Beltronics Vector 940 Radar Detector

I have often philosophized that there are some things in life for which you should pay a minimum price: adjustable wrenches, wall paint, lobster, and radar detectors. Since you're here, I'll assume it's the radar detector you want to read about.

The Beltronics Vector 940 is the most inexpensive member of the Beltronics Vector series. It tops out (price-wise) with the international-ready 990 for about $330-350. The comes the heavily advertised 985 for about $250-300. Then the 960, which has a few more features than the 940, for about $180-220. But here's a big secret: The 940 shares the same performance as the more expensive members of the family for a fair $160-180. And here's more: it's already got all the features that you'll ever really need!

Bottom line: You buy a radar detector for detecting police radar and laser signals far away and hopefully without lots of false alarms. So, how does the 940 stack against the more expensive AND the cheaper. Well, it's as good a performance as any of the big boys out there. And it has performance that the cheaper models just can't touch. "Wow, pretty big claims there, Dimeadip." you say! Well, don't take my word for it. Afterall, a truly untested opinion is nothing more than that - an opinion.

So, check out speedzones.com. This independent, police conducted test will show you that the 985 tops virtually all others, including the Escort Passport 8500 and the much sought after Valentine 1. And the 940 is virtually identical to it for much less money. Then checkout the tests at RadarTest.com and radarbusters.com.

Like I said, the 940 gives you performance right there with the big names. But, notice something else from these websites, virtually everything from the "Wal-Mart brands" (Cobra, Whistler, Uniden) just don't measure up. Sure, they're cheaper at $120 or less, but what's the use of having an inexpensive radar detector AND a ticket??? It you don't have the money to get a truly good radar detector, save up another month or so!

Assuming the question of performance is settled, let's move on to falsing. I used to own a Bel detector way back in 1989. It was super sensitive. To everything. Everything. I hit the brakes for every automated door, other radar detector, and stray electromagnetic wave within 2 miles. Got real old, real quick. So I got rid of it and got an original Passport. Much better. For all this, I was skeptical of the new Bel units. But, I am very impressed with the complete lack of false alarms I've received.

The 940 has selectable scan modes for highway, two city modes, and AutoScan. I've found the factory preset AutoScan to be excellent. In this mode, the detector constantly evaluates surrounding signals and adjusts automatically. I drive to work via four lane suburban highway, lined with businesses and restaurants. I then drive home on rural two lane highway through deserted, Florida swamp and pine forest. I've received NO false alerts while maintaining excellent warning time. I can't ask for better performance than that!

So you got great performance and excellent false alert protection. No convinced? Alright, alright, other features:

The unit comes complete with coiled cord, some velcro strips for dash mounting, a cigarette barrel plug, and a windshield mount. The windshield mount is rather large and a bit bulky, but it is made completely of metal and provides a very sturdy mount. I've seen other detectors that came with windshield mounts whose design seemed like an afterthought to the detector. Not here. It's sturdiness and solidity is worth the bulk. Two thumbs up for the mount. One thumb down for not including a 10' straight cord though. If you want to do a neater permanant installation, the plugs are pretty standard so you can buy a cord anywhere and still be able to plug it into the detector. I was a little disappointed with the hard, shiny black plastic used for the detector itself. Where my old Passport was built like a little tank, this one gives the impression that it would shatter if dropped. Same for the buttons. But, after it's connected to its sturdy mount, there shouldn't be much shock to the unit so it's really not a problem.

For letting you know when it detects a signal, the 940 can be set to any of 10 different volumes. From very soft to VERY LOUD. Two thumbs up for audible alert. The 940 also includes the option for a voice alert. I prefer the factory setting of a voice telling me the band detected, followed by some chirps or beeps (depending on the band), and then some "clicks" until the threat passes. If you don't like the voice, you can turn it off. You also have the choice of manually turning off the beeps/chirps, but I prefer the AutoMute function. For visible alert, the unit displays the band detected and then shows signal strength by lighting up successive red blocks. The display can be set to bright, dim, or dark. My complaint is that bright is good for the days, but too bright at night. And since it continuously displays the chosen scan mode, ie. AutoScan, it can be very bright and a bit of a distraction unless the setting is dimmed at night. Such big words and such bright lighting can also be a light for every detector-less moth within a mile, drawing them to your rear bumper for miles, and miles, and miles,... One thumb up for audible and one down for alerts. All said, it will easily let you know when a threat has been detected and that's what really counts.

Another feature from the 940 is SWS alert. If equipped, this is a signal given off by fast moving emergency vehicles, road construction, or other road hazards. Problem is the only place I've read that has them widespread is Florida. And I've yet to receive one! Don't let the SWS ability be a big factor in your decision for a detector. And judging by the manual, which is shared with the 960, the extent to which the displays describes the SWS hazard it primarily what distinguishes the 960 from the 940. wow.

Oh, for those of you who saw that the Cobra and some others have a built in compass, you don't need a damn compass on your radar detector! Buy a radar detector to detect radars. Spend $5 at Wal-Mart for a compass if you get lost easily but retain the knowledge to read and utilize compass navigation.

So where do you get a Beltronics 940? Well, your local Circuit City, Best Buy, etc., will have them for about $180. Beltronics site (beltronics.com) sells them for $219.95. Some searching on the web will get one to your door for about $160 - 180. I bought mine on ebay from Barney's in New Jersey for $144 + $15 S&H. This price makes it the value leader amongst the top performers but more than the pretenders.

So there you have it. Performance. No falsing. Good features. No compass. Priced between $150 and 200 bucks.

Thanks for reading.

Oh, since you read this far, a bonus: the minimum price for an adjustable wrench is about $10. Paint: $20/gal. Lobster: $18. Feel free to add your own in my comments section!


UPDATE - 17Jan04
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Oh, what a difference a few months make! On December 27, 2003, the speaker died. It was 10 months old. It was replaced under warranty, however, I was without my detector for about 2 weeks and out $10 for shipping. As I stated above, the build quality of the BEL 940 is suspect. Apparently, this a book you CAN judge by the cover!

Since the most sensitive detector in the world isn't worth much if it doesn't actually let you know it sniffed a radar, I'm significantly reducing my origianl rating for this model. In fairness, it worked perfectly prior to the speaker failing, they did stand behind the warranty, and the repair appears to have been successful. But, the warranty expires in two months.