The Beltronics BEL VECTOR 940

[KORMuscle]

Hi I am new to these forums. I wanted to purchase a new radar detector because of a small incident that occured a few weeks ago....
I quickly read that the cobra isn't that good ( thank god I read that, I almost got it off ebay) but I dont need a high quality blah blah detector. I just want something that works and does its job. I am currently looking at the Beltronics BEL Vector 940 Radar Detector. Is this alright for a detector? If not, what suggestions can you make for under $100. Thanks guys I appreciate it.

[MEM-TEK]

Hi I am new to these forums. I wanted to purchase a new radar detector because of a small incident that occured a few weeks ago....
I quickly read that the cobra isn't that good ( thank god I read that, I almost got it off ebay) but I dont need a high quality blah blah detector. I just want something that works and does its job. I am currently looking at the Beltronics BEL Vector 940 Radar Detector. Is this alright for a detector? If not, what suggestions can you make for under $100. Thanks guys I appreciate it.

First, no matter what make sure that you buy your RD from an authorized dealer so that the warranty will be good.

It sounds like you are on a budget. There aren't any really good radar detectors in the less than $100 price range. But for less than $150 you can get either the Bel V940 or the Whistler Pro-78. Both are solid performers in their price class. Pick the one which has the features that you like the most.

[KORMuscle]

Hi I am new to these forums. I wanted to purchase a new radar detector because of a small incident that occured a few weeks ago....
I quickly read that the cobra isn't that good ( thank god I read that, I almost got it off ebay) but I dont need a high quality blah blah detector. I just want something that works and does its job. I am currently looking at the Beltronics BEL Vector 940 Radar Detector. Is this alright for a detector? If not, what suggestions can you make for under $100. Thanks guys I appreciate it.

First, no matter what make sure that you buy your RD from an authorized dealer so that the warranty will be good.

It sounds like you are on a budget. There aren't any really good radar detectors in the less than $100 price range. But for less than $150 you can get either the Bel V940 or the Whistler Pro-78. Both are solid performers in their price class. Pick the one which has the features that you like the most.

I see, thanks for the reply, if you dont mind me asking one more thing.
What is the difference between putting the detector on the windshield vs having it in the box between the drivers and passenger seat. Does it affect range?

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Well a radar detector is kind of like an eye. If you have your eyes looking through the windshield, it is easy to see what is ahead of you. If you have your eyes between the seats in the console, it is much harder and you will crash

Radar itself is slightly different as the waves have a tendency to bounce (which is how radar works in the first place). As you drive there will be some radar that will go into the car and ricochet all around the interior and probably go into the detector sitting in the console.

That said, this will happen MUCH later than it would happen if you had it looking through the window.

[Stealth 795]

Well a radar detector is kind of like an eye. If you have your eyes looking through the windshield, it is easy to see what is ahead of you. If you have your eyes between the seats in the console, it is much harder and you will crash

Radar itself is slightly different as the waves have a tendency to bounce (which is how radar works in the first place). As you drive there will be some radar that will go into the car and ricochet all around the interior and probably go into the detector sitting in the console.

That said, this will happen MUCH later than it would happen if you had it looking through the window.

My detectors will go off when sitting on the floor of my vehicle...Radar is dif to receive than laser, you will not get laser alert unless the detector is in the window!!

[xXCriticizeXx]

i currently am running a V940 and ive ran all the top high end detectors and this one is not as good, but for the price i use it everyday and it works great.

[MEM-TEK]

...That said, this will happen MUCH later than it would happen if you had it looking through the window.

Much later as in getting only one tenth or less range compared to having the radar detector mounted so that the front end of the radar detector has a direct line-of-sight view through the windshield of the road ahead. Radar detectors use a horn antenna which can be thought of as being kind of like a camera lens. Obviously a camera lens only "sees" the scene if you point the camera lens at the scene. KORMuscle, I think you get the idea. Radar detectors are not like car radios or GPS navigation devices when it comes to picking up radar. Instead they are like cameras which must be pointed at and be able to see the road ahead of your car.

[KORMuscle]

Thanks guys for all your feedback. I would rep you guys, but I dont have any rep points on this forum...lol if you guys ever stop by on bodybuilding.com, feel free to ask me questions about fitness/supps.
radar detectors obviously isnt my speciality. Thanks again!

[djrams80]

I personally would suggest a slight upgrade to the Bel V955 or the Whistler Pro78, since both are able to disable X band. I'm not sure where you live, but if X band is not used where you live, disabling it would greatly decrease the false alarms from your RD.

[zigbuzz]

After seeing the video of the Pro78 in action I dont know why anyone would reccommend it! Bel 940 is the best detector for around 150. The Whistlers and Cobras will always be overpriced paperweights. WHy spend hard earned money on junk like Whistler and Cobra? The only thing there good for is telling the cops where you are.