Beltronics STi-R Prices, Reviews, Sales, Compare
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Beltronics STi-R Prices, Reviews, Sales, Compare.
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I have to say that I was very furious when the Bel STi Remote unit was released. I tamed my enthusiasm to some extent however and decided to wait until the 2nd wave of STi Remote units hit the streets. Rumors had circulated on some forums about some "bug fixes" of various sorts, so I waited another couple of months. Finally, I ordered a unit and I could not wait for it to approach. Since I often drive through the only position in the U.S. which bans detectors (i.e. Virginia), I was psyched about being able to expend a radar detector there without (hopefully) getting hassled.
Well, I've now been using the Bel STi for about a year, and I have to say that overall I've been very disappointed.
I previously have owned a Valentine One for about 10 years now. When I got the Bel STi Remote unit, I decided to leave my V1 installed and compare performance of the two for a month or two before ditching the V1 (or so I concept) . As it turns out, I tranquil have them both installed. I impartial cannot fathom giving up my V1, and in retrospect I wish that I had not spent $1,100 to remove the STi Remote. It is IMHO, not worth the cost.
So, here's the nitty gritty... the righteous, the terrible, and the ugly:
The Good
- Undetectable, even by the Spectre IV radar detector detector
- Can be installed concealed unhurried bumper (as I did)
- External speaker with adjustable volume control
- Switches are minute and unobtrusive
- Grand X and K band filtering (fake signals) in city modes
The Bad
- Tiresome on the uptake of Ka signals. On average it is 1-2 seconds leisurely my V1 (could be due to mounting state... I believe that is the most likely cause, however... read on)
- Lots of wiring / dead install. Not really a complaint, but unprejudiced pointing this out. It is a remote mount though, so what do you question?
The Ugly
- Last week I had a Ka encounter which my V1 alerted to over 1 mile away. The STi Remote did not alert AT ALL until my V1 was at nearly corpulent alert strength and I was about 1/4 mile from the patrol car (i.e. within range of his/her radar unit) .
- I've had one or two other instances when it completely missed a distant instant-on Ka signal picked up by the V1.
Now, the STi Remote is not a dreadful detector per se. In fact, I would say that it is quite helpful. However, I don't believe it's a salubrious detector to have installed remotely (as it is supposedly intended) . Arrive to mediate of it, perhaps Mike Valentine is accurate when he always says you shouldn't do that anyway. My experience with both the V1 and Bel STi Remote seems to believe out that argument.
I reflect if you must go with a concealed and undetectable detector, then it's not a dreadful choice. However, you should be prepared for some disappointment and possibly a mark or two in spite of using it.
Personally, I recommend to my friends that if they want an STi that they take an STi-Driver model instead. It is less than half the mark and I suspect a better performer.
