Beltronics STi Magnum Review

In late November of 2011, Beltronics finally released the all-new improved BEL STi Magnum, replacing the award-winning STi Driver, the first undetectable radar laser detector in the market. Beltronics STi Magnum offers up to 60% increased performance over the previous model STi Driver.

Beltronics STi Magnum cannot be detected by any police RDD (radar-detector-detector), including the old VG2 and the latest Spectre 3, Spectre 4, and Spectre 4+. Use of a radar detector is prohibited in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Maritimes, and all Territories. This makes the undetectable Beltronics STi Magnum the no.1 choice for drivers who live in these provinces or plan to travel in Eastern or Atlantic Canada.

With a huge performance boost on radar detection, noticeably in K and Ka police radar bands, we rate the BEL STi Magnum the best overall radar laser detector for use in Canada and the USA.

Beltronics STi Magnum includes the detector, Coiled SmartCord for cigarette lighter, quick-release windshield mount, spare suction cups, and the user manual. We highly recommend the optional accessories such as the Visor Clip, Direct-Wire SmartCord, or the Direct-Wire Cord for a better-hidden and discrete mounting.

Using the latest M3 dual radar antenna platform, the STi Magnum offers the best radar detection that outperforms the RX65, Passport 8500 X50 and 9500ix, and matches the performance of the more expensive Escort Redline. Sensitivity can be configured in Highway mode for maximum range, or AutoScan and Auto No-X mode for balanced alert distance and false signal rejection for city driving. We recommend leaving the STi Magnum in Highway mode for maximum sensitivity for police K and Ka bands.

Like the previous Bel STi Drivers, STi Magnum includes an audio ramp-up update that makes the STi Driver alert in a linear fashion to accurately reflect the radar signal strength. This update allows drivers to rely on the audible alerts without looking at the displayed signal bar graph. This linear ramp-up is not available in any Escort models, including the RedLine, 9500ix, and 9500ci.

Buy Beltronics STi Magnum ($529 CAD) - available from KMPH.ca

Recommended Accessories for the STi Magnum:
Direct-Wire Cord ($29.95) - links to the fuse box or any 12V and a ground
Direct-Wire SmartCord ($39.95) - like the direct-wire cord, with an additional display with LED alerts and mute.
Visor Clip ($9.95) - Sun visor mount to hide the detector better.