BEL 945i

Price Paid:  $70.00 from eBay

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 945 i

Summary:
For what I paid it's worth the money, Buying new your better off with the Vector models 940-985. The 945 i is prone to falsing especially on x band radar have tested this unit with the cord and without if you use the cord will increase detecting range by 20 percent if you use the batters the oscillator will cycle once every two-three seconds to save batteries life, this is dangerous if you happen to incounter instant-on radar at the wrong time using my Kustom HR 12 Handheld noticed that the unit at time wouldn't make a peep at times on batteries, but wasn't a problem when using the power cord. Batteries need to be changed when the power level reaches 25 percent or performance will drop to useless levels. I like the option of using batteries or not, if using batteries use Alkaline not rechargeable for some reason the unit performs better with Alkaline batteries. This unit does detect radar better then regular Escort SOLO not S2 works as good as the BEL 946 Cordless. Your better off buying the Vector models they have better detecting range.

Strengths:
easy to use detects radar 20 percent better when using the cord, better then average KA Band detection. price paid $70.00 including shipping, BEL Cordless are motorcycle friendly.recommend this unit only if you use the power cord.

Weaknesses:
poor performer when using batteries, false alarms on X band, can't upgrade software like the newer Vector models

Similar Products Used:
Valentine One 1.7, 1.8 Versions BEL Vector S95, 940,960 980, 985 BEL Express 920, 945i, 946 Escort 7500, 8500

Price Paid:  $170.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2000 Model 946

Summary:
This review is for the newer 946 model. This is a real radar detector. In six months of use, I've received countless warnings (yes, most are not from cops, as will be the case with all detectors) and can count a handful of instances where it saved me from a speeding ticket. The audio signals are strong, clear and loud (volume can be adjusted), it gives you a warning signal before it shuts itself off (after about 1 hour of no activity), and also warns you when you have about 1 hour of battery life left. Batteries last 20 to 25 hours depending on activity.

Strengths:
Cordless, clear warning signals, mounts neatly on visor

Weaknesses:
Overly sensitive in urban areas

Similar Products Used:
None

Summary:
I purchased the Bel because I liked being able to transport the unit between my cars and motorcycle. Well, other than the cordless feature, there really isn't much to recommend for the unit since it beeps incessantly to the point where I leave it off most of the time. My antique Escort spanks it in the X and K band (as it does every other unit I've tired) and the laser detection range is too short to be of value. Not recommended. I purchased mine for $200.

Strengths:
Cordless

Weaknesses:
False alarms

Similar Products Used:
Valentine research unit's much better if cost isn't objective

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1997

Summary:
I would not recommend this detector. I stopped using it because it always had dead batteries. I use my simple, old, heavy Escort (laser speed detection is still rare in here). I may use it in my other vehicle if I can find a power cord for it. (It didn't come with one!)

Strengths:
I bought it because it was cordless. It does detect all bands of radar and lidar fairly reliably.

Weaknesses:
This thing goes through batteries in a few days. You can't even turn it off manually to save the batteries because it turns itself off automatically after an hour without any alarms. On long trips you have to keep turning it on if you don't get any alarms. It doesn't let you know when it turns off, it just stops working. The alarms are confusing, not intuitive. You can't tell what the alarm is by hearing it. You have to look at it, and you have to look F A S T before the indication disappears.

Similar Products Used:
Escort (old)