8500 X50 - BEL RX65 side by side test

[cognosticator]

I currently have the 8500 X50 and had it two years and for some reason feel it is time for a change.

Has anyone used both a V1 and X50 or RX65

Just wondering if the V1 is better and worth the dollars.  I know the X50 and RX65 are basically the same detector, but some reviews rate the RX65 over the other 2.  I can pick up a new RX65 from an authorized BEL dealer for $245 delivered vs the V1 at $470 including the headphone unit and shipping.

I like the idea of where the bogeys are coming from as I have found myself wondering at time when the radar just keeps beeping for long distances making me wonder if the radar is in front or behind me.

I figure I could seLL my X50 for $125 or better on ebay so that would help offset the cost of a new one.

I probably should just keep my X50, but that would go against my need to have something new  

[WarBaby]

I have no experience with a V1 but have been running a RX65 for several years switching it among three bikes and two trucks. It has performed flawlessly and saved my butt many, many times. I use a coiled audio cable from the RX65 to my helmet (with helmet speakers) and it is L-O-U-D. Occasional false alerts do occur but the RX65 detection range is fantastic. I've had alerts out to 5 - 6 miles on straight interstate roads. So distant, in fact, that I initially thought they were false alerts but they kept slowly increasing in frequency until I finally came upon the radar car/trap. It's an excellent detector that seems unaffected by dramatic temperature variations and vibration! I hope this helps.  







http://zenfire.ws/fz1.htm

[cognosticator]

 I hope this helps.  

Yes it does, helps me be glad I ordered one and waiting on it to get here    Thanks

[denydog]

Yes it does, helps me be glad I ordered one and waiting on it to get here    Thanks

Well that was quick!

I know the V1 has some pretty loyal supporters, but I just wanted something that was good at sniffing out some radar without being too complicated.  The Bell RX65 seems to do that quite well.  I don't even bother with the more detailed display modes that it has.  And for the $229 I paid, it was an easy choice.

One comment though.  I've had some problems with repeated false laser alarms.  Popular opinion says it's my Hi-Viz Olympia riding suit that's setting it off.  

[cognosticator]

Well that was quick!

One comment though.  I've had some problems with repeated false laser alarms.  Popular opinion says it's my Hi-Viz Olympia riding suit that's setting it off.  

I am an impulse buyer    I have the escort x50 and have turned off the laser and x bands and ride in the highway mode.   I have had the x50 for a couple of years and it just feels like time for a change  

[cognosticator]

Hmmmm, yesterday I had both my X50 and RX65 on my windshield and went to work, about 17 miles away.  I am thinking my X50 is more sensitive than the 65.  I keep both radars on highway with the x band turned off.

I know where the false K bands are on the way to work.  My x50 was picking up the false signals hundreds of feet before the 65, so I am thinking two things. Maybe the 65 is better at ignoring false signals, although the 65 did pick up the first false k band when in front of the curb store, where the x50 started a 1/4 mile from the store and continued past the store. the other thought is, my x50 is more sensitive than the x65.

On the way home, a four lane divided hwy that is heavily traveled, my x50 has one quick beep, the x65 silent.  I know there aren't any stores in this section so I slow downand a few hundred feet down the road my x65 has a single chirp then steady while the x50 is steady and strong, I look up and there is the officer in the median shooting radar.  My x50 alerted me sooner with a stronger signal.  I am know wondering why the hell I bought the rx65, but I will continue the dual test for a while before I kick myself in the butt.

[1moreroad]

Any more news?

[2006FJR]

I wish I knew how you side by side winner would compare to the V1.   Thanks for the great info.

[hobie1dog]

Yeah, I love the side-by-side comparison test....more....more.

[HipGnosis]

I know where the false K bands are on the way to work.

I'm surprized the LEOs don't take advantage of the known false signal locations and wait there...

[FirstVtwin]

The pro's say its the RX65

http://radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=9090

[atadaskew]

The pro's say its the RX65

http://radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=9090

I'm thinking the dood who owns both and does a side by side test is going to be a more 'credible' source.
He already owns both.

[cognosticator]

I found one of those speed indicator trailers that the police put on the highway to let you know how fast you are going.

On every test run the X50 beat the RX65 by 2-3 seconds, even around a curve. Now this 2-3 seconds was at 45 miles an hour, so at, say 70 mph not sure the difference in response time but I would guess the time would be shorter.  I wasted a lot of gas going by then turning around and going through the test again, just to make sure.

With that said, I now run the X50 in my truck and keep the RX65 on my bike.  The last trip I took on the bike, the RX65 sounded a radar signal, the cop was over a hill from at least a mile away, twice the same day    I was quite impressed with that and it did save me a ticket I am sure.

[cognosticator]

 I'm surprized the LEOs don't take advantage of the known false signal locations and wait there...

That is where the Escort 9500i would be useful.  It will let you mark where the false signals come from and will not sound an alarm, but if it detects another signal from that direction it will sound an alert. It uses GPS technology to accomplish that.

[jtsdad]

I'm in Virginia where radar detectors ain't allowed.  Are either of these units "undetectable" to LEO's ? I don' t  ride too crazy, but I still figure it's just a matter of time before I get snagged.

[R Doug]

I have an X50 and a friend of mine has a V1.  We went on a 400 mile road trip and used both detectors on the dash.  Both of them seem to pick up signals at the same time w/ the same strength.  But, I have to admit, the arrows on the V1 are great to have.  

[MK96xj]

Does the RX65 have a headphone jack? If so what size and is it Mono or stereo?

I see the X50 has a jack. What size 2.5 or 3.5 and is this mono or stereo?

I have a Cobra that i use but it has seen better days. The speaker has gone out on me and this is why it is used primarily on the bike with the headphone jack but the jack seems to be crappy and worn too. The Cobra jack is a 2.5 mono.

[cognosticator]

Does the RX65 have a headphone jack? If so what size and is it Mono or stereo?

I see the X50 has a jack. What size 2.5 or 3.5 and is this mono or stereo?

They both have a 3.5mm headphone jack.  Basically both units are made by the same company and I can use the same hard wire kit to power either unit.

I was impressed with the RX65 last week on a motorcycle trip.  I got one blip at least 1 1/2 miles away from a state patrol.  I didn't even see a car but slowed down anyway, and what seemed like minutes later I saw him and the radar went crazy.

[cognosticator]

I'm in Virginia where radar detectors ain't allowed.  Are either of these units "undetectable" to LEO's ? I don' t  ride too crazy, but I still figure it's just a matter of time before I get snagged.

This BEL unit:

http://www.beltronics.com/sti.html

is supposed to be undetectable to radar detector detectors