Home > Consumer Reviews > Beltronics V965 Vector Radar and Laser Detector (Black/Silver)

I've used many low end detectors - Whistler, Cobra, Uniden, etc. For several years I used a Beltronics 906. About 2003 I noticed that it wasn't doing its job. I found myself in several situations where it was obvious that radar was being used and I got barely a beep from the 906. Something was very wrong.

I scoured the Internet doing research, trying to figure out what new radar was being used that my detector was failing to pick up. I came across one site in which an expert stated that any detector made prior to 2001 or 2002 was almost worthless today and would fail to detect modern radar. That described my detector! I did further research and discovered that some police departments across the US were using a new radar called POP. Several models, including the Beltronics 965, scan for POP. Having good experience with Beltronics in the past, I went with this model.

I have been using the 965 for several months now and I can savely say that it _works._ However, the new fangled radar being used by the police, at least in my area, was not POP. It appears that the local state police have some kind of new KA radar that earlier models can't pick up. I've never found out what it is. All I know is that the older models don't work.

Some of the hype about POP might be hyperbole. As for the 965, its detection of POP is, well, just about useless. My detector is set on City/No X detection and it freuquently is set off by false POP alarms. Traffic lights seem to be the most common problem. After that it seems to be other cars with their own detectors. My advice on the POP, unless you live in a state where you know it's being used, is don't bother setting up your detector to monitor for it. The truth is, here in the US northeast, I've yet to detect a single POP radar used by the police.

So why bother with this model? Most importantly, independent tests have shown beltronics detectors to be some of the best in the market. Just check out the tests at at speedzones dot com. If you're looking at detectors in the 150 to 250 range this is the one to buy. It's a current model - along with the beltronics 995 - which makes it the best choice for current radar situations. Unless you like the bells and whistles on the 995, this model is the one you'll want. The 995 is overkill and likely has the exact same detection range as the 965.

If you're looking for a cheaper detector you might want to check out the Whistler 1783. It's a good cheaper substitute. But if you're willing to pay more for a detector that will pull in that signal 5 to 20 seconds quicker, this is the one want. In my own tests I've been able to pick up radar signals more than a mile away. I've never had that level of detection with _any_ of the detectors I've used in my lifetime.

This was my first radar detector. I purchased it over 2 years ago and still use it today in my car. Typically, I wanted a radar detector because there are always police in my town driving around with their radar on, and for frequent highway use.

Pros:
-AMAZING!! Range. Never fails to warn me at least 1/4 mile before i see a cop either in the opposite direction or sitting in the middle of the road. The detector really does have full 360 degree range.
-Has a great automute feature which automatically mutes the sound after beeping 3 times.
Cons
-picks up a lot of false alarms (x band picks up store security systems, other people radars). Beltronics customer service had told me x band is the primary radar used in New Jersey, so this gets kind of annoying.

Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase. Over 2 years ago, about a week after putting up the detector in my car, I was driving way over the speed limit on a straight, but hilly road. If it weren't for the great warning time the 965 provided me with, I can't imagine what would've happened had I passed the police officer without it. I feel really secure that the v965 will cover my @#$.

Bought this detector after reading the Consumers reviews. Placed near top in All categories. Not disappointed in the least and would highly recommend!! Pay no attention to the ones giving it bad reviews, this baby really saved me numerous times.

I bought total of 3 units for each of my 3 cars. It is best value for under $100. Most cops uses Ka band these days. The range depends on the angle of the radar gun from the patrol car. I would said between 4 blocks to a mile for Ka band. The unit will sniff out X and K band with even greater range. I owned a V1 before (sold it after sold one of my car). awesome unit if you have the $$$. I don't encourage people to blow through 100+ mph on the highway. But the unit will save you from speed trap set by police on sudden speed limit drop from 40 to 25 zone. I think most of low ratings on this unit was due to warranty claim issues or from individual cop who expresses his opinion against owning of a radar detector. Peformance wise should be 4 or higher rating. I give it a 5 since they already save me on several of occasions. I hope this unit will save you from speed traps, too.

after weeks of researching radar detectors i decided beltronics makes one of the best products on the market today .now i could not pick between the vector 965 or the vector 995. so i researched them two models for range and options.after finding out from beltronics the rx65, vector 965, vector 995 they all have the same basic electronics incased in them, they all have 10x range over other detectors.only difference in them is features.so i went with the vector 965, i figured some of the features it lacks ,i don't need any way and save some money. i've had it now 3 weeks and wow. if you want a top of the line detector that will reach out and find smokey ,this is it. it flat kicks a**.it does the job just fine, my friend has a 995 and it out performed it in a range test,we did on them, not by much just a few feet, but it did.but either one are great, you won't be disapointed in it.