New to Radar Detectors STi

[DarkChewby]

Hello Everyone,

I'm kind of new to Radar Detectors, but I've been doing some research and I'm really interested in the Beltronic STi. It seems to have the best detection, but I seem to read complaints on Beltronic not honoring the warranty, and the durability of the STi. I occasionally read how their STi broke, even after being babied. I'm quite worried about this, because I don't want to drop $450+ and have it break on me. I also am interested in the Belltronics, because I travel between Tennessee and Virginia.

Anybody have any input on the STi's performance and durability and Beltronic's warranty?

Also, where do you all recommend buying this unit?

Thanks a lot!

[crispynz1]

Hi, I am not sure where you have been reading - but I have read a lot of praise for Bels customer service on this forum.

[KaPro]

Buy it from an authorised Beltronics dealer and fill out and send in the warranty card. Bels customer service is very good contrary to what you read or heard. The STi is a pretty rugged rd. Don't let it bake in the sun. Also, it's worth the extra $30.00 for the extended warranty. Hope this helps.

[Jestr]

I have used an Sti Driver since it has been introduced. Sent it back in for the ramp-up fix/firmware update in Dec. I have nothing but praise for Beltronics CS. It has performed flawlessly for me, and I use it daily here in VA, as stated, don't let it bake in the sun, if you forget, let it cool in the ac vent for about 5-10 minutes before you turn it on. If you don't you may fry your LNA's

[F=MA]

I let mine freeze in the winter and burn in the summer, never had a problem. It dropped several times from the windshield to the dashboard, never had a problem. Worse yet I threw mine in the trunk when not in use and let it roll around, never had a problem.

Can't vouch for CS though, through the shipping and the one question I had months later, they were great.

I'd buy an STi in heartbeat again.

[MEM-TEK]

I absolutely love my STi. DarkChewby can have my STi -- if he can manage to pry it from my dead hands!

[DarkChewby]

Hello,

Thanks for all your responses! it's been reassuring. I am thinking I will get one.

I was looking at the differences between the STi and the Gx65, besides the GPS function is it bad that the STi does not detect Ku band?

Where should I buy the unit, where I can buy it from an authorized dealer with extended warranty? Any cheap places?

[DarkChewby]

Does anybody know if places ship RDs to an address in VA?

[stlcardsfan]

Hello,

Thanks for all your responses! it's been reassuring. I am thinking I will get one.

I was looking at the differences between the STi and the Gx65, besides the GPS function is it bad that the STi does not detect Ku band?

Where should I buy the unit, where I can buy it from an authorized dealer with extended warranty? Any cheap places?

GPS function is nice but if you do any traveling in VA go with the STi. Ku band is not used at all in the USA at all. It is a worthless band that is falsed by satellite dished I have heard. Go with the STi.

[DarkChewby]

Ok, I have chosen to go witht eh Sti!
can someone direct me to a place to buy where it's cheap!