Beltronics RX65 Radar Detector Review
“Without Question, the best radar detector I have ever tested and comes with voice and KU for European radar! Outstanding detector! Radar Roy – 2006
If you’re serious about your driving, you will want to consider the Bel RX65
Updated October 3, 2010
Still one of top two most affordable top rated radar detectors made today
Top Reasons to Consider the Bel RX65 Radar Detector
- Extreme range and sensitivity on all radar bands, including POP radar, with minimal false alerts.
- Reprogrammable Microprocessor can be reprogrammed to detect new radar and laser threats.
- Auto-Sensitivity filters out false alerts from other source of radar alerting you to the real threats ahead.
- Easy Programming, even if you’re someone like me who cannot program my own TV remote control I find the Bel RX65 a snap in programming and set-up for its advanced features. The Escort Bel RX65 is pre-set and ready to go out of the box, but some of our power users may want to set the unit up to complement their own driving experience and personal preference. The easy to use Bel RX65 preferences menu allows you to do this in a snap. Don’t drive in an area where X band is used, turn it off; rather use the Expert Meter display, turn it on. It is that easy.
- Crystal Clear Voice Prompts and Alerts keeps your eyes on the road, not on your detector! The RX65 alerts you with clear and easy to understand voice alerts so you will immediately know what threats your detector is alerting you to.
- Three Levels of Brightness Control allows you to adjust from max, medium or dark.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bel RX65
- Why doesn’t Bel honor their warranty from the detector I purchased on Ebay (or Amazon, Overstock and others)? Bel has a very strict Authorized Dealer Program and MAP policy to ensure that you, the consumer are getting the very best service and support, this policy is outlined in their manuals and on their websites. If you purchase an Escort radar detector from an unauthorized dealer and you have a problem with the unit or want to subscribe to their subscription service you may be denied or required to pay an extra possessing fee. For more information I invite you to read a post on my blog on how Overstock.com screwed one of their customers.
- Does this detector have 360 degree protection? Yes, every radar detector manufactured by Escort and Beltronics has full, 360 degree protection.
Potential Issues with the Bel RX65 Radar Detector
- As the Bel RX65 is a corded radar detector therefore it requires a 12 volt power source and the Bel RX65 does come with a cigarette lighter power cord, however we do not feel that this is the best option. To address this issue consider purchasing either the Direct Wire cord or the Direct Wire SmartCord and watch my YouTube video here on how to direct wire your radar detector.
- As the Bel RX65 is a dash mounted radar detector I recommend that you remove it from your windshield if you park for extended periods as it is a welcome invitation for some crack head to break into your car and steal it. Each week I am contacted by one of my followers telling me that they wish they would have headed my advice as now they are in the market for a replacement. Another issue with leaving your detector on the windshield emerges during the hot summer months. When parked your car becomes a green house and temperatures inside your car can easily exceed 150 degrees as the sun bakes the sensitive electronic components inside your radar detector (or GPS). Take your radar detector or any other electronic device off your dash and store them in your glove box or under the seat.
- The Bel RX65 is non stealth forget about those claims that radar detectors make about being stealth against the VG2 radar detector, that device hasn’t been used in years! If you are a professional driver (drive a semi truck) or drive in Virginia, Washington DC or other countries or providences where radar detectors are illegal police use a device called the Spectre to detect if you’re driving with a radar detector in your car. Therefore you need a radar detector that can beat the Spectre. There are only three manufactured today, the Escort Redline, the Escort 9500ci and the Beltronics STI.If you’re interested in learning more about the Spectre please read my article here on the Radarbusters website.
My Bottom Line Recommendation for the Bel RX65
If there is one affordable dash mounted radar detector that you must look into seriously, to consider purchasing, it would be the Bel RX65.
The only other radar detector in this same class that I would recommend would be the Escort 8500 x50.
In comparison the only big difference between these two models is that the RX65 has voice alerts over Escort’s toned alerts and that the Escort 8500 model is also available with a blue LED display.
My review is based upon my 20 years in law enforcement as a certified police radar instructor and 15 years being involved in the speed counter measurement industry, the Bel GX65 remains on the top of my list as one of the most affordable dash mounted radar detectors made today.
This is also backed up by literally thousands of other reviews and feedback made by other automotive publications and happy Bel GX65 users that you will find online, a few of which are published at the end of this article.
If you support my quest as being an independent reviewer of the radar detector industry and wish to support me in my journey, please do me one favor, consider purchasing it at Radarbusters.com. As an affiliate I earn a commission from them, if you make a purchase utilizing the links within this website, that offsets my costs and time and supports my cause.
If you have any further comments or suggestions please contact me or use the comment box at the bottom of this article.
