Cheap 2 Way Radios for sale!

   

Motorola 8-Mile 2-Way Radio Set - FV150
From Motorola

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5270 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Motorola

Excellent value
I wanted a way of communicating with my daughter when she went to the neighbor's house. The compact size of this unit is great for a young child. Simplicity of design and ease of operation make this an excellent choice.

Construction

Hard, impact resistant plastic housing. There are buttons for volume control, channels, and 'paging'.

Quality

Sound quality is good for this unit. The 'paging' feature works well when you want to alert the other user. Battery life is very good.

Use

I have only tested this unit in a 2 mile radius and between a few houses indoors but the unit is reliable. This set is easy to use.

Verdict

Highly recommend

not really "8 miles" of coverage
i bought at Target for my children to communicate with us while they are walking to a friend's house. they work just fine if you can see the person with the other walkie. the coverage is only line of sight. so any houses, buildings, TREES, anything that is between you and the other walkie with interfere. so, basically, they don't work as they are advertised. but, they are fun to play with from basement to top floor.

A Pleasent Surprise
I bought these for my son to play with. They are much better than the walkie talkies I played with as a kid. My son can easily talk from inside our house to neighboring kids 10 or 12 houses away! Highly recommended. The only criticisms I can think of is that they don't come with batteries (a built in rechargeable battery would be even better) and the talk button takes a firm press, which requires some effort on the part of my six year old son.

   

Cobra LI6000-2 WX VP microTALK/GMRS 2 Way Radio Two Pack with Up to 17 Mile Range
From Cobra

Staying in touch with your family and friends is convenient and easy when using your microTALK radio. Some of the many uses you will discover include communicating with others while hiking, biking, and working, keeping track of family and friends at a crowded public event, checking with travel companions in another car, talking with neighbors, arranging meeting spots with others while shopping at the mall and many others.Secure your microTALK radio while on the go. Carrying your microTALK radio with you is easy when using the belt clip. The belt clip easily attaches to your belt, purse or backpack. Simply squeeze the clip and place it where you prefer.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #47769 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black/Silver
• Brand: Cobra
• Model: LI 6000-2 WX VP
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 1.00" w x 6.00" l, 1.70 pounds

If you want a toy, get this
I read the other person's interview, but still decided to try it. The farthest reception I got was when I was 0.5 Miles away from home (according to my GPS), I was able to talk to my husband. Even then, the sound was garbled with static, even when I was on the GMRS (not FPS) mode.

We tried using it in a mall (garden state plaza, NJ), and my husband and I could SEE each other, and we only saw our mouths move, but no sound came from our cobra LI6050's. Needless to say, it was bit embarrasing.

I just returned them and got the Motorla SX700R. Friend has a set, and we used them in camping trip and it works great. It says 12mile range, which also is a fiction, but at least it works in closer ranges.

I am throughly disappointed with the Cobras.

Really crappy radio
I bought these radios without doing my research and I'm regretting it now. The 17 mile range is so wildly exagerated as to be ludicrous. I can't manage anything more than 1.5 miles with them and as mentioned in another review, the speech quality is scratchy and garbled, even at closer range. My Cobra Micro-Talk FRS-105 radios have much better speech but not quite the range, although close. Never, never buy these radios. You will find them to be a waste of money.

complicated but good
lots of bells and whistles. don't know why all manufacturers are allowed to advertise ridiculous numbers for range. my experience has been 1-2 miles with gmrs and this is no different. i like this radio.

   

Motorola EM1000 2-Way FRS/GMRS Radio Pair
From Motorola

The Motorola TalkAbout EM1000 is the ideal emergency preparedness communication tool for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. With a range of up to 20 miles as well as an emergency alert feature and flashlight, the EM1000 radio proves a convenient total emergency preparedness communication device. The emergency alert feature allows you to enjoy your escape to the great outdoors with confidence that others can be informed of any dangers that may come your way. When the alert button is activated, the radio transmits an alert siren followed by transmission of spoken or incidental sounds. This allows you to send the signal to other radios and warn of impending danger. It also features an NOAA weather alert channel, which provides your group with warning of incoming storms or dangerous conditions. Perfect for active outdoor excursions or life's everyday adventures. Take a pair on your next trip to the mountains and stay connected without missing important emergency or weather alerts.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8794 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Motorola
• Model: EM1000
• Dimensions: 7.80" h x 1.30" w x 2.40" l, 1.50 pounds

Good Radio - QT Mode is cool, END Squelch Tail eliminated with CTCSS/DCS code
The EM1000R radios are very good. They are good for short range 2-way radio general usage. You must remember that there is NO scramble mode on these radios, so absolutely no possibility of any privacy at all (000%). Motorola refers to the CTCSS & DCS codes correctly as Eliminator Codes. Too many manufacturers refer to them as Privacy Codes (which is INCORRECT). CTCSS/DCS do not offer any privacy at all. They help keep out unwanted conversations from being received by the radio. But do not block or prevent anyone else on any other FRS/GMRS or SCANNER radio from hearing you. The EM1000R has all 38 standard CTCSS tones. And has 83 DCS codes available.

