Biker Info Site Reviews, Industry News & Other Useful Info

Adaptiv TPX Radar Detector Console

Radar Detector Review

Like a lot of riders, I pay more attention to the road and to what other people are doing than how fast I’m going.  This can obviously lead to some trouble should the authorities catch you scooting around with no regard to the posted speed.  My tendency towards the upper end of the speedometer is what led me to test the Adaptiv TPX Radar Detector.

I’ve been using the Adaptiv detector for about a month now – this includes the busy streets of Dallas as well as the highways getting out of town.  I feel comfortable saying the TPX helped me avoid two definite tickets.  Now, I use all sorts of methods to watch out for speed traps (never running full speed over a hill, watching brake lights, etc.), but for those times when you’re not quite as diligent a radar detector wakes you up!

When considering items like this for my bike, I want something easy to mount, easy to hook-up, and easy to use. Adaptiv addressed all three of my concerns. The unit will mount to just about any kind of universal accessory – for example Ram Mount or Techmount.  The controls are simple and buttons large for ease of use even with gloves.

As far as motorcycle radar detectors go, this “made for the outdoors” radar detector is a bargain-priced unit, though performance-wise, it is seems every bit as capable as the more expensive units.

They tell me this system detects all radar and laser bands used by law enforcement agencies by providing 360 degree protection for both radar and laser.  Think I’ll just trust them on that one.  Adaptiv expands its usefulness by offering a TPX Wireless Headset accessory for audio alerts as well as an Automotive Mount Kit so you can use the TPX unit in a car.

A few dealers are including a Free Visual Alert unit with each TPX Radar Detector sold. In my opinion this is a “must have” accessory so this offer saves you $40 up front.  It’s a nice addition because the bright LED lamp array works as a fail safe warning during those times when the rider can't hear the audio alert. You can’t miss the light and it easily mounts on handlebars or on top of instruments or fairings.

As expensive as tickets are, the prevention of one ticket will come very close to paying for one of Adaptiv’s TPX Radar Detectors.  If you’re anything like me, you’d much rather spend money on a gadget for your bike than pay for a ticket.  To sum it up, it’s a great radar detector for the money.

Drift Innovation Action Camera

with Long Awaited Wireless Remote Control

Looking for a great action camera that’s not old technology repackaged in a clear plastic box? Then, you might want to consider the X170 from Drift Innovation. This is a rugged camera that comes with mounting options allowing the user to attach it to a helmet, goggle strap, handlebars and other locations. Packing a C-MOS image sensor, the camera records full motion video in 720 x 480 resolution. Video is user-selectable; MP4 or Motion JPEG formats at a smooth rate of 30fps. Videos resulted in good quality clips.

The X170’s impressive 170° wide angle lens is great for action shots. After mounting your camera, the lens rotates up to 300° to ensure you have an upright picture. The camera’s compact rugged  design makes it easily mountable to handlebars, goggles, helmets, fairings, or where ever you need it.

Remote Feature
To complete the ultimate convenience package, a waterproof wireless remote control is included. It straps to your wrist much like a wrist watch, but also it was immediately apparent this could Velcro anywhere you  wanted it. No more stopping your bike to turn on your old GoPro camera. No sir - just push Drift’s remote control button. Nice!

Memory
The 32MB of built-in memory is pretty much useless, but thankfully an SD slot supports cards up to 16GB in size providing hours and hours of recording at 720×480, or thousands of 5MP digital photos. 

Playback & Power 
You can review footage on a 1.5 inch color LCD display and includes a built-I mic as well. The package also includes a break-out cable allowing you to watch and/or preview your clips on a full-sized TV. The camera operates on two AA batteries. Arguably, this is can be viewed as good or bad. However, AA batteries are common, easy to find and easy to carry. So, no more dead batteries without a convenient source of replenishing power. How many times has your digital camera gone dead in the middle of a shooting and you had no charger available?

What Cameras does it compare to? 
First, High-Def it is not. This is a standard resolution camcorder that takes great clips – smooth as any of them, better than most. The X170 has a remote control feature and LCD display -features impossible to find on cameras at twice the price. Drift’s X170 sells for $199.95.

The closest well-known camera that comes remotely compares is GoPro’s Wide Angle Motorsport. However, GoPro is old technology placed in a bulky clear plastic box you have to turn on manually which is inconvenient with many mounting locations. Addition, GoPro has no LCD viewing screen. GoPro, lots of old technology and missing options for $149.95.

