| Amazon.com Review POP radar, Ka band, Laser. The list of funny-sounding technologies designed to nab speeders keeps growing. Fortunately, Beltronics has produced an effective, compact, and user-friendly radar detector. It's made for folks who don't want to fuss with the details, but who do want first-class protection from high-tech speed traps. By offering K-, X-, Ka-, and even Ku-band protection--plus protection from POP and laser detection--the Vector 995 covers all the bases. While testing revealed some limited problems with false alarms, this minor quibble was not enough to keep us from placing the 995 in the top tier of radar detectors, right up there with the standard-setting Escort Passport 8500 X50. 
Click the image to get a closer look at the Vector 995's features. | Design
While it's appropriate to make comparisons with the Escort 8500 X50, it's especially relevant here, as Escort and Beltronics, the maker of the Vector 995, recently merged all of their manufacturing and design. Apparently, many of the internal components and technology in the 995 are essentially the same as those found in the 8500, and as you'll see, our testing bears that out. Mounting the 995 in a vehicle couldn't be easier. A small suction cup bracket slides into the unit's release mechanism and easily attaches to the windshield with light pressure. The unit is housed in a sturdy plastic case that's low profile and compact--in fact, it's a good deal sleeker and smaller than the box-shaped 8500. The rear of the unit is dominated by a receiver window. There's also an additional laser detector window that faces the passenger compartment, which is designed to detect laser signals emanating from behind the vehicle. Another great attribute of the 995 is its easy control layout. Four buttons on the top of the unit control power, city mode on/off, display brightness, and volume/mute settings. Two of the buttons also double as selection buttons when the unit is in programming mode. During normal use the red, horizontal LCD display graphs the intensity of the radar and laser signals the unit detects, as well as the detector's sensitivity mode. Power is supplied by an included 12-volt cord, which plugs into a cigarette-lighter power socket. Unfortunately, the 995 doesn't ship with the very cool SmartCord that is included with the Escort 8500. Branded as the SmartPlug on the Beltronics side of things, it features an alert LED, as well as a built-in mute button built right into the power plug. Sadly, it's only available as a $30 option for the 995.  | | Choose the standard display mode for a graphic representation of radar threats... |  | | ...Or use the "Tech Display" to see the exact frequency of incoming signals. | Features
The 995 covers the gauntlet when it comes to protection from speed trap technology. While detection of the radar bands currently in use in North America--the X, K, and Ka bands--is standard for detectors these days, the devil is in the details when it comes to on-the-road performance. Thankfully, the 995 has some extra mojo built in that makes it both more sensitive to radar signals, and smart enough to select out false alarms. The unit also features detection diodes for laser detection, and an add-on system that installs on the exterior of the vehicle, the LaserPro 905, offers enhanced laser detection, as well as laser-jamming capabilities. On top of all this protection, the 995 adds optional sensitivity to the Ku band, which is commonly used in Europe. In addition to good multiband radar and laser sensitivity, the 995 is designed to detect the latest highway menace, POP radar (queue scary music here). POP radar guns, while still relatively rare in police departments, are used to identify speeding vehicles in heavy traffic that typically confuses other types of radar. They provide little warning as the radar signal idles at a low frequency until it transmits an extremely short, high-frequency burst to "pop" a target. The 995 is equipped with a highly sensitive receiving system and a digital signal processor designed to pick up POP signals from a safe distance. POP detection is enabled by default on the 995, unlike on the 8500--a good thing for people who don't want to mess with customization menus. While enabling POP detection can increase the number of false alarms (due to the increased sensitivity required of the unit), and it's probably why Escort decided to disable it unless the user wants it, Beltronics has obviously decided the added protection is worth a few extra bogus alerts on the 995. And what about the alerts on the 995? In addition to audio tones, the 995 also has digital voice alerts that tell you what kind of danger lies ahead. If you're not into the Knight Rider thing, i.e., a computerized voice in your car, the audio tones do a good job, as well. In this mode, a unique tone or chirp is assigned to a specific kind of radar threat. The 995's AutoMute feature automatically lowers the volume level of an alert after a period of time, so you can drive without going completely batty to the sound of alerts. For those who like a little more control, the 995 can be customized via a fairly straightforward interface. In the programming mode, the LCD acts as a menu system that lets users control display brightness, automatic mute, audio tones, and power-on modes. There are also settings for disabling detection of selected bands (be careful with this one!). A mode called Tech Display shows the numeric frequency of the radar signal being received. For those living in states that prohibit use of a radar detector, the 995 does include VG-2 radar-detector detector protection, which is designed to both alert the driver and shut down the unit's oscillator. On the Road
False alarms are one of the major annoyances of radar-detector use. In our tests, the 8500 was pretty good at minimizing false alarms from home garage door systems, as well as from home and commercial security systems that commonly operate on X-band radar. While false alarms were slightly more common with the 995 than with the 8500, the error rate was acceptable, and it is likely due to the 995's default activation of POP radar sensitivity. The 995's city sensitivity setting decreases sensitivity to X-band sources, while the highway setting does not. With this unit, though, you'll quickly find that neither setting is necessary. Instead, we found the unit's powerful AutoSelect mode the most accurate, as it dynamically filtered all types of radar signals and usually identified which sources were a legitimate threat. With that kind of simplicity built in, we were comfortable just firing up the 995 and forgetting about it, until we really needed it. Pros
- Performance roughly equivalent to the Escort 8500 X50
- Just turn it on and go. AutoSelect feature automatically filters highway and city false alarms.
