peter_bigblock

I'm a noob to the world of radar detectors and, as such, didn't want to pony up the $350-$400 for a Valentine One (used or new) as my first ante. After quite a bit of research online at radartest.com and other online forums, I determined that the Beltronics Express 795 is a very reliable detector for under $100 (currently on sale for $80 at Radio Shack).

After using it for a couple weeks and doing my fair share of speeding, I can report that it has saved my bacon about six times and has almost never given me a false report of radar. Also gives me more than enough warning to coast back down from 80-85mph to 69mph before I pass the offending LEO. There's nothing cooler than backing off from 85 to 69 when your detector goes off and then, a minute or so later, here comes the fuzz!

If you're looking to get radar/laser protection but don't want to fork over the big bucks, this unit seems to me to have excellent range and features for not a lot of dough. I'm not arguing it's in anything like the V1's league, just that it's a great bang-for-the-buck detector imho.

CCColtsicehockey

awesome glad to hear someone else has a good review about beltronics. I also did not want to spend 350 - 400 for a used Valentine V1 and instead picked up beltronics top of the line radar dector, the RX65 (which is rated to actually be better or equal to the Escort 8500 x50 and the Valentine V1 ) for only $230 shipped on ebay. It should be here by the end of the week. Hopefully I will have the same results as your are having.

Reach

CC, I've had an RX65 for 2 months now. I can report that it has been a great unit as well, I had a 'borrowed' V1 for a few weeks a while ago when i was thinking of getting one, and I gotta say.. the Bel less false positives, but different ones. V1 would chirp at the slightest X band of anything, which meant adjusting it for city driving, and I do a lot of mixed driving so I need an all-around detector.

The auto-scan mode on the RX65 is VERY good for general mixed driving. It will chirp a few K band false positives in city driving (downtown DC), but its pretty good at ignoring weak X band, which is flooded everywhere where I live and work. Driving in the city tho (remember they're illegal here, so when I drive thru DC I'm taking a chance by using it) I use its 'stealth' mode on the city setting, which keeps it mostly dark, and though it still chirps a fair bit, it is very good at warning of speed cameras, which are in many places in DC.

I'm very pleased with it so far, and glad I spent half of a V1. The 'arrows' are not worth $200 extra.

CCColtsicehockey

glad to hear it. makes me think i made the right choice.

peter_bigblock

I thought about getting an RX65 on eBay as well -- they're very reasonably priced. I went with the 795 since it's my first detector, reviews were pretty excellent, and it was $80, so if I decide to upgrade I can give it to my wife. So far, it has saved my bacon several times in just a week of use, gives very very few falses, and gives me much more than enough warning. I may eventually upgrade to an RX65 but for now I really don't have any detector needs that the 795 doesn't fill.

I'm not really much of a speed demon (around town I'm at the speed limit, on the interstate usually +5 to +10), but I feel better knowing I have help avoiding speed traps and it's just plain fun to beat the fuzz at their own game.

tuan209

To be honest, I don't think its a great idea buying a radar detector off ebay. Radar detectors are sensitive items, and it would suit you best to save up and by from an authorized dealer.

PixelHarmony

Yup, I picked up my V1 from a dealer, I mean someone can pretty much do anything by accident to mess up a radar. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of radars on ebay are stolen anyway (unless they come new with all packaging and materials, but that usually means they are pretty expensive)

I've never been pulled over yet, and this thing picks up scattered laser wonderfully. I don't think I'll ever use anything other than this...

The X50 is also a really good radar, sad thing is my friend got nailed by laser. But with laser and instant on radar, doesn't matter what you have... you'll get caught.

PixelHarmony

You have to put the V1 in "Logic" mode, that's sort of like setting the radar on "highway" not city. I rarely get a X band read, only when the signal is super strong.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

I have it on Logic mode and disabled the X band.

CCColtsicehockey

yeah I would buy them at prices that are extremely low however I bought mine for only like 60 less than buying one from a store. It came wraped unopedned. and everything inside was brand new. If they were fake or refurbished someone went through a lot of work to repackage it, a lot more than any other refurbished goods I have bought. Also The FCC Id is the same as the new model that is out and so it the serial number.

PixelHarmony

I need to read my manual again, I didn't see how to disable X-Band.

JTso, do you ever get a random laser read on the highway, but don't see a cop anywhere? This has happened to me a few times, but I just guessed they were hiding really well.