Why I picked RX65

**RacerX** · 03-01-2005, 09:46 AM

Very nice write-up.

Sounds like you did your homework and made a good decision.

**hopper5** · 03-01-2005, 10:39 AM

Is the rx65's X range better then the x50's? I dont get that because on roys website it has the same X band range on both.

Veil Guy's review suggested that x50 may lag rx65 and V1 in x performance. Other sources found different results. In fact, the Speed Measurement Laboratories tests showed x50 better than all others in x and ka detection.

Frankly, I think these are differences in unit variability and/or test conditions. x50 and rx65 should be identical. Escort/Bel states plainly that these units are practically identical, differences being packaging and software.

One more interesting finding from my research. I called Bel and learned that although Bel and Escort are under common ownership they still operate separately to some degree and compete with one another for sales. That said, the folks writing the manuals are certainly not operating separately. The layout and even content of the rx65 and x50 manuals is almost a rote copy.

**SETITOFF** · 03-01-2005, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Sethy

Is the rx65's X range better then the x50's? I dont get that because on roys website it has the same X band range on both.

I understand your logic hopper, and its pretty good. I lived in a pretty decent sized city, so I always needed the multithreat detection. But it sounds like you are very confident in your choice, and the rx65 is one hell of a detector

Sethy, keep in mind the tests Roy and SML performed in the RD shootout were done in a somewhat controlled, sterile environment. And any differences in detection were so minimal that would not matter. Bob Veil pretty much reported the same thing about all 3(4) RDs he rolled with.

Many factors were in play during Bob's run: placement of RDs; differences manufactured materials; terrain and weather.

**COBEL** · 03-01-2005, 12:20 PM

Another reason I picked the RX65 was the voice alert. It doesn't really affect performance (unless you have a hard time remembering tones or reading the display), but just adds to the "cool" factor when you have somebody else riding in the car.

I don't remember VEIL GUY talking much about this feature in his review other than mentioning it was a nice tone and he warmed up to it (meaning after 10 years of listening to beeps it took a little getting "use to" to have your detector talk to you). If you are going to spend $300+ on a detector you might as well get a little of that James Bond feeling going.

**SETITOFF** · 03-01-2005, 12:40 PM

Some have said they don't really care for the voice alert feature. I personally like it and it comes in handy driving here in VA at night. Obviously I can't have the display lit up, the smartcord blinking with tone is good, but the "James Bond" thing really gets your attention.

**hopper5** · 03-01-2005, 04:19 PM

And the number one best thing about the voice feature is that you can turn it off.

Seriously, I will try the voice, but it nice to know you can disable it if you don't like it. rx65 should be here by next Tuesday at the latest. I'll post impressions a few days later.

**SETITOFF** · 03-02-2005, 02:48 PM

Well Team, in about an hour I'll be making another mad dash back to Ft. Bragg from the Pent. House (Don Rummy's).

If I come across anything exicting I'll post 2morrow. While I'm there I'll set up the Cobra XRS9400 and the RX65 together and make a few laps around I-95/I-40/(maybe I-85) and see what happens.