Beltronics Vector 955 Laser/Radar Detector

Like most people I did a lot of research before buying this device. I was a bit intrigued with the single-star ratings here on Amazon. Based on what I've read, and based on my own use of this device, I think there is some misunderstanding by some users regarding the nature of radar detectors. First, false alerts are clearly a weak-point in most radar-detecting technologies, as the manufacturer fully acknowledges in the user manual. But this problem happens mostly to detectors priced $200 or below. The $500+ detectors have better circuitry and logic to deal with this problem. Therefore, the obvious answer to having a near-perfect detector is to spend more money on a better detector. But this does not mean that the sub-$200 detectors are worthless. Many of them, including the Beltronics 955, have various built-in features to help overcome false alerts. Some of these include "city" mode (less sensitivity to X band), signal intensity meter (helps you distinguish weak and sporadic signals from threatening ones), automute (automatic lowering of sound after initial strong alert), outright disabling of X band, and a brand new feature called TSR signaling ranking. According to the insert, this is,"a new optional boost in anti-falsing software to eliminate excessive alerts from erroneous X and K-band sources. [...] TSR intelligently sorts, ranks and rejects this type of false alarm automatically." For some reason, this is disabled by default, but it can be easily enabled. So the bottom line is that it if you expect perfection, you should invest in a higher-priced model. If you can tolerate a few false alerts or if you don't mind disabling the X-band altogether, this model is more than sufficient for the average driver. As far as my experience with this unit, I've only had it two weeks, but so far it has performed well. I live in a fairly dense suburban area with a large mix of houses and businesses. The first thing the detector latched on to was a red light runner camera. With the TSR mode off, it detected the radar both before and after the source point. With the TSR on it only briefly alerted as I drove past. It often detected X-band signals from businesses with automatic-open doors, but the city mode tames these alerts greatly. I would also get random K-band and Ka-band signals, but only rarely and only in areas dense with cars and businesses. Overall, it seemed fairly good about keeping quiet. Combined with the automute and level-meter, alerts become much less annoying. The automute function keeps you from getting distracted too much, and the level-meter helps you get a quick glimpse of the signal intensity which allows you to quickly determine if the signal is random and extraneous or if it's coming from a cop's radar gun. The bottom line here is that this detector, like most sub-$200 detectors, require learning and adjustment. Just like most computers --and make no mistake, it is a mini-computer-- you'll only derive the full benefit if you learn as much as you can and apply it accordingly. Read the manual, do your research, and work with the detector accordingly. Don't expect perfection. If that's what you want, go spend $500 to $1500 on a better detector. One other thing... this detector paid for itself on the second day of use. Well, kind of. I had just turned on to a major boulevard. At first the detector went off with a low signal detection. Within seconds the detector started going crazy. I kept looking but could not see any source. I slowed down to the exact speed limit and kept looking around. It was not until I traveled another 1/3 mile that I finally saw the cop. He was parked in the shade of an ivy-covered wall on the opposite side of the road. From the initial alert point, one would be hard-pressed to even see a car where the cop car was parked. As I approached and passed I did not see a radar gun on the dashboard, but I did see the cop looking down as if writing something (I think he had just cited someone). In other words, he was not actively pointing his radar gun in my direction, yet the Beltronics 955 detected the stray signals from over 1/3 mile away! That's impressive. Had he been pointing his gun directly at me on a highway, the detector would have alerted me in plenty of time to react. Overall, I am very impressed with this unit given its price. I'm not sure how this detector compares to others in the same price range, but I can definitely say that this unit has performed well. I would probably buy it again if I owned a second car. PROS: * Very intuitive design and easily programmable options * Display LED brightness control, from very bright, to medium, to very dim (for night driving), to completely off * Very good sensitivity to band signals from far away * Very cool automute feature that dampens post-detection audible alerts * Quick boot option (under 4 seconds) * New technology called TSR signal ranking now included * Relatively lightweight and compact -- can fit in jacket pocket or purse. * Excellent industry support -- lots of add-ons, accessories and wiring solutions * Insert with product offers 2-year warranty extension for $29.95 -- great bargain! CONS: * This suction-cup mount solution -- what a pathetic offering by Bel. This wouldn't be so bad if Bel offered an alternative for extra $, but they don't. * Power cord much too short. $0.35 worth of extra wire would have solved this problem! * Silver top cover adds to light reflection, but it is not too annoying.