- Pop radar detection enabled by default
- High-caliber, multi-band sensitivity puts this one in the top tier of detectors
Cons
- No included SmartCord
- Slightly more false alarms when measured against Escort 8500 X50
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 Ranks with the elite radar detectors in performance |
| Review Date: January 24, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Careful Driver, Seatle, WA USA |
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. |
Top Tier Detector At A Mid-Level Price
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| Review Date: November 9, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Nonprophet, Portland, Oregon |
I've been using radar detectors for 25+ years. First a cheap Cobra, then a nicer Whistler, another Whistler, and then finally I stepped up to the plate and bought a Beltronics Vector 980 which at the time (9 years ago) was one of the best on the market. During that 25 year period, I have only received ONE speeding ticket, and that was from a motorcycle cop hiding in the driveway of a private residence behind the homeowner's truck reaching around the canopy with his radar gun and doing the "instant on" thing (I guess they were getting desperate for some revenue......lol). Under those circumstances NO radar detector would have saved me as I was the only car on the road......Still, my driving record is totally clean (driver diversion class for that one ticket...), and, while I've spent maybe $700 on radar detectors over the past 25 years, I've saved THOUSANDS of dollars in tickets/fines/court costs and increased car insurance premiums. So, if you're wondering if a radar detector is worth the money, YES, they are!!!
Anyway, after 9 years of faithful service, my 980 is finally starting to die: lot's of false alarms, self-cal and low voltage warnings, etc. After speaking with Beltronics Tech Support (who are located in the U.S. and very helpful!) it became pretty obvious that it was time for a new detector as my 980 is acting like it's on the way out.
Even though I've been very pleased with my Beltronics 980, I did want to read all the relevant reviews to see what detectors are the best bang for the buck these days. Basically, if you want a top-quality radar detector, you have to spend at least $200 and you want to buy from Beltronics or Escort--it's really that simple. Both companies are currently offering an $80 "Cash for clunkers" rebate where you can send in any old detector (working or not) and get $80 off any of their current models. A pretty good deal, though [...] price without the rebate and free prime shipping on the V995 was still lower......
I thought briefly about making the switch to Escort--I like the smaller profile of the Passport and they are highly rated. But after reading some of the reviews here and at other sites, it seemed like there was a fairly high failure rate of these units after a year or so of use. Given that repairing this type of electronics is almost always cost-prohibitive, I decided to just stick with Beltronics, after all, my 980 lasted for over 9 years!!!
In reading the review sites (just google "best radar detector") it became clear that the Beltronics GX65 is among the top dogs. Its got all the bells and whistles, including GPS. It's also got a $469 price tag.....
I think GPS is a nice feature. It would be nice to add grocery stores and other false alarms along my most-traveled routes to the GPS-enabled RD to keep it silent. It's also nice to be able to plot out and store the locations of the seemingly never ending mine field of photo radar speed cameras. However, for me a GPS-enabled unit didn't make sense.
This V995 costs only $209, $260 less than the GPS-enabled GX65. Yet for less than the $260 difference between these two RD's, you can buy a good Garmin nüvi 765/765T 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic that will not only allow you to maintain a database of known red light cameras and speed cameras, but also help you to navigate, avoid traffic jams, find nearby restaurants, gas stations, etc. By utilizing the POI (point of interest) database in the GPS unit, you can customize the POI's in your GPS to include speed traps, red light cameras, speed cameras, etc and then warn you as you are approaching these areas giving you time to check your speed. At the Garmin website are links to a dozen or so POI databases that provide all of this information for free.
The next model in the Beltronics lineup is the RX65 which retails for $339.95 Yet several tests rated the V995 BETTER in radar detection, and it's $150 less.....Yes, the RX65 has a few more bells and whistles, but not nearly enough to justify the much higher price IMHO. It's worth noting that the V995 retails for $295 at the Beltronics website.
So far, I'm very happy with the V995. I've been running the 980 and the 995 together for about 2 weeks now just to test sensitivity of the V995 (my 980 still works very well on detecting actual radar--it's just getting waaaaay too many false alarms). I really like the fact that the V995 comes with the "smart cord," I saw earlier reviews that stated it did not, but mine did. The V995 mounting bracket is simple, yet very strong and effective, and I really like that the V995 locks onto the mounting bracket with a push-button lock on the top of the V995. This means that if you're running some errands and you want to hide or take your RD with you to prevent theft, you can quickly remove it from the bracket without having to remove the bracket from the windshield. Still, if you're in a high crime area it's probably best to remove the bracket from your windshield as crafty thieves will look for RD and GPS suction cup mounts hoping that the owner has just hidden the RD in the glove box or under the seat and then bust out your window just to find out......
