Anyone got any experience with radar detectors ?? How good are they at picking up the cops / gatso's etc ?
Allegedly the Bell 990 is meant to be good - anyone with personal experience of it - before I part my hard earned reddies !

Gastro

Got the previous Bel (the STi http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif) and it works a treat for Gatsos and laser.
Remember, NFU against unmarked vehicles http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif

DJ

Do a search on the bbs - there was a good link to an electronic version of EVO's radar detector test a couple of days ago. The 990's the one to go for, but you might consider one of them new-fangle GPS gatso locators too.

I've got a 990, had it since about a year, most definately works http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif
The amount of warning given really depends on the siting of the camera, a gatso sitting out where you can see it will be identified from hundreds of yards away (admittedly you really should have seen it by that point anyway) where as one hidden behind a large sign may only give 100 yards worth of warning. Because of this you may actually find that you drive slower with the detector (depending on how quickly you normally drive) as you know you have to be able to get back under the limit within 100 yards should the need arise.
The laser detection is a bit of a problem, it detects them fine, but by that point in time the odds are that the officer holding the gun has pretty much already got you, so all you can do is just stand on the brakes and pray http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/frown.gif

It comes highly recommended from me, but not having tried one of the new GPS systems I do not kow how they compare.

My Bell980 has saved my ass on more than one occasion.

What's important to understand is that these also detect signals from these roving "Safety Cars" with laser guns mounted in the back (very common in Northants), which your new fangled GPS systems won't.

I have had a Bel VLR for ages and I thoroughly recommend it!
Leading Edge are a company which sell them via the net if I remember correctly.
Cheers,

Mossman

I've had a Bell 980 for around a year.

Range for detecting Gatso is 100yds to 400yds.

I think Autoexpress did a group test a while back and the 980 came out on top.

Steve.

Just had a look at the Autoexpress website(useful for producy info)
They tested a number of detectors, top five were-
1. Bel 980 - best for uk use
2. Bel vector LR
3. Bel 990 - has Ku band - they say this is used in France but detectors are illegal in France !
4. Bel 966R
5. Valentine One

They tested some detectors from Cobra, Whistler and Snooper but came to the conclusion you'd be wasting your money if yo bought one plus seriously risking your license.

Steve.