Beltronics Pro GX65 Radar Detector (Black) Will NOT HONOR WARRANTY from Amazon.com – M. Costa – Phoenix, AZ USA
My Radar detector was purchased January 2010. One month later the detector stopped working and would not turn on. I verified it was not the power source or the cable; the unit was receiving power but would not turn on. Well I wasn’t too happy but I knew it was covered by a 1 Year warranty. I called up Beltronics only to find out that they DO NOT HONOR WARRANTY CLAIMS for products purchased from Amazon.com!!! Even worse, they wanted .99 + shipping to fix the unit. Needless-to-say, I find their level of customer service inadequate and disconcerting given the volume of product they sell through this site. I will not purchase another Beltronics product and would advise highly against it given their lack of professionalism in standing behind the quality of their own product.
Beltonics Pro GX65 Radar Detector – G. Ross –
I have never owned a radar detector before. If you’re like me, you researched radar detectors endlessly, and still remain undecided. I wanted the best, and narrowed my decision down to the Valentine 1, the Bel GX65, and the Escort 9500ix. The Bel and the Escort are essentially the same, as one company manufactures both. The Escort uses a blue display, and the Bel is red, but they are both similar, and both have GPS capabilities, except that the Bel is cheaper. The Valentine 1 gets rave reviews, but I dismissed it because of the reviews saying it was too sensitive to false alerts. Sure, the directional arrows are a great idea, as is the front and rear scanners. However, how often are you busted from a cop behind you? As for the arrows, reviews pointed out that every door sensor, and false signal, could lead the arrows to say that there are multiple bogies in multiple directions. After awhile, the false alerts can become so distracting, that you ignore them, and then when a real threat comes along you’re in trouble. So, I went w/the Bel. I have used this for a few months now, and I am still unconvinced that it helps that much. The construction seems solid. The unit does tend to get warm on top and bottom after use, and gets very warm from the sun. This is a problem b/c if the unit overheats, it won’t work. I have read reviews about this, and some detectors have refused to work properly for up to 10 minutes after getting into the car after it’s been parked for awhile. The Bel is supposed to alert to this thru it’s diagnostic mode, not something found on cheap detectors. I have not run into this problem yet though, so that’s good. The GPS is supposed to “learn” where false alerts are, and gradually ignore them as you drive the same route. This is great for a beginner like me, that doesn’t want to, or can’t, figure out the complexities of manually setting up the detector. So far, this has been a mixed bag. On my route there are several false alerts. I would say that it has “learned” to ignore about 80% of them, but it still falsely alerts to several door sensors in the same spot on my route, and the ones it ignores, took about 4 weeks for it to do so. When it goes off, it will sound an alert, tell you the band, display your speed, then give the signal strength, which stays for a few seconds so you can look to see what caused the alert. This sequence of displays is useful. However, I would love it if the signal strength displayed faster, or even first, since that is what truly tells you if it is police radar, or just a door sensor. In order for the GPS to work, you need to mount it on the windshield w/a clear view of the sky. The mount looks flimsy, but it is not. There are 2 mini suction cups, and a metal clip that slides into the top of the Bel. The clip can be bent to accommodate different windshield angles. The suction cups pop on and off easily, and don’t leave telltale marks on the glass that tell people to break into your car and steal it. Initial satellite acquisition tends to be fairly quick. Going under an overpass will lose the signal, and the Bel informs you of that, as it informs you when the signal is reacquired. The display is easy to read at night, but, the controls are on top. If the unit is mounted high on the windshield as mine is, both for best satellite acquisition, and to best pickup police radar, it’s difficult to hit the mute button, or other controls while driving. Front mounted controls would be better. There is a mute button on the included power cord, but my car’s power outlet is inside the center console, making this feature useless. You can adjust the brightness on the display to different levels, or shut it off completely if you wish. You can also disable X-band, and set different sensitivity levels if you wish, or just leave it on Auto-Scan as I do, and let the Bel do everything automatically. So, how does it perform to police radar? This is the 2 stars part of my review. The Bel is supposed to be one of the best at this, yet I’m still not sure how trustworthy the Bel is. One time, the Bel alerted me well over 1.5 miles away to a cruiser. However, one time, 2 motorcycle cops were standing on the side of the road pointing radar guns straight into traffic. The Bel never made a peep! Even if it was instant on, it never made a sound, even when I was passing right next to them! Last night, on a straight stretch of highway with very little traffic, 2 cruisers were on a downward slope of the freeway aimed right towards me. The Bel alerted, but only w/a 0.5 mile range! Pathetic! If I had been speeding, I would have long since been nailed. Once, a cop on the side of the road caused no alert, but he might not have been radaring, since his car was not aimed into traffic. Another time, the Bel alerted me to laser, but only after I passed the cop! I’d say the Bel has performed the way it should, maybe thrice since I’ve had it. So, basically I drive the speed limit just as I did before the Bel, b/c I’m just not convinced the Bel is doing it’s job. The GPS also alerts to red-light cameras, and speed cameras. Only Arizona has speed cameras, so I don’t know about that, and Georgia has begun to remove most red-light cameras. There is 1 red-light camera on my route, and it faithfully alerts to it, and points an arrow towards the location, every time. However, the alert goes off w/700 feet notice and that’s it. It also alerts when I’m on a highway overpass, going parallel to the light as I drive by. Kinda annoying. I will give it a couple of more chances, then I sell it. Trouble is, I’ve done all the research, and the Bel was the best, so there’s nothing left to try. Maybe I got a lemon, who knows? If I can pick up a Valentine, or even the Escort 9500ix cheap, I might try those.