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23 Responses to “Beltronics RX65 Radar Detector Review”
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With other detectors, I eventually turned a deaf ear to the many false alarms. While you still get them, they “make sense” and you quickly develop an instinct for true versus false alarms. X and K alerts abound near shopping centres, downtown and built up commercial areas presumably due to automatic doors, and perhaps other sources radio communications interference. Unless you’re right near one of those buildings, however, the false signals tend to be weaker than real ones, and they don’t persist for more than a block or so. Some false alarms occur with Laser, usually when driving into the sun that is fairly low in the sky. I’m not convinced that I’ve had even one false alarm on the Ka band, and Ka photo radar is the pervasive and, I would say, predatory threat in Calgary, AB. While it is deployed in a forward facing direction to get you from behind as you pass by, the Bel picks them up in plenty of time to make sure you aren’t speeding, and to make adjustments without panicking. Contrary to what you read, I’ve encountered no interference from residential garage door openers. Also, I have not had any false alerts since turning on the POP radar alert. “Dark” mode is nice at night, when the l.e.d. display might otherwise attract the attention of a police officer approaching from behind. While it’s legal to use these devices, I expect no discretionary slack from an officer who sees me doing so. The verbal threat alert is a nice feature, as is the self-diminishing volume with signals that continue for more than a second or two. This prevents warnings from interfering too much in your conversation or radio program. My partner got 3 photo radar tickets in the 6 weeks before Christmas — it seems such an unromantic gift, but I couldn’t afford not to get her one
What Radar Roy did not post about which was a big factor on buying the RX65 was the TSR capability. It filters out those annoying K-band drones on the freeways that cause almost all radar detectors to alert to a strong K-band. They are prevalent throughout Southern California and various states so make sure you guys check into it! I also like the great sensitivity and range of the RX65. It can usually warn me 1.5+ miles in advance of a speed trap. Its auto-mute feature is nice to have as it can get beep for a while because of its great range.
All in all, I’d give the RD a 9/10 and for the money, it’s a great buy!
I own 2 8500×50, and they are the best radar detecters I have ever own. And as a speeder, I have tried everyone that has ever been sold since 1974. If you use common sence is using these devices, there is no way you will ever get anothe speeding ticket. If you get out there flying down the road without any other traffic on the road, I promice you will get ticket, and I don’t care whos or what product you are using. But the 8500×50 delivers everything I need in a radar detector.
Let me cut straight to the point – this detector is a decent buy, but I’d spend more money and get an Escort. The detector is very weak on laser, and the filtering is poor. I hit mute constantly because of all the false alarms. So either I have a defective unit, or these other reviews are bogus.
After 5 years on a good run, the $100 cheapy finally died. So I decided to spend a little more and upgrade to the Bel RX65. My first impression right out of the box was the superior quality over the light plastic of my old one. I skimmed through the manual, plugged it in, and easily set the functions to my preferences. I took it for a test drive around town and my imediate reaction was….it’s not working. Every ‘false’ area that ol’ cheapy would wail, the Bel didn’t make a sound. So I pulled into the grocery store, just to get a reaction out of it. It was working fine. In fact, it was doing exactly what it’s supposed to do, and made me realize that I had just grown accustomed to the false alarms.
On to the highway. Living in a small town in a rural area, I basicaly know all the hot spots. Proceeding cautiously in the right lane, I finally get hit. I set the cruise for 4mph over and waited……and waited…….and waited. The Bel gave me at least twice the range as my old (now referred as) POS.
As a traffic opportunist, I am very impressed with the Bel RX65 and feel it will give me an enhanced sense of awareness for many years to come.
5 Stars to Radar Roy for sharing his proffesional opinion, knowledge, and information that enables us to be informed consumers. After a 10% discount and *free* 1 day shipping, the price is comparable to Amazon and eBay, and I have the piece of mind knowing my warranty will be covered under an authorized dealer.
Shane, thanks my friend for your comments!!
Great Radar Detectors. It’s still pick up many false x and k ban, but you can help reduce false bans by putting it on City mode instead of Highway. The KA range is around 2.5 to 2.7 miles if the traffic cop has his radar strength on full blast, unlike the cheap $70 dollar cobra range that was only .08 miles. I don’t put too much stock into the Lazer, since picking up that signal is rare and the cops has to be directly aiming his gun at you but just that fact that it can still pick it up is amazing. I commute daily on the highway 64 miles round trips and have picked up two Lazer warning. Both times, the CHP officer is already in clear view by times it goes off, with a unique sounding alert.