Here are a couple of things I really like about the EM1000R radios:

- Very good pickup on the built-in MIC
- Very good audio on the built-in speaker (perhaps the best)
- the QT mode is very cool. When ENABLED, it prevents other
radio users using the same CHANNEL and QUIET CODE from being
heard by blocking reception of those radios. Very very cool
feature. It blocks the other non-motorola radios even if they
are using the same CTCSS/DCS code. Again, very cool feature.
- the ALERT button is cool. Its very similar to EMERGENCY
buttons used on Motorola Trunk and Conventional Radio Systems.
It activates the PTT with an ALERT for 8 seconds, then turns ON the MIC
automatically on the affected radio for 22 seconds. And turns
the VOLUME UP all the way on any and all other Motorola EM1000R
radios that are receiving the signal. Then cranks the VOLUME
back down to the regular level after the 22 seconds. Very cool
function/feature. Very well thought out Motorola. Congrats!
- Weather Radio Alert is always nice, thank you Motorola
- LED flashlight is very cool, thank you Motorola
- The many, many ways to recharge the batteries. Way to go Motorola.
- The END Squelch Tail is eliminated when using either CTCSS or DCS codes on any channel. Hooray, glad to see the END Squelch Tail finally eliminated. Motorola, you are the BEST, thank you. I have been wanting radios that eliminate that darn END Squelch tail. It is so annoying. Thank you Motorola for including this feature in the EM1000R radio!

Now for the things I do NOT like about the EM1000R:

- No basic SCRAMBLE mode (Inversion Mode would have better than none)
- Power output is at fixed level while on GMRS channels. Would of
liked to have either HI/LO or HI/MED/LO options while on GMRS channels.
FRS channels 8-14 are locked at 1/2-watt power output on all radios, of course, per the FCC.
- There is a SCAN/SEARCH feature. No FRS/MURS/GMRS radio should have ever been manufactured with a SEARCH/SCAN feature. It is the reason we have so many problems/complaints with these services. If you want to SCAN, get a SCANNER radio. That is what they are designed to do. FRS/MURS/GMRS radios should have never been made with SCAN/SEARCH feaures. One of the biggest mistakes ever made to these radio services.
That is why we have so much on-air HARRASSMENT and RF STALKING that takes place by your snooping neighbors.

To summarize, I really really like the QT mode. It keeps out non-EM1000R radios from being heard on your radio even if they are using the correct CHANNEL and CTCSS/DCS code. Having a RF power setting would have been nice while on the GMRS channels, to control the power output. And no SCRAMBLE mode means there is privacy from other FRS/GMRS and SCANNER radios. Of course, Audio-Inversion scrambling does not offer much protection from ease-dropping anyway. But it offers at least alittle bit. So, when operating these or any FRS/MURS/GMRS radio, make sure to use CODES, NICKNAMES and do NOT give out REAL NAMES, PHONE NUMBERS, EMAIL ADDRESSES and try not to give out your location. Use abbreviations when possible, and use CODED-LOCATIONs, if you must. Say things like: I am on the A street, or B street, or similar. Remember, there are KIDDIES-PUNKs listening. There are OLD-FARTS and CROOKS listening too, just waiting to use your personal info against you.

Excellent radio.
This radio works very well in hilly terrain and is easy to use. Reception is clear. One suggestion: the online product information should indicate that the "R" in EM1000R refers to the fact that the pair of radios comes with a recharging bay (with a slot for each radio). This will make comparison among products clearer.

Free car charger included!
These are very nice radios. I am very happy with the purchase.

Pros:
- These radios came with a free car charger in the box! The sticker on it said it was for a limited time..
- They look nice. They have a high quality feel to them.
- The rechargable batteries included are the 3 AA cell batteries. That's a plus because I can easily use AA alkaline Batteries from the shop if I run out of juice.
- It comes with built-in LED flash light.

Cons:
- The batteries are only 650 mAh Ni-Cd, which are a bit low compared to current NiMH. Maybe I'll throw in a trio of eneloops in if I start running out of battery.
- The stand alone charger is a dumb charger which I think keeps on charging once full (potentially dangerous). The manual is a bit confusing regarding this fact.

   

Midland AVPH1 Open Face Helment Headset for Midland GMRS
From Midland

Midland Open Face Helment Headsets for use with all Midland GMRS

• Color: Black
• Brand: Midland
• Model: AVPH1
• Dimensions: 1.00" h x 1.00" w x 1.00" l, 1.00 pounds

The Midland AVPH1 Open Face Helmet Headset for Midland GMRS is an accessory speaker microphone for use with an open-faced motorcycle helmet. It includes two speakers and a boom microphone that go inside helmet. The headset includes a press-to-talk (PTT) button that wraps on the handle bar and an extra long cable for easy attaching. The AVPH1 works with all Midland GMRS/FRS Radios.

What's in the Box
Two speakers, microphone, handlebar mountable push-to-talk button, and wiring harness with dual-pin connector.