Summary
Drift’s Innovation is a rugged little camera you can take virtually anywhere and mounts just about anywhere on anything. If you want nice smooth videos and Hi-Def is not so important - the ruggedness, versatile power source, remote operation, LCD preview screen and vast mounting options make the Drift X170 a best buy at $199.95.

Features include:
• Sensor type: CMOS
• Lens angle: 170°
• Built-in Microphone
• Video format: MP4 or MJPEG AVI (user selectable)
• Frames per second: 30 fps
• Video format: 4:3 or 16:9 (user selectable)
• All mount options are included, Plus it has a metal 8mm thread for other industry options
• It is highly recommended to use Lithium-ion batteries
• Power-Save option saves batteries by powering down the screen
• Built-in memory: 32 MB
• SD memory capacity: Supports memory cards up to 16 GB
• Video resolution: 720 x 480
• Photo resolution: 5 Megapixel
• Exposure: Auto
• LCD screen: 1.5” color TFT
• Lens focal range: 0.5m to infinity
• Dimensions: Camera - 133 (L) x 50 (D) x 33 (W) mm / Remote Control – 52 (L) x 40 (W) x 13 (D) mm
• Power: Camera - DC 3V, 2x AA batteries (included) / Remote control: DC 3C, 1x CR2032 battery (included)
• RF: Receiver (Camera): 433.92MHz ISM band / Transmitter (Remote): 433.92MHz ISM band
• Weight: Camera - 128g / Remote control - 19g

Vholdr –vs- GoPro Motorsport Cameras

After using these units and talking with owners of these cameras, we have first hand opinions from people who have used these in a variety of environments. Cameras were used in Demolition Derby cars, speed boats, racing karts, motorcycles, skydivers, snow skiers, race cars and bicycles.

Standard Resolution Camera

The GoPro Hero WIDE Motorsport Camera comes with all the mounting and accessories package. Its MAP pricing is $199.95. MAP pricing will be explained later. This unit, like its HD version is a great little camera. It’s old technology, but it works. No high tech here, just a solid reliable unit mounted in a plastic housing to waterproof it. Picture quality? Well, good enough for most. Don’t mistake the $139.95 GoPro Hero for this one though. It is not the same. The cheaper GoPro does not have the same lens or mounting/accessory package as the Motorsport version.

High Definition Cameras

Vholdr ContourHD 1280 x 720, Vholdr ContourHD 1920 x 1080, GoPro HD Hero 1080.

The Vholdr cameras appear to have a slight edge over the GoPro. They are compact, high tech, simple to use, water resistant and have clean lines. They also come with rechargeable batteries, have an easy to manage switch, take great pictures, are better in low-light conditions and have twin lasers for easy aiming during setups. Vholdr also has their own website to post your videos! They also have much more memory capacity than GoPro. The difference between the two Vholdr HD’s is obvious. Look at the specs: 1080 or 720. While the 1080 may outsell the 720, the 720’s video quality is good – much better that the standard resolution cameras. These cameras’ MAP prices are $329 and $249. The units come with a special mount for camera that can be fitted on a variety of surfaces.

GoPro’s HD Motorsport Wide Hero 1080 shares the same design as the standard resolution camera and is just as rugged. The motorsport version comes complete with the mounting/accessory package making it ready to use right out of the box. Again, other than HD, it gives you the impression of old technology with its small buttons and clear plastic waterproof housing. Also, for an HD camera, the memory capacity is lacking. While the memory is adequate, more would be nice. The video quality is good, as you would expect from a high definition camera, and comes with a MAP price of $299.

Wrapping up…

If your camera use frequently occurs while you would be wearing gloves, you need to consider the Vholdr because of the much more manageable on/off switch. Neither brand offers remote activation so no device out shines the other there. Vholdr seems to have better factory support over GoPro, but both manufacturers aggressively enforce their MAP programs.

MAP programs are forms of price fixing where dealers are penalized for selling under retail – so the customer pays by keeping prices artificially inflated. So, if you happen to find one selling under list (particularly GoPro) make certain it is the Motorsport Wide version with the mounting and accessory package. Also, not all MAP prices are equal. Look around for dealers who include FREE memory with cameras to sweeten the deal. That is their way of offering you a discount!