It doesn't get any better than this. What you are currently looking at (aside from a lengthy product review) is quite possibly the best radar detector in the entire industry. It is by far the most sophisticated unit ever produced by Beltronics - and would no doubt go head to head with similar products from Escort and Valentine.
To do this unit justice, we put it to the test in the most extreme of circumstances possible. Rain, windy corners, and artificial signal noise were all used thrown in to the mix to confuse the Beltronics STi Driver Radar Detector. So did it still perform well? You'll have to read on to find out.
The Beltronics STi Driver Radar Detector box boasts that this model has "best-in-class" band detection - which is a fairly big claim to make unless you are totally sure of the truth. Indeed, as far as pre-programmed band detection goes, support was on hand for K, Ka, Ku, SWS, X, and an array of lasers.
Furthermore, a new technology on board referred to as the low noise amplifier (LNA) combined with digital signal processing allows for these bands to be distinguished from false sources (such as car alarms, automatic door units, etc). Ultimately, this cuts false signals down to almost zero - without sacrificing sensitivity.
Forget the typical top mounted user buttons on this model. All of the navigation buttons on the Beltronics STi Driver Radar Detector are located underneath the user display - which we found was actually highly convenient.
The red micro-led lighting is still in place, and this color scheme has been extended down to the navigation buttons as well - making them visible at night. The unit also has a "quick mount" button at the center top - allowing for a speedy removal from the windscreen if necessary!
And here we go. The section which probably deserves the longest list of individual mentions. The Beltronics STi Driver Radar Detector is a truly intelligent machine, not just because of each clever piece of technology - but because of the way that each of these individual enhancements work together.
Take for example the LNA and the digital signal processing features. These two things serve almost no purpose by themselves - but when put together, the result is exceptional. The same goes for the TotalShield system and the VG-2 protection.
Our test setting was gruelling. We threw all the conditions we could think of to attempt to baffle the Beltronics STi Driver Radar Detector - and still, we were unable to compromise its performance. Owners of this machine will very quickly realise why it is at the top of the field.
Out of 5, the Beltronics STi Driver Radar Detector gets 6 stars. There is nothing out there better than this machine, and that is the truth. If you're looking for the ultimate driving companion (aside from your spouse of course) this radar detector is definitely the one.