Great product, good price
I purchased the Midland AVPH1 Open Face Helment Headset for Midland GMRS with a GXT710VP3 radio. The headset delivers great clear sound quality - easy to understand while dirt biking at a high rate of speed -- although that also has to do with the radio as the speakers can only produce what the radio puts out. It was also quite easy to install in my helmet: a typical motocross helmet with open face for goggles and closed, pointed mouth protection. The adhesive backed velcro disk that mounts the mic base to the helmet holds securely -- something I initially doubted. I routed the flexible mic boom in a spiral fashion under the helmet bottom and located the mic right in front of my mouth position. To hold it in place and make it easy to get the helmet on and off without disturbing the headset I drilled two very small holes in the helmet mouth protection and ran a small wire tie in one hole, around the mic boom just behind the mice pickup and back out through the second hole, into the tie clasp and cut it off flush so that there is only the tiny end visible and nothing to catch on. I didn't pull it tight, just snuggish to prevent movement without binding or stressing the boom. As for wires,I didn't want the wire junction where mic, left speaker, right speaker come together hanging down putting tension on the mic mount or wires so I just taped everything to the back of the helmet leaving the one wire with the plug end that goes to the radio harness hanging down off the back. I just used silver duct tape. Some people might object to this type of thing. But I prefer function over some sort of stylish look -- although my helmet is silver, like the duct tape (and Red Green would be proud!). The speakers mounted easily in the ear recesses of my helmet also with a peal and stick adhesive backing velcro pad and the wires routed easily between helmet padding pieces. I cleaned the mounting surface for the speakers and mic mounting points with alcohol first to get a good stick. The speakers have a soft cover and do not hurt my ears (or even touch them much). Although mounting the same set-up in my wife's closed face helmet of different manufacture which had more ear/upper cheek padding required taking the helmet padding piece out, pealing back the cloth and cutting out some foam so that the speaker did not press into her ear and cheek bone. That was not hard either -- about 30 minutes total for her helmet.
The jury is still out on the push to talk switch. I'm glad it was included. However, for dirt biking I did not think it prudent to mount it to the handlebars as intended since falling off would rip the whole thing apart at the plug or elsewhere. So I wrap the push to talk switch around my left thumb, pointing down and a little in on my left thumb so that I can grip the handle grip well, but extend my middle finger and thumb toward each other while still holing on to push the button. Works well. I hold the wiring in place by routing it from the radio (mounted on my belt on the left side toward the back) inside my shirt and body armor, up the back and down the arm and out the inside elbow hole, and along the inside of my forearm. Takes about 2 full minutes to route. But it is nice to be able to communicate with my riding buddies (or wife on easier rides) whereas we had to stop before. If using the VOX function, which also works very well as long as you put in one word you don't intend anyone to hear first (or say "Ahhh for one half second) to get it going. In that case you can just stuff the wires in your pocket and go after running the helmet wire up your back and plugging it in and taping it (for serious riding). I recommend taping the connections anyway to keep crap out of the din connector.
Overall, it's a great setup and great sound quality.

Midland GMRS Headset
My husband and I purchased the headsets to use on our ATV's. It allows us to each ride at our own pace without having to worry about the other one as we can now keep in contact with each other. We have been very happy with how the headsets work. The sound is clear and crisp. The only flaw that I have found is that the microphone is attached to the helmet with a small velcro pad and the microphone comes loose and falls off. It's not the velcro that comes free, it is the sticky backing. I'm going to use a little contact cement and secure it better. Small problem when overall I'm very pleased with the operation of the headsets.

Biker in need of communication
I bought the Midland 15 mile 2 way radios at Best Buy but no one had the headset adaptor to match the radios to our helments so my partner and I could communicate on the bikes when we rode. I found the full helmet headset on Amazon but only needed the connector out of the set to work with the system alread built into the motorcycle helments, after recieving the full set I found that the sound quality from the Midland set was so much better than the 300.00 system I purchased from Yamaha that I switched all of it over to the Midland. Thanks for putting out a high quality product at a reasonable price. This headset is great

   

Cobra LI-7200-2 WX VP Micotalk GMRS/FRS 22-Channel 27-Mile Range 2-Way Radio with 10-Channel NOAA Weather Radio (Pair)
From Cobra

This ultra-compact GMRS/FRS two-way radio value pack offers radios with a range of up to 27 miles. Also included are rechargeable ultra high capacity (1500 mAh) lithium ion batteries and a two port desktop charger. The desktop charger wall adapter can also charge one radio through its speaker/microphone/charge jack. Other features include 10-Channel NOAA All Hazards Radio, Vibralert silent paging, VOX hands free operation, 10-channel memory, and a scan feature. You can save as many as 10 channels in the memory and then scan as many as you would like. These radios offer the maximum power output allowed by law, and include the highest capacity batteries in the industry in order to support the RF (radio frequency) output.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #592 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Cobra
• Model: LI-7200/2WXVP
• Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 1.40 pounds

This ultra-compact GMRS/FRS two-way radio value pack offers radios with a range of up to 27 miles. Also included are rechargeable ultra high capacity (1500 mAh) lithium ion batteries and a two port desktop charger. The desktop charger wall adapter can also charge one radio through its speaker/microphone/charge jack. Other features include 10-Channel NOAA All Hazards Radio, Vibralert silent paging, VOX hands free operation, 10-channel memory, and a scan feature. You can save as many as 10 channels in the memory and then scan as many as you would like. These radios offer the maximum power output allowed by law, and include the highest capacity batteries in the industry in order to support the RF (radio frequency) output.

This ultra-compact GMRS/FRS two-way radio value pack offers radios with a range of up to 27 miles. Click to enlarge.

