Feeling Comfortable

I admit, I drive too fast, always have...always will. After having a Whistler for about 7 years, I got hit with a laser that neither of us were ready for. Thankfully I had a front door and they got nabbed...so I went to the market to save myself from future panic.

Bel or Escort seems to be the biggest debate out there. I compared, contrasted, searched and talked to everyone I knew. Price was a concern for me I admit, but I wanted something that was reliable so it was a trade-off. Finally I did settle on the Beltronics 955.

I did order it online from Radarbusters.com and it came very quickly. The reason I didn't order it from some of the other online stores that did offer about $15 less was simply the return policy and the fact it didn't void the mfr. warranty. I have no complaints about the company whatsoever.

I've had this now for about 3 weeks and it has not failed me yet. Running about 75 on our local highway (posted 55) I had several drivers piling up behind me letting me lead the way. Ka started chirping so I let off. They thought I was nuts so I scooted over into the slow lane. Yep, give me about a mile of Ka's and there was the State boy. Thank you, trusty Bel, I got to work well before I needed...someone else...not so lucky.

One thing I have to say is that this does not pick up cop cars. Only those running laser or radar equipment. At first I was wary that it was picking up signals when I'd see a cop sitting out in the open like he was running radar. Now I will slow down some, but not cram on the brakes like I used to. Some people seem to think that it isn't working if doesn't pick up every officer in sight. 'Nuff said.

The plug is interesting. It is a standard plug on the end where it connects to your cigarette lighter, the other is a RJ45. Basically it looks like a telephone connector. I am not sure why the change, but it does stay firmly in place.

The box includes a windshield mount with suction cups. I'm not a big fan of putting it on the windshield, but for now I am while breaking the detector in. On occasion I have used my sticky hand on the dashboard to make it easier to hide quickly. The only problem with that is the coiled cord is just a bit too tight and the radar detector is pulled to one side, thus turning it sideways. Not helpful. Back to the windshield mount.

Now I do get some false readings, but they are always on X band. Funny, I can tell where every Walgreens store is from about 1/2 mile away! Also our airport sets off the X band. I've never gotten a false Ka, but one store does set off false K band. What you need to do is pay attention to where the X band typically goes off and look around a bit to figure out what is setting it off. Also, when you get hit, remember the band and if it is State, City etc. for next time.

The sound settings are more than adequate. I have set mine to low simply because it is too loud. The pitch of the chirps drive the dog nuts and she climbs up near anyone out of fear (weird). After getting used to the different pitches, you won't need it very high.

The ability to change the display brightness and readout is great. My first drive at night had my showing the world the word "Autoscan". In no time I was looking through the book figuring out how to get the dimmer on, it can even go into dark mode to help with the distraction.

That being said, I do believe that the book is a good starting point. There are options that you do need to look at the manual and work with, but I've got all the modifications I need now.

Also being able to change the readout is good. Rather than the whole word "Autoscan" I simply have an "A" on the left side and nothing else. Less distraction and less telling the cars you pass "Hey, I've got a Bel on my windshield"!

It does have settings allowing you to change from highway to city mode, blocking X band and other individual preferences. For me, all I want is dim, no words, ALL bands to show up, and RELIABILITY. < Got it!

In essence, this will save your insurance but not your mileage. I drive faster than I did before with confidence. I've never had a ticket in over 19 years of driving way too fast, and with the Bel 955 I don't foresee myself getting one too soon either.

Of course a little common sense needs to prevail. If you see a cop, slow down regardless of radar. If there is an accident, emergency or the road conditions are bad, slow down no matter what. Use the Bel 955 as a tool to help you save on insurance and maybe get there a little faster, not as a free pass to endanger others.