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The Escort SmartCord Live! adds another dimension to newer compatible Escort radar detectors. This compatibility list, although somewhat exclusive, includes a few Beltronics models as well. The Beltronics Pro 300, Pro 500 and STi Magnum are the three models on the official list. But what about older models? After all, the Escort Passport 8500 X50 Black is essentially a tweaked version of the Passport 8500 X50, which is an update of the original Passport 8500. Likewise, the Beltronics Pro 300 is basically a redressed and updated Beltronics RX65. Wouldn't Escort Live! work with them as well?

Not necessarily. According to Escort, older versions of these classic detectors may or may not be compatible with Escort Live! The official answer from Escort: it depends.

The problem is, the public doesn't know what specific factors determine compatibility. Escort doesn't say. What the company does tell us is that some older Escort 8500 and Beltronics RX65 radar detectors may be compatible with Escort Live! and others may not. Compatibility is determined on a case by case basis.

What does this mean for users of the Beltronics RX65 and the older Escort Passport 8500 X50? The solution is simple. If you own an Escort PASSPORT 8500 X50 purchased before 2008 or if you own a Beltronics RX65, please call Buy Radar Detectors Toll Free at 1-800-584-1445 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm ET to determine compatibility of your model with the Escort Live! SmartCord.

Beltronics recently revamped their Professional Series, retiring old radar detectors and introducing four new ones - the Pro 100, Pro 200, Pro 300 and Pro 500. The Beltronics Pro 100 is the base model in this series and is comparable to its predecessor, the Vector 940. In fact, it has the exact same FCC ID as the 940, which means, for all intents and purposes, it is one.

As with the 940, the Beltronics Pro 100 features two city modes (standard and "No X"), to adjust the tolerance for false signals. It also has "POP" mode radar detection. Like the 940, it features an alpha-numeric display and voice alerts. Of course, it detects all the relevant radar signals and the types of laser typically in use today.

Okay, so if the new radar detector is essentially the same as the older model, why is it considered newer or better? Of course, the Vector Series was discontinued, which automatically labels the 940 "obsolete". But is it? Not really. However, it does look old compared to the slightly sleeker, sharper style of the Pro 100, which can be a rather powerful influence on those shopping for a new radar detector. After all, why buy an older looking model when you can buy a new one?

Looks aside, the Pro 100 does have a few tweaks to ennhance performance. First, there is improved range. Beltronics claims the Pro 100 has "six times the range of others in its class". What that means is somewhat ambiguous, since some radar detector aficionados consider Beltronics radar detectors to be in a class all by themselves.

Second, according to Beltronics, the Pro 100 is factory optimized for the typical domestic US driver. And the Vector 940 wasn't? Since most of us don't work in a radar detector factory, we really can't say if such a statement is true or not, so we'll give this one to Beltronics.

Third, what about that new look, anyway? It's nice. Beltronics took the Vector 940 and gave it a sleek shell with a darker color and a durable, rubberized texture that makes it easy to look at and even easier to grip. That alone is a considerable improvement.

Finally, consider the source. It's Beltronics. Sure, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of its top-of-the-line cousin, the Pro 500, but at the low end the Pro 100 rivals higher-end models produced by other radar detector manufacturers. The ultra-bright LED display with multiple brightness levels including dark mode, over 60 voice alerts, auto and manual muting, VG-2 undetectability, auto memory retention, and general ease-of-use make even the lowest-end Pro 100 a prime choice for drivers in any class. In all, whether it's a Vector 940 or a Pro 100, it's still a Beltronics.

The Pro 100 does have a few minor enhancements, but there is still one clear advantage the Vector 940 has over its replacement: The price. The Vector is no longer manufactured, and as it's availability in the retail market has dwindled, so has the cost. What does this mean for consumers? A great deal. Literally. The Beltronics Pro 100 is a good radar detector at a good price, but the Vector, while still available, is almost the same thing at a real bargain.

If you're looking for a solid radar detector with great features at an equally great value, the Pro 100 is a good choice. If you're on a budget and need the performance but not the looks, The Vector 940 may be an option. Either way, they are both Beltronics, so which ever way you go, you can't go wrong.

Here is a comparison chart of all four current models in the Beltronics Professional Series.

In 2012 Beltronics introduced a new line of radar detectors in their Professional Series. There are currently four models in this series, and while they all share some common, basic features, each offers something a little different from the others.