Kit includes two radios, rechargeable ultra high capacity (1500 mAh) lithium ion batteries and a two port desktop charger. Click to enlarge.

View control diagram. Click to enlarge.

Scan Channels/Privacy Codes/Memory
Allows the user to scan either channels, privacy codes within a channel, or memory locations, to locate conversations in progress.

Key Lock
When activated, provides key pad security eliminating accidental channel changes.

10 Call Tones
Allows the user to differentiate between up to 10 different parties on incoming calls.

10 NOAA Channels
Full coverage of all government operated NOAA broadcasts.

Maximum Range Extender
Overrides Auto Squelch to provide extended range reception.

10 Channel Memory
Allows the user to program up to 10 channel or channel/privacy code combinations for easy retrieval.

2 Lithium Ion Batteries
Ultra compact, high-capacity rechargeable batteries.

Two-Port Desktop Charger
Charges supplied Lithium Ion batteries inside radios. Charger accommodates 1 or 2 radios.

Up to 27 Mile Range
Extended range capability provides up to 27 Mile Range. (Range will vary depending on terrain and conditions.)

142 Privacy Codes
38 CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) codes and 104 DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch) codes provide a total of 142 privacy codes. 3,124 privacy combinations are possible when the 22 channels are combined with the 142 privacy codes

Selectable Hi/Med/Low Power Output
Choose between High Power to maximize range, Medium or Low Power to conserve battery life (in GMRS).

Time-Out Timer
Limits transmit time to 3 continuous minutes to extend battery life, and prevent accidental transmission.

VibrAlert
Provides a silent alert for incoming calls. Ideal for noisy or all-quiet environments.

UHF/FM
Ultra-clear long distance reception.

22 Channels
Front panel push buttons provide easy access to all 22 channels (7 GMRS/FRS, 7 FRS, 8 GMRS).

Roger Beep Tone (selectable)
Confirmation tone indicates the completion of the user's transmission, and signals to others it is clear to talk. This feature is selectable and can be turned on or off.

Auto Squelch
Automatically shuts off weak transmissions or unwanted noise due to terrain or range constraints.

Speaker/Microphone/Charger Jack
Allows use of wall charger, or earphone speaker/microphones (not included) for "hands-free" operation.

Belt Clip
Secures your microTALK radio while on the go.

1 Year Warranty
On radios. For products sold in the USA.

VOX
The user's voice is detected and the radio transmits without the need to press any buttons, freeing hands for other tasks. Several VOX sensitivity levels allow the user to select at which point the radio will detect their voice.

Battery Saver Circuitry
A unique circuit extends the life of the batteries. If there are no transmissions within 10 seconds, the unit will automatically switch to battery saver mode.

Illuminated LCD Display
Provides maximum ease of use even at night.

Keystroke Tone Signal (Selectable)
Confirms key activation. This feature is selectable and can be turned ON or OFF.

What's in the Box
Pair of LI 7200-2 WX radios with Litihium Ion Batteries, Desktop Charger, AC Adapter, User's Manual

Good consumer two-way radios - beats the old channel 14 CB walkie-talkies!
I had reasonable expectations for two-way radios like the consumer-grade Cobra Li7200 when I bought them. Based on my research, I knew that the whimsical claims on the bubble packs of 10's of miles of range (27 miles in the case of these radios) were pure fantasy. In urban areas, a mile or maybe two of range is the best you get; in more open areas, a little more. I also had a good idea of how the "privacy" codes work (they don't keep other people from hearing your broadcasts - they allow you to tune out other people), the GMRS licensing requirements ($85/five years to the FCC to use the higher power GMRS frequencies, and the basic operation of two-way radios in general (they aren't cell phones - you can't listen and talk at the same time, you have to pause after pressing the transmit key, the voice quality varies with transmitter power, distance, and intervening obstacles/terrain).

Based on my limited experience with these radios, I'm not disappointed. They worked fine on a recent vacation to a remote lake area. We used them to communicate between our rental house and the beach, while hiking on trails in the mountains [big kids and little kids move at different paces], between vehicles while caravanning to/from an off-road park, and to keep in touch while off-roading. While off-roading, one of the other vehicles had Motorola consumer-grade GMRS radios, and the Cobras and the Motorolas interoperated just fine, including both channel numbers (same channel number to frequency assignments) and CTCSS "privacy" codes. We probably never used them more than 1 to 2 miles apart, but we weren't going for any distance records.

The NOAA weather radio capability of the Cobra LI7200s was a key item for me. I wanted to be able to listen to NOAA weather service broadcasts because the area we were in was known for rapidly changing weather, and we needed to plan trips (hikes and beaching) without resorting to television news or non-existent Internet service. About the only weather radio features not found on these units is a weather radio "scan" (so I manually ploughed through the 10 weather frequencies until I found the local station, which wasn't hard because they broadcast continuously), and a "NOAA Weather Alert" (automatically monitors for NOAA WX ALERT signals) - this last feature is appealing but wasn't available on the Cobras.

There seem to be two different approaches to batteries for consumer-grade GMRS radios; some take "AA" size batteries that can be rechargables or non-rechargables, others (such as the Cobra) use proprietary Lithium-Ion rechargables. If you know you can stick the radios in the charging cradle every day or two, the proprietary rechargables seem to be a good option - they hold lots of power but are very lightweight. If you want the ability to go to non-rechargable backups when you are away from civilization, get a radio that takes them instead.

