I am looking for a new 2-way radio. I want one with a 20 - 28 mile range that has good distance in thick woods and valleys. I would like to stay under $80.
I was looking at the Motorola EM1000R 20-mile. Does anyone have this device or another Motorola? How do you like them? What other models do you recommend?
I have 5 watt midlands which have been the best we've tried but in thick canopy range canbe as low as 1M or so. Forget the range they post, as that is line of sight over water, instead buy one with more wattage when it comes to GRMS.
My buds and I use FRS radios to stay in touch. Where we hunt these work pretty good because the terrain is rather flat. Ours are one of the Motorola models purported to give 15 miles of range. I forget the model number. They realistically will do about 2-3 through the woods.
Midland seems like they make quality 2 way radios. I don't have any experience with the 20-28 mile models, but I have some with a twelve mile range. Like everyone said, with a 20-28 mile advertised range, you might get around two miles through the woods.
My group wanted range and went to the pros at a Communication shop. All the ones you buy over the counter at Bass Pro or Walmart are limited to roughly 5 watts and thats on a good day. It will be line of sight and in woods don't depend on much more than 1 mile. We went with models that were in the $400-$500 range still only 5 watts and guess what? We got maybe 1.5 miles.By law thats all thats out there. At work we use $2000+ radios and when talking unit to unit without a repeater we get less than 2 miles consistently.
Bottom line is this:
(1)5 watts is 5 watts.
(2) Line of sightjust that line of sight.
Without a repeater you are not going to get more than 1 maybe 2 miles under best conditions. Buythe $80 set that has the features you like and you're about as good as it going to get. Now if you hunt the same land all the time and have the place and money for a repeater (and required permit) you can have a system set up that will get you 5-8 miles. However get your check book out.
check out the Garmin rino series of GPS they havethe built in radio's , radios work good ,and with 2 they will show you where the other one is ?? Example if you hunting buddy is a mile away from you .you will be able to see where he is on your GPS ,
I have 2 of the 120 models ,theyw ork great
Midland Outfitter Series GXT950VP4 5 Watt 42 Channel 30-Mile Waterproof GMRS with NOAA All Hazard /Weather Alert and Direct Call, Mossy Oak Break Up Camo, Pair...$63.96..Amozon.com. These are as good as any out there in this price range. I bought them last year and they work good.
2-way radio