Case in point is the Beltronics Pro 200. It includes the core features of the base model, the Pro 100, but adds something more to give it that little extra oomph. In order to understand what that is and what it means, we need to know where this radar detector essentially came from.

As mentioned in the Beltronics Pro 300 review, The Professional Series itself is essentially a makeover of the previous line. As the newer Pro 300 is basically a tweaked up RX65, the Pro 200 is one from the Vector line, the Beltronics Vector 955, to be exact. This was reasonable. The 955 was a popular detector that held its own, with over 60 digital voice messages, Digital Signal Processing, 3 city modes and compatibility with the Cincinnati Microwave ZR4 laser Defense System. It featured full radar detection on X, K, Superwide Ka bands, instant-on (Pulse) detection and POP mode. It also had multiple laser sensor diodes for instant front and rear laser protection. It had great performance, especially for the price. To carry all that over to the Pro 200 makes sense, so they did.

Beltronics took their Vector 955 radar detector, tweaked it with 8x the range of other radar detectors in its class, added Traffic Signal Rejection (TSR) filtering, and repackaged it as the Pro 200. Not that it's a bad thing. On The contrary, I think it worked out rather well. The 955 was a solid performer, to be sure, but I was not at all impressed with the the old Vector look. It just wasn't my style. In my opinion, the 955 looked, well, old. Beltronics gave the Pro 200 a hard, rubberized coating and a more stylish design. The Pro 200 looks new. I think that was the biggest improvement of all.

Like the other Professional Series models, the Pro 200 sports an ultra-bright alphanumeric display with multiple brightness settings, including Dark Mode, and is visible from almost any angle. It can has AutoMute so you don't have to mute it yourself.

The Pro 200 package includes the standard items and is about what you would expect, with a quick-release windshield mount, coiled SmartCordâ„¢ power cord, quick reference card and a one year manufacturer warranty. It's available to ship directly from Buy Radar Detectors.

The Beltronics Pro 200 Radar Detector isn't original, nor is it particularly unique compared to its predecessors as Beltronics radar detectors go, but that's okay. It's not getting older, it's getting better. And that makes it a winner.

For A quick comparison chart of all four current models in the Beltronics Professional Series, read the Beltronics Pro 100, Pro 200, Pro 300, and Pro 500 Comparison.

There are many different makes and models of radar detectors out there, all of which do essentially the same thing. While their primary directive is to detect and alert a driver to police radar (and, in most cases today, laser as well), the accuracy with which each model accomplishes this task can vary greatly. When it comes to fast and accurate detection, a lot depends not just on the features included in a particular model, but on the brand of radar detector used or even a specific line of products.

Take Beltronics, for instance. Many ardent fans of radar detectors will tell you there are noticeable differences in performance between a Cobra branded detector and one manufactured by Beltronics. But performance shifts can also exist between different series of Beltronics detectors. New product series are often built on the previous series that are being replaced. So when Beltronics launches a new line of radar detectors, it's helpful to know what specific series it is replacing in order to better understand the range of features and performance one can expect from it and whether it fits your needs.

Such is the Beltronics Professional Series. The line itself is really not new, it's just been given a complete makeover. The Beltronics Pro 300 is a prime example. A higher end model in the series, the Pro 300 is essentially the RX65 with a few tweaks to improve sensitivity and wrapped in a darker package with a hard, rubberized coating that makes it easy to grip and a little easier on the eyes. Not that the RX65 was homely to look at, of course, because it was attractive in its own right (as radar detectors go) but the Pro 300 looks, well, newer.

Although the Pro 300 has a new shell, ergonomically, it's essentially the same as its predecessor. And why not? The buttons are already in the right places. VOL/MUTE spans across the top front, just above the LED display, within easy reach and with three raised dots on the surface so you can find the correct button easily in the dark and without taking your eyes off the road. The PWR, REW/CITY and CHG/BRT buttons are above it, evenly spaced with a ridged surface so you can ID them easily without looking, as well. The QuickMount Button, as always, is in the center, for quick release from the mount on your windshield. Everything is where it's supposed to be, and exactly where you would expect for a Beltronics Professional Series radar detector.

Of course, looks aren't everything and a nice looking radar detector won't keep you from getting a ticket, so the real question is, does it have anything new, or anything improved, that helps it perform better?