There appear to be three top-brand consumer-grade FRS/GMRS radios - Motorola (actually made by a company called GIANT who license the Motorola name for this product), Midland, and Cobra. All three offer several models, mostly varying in size/output power (bigger size generally more power) and a few other features such as the NOAA weather radio capability. The Cobra LI7200s are the biggest/most powerful Cobras I found; I didn't find the size to be inconvenient nor the weight to be too much, and I wanted the maximum power I could get. If the Midland GXT900 had been shipping back in June 2008, I might very well have gotten those instead, as they have a higher rated power output registered with the FCC and they have the NOAA WX ALERT function, but I'm not unhappy with the Cobras. Some folks like the Motorola, others pan them. I wasn't sure I would like them because despite Motorola's excellent reputation with business radios the consumer-grade GMRS radios aren't really Motorolas.

For anyone thinking of using the Cobra with an external microphone/speaker, I will point out the the manual says "When using an external speaker/microphone accessory on channels 1-7 or 15-22, your microTALK radio will only operate on medium or low power." Since channels 8-14 are FRS channels that operate exclusively on low power, this means that these radios won't operate on high power with an external speaker/microphone accessory. This isn't a concern for me.

I didn't use the VOX (voice-activated transmit) or memory functions. I did use the channel scan functions to find clear channels (not a problem where we were located).

If you get a GMRS radio and you plan to use the GMRS frequencies, please go ahead and get properly licensed, then follow the radio rules about sharing channels. Have fun and save money on your cell phone bill!

Excellent Value
For the price, excellent quality. I have gotten about a three mile range through dense forests and housing developments where other similar units couldn't handle it. Recommend.

bought it, used it, happy with it
I bought these specifically to use while skiing in Colorado. I was able to communicate with the other unit from everywhere across two peaks of the ski resort. When I went to a third peak (putting 1 peak between units) I couldn't commnicate with the other unit. 27 mile range it isn't. In the mountains over variable terrain and trees you're looking at more like a mile. However, it was perfectly acceptable performance or the ski resort application. I had no trouble communicating with someone at the base of the mountain when I was getting off of the highest ski lift. Easy to use & figure out. I'd recommend it.

   

TriSquare TSX300-2VP Digital Two-Way Radios
From LEXAR MEDIA INC

TRISQUARE eXRS 2-WAY RAD

• Brand: TriSquare
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 9.50" w x 12.00" l, 1.30 pounds

Two's company, three's a crowd
The advantage of this frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) radio is unless someone knows what "channel" (of 10 billion) you select, eavesdropping by a third party is highly improbable. It also means you won't be disturbed by others who are using the same frequency, as with FRS/GMRS radios, even with so-called privacy codes.

The TSX300 works fairly well when there are two units on the same channel -- their frequency hopping seems to stay in synchronization. Audio quality is generally good. In my experince, distance is on-par with other 1-watt UHF 2-way radios.

Having more than 2 radios on the same channel consistently has one or more getting out of sync with the others. This means one or more radios will not be able to hear others' transmissions and vice versa. This is a real showstopper for my requirements.

The good news is, private communication between any two radios (using a radio's private channel) seems reliable, regardless of how many radios are active. So, you can treat these like telephones -- one unit can communicate with any other -- just avoid using a common broadcast channel.

The other issue with this model is its battery life. Because these are FHSS devices, they must actively transmit in order to maintain synchronization. This uses significantly more power than a device that only receives during standby, and battery life suffers as a result.

The ability to send short text messages is neat, but I personally haven't found a practical application for it, especially given there is no guarantee of delivery. A message may or may not be delivered, and there's no feedback to the sender one way or the other.

Overall, for the price, if you're only using a pair of radios, the TSX300 is a good value. If you try to add a third radio to the party, you're probably going to be disappointed.

Innovative Privacy in a license free Walkie Talkie.
These little walkie talkies have all the features usually associated with a cellular phone. PRIVATE encrypted communications, unit to unit voice and texting in addition you can set channels up for group operation.

The codecs produce reasonable and understandable voice quality. These are not APCO P-25 quality digital radios but produce audio that is easily understood. These radios transmit and receive digitally and can not be listened to via a scanner on the 900 MHz. band. Since they are DIGITAL radios the quality and range are far better than FRS (Family Radio Service) units on the 450 MHz band. Speech quality remains constant throughout the total range distance of these units where as speech quality of analog FRS radios drop off drastically as you approach the maximum range of the FRS radios.

Out of the box the units will talk to each other on an encoded fleet channel. When I say channel, this does not mean a given frequency because these units are frequency hopping radios. Channels equate to talk groups which can be assigned at the operators will by assigning a number from 10,000 to 9,999,999,999 if you don't settle on obvious number picks like 6969696969 or such you have a relative high expectation of privacy!

They are an excellent choice as private hunting radios or radios for clandestine operations. These are an excellent choice for the casual criminal citizen to have secure private nearly undetectable communications for the commissions of criminal acts while avoiding detection and not breaking any FCC rules!

There you have it, undetectable legal communications technology available to your international terrorist or for that matter any criminal activity. You can thank your Federal Communications Commission for the gift!

