to IACP, even X-Band :lol:
Thanks for clearing that up Jim. Does that mean that they are not anymore?

[jimbonzzz]

They were available in K-Band. And according to IACP, even X-Band :lol:
Thanks for clearing that up Jim. Does that mean that they are not anymore?

Supposably, the plain old "Kustom Eagle" is no longer in production.

Now, it's the Eagle II, the Eagle Plus II, the Golden Eagle II, and the Directional Golden Eagle II. These are all available in K or Ka band.

[97bmw328i]

Thanks everyone for your opinion and help.

[GTO_04]

Kustom will probably bring back X band just to catch everyone who turned off X band. :shock:

GTO_04

[Asleeper]

Kustom will probably bring back X band just to catch everyone who turned off X band. :shock:

GTO_04

lol, I think MPH has the market on X-bands though. 5 years from now we will probably be reading a post "ZOMG attack of the killer MPH S-80"

While annoying as X-band may be, I still haven't disabled it for that reason.

[bart99gt]

Interestingly enough, MPH is even offering the new Python III in X band. Probably due to technical limitations, you can't get an X band FS model though.

If Kustom or Decatur cared enough about the market share they're giving up by not offering an X band unit, they probably would still have one on the market. Even the areas that still use X band are slowly converting to K or Ka. Give it another 3-4 years and X band will probably be all but a memory, with only a few small departments here and there hanging onto some hand-me-down X band Pythons or K55s. You certainly won't see any company go to the trouble of designing a new X band radar simply to confuse radar detector owners. Departments don't want the larger antennas in their patrol vehicles and if nobody will buy them, nobody will make them.

[97bmw328i]

The eagle that i saw posted on the outside of the car with 2 antennas just read EAGLE in a pretty big font. Its weird how my town does radar. All their units are mounted above the back door...

[<<JAZZY>>]

I found this old Kustom on ebay.


http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/1042/e8d812ui5.jpg

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/8564/e90812hd3.jpg

http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/737/e94312vx3.jpg

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/5555/e97812km5.jpg

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3438/ea0a12zl5.jpg

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/3839/ea3912gx2.jpg


This is a vintage Kustom Signals MR-7 Radar gun set in great condition. The MR-7 was the first moving radar gun. This vintage and highly collectible set includes the following:

Hard case made for the complete unit (not pictured)
Radar Antenna with window mount
Dash unit with controls
Two tuning forks 35 and 65 MPH each with their own holsters
Cigarettes adapter and cable to connect antenna with base unit
Instruction booklet
This is a great unit in working condition that would be hard to find so complete. Was tested for power on, functionality of all buttons and tested with the tuning forks at both 35 and 65 MPH forks. See pictures for results. Starts up at 64 MPH as stated in the instructions.

Antenna has some markings and some slight paint wear. Control unit is in good condition, vinyl shows some wear. Overall in great cosmetic condition.

[GTO_04]

Ah, the good 'ole MR7/MR9! Even an old passive Radio Shack Road Patrol XK could pick those up far away!

I wonder how far the V1 could pick that up?

IIRC, that doesn't even do instant on!


GTO_04

[ES13Raven]

the newest V1 3.861 has not been tested, Valentine Research claims that they improved detection of 35.5 GHz.
I asked a Tech at VR if 3.861 had any increased sensitivity. I just received an email from him confirming what they have said over and over:

Software version 3.861 doesn't have any performance improvements over version 3.826. The change in software version was due to hardware changes made for the purpose of manufacturing convenience; Therefore, I don't recommend sending back your V1 for an upgrade at this time.

Thanks,

Michael

[GTO_04]

the newest V1 3.861 has not been tested, Valentine Research claims that they improved detection of 35.5 GHz.
I asked a Tech at VR if 3.861 had any increased sensitivity. I just received an email from him confirming what they have said over and over:

Software version 3.861 doesn't have any performance improvements over version 3.826. The change in software version was due to hardware changes made for the purpose of manufacturing convenience; Therefore, I don't recommend sending back your V1 for an upgrade at this time.

Thanks,

Michael


I think what we're seeing is normal unit to unit variation. And sometimes the 3.861 happens to outperform the earlier firmware versions in some cases.

I am inclined to believe Michael. I've talked to him and I think he just tells it like it is.

GTO_04