Review of the Beltronics STiR Plus Radar Detector

Ranked as the 2nd Best Concealed Radar Detector

Overview of the Beltronics STiR Plus radar detector

The Beltronics STiR Plus is our most popular remote mounted radar detector for several reasons:

It is rated as an extreme range radar detector with over 8 times the capture distance of a police radar gun.
It is basically the exact same detector as the 9500ci, but more affordable as it is sold without Escort’s Laser ShifterPro.
You can add a better performing laser jamming system such as the AntiLaser Priority or the Blinder.

The Bel STiR Plus is a remote mounted radar detector that is both stealth the eye and to the Spectre RDD.

As Beltronics and Escort are the same company the main difference between the Bel STiR Plus and the Escort 9500ci is that the STiR Plus does not include the Laser ShifterPro laser jammer.

This allows you to add a laser jammer that has better performance, such as the AntiLaser Priority or the Blinder HP-905.Extreme Range Radar Detection The Beltronics STiR Plus was tested during our 2015 Radar Detector and Laser Jammer Shootout.

During this test the STiR Plus had over 8 times the capture distance of the police K and Ka band radar guns used during this test.

This is because the STiR Plus utilizes Escort’s M3 dual feed horn design and their advanced DSP technology enabling the detector to detect even the faintest police radar miles away.

Filtering

The biggest challenge radar detector manufactures face today is trying to figure out ways to filter out false alerts caused by the adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitors car manufactures are installing in new cars today.

These devices operate on the same K band frequency police radar guns and as a result causes an over abundance of false alerts to most radar detectors rendering them useless.

Because of this Escort and Beltronics developed a new digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm and integrated it into the STiR Plus.

Another benefit of the Bel STiR Plus is that it also has a built in GPS, which enables it to automatically lock out known false alert locations.

Stealth Protection

Radar detectors are legal in all passenger vehicles in the US with the exception of Virginia and in the District of Columbia.

Also radar detectors are prohibited in all commercial vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds.

To enforce these radar detector laws police use a device called the Spectre radar detector detector (RDD) that is able to sniff out radar detectors.

Therefore if you are a commercial driver or you frequently drive in the state of Virginia, it’s important that you select a detector that is stealth to the Spectre and currently there are only five detectors with that ability and they are the Escort REDLiNE, the STi Magnum, the Passport 9500ci and the Stinger VIP.

Photo Enforcement Protection

The Beltronics STiR Plus comes equipped with an internal GPS enabling it to warn you of approaching photo radar, red light cameras and known speed traps.

You also have the ability to also add your own “marked locations” to warn you as you approach them.

Remote Mounted

The main difference between the STiR Plus and most other radar detectors is that it’s designed to be concealed within the vehicle, making it stealth to the eye.

Clear Digital Voice Alerts

The Beltronics STiR Plus includes an external amplified speaker that is typically mounted under the dash.

When your detector alerts it will identify the band in a voice prompt followed by a series of audible beeps.
Escort Live Compatible.

Escort Live Compatible

The Bel STiR Plus is Escort Live Compatible, enabling you to tap into the Escort Live community to share real time alerts with other Escort and Beltronics detectors in your area by purchasing the Escort Live 9500ci external interface.

Easy Advanced Programming

You can program your Passport STiR Plus by pressing the buttons on the control interface or by using the Escort Live app on your smart phone if you have the optional Escort Live Module installed.

You can set the color and brightness of your display, program it to concentrate on the radar bands used in your area, adjust the filtering options, and more.

High Definition Text Display

The Beltonics StiR Plus displays radar alerts using the older text display. The display is easy to read at any angle and the brightness is adjustable.

Online Defender Database Updates

You ensure that your STiR Plus has the latest database updates to protect you from new threats by simply connecting it to your computer's USB port and downloading the latest Defender database updates.

Warranty & Support – 10 Points

Your Beltonics StiR Plus comes with Beltronics 1-year warranty and Radar Roy's 30-day no risk money back guarantee.

Also, here on RadarBusters Radar Roy has several articles in his help guide section to assist you in getting the most out of your detector such as: How to Maximize the Use of your Radar Detector, How to Update Your Radar Detector, and Defensive Driving Tips for Radar Detector Users.

You’re also welcome to contact Radar Roy direct 24/7 by using the contact form on this website or calling our toll free number during normal business hours.

Included Accessories

The Passport 9500ci includes a separate display and controller, front radar/laser receiver, a 12-volt interface module, an external speaker, a bi-colored remote LED, an external GPS antenna, Escort’s Laser ShifterPro, a quick reference guide, and a 3-year subscription to the Escort Defender database.
Optional Accessories

Escort Live External Module: Allows your Escort 9500ci access to the Escort Live community to share real time alerts with other radar detector users in your area.

Installation

As the STiR Plus is a concealed radar detector installation is required.

A typical install can take up to 2 hours depending upon the vehicle and type of install, Radar Roy has an installation guide here of a custom install on a Corvette.

Many other websites sell what are called Install Cards, which allow you to go to a local installer like a Best Buy to install your device.

However, because of the low margins the installer is paid, they typically mark up their install after getting you in the door.

Because of this, Radar Roy recommends calling install shops in your area and shopping around for the best quote.

The first place Radar Roy recommends calling is your local Best Buy store.