Respectfully, Dennis Lloyd

   

Motorola XU1100 Business 2-Way Radio
From Motorola

The Motorola XU1100 Two Way Radio is designed for heavy duty, everyday industrial use. The lightweight XTN Radio Series is perfectly suited for construction, manufacturing, property management, security, retail, and more and meets Mil-Spec 810 and IP54 specifications. Featuring a range up to 5 miles outdoors / 200,000 sq. ft. or 15 floors indoors with 1-watt technology that provides up to 2 times the power of FRS radios. Unit operates on 56 UHF business-exclusive frequencies with single-channel operation with 121 Interference and Eliminator Codes (83 Digital and 38 Analog). The long lasting 1500 mAh NiMH rechargeable battery provides hours of reliable power and the included 10-Hour plug-in charger gets your radio fully charged and ready to go overnight. Included swivel belt holster with a 3" spring clip assures easy portability and access. This radio features voice-activated, hands-free operation (VOX) capabilitiy (requires optional accessories).

• Amazon Sales Rank: #34721 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: black
• Brand: Motorola
• Model: XU 1100
• Dimensions: 2.50" h x 1.38" w x 7.99" l, 3.00 pounds

If you're in business and need to keep in close contact with your workers and colleagues, the Motorola XU1100 Business 2-Way Radio may be exactly what you're looking for. With hands-free functionality, a lightweight but rugged design, extended battery life, and enhanced range capability, the Motorola XU1100 is designed with the professional who cares about efficiency and safety in mind.

Take a closer look at the Motorola XU1100's functions.

A handy belt clip, plus a rugged design make the XU1100 perfect for the work day.

Many work sites, including construction areas, grocery stores, hospitals, and warehouses, require workers to cover vast amounts of area in the course of the day. These sites also suffer from high ambient noises generated from poor acoustics, machinery, vehicle traffic, and other loud sources. Keeping in constant touch with your staff requires communication tools that are specifically designed for these environments. When communications break down, your organization becomes less efficient, and issues such as productivity, safety, and profitability suddenly become serious concerns.

Operating on FCC frequencies reserved exclusively for business use, the Motorola XU1100 is a powerful, two-way radio that can help you keep your business operations on schedule, maximize productivity, enhance security, and increase overall customer satisfaction. (The Motorola XU1100 operates on UHF frequencies, making it ideal for communication inside steel and concrete structures.)

Thanks to a newly designed chip and optimized acoustic cabinet that provides clearer audio at higher volumes, the Motorola XU1100 offers a significant improvement of sound quality over earlier Motorola two-way radio models. The radio has also been designed not only to be weatherproof, shockproof, and drop-proof, but also to meet MilSpec810 and IP54 standards. In other words, this is a radio that's built to take the harshest work conditions your job can dish out.

A radio is only as good as its power source. With the included XTN NIMH rechargeable battery, you will get up to 15 hours of continuous work between recharges, and if you find yourself running a third shift on the same radio, you can throw in one AA battery to keep the talk flowing for another 24 hours.

The Motorola XU1100 also lets you spread out. With vastly improved selectivity, sensitivity, and voice compression in the receiver, you can talk up to 200,000 square feet, or up to 10 floors in a multi-level building. (Talk range may vary depending on terrain and conditions, of course.)

The XTN-series rechargeable battery offers a whopping 15 hours of life.

And, of course, talk range is meaningless if you have continual channel chatter. With the XU1100 you have 56 business-exclusive UHF frequencies along with 121 private line codes, including 83 digital private line codes (DPL). So not only are you more likely to find a clear channel with no interference, you also get a high degree of compatibility with your existing fleets of radios.

Speaking of compatibility, this radio can operate seamlessly with all Motorola Spirit professional two-way radios, including all radios in the Spirit M-Series, the Spirit GT, the Spirit HP, the Spirit Pacer, and the Spirit S-Series. So you can add XTN Series radios as you go, or anytime you need to replace radios or purchase additional radios for your fleet.

The XU1100 is designed for split-second cloning using the multi-unit charger. This allows you to quickly add radios to an existing fleet, or pick up and move the whole fleet to a new location and set it up in a hurry with all the appropriate channel and code settings. So if you're in a business that necessitates close communication with your staff, the Motorola XU1100 is designed to do the job safely, efficiently, and economically.

What's in the Box
One XU1100 two-way radio, drop-in radio and battery charger, rechargeable NiMH battery, radio carry holster, AC adapter, and user's guide.

Just as advertised! Great Radios
We work at a concrete plant and find these to be great radios when dealing with all the sand water and dust. For the price you cannot find a more durable unit.
Chad

These radios ROCK!
My agency has a couple dozen of these in use, this order was to add one more.

These radios are durable, water-resistant, and powerful. We have no coverage issues at all, even though we are located in a 15-story reinforced building.

The only thing I would improve is the ability to remove the antenna and replace it with a "shorty" for plainclothes work... but that's not a biggie.

Buy them.

