Beltronics V995 Vector Radar and Laser Detector (Black/Silver)
See it at Amazon.com for $199.99Average Customer Rating
(4.0 out of 5)
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(5 out of 5)Ranks with the elite radar detectors in performance
I got the Vector 995 because its performance is at par with the top of the line radar detectors from Bel, Escort, Valentine. Even though I rarely speed above general traffic flow, speed enforcement has picked up a lot and I didn't want to pay back-door taxes.
Its radar detection performance is at par with the best of them - usually just 5% or so less than the best for a given test. But the cost difference is way more than 5%, more like 25%+. Its laser detection is its weakness, but only when compared to the top of the line models. However, the laser detection weakness isn't really critical because laser guns are so fast and accurate that the officer has already clocked your speed before even the detector alerts (even the best one). Don't take my word for it, just go ask your local police officer. Also, the rear facing sensor is quite useless on most detectors - someone in marketing thought it would be cool and all other brands followed. It is also one of the very few detectors which can detect the Ku band, which is rumored to be introduced in the US soon (already there in Europe).
It also falses significantly less than what I've had before. I can't compare with the top 4 because I don't have them. AutoScan works best in city or when in new areas; Highway works best on rural areas or highways. Use AutoScan with care, it filters all bands and can potentially reduce detection range (because it spends some time figuring out if the radar signal pattern is like those from typical sources of falsing). Its Tech mode (showing radar freq) can be used to find out real speed gun threat when a cunning officer hangs out in an area where detectors often false (drugstore, grocery store, etc) - not fool proof though. One should note that the 'false alerts' are not really false - they ARE actually radar signals in the same band used by police. It's called 'false' because it's not a 'cop' radar signal.
POP mode, while a nice feature, usually trigger a lot of falsing on most detectors - because of leaky/crappy detectors like the Cobras. I've enabled POP for the last 3 weeks and have run it in AutoScan and City modes - no difference in falsing. Even the top 4 detectors today can't beat this. Also, the review/description is wrong - POP is disabled by default on the 995 also (maybe Bel changed it after the review).
The Vector 995 is the only one in the Vector series that can have its firmware upgraded by Beltronics - useful if they have some bug fixes and/or they have an update that does better detection.
It also has a few less features than the top 4, but I didn't care for those. Its got all the essential features one really needs for its intended use and does them extremely well. Its stellar performance makes it an awesome deal for a $225 price. I got mine on a special sale at Amazon for even less :). However, like any radar detector (even the best ones), this radar detector is NOT a cop detector - so drive sensibly.
Even when the 995 is having a bad day, it is waaaaay better than the most expensive Cobra/Whistler radar detectors.
Like any product, it has quirks:
1. 3.5mm jack volume - it's just too loud even at one click above minimum (I use it when spouse/kids are sleeping on a long drive)
2. Buttons for visor clip - if you get the visor clip, the buttons are not easy to reach
And last but most important, please drive carefully. Lives are more important than seconds/minutes saved by excessive speeding and rash driving.
Bonus tips:
a. Tutorial mode - manual doesn't mention it, but I stumbled on it. Press the Dark and Mute buttons down and then the Power button to turn the unit on. Voila - tutorial mode!! Power button press exits this mode.
b. Audio/Voice alerts - learn to identify the bands with your ears, the range based on audio beep frequency, it helps keep your eyes focused where they need to be - on the road. I've turned Voice off after a couple of months, and rarely need to look at it (except in Tech mode).
c. Ebay/Unauthorized dealers - Beltronics honors warranty from authorized dealers only. Amazon itself is authorized (may change in future), Amazon's sellers are not. Ebay is not, most stuff there are refurbs or rejects and hence the low low prices. You've been informed, use common sense.
(4 out of 5)Well... no tickets so far!
If this is your first Radar Detector, it takes a little getting used to. I've had my Beltronics 995 for about a year or so now. It's been quite useful. It will NOT save you if you pass a cop and he decides to tag you. I lucked out one night when the cop couldn't find a place to turn around quickly enough when he waited until I was right next to him (going to the other way) when he turned his radar on. Do NOT think any radar detector is an excuse to drive however you feel... you WILL regret it.
Also, banks, gas stations and a lot of other little things will set the Beltronics 995 ablaze with lights and sounds.
If you're in one area, and can learn where the bands are, this radar detector becomes VERY useful. A good example... I got X band in an area where I always got K band... sure enough, there's a cop sitting right there. Also, the voice saying the band is kind of useful, as I don't have to look at it.
The Beltronics 995 offers a wide range of bands it'll detect. The tones can be adjusted to be quiet (they're pretty dang loud off factory settings and'll scare the hell out of you when you get your first tones). You can also mute it when it drives your significant other nuts.
On the whole, I'm pretty happy with it... would I buy another in the future? Probably.
(4 out of 5)BEL Vector 995 great!
I've had this for about a week, and it seems to be working very well. The "autoscan" feature is very nice since I seemed to forget to switch between "city" and "highway" with my older units.
The voice prompts are very clear, and the automute keeps the annoying beeps to a comfortable level.
I've had several radar detectors over the years, and this one certainly seems to be the best so far. It is also rated very highly in the amgazine articles I found.
(5 out of 5)I bought 2 of them, separately.
Being a satisfied user of a Bel Express 936 in my 02 WRX, I looked to Bel for a radar detector to go in a new Cooper S in Jul 05 (mainly my wife's daily driver). The Vector 995 was reasonably priced and feature laden and seemed to perform well in tests carried out by radartest.com, so I bought one.
The 995 is more noticeably more sensitive than my older 936, it starts chirping sooner when a police radar is around, while simultaneously being a slightly less susceptible to false alarms. Possibly due to the Autoscan feature. I'm happy with it.
So when we bought a V6 RAV 4 as some sensible family transport (our first baby arrives in a couple of weeks) I could have taken the 936 from the WRX, but since I plan on keeping that car, at least for few more months, a 2nd Vector 995 went right into the RAV. Not that I expect to be seriously violating speed limits with junior on board, .
Pros: Autoscan, Programmable, Sensitive, fewer false alarms
Cons: Automute too quiet, mounting bracket allows a bit too much flex.
(5 out of 5)Great Product
The Vector 995 is in my opinion one of the best products available for the price. I have two 995 models in different vehicles and they both perform perecftly. The devices seem a little heavy to rely on just 2 suction cups for their support, but so far neither have fallen. Alternative mounting hardware is available for extra cost, if necessary. Features & options are just what is needed and no more. Display & sound are clear. Design is neat and quality of manufacture is high. I find that the quick start beep sequence is an especially welcome option over previous versions, particularly when the devices are permanently mounted and powered whenever the vehicles are operating.
Highly recommended.