Beltronics touts the Pro 300 as "the next generation of the most advanced Radar/Laser/Safety Detectors ever designed by Beltronics". That statement alone promises that it should be everything its predecessor was, and more. But is it? For starters, it does have all the standard features of the Beltronics Professional Series, including full radar detection on X, K, Superwide Ka bands, as well as instant-on (Pulse) detection and POP mode. That hasn't changed. It still sports the rear laser periscope, designed to pick up laser from the rear of the vehicle for instant front and rear detection, which the RX65 also had. No change there.

The ultra-bright, 280 LED, alphanumeric multiple threat display has three brightness settings plus Dark Mode and is visible from almost any angle (unless you are looking at directly from the side or from the rear). It can display in three different modes. The Standard Signal Strength Meter with a bar graph and text messages is the type most users are familiar with and the mode recommended for new users. Expert Meter Mode is essentially a miniature spectrum analyzer intended for more experienced users. Tech Display mode gives you the actual numeric frequency of the signal received and is also for experienced users. All standard features.

The other features? AutoScan™ Mode, VG-2 Undetectability, TSR Filter, Selectable Bands, Over 60 Digital Voice Messages, Detailed SWS™ Alerts, Auto Memory Retention, Audio Alert Only Mode, Visual Alert Only Mode, Auto and Manual Muting, and Fully Adjustable Audio Levels, check, check and double check. It even has an Earphone Jack, just like the old RX65.

Oh, yes, and the Pro 300 is SmartCord™ power cord compatible as well, and even includes one in the package. Nice, to be sure, but not new.

So, if the Pro 300 has everything the previous model had, what does it have that's different? What, besides the outer shell, is new and improved? What makes it better?

I'm glad you asked.

Before I answer your question, let me just emphasize that having all the features of an RX65 is not a bad thing at all. In fact, the RX65 is well respected as a great quality, high performance radar detector. I have one and am very happy with it. But as good as it is, there is always room from improvement. And Beltronics did just that with the Pro 300.

First, Beltronics increased sensitivity on the Pro300 to give it greater range. According to Beltronics, the Pro 300 has up to ten times the range of other radar detectors in its class. The lens on the rear of the unit is also different, curved outward as opposed to recessed on the RX65. However, another improvement, and one that can potentially be a game changer, brings radar detection technology into a whole new era.

The Pro 300 is fully compatible with the new Escort Live!

For those not familiar with Escort Live! Real-Time Ticket Protection, it's a system that allows you to connect your Beltronics or Escort radar detector to a network and database of radar detector users nationwide, in real time. A special Escort Live! SmartCord or DirectWire plugs into your radar detector and interfaces it with your iPhone or Android smartphone via Bluetooth® technology. An app on your smartphone connects you to the Escort Live! Real-time ticket protection network and DEFENDER Database, and voila! Your radar detector is connected to a million other radar detectors on the road, alerting you to radar and laser threats before you reach them. And it's fully compatible with the Beltronics Pro 300.

Now, some later versions of the RX65 may also be compatible with Escort Live!, but many are not. The only way to know is to call Beltronics and find out. But the Pro 300 is designed with compatibility in mind. It is 100% compatible with Escort Live! That gives the Pro300 an edge.

The Pro 300 comes ready to roll with a quick-release windshield mount, coiled SmartCord™ power cord, quick reference card and a one year manufacturer warranty. The Escort Live! system is an add-on, but when you do add it, the 300 is ready for it.

The Beltronics Pro 300 Radar Detector may not necessarily be an original, but with a nicer skin, increased sensitivity and complete compatibility with this new Escort Live technology, it's way better. In fact, after checking my old radar detector, I think it's time for an upgrade.

If you're a fan of Beltronics or Escort radar detectors, no doubt you've heard about Escort Live™. You've probably heard how it can help you proactively avoid a ticket by alerting you to threats before your radar detector actually detects them. You've probably even heard about the free Escort Live! app that's available for your smartphone that can interface with some Beltronics and Escort radar detectors, giving the user more control them and even more features. If you've heard all of that, then you've probably also heard Escort Live! is regularly priced at $99.95.

Think you've heard it all? Well, wait until you hear this.

For a limited time, you can get an Escort Live! SmartCord or Direct Wire for only $39.95 when you bundle it with a select compatible Beltronics or Escort windshield mount radar detector! That's right, while supplies last, you can get a radar detector bundle that can save you a bundle (in more ways than one).