Beltronics: GX65 Today there are more ways to get a traffic ticket than ever before. The good news is that BELTRONICS is one step ahead. The all-new Pro GX65 works like an inside informant, keeping you up to date and well informed on potential threats. This pocket sized marvel incorporates our award winning long range performance to give you the best defense against the latest arsenal of radar and laser guns. In addition, the GX65 comes complete with a pre-loaded database of ?safety cameras,? including red light and fixed position speed cameras throughout North America. You can even mark your own locations like school zones and local speed traps for future reference. And, since these safety cameras are increasing in popularity, the GX65?s database can be updated directly from our website. The all-new Pro GX65 is so advanced it also eliminates false alarms by exact location and frequency. Now you can drive with the best long range protection without unwanted distractions. Amazon.com Product Description The Beltronics Professional Series GX65 delivers the best long-range warning on all radar bands including X, K, Superwide Ka, Ku, and instant-on POP. Multiple front and rear laser sensors provide 360-degree laser protection, including the widest field of view. The Beltronics Pro GX65’s GPS-powered technology provides permanent relief from false alarms, including automatic door openers, motion sensors, and other radar-based sensors. And, it comes preloaded with thousands of red light and fixed position speed camera locations throughout North America.
The best long-range protection without unwanted distractions. Click to enlarge. |
A 280-LED text-matrix display gives you easy-to-read messages and visual alerts. |
Includes quick-release mount, SmartPlug, and convenient travel case. Click to enlarge. |
Superior Detection
The GX65 delivers the best long-range warning on all radar bands including X, K, Superwide Ka, Ku, and instant-on POP. Multiple front and rear laser sensors provide 360-degree laser protection, including the widest field of view. A revolutionary AutoScan mode provides real-time radar performance based on vehicle speed, plus Highway and AutoNoX settings.
In addition, the new Safety Camera Database provides warning for thousands of locations throughout North America, and web-ready access allows you to update your safety camera data and other software through Beltronics’ website.
Excellent Functionality
The GX65’s 280-LED text-matrix display gives you easy-to-read messages and visual alerts to match the crystal-clear voice alerts. Simple user programming lets you instantly set several features. Use the optional SmartPlug for instant Mute and AlertLock access.
Installation is a breeze as well. Just use the quick release mount to attach it to your vehicle’s windshield, and remove it in a snap. The included travel case lets you pack it up and take it anywhere.
BRT Dark (Full Dark Mode)
In this mode, the display will not show any visual alerts when the GX65 detects signals. Only the audible alert will tell you of detected signals.
Mark Location (MRK)
The “MRK” button allows you to mark a specific location and label it for future reference. Once marked, the GX65 will provide an alert with an arrow indicating the direction of the location when you reach this area again. This can be extremely useful for known speed traps or camera locations that you’d like to remember.
Speed Check
The GX65’s Speed Check feature provides a visual indication of your vehicle speed during the first few seconds of an alert. This allows you to instantly check your speed without looking at your speedometer. Speed Check is displayed regardless of your meter setting.
New Variable Speed Sensitivity also provides real-time radar protection based on your vehicle’s speed.
Display Safety Radar Messages
Safety Warning System (SWS) uses a modified K-band radar signal to alert users of Highway Construction or Maintenance, Highway Hazard Zone Advisories, Weather Related Hazards, Travel Information/Convenience, and Fast/Slow Moving Vehicles. The SWS has 64 possible messages (60 currently allocated), all of which can be displayed on your RX55’s LED display.
One Year Limited Warranty
Get a little more peace of mind with Beltronics’ one-year limited warranty.
What’s in the Box
Beltronics Pro GX65 Radar Detector (Black), owner’s manual, quick-release windshield mount, coiled SmartPlug, quick reference card, travel case
Beltronics Pro GX65 Radar Detector (Black)
- Scosche voltCLONE IU2PS Universal Dual 12v Socket Adapter
- Escort Visor Clip Mount for Radar and Laser Detectors
- Escort Direct Wire Power Cord for Radar and Laser Detectors
- Radar Detector Car Dash and Windshield Mount
- LENMAR SPP-04 Power Port” 4 Outlet DC Power Socket (LENMAR SPP04)