   

Kenwood TK-3130 2-Way Radio
From KENWOOD

The ProTalk XLS is the latest member of the ProTalk family of on-site radios. This lightweight and compact radio has a number of innovative features and is ideal for use in retail, restaurant, educational and service industry applications. All the features are menu driven and the lighted display gives the user status icons. The ProTalk XLS has 1-watt of power and has 8 pre-programmed "star" business frequencies. The user can choose which one or two of these frequencies to use. There are 38 conventional sub-channels/privacy tones and 83 additional digital sub-channels/privacy tones. The radio comes with a rapid rate drop-in charger, NiMH battery and spring loaded belt clip. FCC license information is included.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #63448 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Kenwood
• Model: TK-3130
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 8.00" h x 4.00" w x 9.00" l, 5.00 pounds

This lightweight and compact 2-way radio is included in Kenwood's business radio class. The radio comes with a rapid rate, drop-in charger and rechargeable battery pack. With a four to five mile range, it is sure to meet your 2-way needs. Remember that you'll need a FCC license to operate a radio this powerful. Other features include: optional 1watt/.5watt to save power, VOX capable, vibration and 6 tones tones, thirty- eight sub-channels and 83 digital sub-channels, voice scrambler, durable polycarbonate housing, backlit LCD screen and low battery alert. This is a top-notch 2-way for business or personal use.

What's in the Box
One TK3130 radio, drop-in charger, NiMH rechargeable battery and belt clip.

Great radio, you get what you pay for
No doubt about it, this is an expensive radio. For the $140 it costs for one of them, you can 4 consumer cheapo radios. But you get what you pay for. This is a pro quality radio. Give it the knuckle rap test. This thing is solid like a brick. It doesn't feel like a cheap TV remote control like most consumer family radios. When I first got it, I was disappointed because it was so small. It's about the size of all the other family radios. I thought great, I just paid a fortune for another dinky family radio. Don't be fooled though. This is best made, well built radio of it's size you will find short of $500+ professional gear. It's speaker gets way louder than you'd expect for its size. I also use it with an external speaker mic and it works superbly. The range and signal quality are hard to beat. The only better built radio you'll find is in the pro radio class, like a Motorola HT1000 which costs 3 times as much, is bigger, heavier and you have to have a professional program it for you. If you want one of the best made consumer GRMS/FRS radios that works out of the box, this one can't be beat. The battery life is awesome too, I could ski for two days without charging it, maybe longer. I'm sorry I underestimated it by its size, in the real world it's a winner.

   

Midland LXT330VP3 22-Channel 16-Mile GMRS 2-Way Radio (Pair)
From Midland

Midland LXT330VP3 Value Pack 22 Channel GMRS Radios with up to 16 Mile Range, Pair Packed with Rechargeable Batteries and Dual Desk Charger. The LXT330 features Call Tone for incoming call notifcation, Scan to check channels for activity, Hi/Lo Battery settings with a Battery Save Circuit for better battery life, Roger Beep, and Keypad Lock. The LXT330 is water resistant and has accessory jacks for Midland's AVP1, AVPH1, AVPH2, AVPH3, AVPH4, AVPH5 Headsets.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16041 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Midland
• Model: LXT330VP3
• Released on: 2007-05-15
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 2.00" w x 1.00" l, 1.00 pounds

The Midland LXT330VP3 22-Channel 16-Mile GMRS 2-Way Radio Pair Pack with Rechargeable Batteries and Charger represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech engineering, for a compact package that is big in performance. Skillfully constructed with the finest components, the Midland LXT330 is built with all solid-state circuitry mounted on a rugged, printed circuit board to provide you with reliable and trouble-free performance for years to come.

The Midland LXT330 radio provides you with 22 GMRS/FRS (General Mobile Radio Service/Family Radio Service) UHF channels, and up to a 16-mile range in open territory. And while most GMRS channels require an FCC license to operate, channels eight through 14 are low-power FRS channels that are license free. These powerful radios have an easy-to-read LCD display that shows you channel and other relevant radio status information at a glance, and a large easy-to-use keypad on the front for one-touch access to important features.

The LXT330 radio is full of features such as a call alert to notify your intended receiver of incoming traffic, a channel scan to locate activity, and an auto squelch to filter out weak signals. This unit provides both High and Low power settings, so you can choose to maximize transmission distance or save power. The LXT330 also features keystroke tones, a roger beep that confirms transmission conclusion, and a silent operation for quieting beeps, tones and alerts when you can't afford to make extra noise.

Midland's LXT330 radio is constructed to be water resistant, so it can be used in most any environment, and has a keypad lock to avoid accidentally changing the radio settings. This radio runs on a Midland 4.8-volt rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be recharged while in the radio, or can be powered by four AAA batteries during extended trips. This unit also includes a battery life extender function, as well as a low-battery indicator so you never get caught offguard without power. The LXT330 comes with a speaker/microphone/headset/charging jack so you can use it with an external speaker or microphone, or a pair of headphones, and recharge your battery pack when not in use. The Midland LXT330VP3 pack comes with two radios, each with a belt clip for convenient carrying or hands-free use, as well as two rechargeable NiMH battery packs, an AC wall adapter, and a dual radio desktop charger. These radios are even backed by a manufacturer's three-year warranty.

What's in the Box
2 LXT330 two-way radios, dual radio desktop charger, 2 x rechargeable NiMH battery packs, AC wall adapter, user's guide and warranty information.

walkie talkie
I bought these walkie talkies because they had some pretty good reviews. My elderly father lives with me and can not be left alone and I have six acres of ground, so if I go outside and I'm down the other end he can use the call button to signal me or the talk button and we can hear each other just fine, I keep them on from about 9am to 7:30pm and then put them in to charge at night and they are good to go, so I highly recommend these if you need to stay in touch with someone, though I can't tell you about longer distances, these are great for me.