Thanks for your comments Sam…
Drive safe and smart
I purchased the RX65 a few months ago. It’s worked perfectly and has already saved me from at least 2 possible tickets. The range on this thing is incredible. I’ve been so impressed with it I’m buying another one for a friend of mine that has a heavy foot. Geat buy, Great product. I highly recommend it! Thanks Radar Roy!
Thanks Mike for your comments
the RX65 just saved my backside on my way home from work today I was really tired and just wanted to get home I was way over the limit, there he was with his speed indicator i know he clock me nut he was looking at his unit with stupidity on his face
1. I’m confused — review is of RX65, yet some of the section heading are about the GX65. I know these two are not equivalent; perhaps the comments are general enough that they apply to both the GX and RX models?
2. Is the RX model the same as the GX in performance, and the only real difference is the GPS feature of the GX?
3. Roy recommends direct wire instead of the cigarette lighter converter, but he doesn’t say why. I assume it is for more than just the “look” — or is that it?
4. I bought an RX65 from Roy several years ago, which has worked very well for me. Now it says it needs to be serviced. Should I spend $60 on the service, or buy a new one. The outside appearance is almost identical, but what about the detector electronics?
The only difference is that the GX65 has the GPS features yes, will check that page and see what is wrong with it, thank you for bringing it to my attention
Please note that Amazon.com IS an authorized dealer of Beltronic radar detectors however many of its Marketplace merchants may not be. I received an e-mail from Beltronic confirming this so don’t be mislead; if you want to buy it from Amazon directly (e.g. Amazon.com.LLC) you’ve got nothing to worry about with respect to the warranty coverage.
I’m still waiting to receive my new RX65 so I’m not able to give a product review at this time. I would like to know, as one other reviewer pointed out, why direct wiring is recommended over the 12 volt cigarette lighter type of plug.
Hi,
I have had a RX 65 and RX 75 for a few years and I agree that the 65 is one of the best. I have tried many different detectors over the years and feel it is the most reliable detectors on the market.
I recently bought a RMR 475 for my 300zx and was feeling a bit insecure with the manufactuers claims on its ability to scramble or jam. After watching Roy’s video of the 475 test and ‘reward’offer, I am reluctant to trust it, especially when I have not had a speeding ticket in almost 15 years.
Although I am no expert in radar, I like to read up on them and cannot understand how a $300 detector would be able to fool 1000′s of $$ in technoligy put into radar guns to fool them, shy of being a transmitting device back to the gun, which to my understanding is against the law Everywhere to transmit without a license to do so.
In closing, I truly believe Roy knows what he is talking about and was fairly excited to see his review on the RX 65, and that, that was my opinion from my own experience owing one. I heard BelTronics builds radar guns (not sure if its true) but if so, who better to buy a detector from other than a company that builds the guns also.
Thanks for accepting my comment,
Sincerely, Jim
@ Jim, thanks for your comments just to address an issue, Bel/Escort is NOT in the business of developing police radar or laser devices. They own most of the stuff that comes out for testing but do not make anything for the police.
i own a rx65 for the past 5 years and it works great. ya i still get some false alerts here and there so what. on the highway i am picking up police 2+miles away unless they are using POP, in which then it still does well in the short distance. i do find that the laser dectection isnt the best but works well for the money. if your area is heavy with laser i would spend more for a better detector otherwise this is a great unit. my wife uses the 8500 x50 and i rate them the same in performance and value. i drive 200+ miles a day and never have gotten a ticket with my rx65 but i also dont drive like an idiot. ill do upto 80 in a 65 and always have time to slow down. if you drive 90 better buy a $1500 unit.
is the bel rx65 compatible with escort live
Yes…
So the bel rx 65 is compatible with live?
Yes
I just picked up an RX65 a few months ago and wanted to give the unit some traffic time before I gave it a fair evaluation. So far, I can say without a doubt, that this detector is worth every penny and probably more. I’m not a speeder by nature, but there are times, like everyone else, when I am “breakin the law” and the RX65 has already saved me twice. My most recent incident was about a mile from my home and it seems the local Sheriff’s dept is now using Laser. Crap, I had no idea…. I had just turned out of my development and was heading down a hill when the RX 65 Laser warning starts going bezerk. For a minute I thought maybe it was acting up because when you get painted by laser it’s usually too late, meaning the cop is well within sight. Not the case though as this Sheriff was about 1/4 mile up the road when the Bel alerted me. Granted it was a straight shot, but I’m still impressed and not sure why others here have given a so so rating for laser on this unit.
Anyway, it has paid for itself twice and I can’t imagine driving without it. I’m going on a road trip to Vegas in a few weeks in a rental, and the RX65 will be coming with me for sure.
Gordon, thanks for your feedback and comments, glad you like the unit
Drive safe and smart…