I also really like the auto-mute feature on the V995. Essentially, once it pics up a signal it will beep 2-3 times loudly so that you are alerted, and then it will mute the sound but keep the lights flashing so you can track the alert over the next few minutes without the annoying beeping or the need to push the mute button. Another great feature is the autoscan feature (which I now use the most) that allows you to not have to choose between City or Highway mode (for increased/decreased sensitivity) it will autoscan the area you're driving in and switch itself between Hwy and City as needed. So, all the protection without the false-alarms from cell phone towers, motion detectors, and other cheap radar detectors. The end result is a very quiet, yet very sensitive radar detector--and that's what you really want.
My V995 has been great--it even gave me plenty of warning last week for a laser speed trap--though when you hear the "laser alert!" warning you need to slow down NOW! It gives me virtually no false alarms, and it mounts securely to the windshield. It comes with the smart cord, the windshield mount (and Beltronics even included a spare set of suction cups--a nice touch) and a well made zippered case to store everything in. Sure, you could spend more money if you want to, but for $209 for the V995, this is hands down the best radar detector bang-for-your-buck!!! |
Great Product
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| Review Date: May 14, 2007 |
| Reviewer: REB, Davie, Florida United States |
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. |
I bought 2 of them, separately.
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| Review Date: May 14, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Al, Fanwood, NJ USA |
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.
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Top Rated, Lower Price
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| Review Date: January 12, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Jack Hart, New York |
I am a long time radar detector user (25+ years), but haven't bought a new one in maybe 5 years. I therefore felt a bit out of the loop on current radar detector technology and thus decided I had some homework to do. I bought this Beltronics V995 unit after carefully reviewing all the radar detector review sites (which I very much recommend you do as well) and then honed my decision after picking a few top candidates and reading the reviews here on Amazon. I took about two weeks to make my decision. This is my first Beltronics unit, I have normally bought Escort/Passport in the past. Now that they are essentially the same company, and the same technology and construction has been brought to the Beltronic's lineup, I thought I would give them a try, especially since this unit is top-rated and less expensive than the other high end detectors in this field, like the cough*Passport 9500i*cough.
First, note this unit is not GPS-enabled with preset photo radar cameras in its memory. As another reviewer noted, for the additional price, go buy a Garmin GPS and plug them in yourself. You'll save a ton of money and have a better GPS unit to boot. If $ is no object, and you simply must have the latest toy, by all means go buy yourself a GPS-enabled unit. The reviews stated they did work pretty well, but you will pay dearly for that technology.
But if you just want stellar radar detection at an affordable price, by all means consider the Bel V995. In "most" tests I reviewed, while it may not have offered the very earliest detection warning, it was close enough to easily get the job done. Sure you could spend twice the price (or more) and get .3 of a second earlier warning, but, do you need to? I didn't think so and in real world driving, the difference has proven negligible. Still, if you are someone who has to have the "best," and will pay whatever that costs, by all means go look at those $500 to $600 units out there and get them. I used to be one of "those" guys, but that was before the reality of things like a family, mortgage, college savings, etc. came into play. This unit now costs under $200, which is really a steal considering what it does.
I have had the unit for several months now and consider the unit battle tested, having driven up New York State's infamous Route 17, from beginning to end, half a dozen times. As anyone who is familiar with that highway knows, it is a literal rat's nest of radar traps, the New York State troopers utilizing both KA band and laser, and of course, instant-on. It does help that I am very familiar with most of their preferred "hiding" spots, but that just made it easier to test the unit's ability to sniff them out in advance. And let me just say, the unit works as advertised and reviewed. Not a single ticket and I just smile every time it finds the cop...But of course you can never predict where they will be cruising on the highway itself, with instant on, you really have to pay attention and take every alert seriously or you will, eventually, get a ticket. And if there is no one around you at all - slow down!
I drive with the unit's "autoscan" feature, which as many have described, is the no-brainer way of letting the unit pick whether to be in highway or city mode, and it does a very effective job of ignoring false alarms like automatic door openers operating on X band, and yet picking up a real trap from a great distance.
The other great feature, again as others have noted, is the auto-mute feature. The unit loudly announces the presence of police radar for 2-3 seconds, gets your attention, allowing you to slow down, then reduces the volume automatically so it is not blasting your ears. You can manually adjust this feature if you do not want it to auto mute. Nice.
The smart cord feature is also nice and does in fact now come with the unit. It's nice because you can auto mute from the cord if you want, and you can also run in "dark" mode, if you don't want others to see the warning lights from your unit mounted on the windshield, the display on the cord will light up instead. They call this running in "stealth" mode. At night I would and do consider doing this.
Oh, and for those newbie radar detector users who just don't "get it," and give this unit, as well as others, one star for failing to protect you from instant on radar - this unit will NOT protect you from instant on radar. NO radar detector will do that and if you don't understand that, perhaps a radar detector is not for you. Enough said.
Bottom line, this unit works extremely well for what it was designed to do. It is well built, easy to use right out of the box, and does what it is supposed to do. For now less than $200, I don't see how you can beat it from a price/performance ratio. I would buy it again in a second. Do your own research and see if you don't agree with me after you do. Good luck. |
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