Upgrade from Bel. V985?

[TheHotHit]

I currently use a Bel Vector 985 that I bought in 2004. It has served me well on my 80 mile round trip commute to work down and up I295 in NJ. I'm sure that it's saved me from quite a few tickets over the past 4 years. My commute each way is 35 miles on the highway and 5 on local roads.

I got hit by a laser for the first time on I295 North (near the scenic overlook) - they usually use X-Band here. My V985 notified me about 1/4 mile (maybe less) away from the LEO. I wasn't speeding (I'd just moved over to the left lane to avoid a bunch of tire tread that was littering the middle lane).

I've read tons of forum posts about, and reviews of, radar detectors over the past few days. I'm confused as to which one to get, if any. It appears as though it's a choice between the Beltronics RX-65, Passport 8500 X50 and Valentine 1.

I'm leaning towards the V1 - but is the difference in performance between my Vector 985 and the V1, worth the cost of upgrading?

[focalcivic]

I currently use a Bel Vector 985 that I bought in 2004. It has served me well on my 80 mile round trip commute to work down and up I295 in NJ. I'm sure that it's saved me from quite a few tickets over the past 4 years. My commute each way is 35 miles on the highway and 5 on local roads.

I got hit by a laser for the first time on I295 North (near the scenic overlook) - they usually use X-Band here. My V985 notified me about 1/4 mile (maybe less) away from the LEO. I wasn't speeding (I'd just moved over to the left lane to avoid a bunch of tire tread that was littering the middle lane).

I've read tons of forum posts about, and reviews of, radar detectors over the past few days. I'm confused as to which one to get, if any. It appears as though it's a choice between the Beltronics RX-65, Passport 8500 X50 and Valentine 1.

I'm leaning towards the V1 - but is the difference in performance between my Vector 985 and the V1, worth the cost of upgrading?

The 985 is a great detector. It really depends on how much you want to spend. If you were happy with the performance of the 985 then any of the top line detectors of today will make you happy.

You will get better range on the V1, plus its laser detection is superior to most dash units.

[djrams80]

In my opinion, the V1 clearly outclasses the other 2 RDs you are considering.

[Mista140]

Its cool that your considering upgrading from your current unit. Especially since these LEOs are becoming more and more sneakier in these tactics to catch speeders.

Take a look at this website Guys of Lidar Radar Detector Test Aug 2007.
Its pretty much self explanatory.

I have no experience with either the Bel RX65 or the Passport 8500 x50. But I wouldn't mind having either one as a Backup because they are almost neck and neck with performance. According to the Stats.

But let me tell you about the V1. I personally think that it is definitely the most simple and straigtforward detector out on the market. The performance of this unit is almost unbelievable. Don't get me wrong, as of now the Passport 9500i and the Bel STi Driver are up there with the V1. But the V1 outperforms every other detector overall. And it also a BEAST with Off Axis Radar Detection. The only band that it doesn't perform well with Off Axis detection on is Ka Band 35.5 Ghz. But who cares.

The Best Feature (V1): The ARROWS makes a world of a difference. As soon as you get an alert you know where the source is. It is the best when you get one faint alert because you know what direction the source is even if you don't find the source. It is only available on the V1 because it is a Patented feature. That means that no other Company on the market can implement this feature on there RD units. It just amazes me everytime I get an alert because I don't have to freak out about which direction the LEO is coming from.
Once you have the arrows, you will never go back.

Sidenote: There are many instances where people say that they pick up scattered Laser signals from other cars with their V1. I can't say that this is always true. But I can say that it has happened to me once. I was driving on the Turnpike in Miami and I picked up a Laser signal. The next second I saw I LEO with the lights flashing pulling over someone. The V1, like any other RD can't pick up Laser from miles away but it is the most sensitive unit.

I hope that you get a RD that is suitable for you. But keep in mind that there are many alternatives out there that offer great perfomance.

[strangeknight]

I would even venture to say keep your Bel and invest in a laser jammer. If you mainly run across X band even a cheap Cobra - as if there is an expensive one - can pick up X, so your Bel is fine. But now if you get the new ZR4 laser shifter your detector will cover the radar bands and you can let the ZR4 deal with the laser issues. I would note though that if you are dead set to upgrade your detector the V1 is the way to go. Mine has saved me quite often.

[TheHotHit]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'm seriously considering the V1. I'll let you know what I decide to do.

[LordV]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'm seriously considering the V1. I'll let you know what I decide to do.

You'll love the V1, especially if you frequent the interstate.

[strangeknight]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'm seriously considering the V1. I'll let you know what I decide to do.

And now sit and watch world as another V1 Zombie is forged from the hollows of this forum...
HA HA HA HA HA[replacer_img]!!!