What is Escort Live™? it's a double duty power and data cable that not only powers your Escort or Beltronics radar detector, it links the device to your iPhone or Android smartphone as well. It connects via Bluetooth® to an app that communicates with the Escort Live! database and over one million other drivers on the road to create what Escort calls a "real-time ticket protection network". All the connected devices share data on radar and laser alerts across the continent to allow your radar detector to detect threats proactively.

In addition to the "heads up" alerts, the app monitors compass heading, vehicle speed and over-speed alerts and allows you to access and manage the settings on your radar detector from your smartphone. There are versions of Escort Live! available for Androids and iPhones in two models: a coiled 12V DC plug-in smartcord and an installed Direct Wire cord. For a detailed overview of Escort Live! and its features, read Escort Live! takes radar detection to the next level.

We made it easy to purchase the special bundle offer at Buy Radar Detectors. All you need to do is choose the bundle you want from the drop-down list when you order your radar detector and the special bundle is automatically created for you. Models with the bundle offer include Beltronics Pro 300, Pro 500, STi Magnum, Escort Passport 8500 X50 Black (Blue Display), 8500 X50 Black (Red Display), Passport 9500ix, and REDLINE radar detectors.

Note: This promotion is only valid while supplies last.

Here is a list of qualified Beltronics and Escort radar detectors included in the Escort Live! bundle offer.

When it comes to radar detectors and smartphones, you generally get what you pay for. But when it comes to radar detector apps for smartphones, isn't it a much better deal, especially when the apps are free?

Okay, wait a minute. A radar detector app for a smartphone? Yes, there's an app for that, believe it or not. In fact, there are a number of them out there, purporting to use your smartphone as a smart sensor to sniff out speed traps on one or all police radar bands.

Curious, we wanted to investigate further. Perhaps we could download one of these smartphone apps and try it out for ourselves in our own testing facility at Buy Radar Detectors. Wouldn't that be fun, or at least enlightening?

So we did. It was, well, interesting.

One so-called "radar detector" app that caught our attention in the Google Play store was aptly named, of all things, Radar Detector. Coincidence? I think not. It was developed by an entity called Fizzix Corp. (funny, I just now got the pun). According to the description, this is the first app developed that turns the phone itself into a radar detector. "Forget about buying expensive equipment that requires installation," the app description states, "just open this app and go."

This sounded rather intriguing. Turn a smartphone into a stand-alone radar detector? Could one even do this? If so, how? Inquiring minds wanted to know. Well, actually, I was looking for something interesting to blog about. But I was sure you would want to know. So there you go.

Radar is radio technology, and smartphones do contain radio transceivers. However, radar operates on different frequencies than, say, wi-fi or Bluetooth. The chance of an app tuning a 2.4GHz wi-fi transceiver on a smartphone to pick up police radar guns seemed like a bit of a stretch, but to be fair (and for entertainment purposes) we decided to test it out anyway.

We installed the app on my Motorola Droid X. From the moment it activated I knew this was going to be interesting, and I immediately sensed that somehow, in some way, I was going to either be taking a ride, or be taken for one. I was right - on both.

When launched, the screen displays a simple layout with large numerical readouts for Signal Strength (dBm) and Speed (mph) in landscape mode only. A black, vertical bar on the right edge of the display that also apparently monitors signal strength bounces up or down in tandem with the numerical readout. The screen turns red when it allegedly detects a signal purportedly from an actual radar gun and the words "Radar Detected" appear in bold. There is also a small rectangular green icon in the upper left corner of the display to apparently indicate the radar detector app is on and active. Apparently is the keyword in this entire description because, save for a couple of outdated screenshots of the app in the Google Play store, there seems to be no instruction set or user guide available to explain how to use this radar detector app. The layout is simple, but you do need to understand what you are looking at when using the app, so if you aren't already familiar with the basics of radar detectors, good luck.

The app uses the on-board GPS to calculate vehicle speed (and possibly other operations as well). According to user reviews of this app, the GPS service on the smartphone needs to be on and enabled in order for the app to function. GPS can be somewhat resource intensive and drain a smartphone battery quickly, so it is generally best to connect the phone to a vehicle DC charger when using it.

At first, the Signal Strength display indicated some minor activity, even when placed on a desk in the middle of an office. When moved outdoors, the levels increased somewhat, fluctuating wildly and seemingly at random. Aiming it a few feet from a wi-fi router caused the levels on the readout to experience an even greater increase, fluctuating even more wildly than before. The bar indicating signal strength bounced rapidly up and down. However, after a couple of minutes, it quieted down, and the levels went back to nearly zero and stayed there, even when just two feet from the router and facing it directly.

