Beltronics BEL 985 Radar Detector

The Vector 985 series from bell has many bells and ...

Strengths: Looks Great, Audio alerts are very loud, easy of programing, voltage meter, quick power up setting, selection of which bands can be detected, inverted display, clear crisp voice alerts

Weaknesses: Very inaccurate, both in detecting actual radar, and in the distance from the radar.

Summary: The Vector 985 series from bell has many bells and whistles to enhance the driving pleasure. However, your not buying this radar for just that purpose. Your buying it to keep the tickets out of your pocket, and the money in. The 985 does not provide an accurate reading to radar. Often I have found that a radar gun anywhere from 1/2 mile to 5 or 6 miles away reads 1 - 3 on the digital display. When your within that half to a quarter mile, it usually skips 4,5,6 and goes to 7 or 8. Only when it is too late, do you get a 9 (usually 25 or 30 meters away). Its response to instant on radar is usually a quick warning displaying low numbers on the digital read out giving a false sense to the distance of the approaching radar.

This radar does do what its job is, but, if your looking for a radar that gets a radar reading faster, farther, and more accurately, I would suggest something else.

Has lots of cool features thou!

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This is an excellent detector. Before buying this ...

Strengths: Exceptional Detection Range!

Weaknesses: A little pricey!

Summary: This is an excellent detector. Before buying this detector, I have been using other detectors (Cobra 9870, Passport 7500) and they leave me yearning for more. Before buying the Bel 985, I have done numerous researches for the best detector at an affordable price and the Bel 985 is a definite winner! As a college student, I commute a lot and the Bel 985 has already saved three times within two weeks and subsequently has compensate for its cost. I would definitely recommend this product for anyone who is looking for a high-class detector at a middle-class price.

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Have tried it in both of my cars, using it from th ...

Strengths: Great User Features. Very Custom Configurable. Like the inverted display so you can mount it up-side-down on the the ceiling of the car or the visor.

Weaknesses: Very inconsistant in its alerting. Falses all the time. Does not perform even close to one I have in another car (Passport)

Summary: Have tried it in both of my cars, using it from the visor, center of the widshield with the suction cups etc., hoping maybe the mounting, or car had something to do with the units poor functioning and false alarms.

Will even False with a high 7 or 9 strength on the meter sitting in my driveway of a small town. Sometimes have to turn it off to get it to quit falsing.

Very annoying. Having used another detector in my other car and in this car on the same route I drive to work for over an hour each day, I know that it hardly ever makes a sound unless it is actually a cop.

Unlaoded it at a significant loss of $, and bought another passport 8500.

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i have never been so dissatisfied with an online p ...

Strengths: I like the quick start up feature and the display is very good. Good support

Weaknesses: Lots of em - bad speaker placement, no volume knob, i have sent my unit back to bel twice now because of errors

Summary: i have never been so dissatisfied with an online purchase - i strongly discourage you from buying this detector - poor design, and mine has never worked right. However, tech support at Bel is very good - last time i called i was talking to a real live person before i even heard the phone ring! I shouldnt have to be calling them though after buying a 250 dollar plastic box to just look pretty on my dashboard

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is a great detector with great features you can tu ...

Strengths: great detector detects x k ka and laser and pop radar

Weaknesses: minimal false alarms

Summary: is a great detector with great features you can turn bands on and off highway city dark mode voice alert on or off also fast power up with out going threw all the features if you choose select dim bright or dark for states that detectors are illegal

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I've had this radar for a while now and its been v ...

Strengths: Good display, vioce alerts, volume and brightness adjustable, x-k-ka band for confusion of "bogus" alerts vs. "laser/radar". great detection

Weaknesses: They didn't have a wireless model but hard-wiring is also great so you don't take up your cigarette lighter.

Summary: I've had this radar for a while now and its been very useful--HIghly recommended. Also --escort 8500 and valentine are top-notch radars also! Howver value-wise this one is great.

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