Best radar detector under $200
- Few false alarms
- Easy to use
- Good basic detector
- Gives shorter warning of radar traps than top detectors
- Hit-or-miss detection of instant-on radar
It has fewer fancy features than midpriced radar detectors, but tests show that the Beltronics Vector 955 is just as good at warning drivers about most speed traps. Although it gives less advance notice of a looming radar gun than expensive detectors, such as the Escort Passport 9500ix (*Est. $500) , experts and users say the Vector 955 provides plenty of warning. In tests, it provides about as much warning as the midpriced Escort Passport 8500 X50 (*Est. $320) and the Beltronics Vector 995 (*Est. $220) . One shortcoming of the Vector 955 shows up only in expert tests: It doesn't always sound an alarm when confronted by the short, tiny pulses of instant-on radar.
RadarTest.com tests the Beltronics Vector 955 against two newer budget radar-detector models.
GuysOfLidar.com's comparison test is more extensive, but it's older and doesn't include the very newest models. LaserVeil.com and RadarBusters.com list the Vector 955 as one of the best inexpensive radar detectors, but no test results are given. User reviews at Amazon.com and Epinions.com are a good place to check whether experts' impressions of the Vector 955 hold up in real life.
| Beltronics Vector V955 Radar Detector | |
(263 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. RadarTest.com
In this test, the Beltronics Vector 955 outperforms two other budget radar detectors, the Cobra XRS 9955 (now discontinued) and Whistler Pro 78SE. The Beltronics does the best job of detecting radar on straightaways, around curves and over hills.
Review: Best 2009 Radar Detector Under $179, Craig Peterson, Updated Sept. 13, 2011
2. Guys of Lidar
The expert tests at GuysOfLidar.com mimic real-world situations; for example, radar detectors are tested on their ability to sense radar guns that are hiding over a hill or around a curve. The Beltronics Vector 955 performs well in most tests, but it has trouble detecting instant-on radar.
Review: Radar Detector Test, Editors of GuysOfLidar.com, Aug. 17-19, 2007
3. Laserveil.com
LaserVeil.com is a retail site that sells a laser light-absorbing spray for cars. In addition to that, it conducts expert radar-detector tests and posts the results in a buyer's guide. The Beltronics Vector 955 is rated one of the top under-$300 radar detectors here, but there is no full review of the unit.
Review: Radar Detectors Buyer's Guide 2008-2009, "The Veil Guy", Updated Jan. 11, 2009
4. RadarBusters.com
The Beltronics Vector 955 is one of the few under-$200 radar detectors earning a recommendation from "Radar Roy" Reyer, the former police officer who now runs this retail site. He says the Vector 955 was the top performer in his 2007 tests, but no test results are posted.
Review: Radar Roy's Product Recommendations, Roy Reyer
5. Amazon.com
The Beltronics Vector 955 earns an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5) with about 150 consumer reviews posted. With such a large number of different views registered by owners, readers can get a good overall idea of the Vector 955's real-life performance.
Review: Beltronics Vector V955 Radar Detector, Contributors to Amazon.com
6. Epinions.com
The Beltronics Vector 955 earns an average of 3.5 stars (out of 5) from more than 25 users at Epinions.com, a site where consumers post reviews of products they own. Users also give the Vector 955 numeric ratings for ease of use and durability, along with narrative reviews detailing their ownership experiences.
Review: Beltronics Vector 955 Radar Detector, Contributors to Epinions.com
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