The next test utilized a radar gun. The first time the trigger was pulled, the screen turned red and the radar detector app went off, emitting a few short beeps. Unfortunately, that was the one and only time it happened. Subsequent tests using the radar gun at various distances and angles elicited no response from the detector at all, even when aimed at it point blank.
Then the real test began. The Droid, with radar detector app active and prominently displayed onscreen, was placed on the windshield side-by-side with a Beltronics RX65 radar detector set to pick up nearly everything on X, K and Ka bands. During a 50 mile round trip across two states, two cities and two highways with known speed traps and other radar devices, the RX65 didn't miss a beat. It picked up radar signals on all three bands, even detecting the automatic doors from a couple of stores along the way. The Radar Detector app? Nada, as in nada thing.

At one point, a patrol officer, apparently noticing the radar detector on my windshield, pulled up behind my vehicle and tailed me very closely for several miles, radar on. Since the vehicle was on cruise control and set to speed limit, I wasn't too worried. As soon as the patrol car approached, the Beltronics detector sounded the alert and it didn't stop until the officer backed off and exited the highway. The Radar Detector app on my Droid? It just stared back silently, with the signal strength meter at a stable or nearly stable Zero the entire time.

Oh, yes, it did go off a couple of times during the trip, which was very odd, since it did so when there was nothing around to trigger an alert. The RX65 confirmed the road was clear, and there was not a cruiser or a building around, so what that app detected remains a mystery. Perhaps it was a UFO.

It also went off several times while sitting around on the desk in my office, away from the road and any police radar. That should tell you something about the validity of this app to detect radar.

To say the Radar Detector app doesn't actually work at all is a little presumptuous and is not entirely true. It does track current vehicle speed and it does so with a fair measure of accuracy (which really isn't difficult to do using GPS), although there is a bit of a delay. So it could actually be useful as a virtual speedometer, although we certainly don't recommend using it to replace the one that is factory installed in your vehicle.

However, as a radar detector, it is less than reliable, and may not even really function as one. The developer acknowledges this as well, simply stating "This app is just for novelty purposes; do not rely on it." In other words, this app may be just something to install for your own amusement or to show around at parties or to use as a gag. It isn't, and shouldn't be used as a real one on the road.

Of course, this isn't to say all radar detector apps are bogus. There are apps that do work, such as the Cobra iRadar and the Escort Live!. These apps are actively developed by companies that specialize in radar detection technology. However, such apps don't attempt to turn your smart phone into a virtual, stand-alone radar detector, they are intended to interface with a real one. The radar detector itself still does all the work. The apps serve only to augment the features of the specific radar detector they are designed to connect with. They aren't designed to replace the device.

Can a smartphone be a radar detector? The question is moot. As versatile as the typical smartphone is, its core function is communication, hence the term smartphone. Whether there is an app for it or not is irrelevant; an iPhone or Droid is not designed to inherently detect police radar, much less laser, so to argue the point is rather pointless. However, it can work well as an interface, as a means to communicate with a radar detector, and in that sense the two can potentially work very well together.

Remember, the right tool for the right job. Smartphones are communicators, radar detectors are sensors, not the other way around. Let each one do what each does best, and together they can do it all.

As you probably know, radar detectors not physically installed or hard wired into a vehicle are usually mounted toward the front of it in one of two ways, either stuck to the dashboard or stuck to the windshield, typically using suction cups. For the most part, this method of attachment works reasonably well, with a few caveats. Suction cups that don't maintain suction, those that mark up or discolor the surface of the windshield glass over prolonged use (sometimes permanently) and loose, dangling wires obstructing your view of the road are all common complaints. But what if you could eliminate all of those annoyances and keep your radar detector within reach? What if you could mount it rigidly and securely, yet with great flexibility? Well, guess what? Now you can, with a BlendMount.

BlendMount mounts your Beltronics, Escort or Valentine One radar detector directly to your rear view mirror. This innovative solution greatly reduces or eliminates the clutter from your windshield or dashboard associated with traditional mounting kits. BlendMount tucks the detector neatly under the mirror. It fastens securely to the mirror so it won't slip, slide or "lose suction". Yet it's also adjustable, featuring a bracket that can rotate 20 degrees so you can position your radar detector for the best coverage and performance possible.

