Does anyone have one of these to give us a review. I am looking for something stealthy but reliable. I'm starting to think that this may be an impossibility. I've read many posts about the V1 but have seen no mention of these (it's possible that I'm search-tarded).

I'd like to hear from a couple of you forum vets evenif the answer is "never heard of em"

http://www.k40.com/unde_main.html

Thanks

 

wow how much do these go for... im really interested in getting this in my car because freaking cops around my place are a bunch of campers

 

nevermind i found out it costs about 1400 including installation,

ill just get the v1

 

K40 detectors are absolutely horrible. They are pushed very hard at "boutique" stereo shops and such as being the best. Every single time they have been tested, they produced terrible results. For remote mounted detectors the only real choices are the Beltronics Sti-R or the Beltronics 9500ci. Both these units use the Beltronics remote antenna and they differ only in features. The 9500ci offer GPS functionality and laser shifters. Both of these are undetectable by any RDD to include the Spectre IV and IV+. Reviews are currently underway, but the reviewers have already stated that they exceed the V1's sensitivity. We've heard this many times over the years and every time it turns out to be false, but considering the size of the receiver the rumors may have some merit. The Sti and 9500i windshield mount detectors are already very close to the V1's performance, but close doesn't count for the title of best sensitivity. The features of the 9500ci are nothing short of amazing.

 

I've owned the K40 actually for about a year and a half now. I must say the design of it is absolutely incredible. The front and rear aspect of it, the bluetooth setup, the lighting and the fact that it really is invisible until you turn it on is remarkable.

However, it's performance is certainly sub-par. I wouldn't go as far as to say it is horrible because it has saved me from many many speeding tickets and gets the job done to my expectations and needs very well. But there definitely is more sensitive radar detectors out there. I used to have an 8500 escort and that thing was actually only just a tad bit more sensitive then my K40. Where speeding is concerned though, every second matters.

 

Invisible to the eye, but not the Spectre

 

Is it really detectable?

I mean I never drive down in the areas where it is illegal anyway - I'm up in Jersey. But they advertise it to be invisible to the spectre. Guess not lol.

 

My grandparents have a K40 on every car they own, and it defn works better than the dash mounted ones.

The new bluetooth system is very nice too!

 

Spectre III, Spectre IV and Spectre IV+ can pick any of the K40's up at over 1000ft away. Even the VG2 can detect the K40. Currently only the STi, STi-R and Escort 9500ci are completely immune from any RDD. Even the venerable V1 is detectable at 400-500ft away with the Spectre III, IV and IV+. K40 likes to exaggerate things like RMR does. I guess RMR is in a class of it's own with it's impossible claims.

 

K40s are great if you want a very hidden installation. Performance is below that of the best dash mount units however.

One of the older K40s was actually identical to the mid range BEL at double the price!

If hidden isn't an issue, just get an Escort, BEL, or Valentine.

 

I appreciate all of the input. As far as performance, I was happy when I paid 89 for a whistler in 1994. My primary motivation is keeping my interior clean. I don't like the jet fighter look that can grow through accessories (i recognize that i am overly-sensitive). All that being said, I would like performance commensurate with price (at least the portion that is allotted to performance).

Detectability is of concern as driving in virginia is a possibility, though I would likely turn it off.

Price is secondary but, like anyone I don't like the feeling of stupid I get when I get ripped off.

Anyone know of a good source for these: Beltronics Sti-R or the Beltronics 9500ci.

 

Straight from their website is a good place. Radarroy.com is also a good source. The nice thing about purchasing straight fro their site is they register your warranty for you. You never have to keep track of it. Testing still has to be completed on these units, but some very reliable sources on radardetector.net have already mentioned that it's performance exceeds the V1 which would be an incredible achievement. Living in VA we only have 3 choices for detectors since the Spectre IV and IV+ have been spotted and confirmed statewide. I myself have spotted a Spectre IV in an unmarked state trooper's Charger in NOVA. Remote mounted units are quite costly however. The STi-R costs $1099. I would have to assume it's incredibly chatty with it's increased sensitivity. The 9500ci is $1599. For the extra $500 you get laser shifters and gps. The gps feature will actually learn and remember false alert locations such as a particular automatic door. You can also manually lock out certain false alarms. The 9500ci also has a database of speed cameras and they provide a USB port for future updates, etc. The windshield mounted 9500i has received very positive reviews for both it's sensitivity and it's selectivity. The K40 is more stealth in the fact that you only have 3 or 4 lights that blink, but they do not give you much feedback. The STi-R and 9500ci provide the driver lots of feedback through it's digital display that you can mount anywhere inside the vehicles cabin. I just wish Escort would sell the 9500ci without the laser shifters as I have no interest in them. You will most likely find the Bel and Escort units for the same price everywhere as they are fixed prices at authorized dealers. Do not buy from an unauthorized dealer. The warranty comes in handy when you need an update or a fix.

 

Is the 9500 availabe yet?

 

never mind, I'm slooowwww.