2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

Just curious as to what peoples preferences are for 2 way radios? Going to get a pair here soon, and was interested in what everyone thought was the best and most economical? Thanks in advance...Van

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

so which do you perfer best or most economical?
For cheapies I like the Motorola line. But I wish I could get my hunting partners to buy the Rhino (Garmin or Magellan I forget which)with the built in GPS. This way you can see the location of everyone in your hunt party.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

Motorola is not a bad radio comes in clear only problem is i dont think any of them come with a headphone jack, i have 3 diferent talkabout's and none have a headphone jack. That is why i wouldnt recommend them, headphone jack is the way to go. Just my opinion.

Rich

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

My motorolas all have headphone jacks.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

mbruiser187 - Do you have older models? I have 2 different Motorola's and both models have the head phone jacks. You can also use the mic/headphone attachment with them. I also know that Cabelas right now has several Motorola's and some even come with the ear bud. I have had good luck with them. We really only use them for safety. We radio each other before we climb and then again after we get tied into the tree. Same thing before we climb down.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

I just have 2 of the uniden frs 8 mile radios. I give one to the wife or daughter before I leave out hunting, and put in the hands free set so I can hear them or talk to them if needed. They are very handy and the battery lasts all day if Im not transmitting alot. Its not a pro set lol, but it has water proof covers, hands free earbub/mic sets, base charger, and mobile charger. Very handy for $50. Great for an emergency in the woods too.
Stryker777

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

My brother and I use a pair of Motorolas with a 5 mile range. Even though we sit only 1 1/4 miles apart, they don't work for us because we are not "line of sight" apparently.
Brian

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

I have owned quite a few of the FRS and GMRS consumer grade radios in recent years. In my opinion, the Motorola models generally give you more for your money and are more durable over all than the others that I have tried.

Some things about FRS/GMRS radios though....

1. Don't believe the distance claims. They are made under "ideal conditions" meaning flat ground with no obstructions between the units. If you hunt in hilly terrain or are going to use it inside a truck, etc.. then expect a significant decrease in transmitting distance

1a. Along that same line of thinking, FRS and GMRS radios do not significantly increase transmitting range because of power under less than ideal conditions. A 3 watt GMRS unit will not be significantly more powerful in terms of transmitting distance in comparison to a .5 watt FRS unit. This is directly the result of the type of radio frequency that both of these units utilize...UHF.

1b. The only ways to drastically increase range is to either move to an elevated location or get one of the GMRS units that allows you to remove the stock antenna and utilize a more efficient one. However, most FRS and GMRS units come with what is commonly referred to as a "rubber duck" antenna that is unremoveable.

My suggestion would be to find a decent 1 watt or . 5 watt unit that is about $50-$100 less than the latest 3 watt unit. Take a look at the various features offered. Here are a few I have found to be handy in different situations....

- earbud attachment for quiet contact between units

- a vibration feature to also allow quiet contact between units

- scan mode to listen for other hunters in the area

- Multiple channels so that you can always find one that is being unused

One more interesting tidbit, GMRS radio users are required by law to obtain a license from the FCC to operate these units. FRS radios do not require a license.

Good luck with whatever you decide to go with.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

i have a talkabout 5600, 5200, and cant find the other right now there is a jack on the side but i tried to put headphones, and the headphone mic combo, in the jack and the red light stays on as if if im talking the whole time.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

I have a pair of motorola 5710s (or 20's, not sure). They are rechargeable, and came with push to talk/earbuds. I think I paid $40 for the pair. Have used them in the neighborhood, but not in the woods yet. Seem to work okay.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

I just bought a set by Cobra. $50

Came with charging stand, rechargable batteries, ear jacks and 5 mile range. Has the silent features and privacy codes, as well as scanning ability.

So far so good. Haven't tried the ear peices yet.

What I really want is the Rhino with built in GPS. Would be great for fishing, ice fishing, as well.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

I have a set of motorola and they work fantastic in the woods an ear bud is absolutey necessary and when hunting with a partner its good to have communication.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

I agree PA. I have the scan feature and all too. My range is supposed to be 8 miles but my effective range in my area (hills and rocks, thick woods) is about 2 miles. Thats quite a bit of range out here. Its about as effective as a unmodified mobile cb. About the wattage, I agree there is not much of a difference in effective range in bad terrain but for every time you double your stregnth you are getting around a 50% signal reinforcment meaning clearer for a longer range. A .5 watt can be heard but scratchy at .75 miles here. A 3 watt is clear at .75 miles and doesnt get scratchy till 1.5 or more. If you look at the signal being doubled twice that is about right for range. If it was a 6 watt it would be more effective up to 2 miles or so. These numbers are theoretical and really do still depend on your area but the range you get at one power level will only be increased by half if power is doubled. This also depends on the tuning of the radios lol. Its about as close as you can get though without in depth testing.
Stryker777

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

I just got a pair of Midland 10mi range. They come with the ear piece. I've played with them some, and have had good luck so far. Nice and clear with no static at all. They sure beat my 5mi range Motorolas.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

mbruizer you probably have the sensitivity to high and it is picking up your breathing.

i own motorolas and i think the are the best for the money. the are pretty durable too. they also arent that bad on the batteries.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

Vibrate alert is the most important feature for me. When hunting , I don't want to hear anything but footsteps.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

I would not recommend any of the "talkabout" style radios. Simply get a handheld marine radio. At 5 watts, you will get much longer communication and can pick them up for about $100.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

Personally, cell phones with vibrating alert. But then again we don't talk a whole lot either. Just very important times is all.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

I have a set of radios. It keeps me and by bro busy all day!! so i dont get bored and stuff! They are also great for tracking deer when you get split up. I have one story were they absolutely saved my a$$.

I was tracking a deer i had shot just before sundown. I made a great shot on him and got all excited so i gave him about 45 minutes. We went in to look for him and pushed him. He was lossing a mass amount of blood. Oh it is me and my bro who went in to look for him by the way. My friend stayed at the truck. Anyway, we ended up tracking him about 300 yards before he finally gave up and layed for good. The blood trail was easy to follow but we lost it somehow on the way back. We couldnt find the same spot we crossed the crick and we had no idea where we were at. It was good thing for the radios b/c my friend at the truck had his on and he directed us back by turning on the trucks head lights. We were pretty scared at first because it was the first time we actually considered ourselves "lost." It was really a great experience.

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

me and my dad just bought the new rhino gps that are 2 way radios as well. They are great but very expensive. At 169 bucks a piece

RE: 2 Way Radio's....What's your preference?
 

Motorola talk about's hands down