The BlendMount mirror mount system also allow your detector to be more discreet and out of the way. Without the windshield and dashboard clutter, you can see more of the road ahead instead of all the stuff in front of it. This helps you concentrate on driving and promotes safety.

For an even cleaner and more discreet mounting solution, the BlendMount can be hard wired into your auto-dimming or powered rear view mirror with the optional MirrorTap Power Cord. This 24 gauge wire cord with braided flexible sleeve and 2 amp inline fuse taps directly into the wire harness of your mirror and connects to 12V power in your vehicle. The installation is easy and can be completed in a few minutes. However, for those who are not inclined to do it themselves, an optional InstallCard Direct Wire Installation service can be purchased with the BlendMount for professional installation.

BlendMount is made of hand crafted black anodized aluminum and is durable, lightweight and secure. It is also made in the USA. BlendMount is custom designed for each vehicle and there is a version available for most popular makes and models, although not all. Before purchasing a BlendMount, check this list to find out which BlendMount fits your vehicle!

Have you been changing your radar detector's settings and want to start over? Having a problem and want to see if a reset will help? You've come to the right place! Below are instructions for resetting a Beltronics radar detector back to factory defaults!

Professional Series

The following applies to windshield mounted models from the Beltronics Professional Series, which includes the following detectors: Pro 100, Pro 200, Pro 300, RX65.

• Press and hold the "CITY" and "BRT" buttons while turning the power on. The display will provide a RESET message, accompanied by an audible alert, acknowledging the reset.

GPS Enhanced Professional Series

For GPS enhanced Professional Series models, such as the GX65 and Pro 500:

• Press and hold the "SENS" and "BRT" buttons while turning the power on. The display will provide a RESET message, accompanied by an audible alert, acknowledging the reset.

STi Series

For undetectable radar detectors, such as the STi Driver, STi Magnum, and STi-R:

• Press and hold the "VOLUME/MUTE" and "SENS" buttons while turning the power on. The display will provide a RESET message, accompanied by an audible alert, acknowledging the reset.

Vector Series

The following applies to windshield mounted models from the Beltronics Vector Series, which includes the following detectors:
Vector 940, Vector 955, Vector 965, Vector 995.

• Press and hold the "CITY" and "BRT" buttons while turning the power on. The display will provide a RESET message, accompanied by an audible alert, acknowledging the reset.

Custom Installed Radar Detectors

RX45:

• Press and hold the "SENS" and "BRT" buttons while turning the power on. The display will provide a RESET message, accompanied by an audible alert, acknowledging the reset.

STi-R, STi-R Plus:

• Press and hold the "VOLUME/MUTE" and "SENS" buttons while turning the power on. The display will provide a RESET message, accompanied by an audible alert, acknowledging the reset.

RX75:

• Press and hold the "VOLUME/MUTE" and "CITY" buttons while turning the power on. The display will provide a RESET message, accompanied by an audible alert, acknowledging the reset.

Beltronics has just introduced 4 new models: the Pro 100, Pro 200, Pro 300, and Pro 500. This is certainly the biggest shake-up of the Beltronics product lineup in years. In this post, we're going to dig a little deeper and find out exactly what the differences are between these new additions to the Professional Series lineup. Let's start with the basics.

Sensitivity and Range

Like Beltronics has done in the past, these models are shown on the box to have improved range as you go from low end to high end models. Beltronics uses the strange and vague measuring stick "others in its class". The Pro 100 is said to have 6 times the range of "others in its class", the Pro 200 is 8 times the range of "others in its class", and the Pro 300 has 10 times the range. This isn't mentioned on the Pro 500 box, so I think that we are to believe that it has the same performance as the Pro 300.

The now discontinued Vector series was marketed this way in the past but many independent tests found that there was little or no difference in range between those models. If you take Beltronics' word for it and want the best performance, go with the Pro 300. We are anxious to see what independent tests show as the true sensitivity differences.

Quick Summary Chart

If you don't care to read the details, the information above is summarized in the nice, concise chart below:

*The Pro 500 has a GPS built-in and therefore knows how fast your vehicle is going. Band sensitivity in "Auto" mode is automatically adjusted based on the speed of your vehicle, so no traditional "City" mode is necessary. The Pro 500 does have an "Auto No X" mode, which completely disables X band while in Auto mode.

This is a video overview of the Beltronics STi Magnum Radar Detector presented by Danny from Buy Radar Detectors.