Very Affordable
I order this item all the way from south america and was so pleased with its performance. Its affordable and does the job it has to do. Its a must have. No complain, i'm even thinking of ording a pair of backup handset just to have in case of damage or lost.

Good, not great
This is the second pair of Midlan radios we own, and they are just OK. By saving a few dollars on this pair you loose several things, specifically the privacy of other versions such as the GXT650 that we own. For the extra money, I would recommend them.

   

Midland GXT950VP4 5-Watt 42-Channel 30-Mile Waterproof GMRS Radio Pair with NOAA All Hazard/Weather Alert
From Midland

Midland GXT950VP4 5 Watt 42 Channel Waterproof Mossy Oak Break Out Camo GMRS Radios with NOAA Weather/All Hazard Alert. Includes Rechargeable Batteries, Dual Desktop Charger, Headsets, and 12 Volt Vehicle Adapter, Pair Packed. The GXT950VP4 features the standard 22 GMRS Channels and an extra 20 Channels. The GXT950 meets the JIS4 Standard of exposure to water for 30 minutes and features the Maximum Power allowed for GMRS Handheld Radios of 5 Watts, for up to a 30 Mile Range. The Weather Scan feature finds the nearest NOAA broadcast to stay up to date with the latest weather and hazard information. In addition to important weather announcements, All Hazards Alert means the GXT950VP4 will receive other emergency announcements such as Child Abduction (Amber Alert), Nuclear Power Plant warnings, Biological Hazard, Fire, and Landslide Warnings. The GXT950VP4 features Voice Scramble to add security to conversations and Direct Call which allows you to reach one person in your group without alerting the others. A Vibrating Alert for silent notification, 9 Level E Vox for Hands Free operation, 142 Privacy Codes, Scan of the 42 Channels, Hi/Med/Low Power Settings, 10 Call Alerts with an additional 5 Animal Call Alerts, Keypad Lock, and Battery Save Circuit. Unlike other GMRS radios on the market that use lithium batteries, Midland's Dual Power Option allows the use of the included rechargeable batteries or 4 "AA" batteries (Not included).

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11324 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Camo
• Brand: Midland
• Model: GXT950VP4
• Released on: 2008-06-15
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 2.00" w x 1.00" l, 2.10 pounds

Rugged, Powerful and Features-laden, but...we were tricked!!!
I contacted Midland customer service to find out what these additional 20 channels' frequencies were, as they're suspiciously absent from the list of radio frequencies in the back of the owner's manual. I wanted to listen to these mystery channels on my home scanner when not using the radios. I was told by a rep that the information I requested was "proprietary". Translated that means "Screw you". So I did a little experimenting of my own, and here now it can be revealed the identities of these extra channels:

They're mere COPIES of some of the first 22 channels that are standard on most FRS/GMRS 2-way radios in the first place! That's right. Some of us have been duped into believing that Midland created from whole cloth twenty additional FCC-approved channels for this model (and the model 900 radios) that other devices lack. When in fact they've really just doubled up on several of the old boring channels. Here's how they get away with it. Channels 23, 24, 25 and 26, for example, are just FRS channels (in Hi power) that coincide with channels 1, 3, 5, and 7 found on virtually any 2-way radio with FRS coverage. What prevents signal interference between these souped-up 950's and someone using the lower channels on some other radio is Midland's use of an astounding number of Privacy Codes, which these high-end radios are liberally endowed with. The four channels noted above are simply PRE-SET at the factory with specific privacy codes. It's as if you were to utilize channel 1 and let the manufacture choose the privacy code for you instead of using the common '0' settting.

Try this: program a second radio (not a 900 or 950) with privacy codes by manually tuning through the code spectrum and then hitting the transmit button on the King Camo radio (as I call mine) repeatedly until you get a clear receive signal on the lesser unit. Voila! You've discovered Midland's privacy code for that "hidden channel" on this system. Don't believe me? I found an exact code/channel combination on one of the ostensibly bonus channel frequencies. If someone with one of these top dollar radios is transmitting on channel 27, anyone with a cheaper radio can't communicate with him/her, right? Wrong! They can, if they tune their cheapo unit to Privacy Code #26 on channel 15. Of course, that's assuming their privacy code range goes as high as 26. Many don't. But if so, they're talking to Richie Rich across town who shelled out three quarters of a C Note for his system while they're coasting along on the $25 HT their mom got them for Xmas (albeit using much less transmit power than the fat cat!).

So there you have it. Endowed with the same old 22 standard channels after all, along with several mirrored frequencies from that same lineup disguised as special channels, only with privacy codes in place to act as those additional channels, the makers of this radio have succeeded in pulling one over on the consumer.

I know, you may be saying that with all the privacy code combinations out there, we really have hundreds of channels at our disposal. These radios just add a few hundred more to the menu, so why nitpick? Fine, but there's no excuse for the company's less-than-honest marketing gimmicks. Anyway, now you know how this manufacturer has gotten away with it...Till now! That's why I'm deducting a star from my ratings. Call me petty, but I've got their "proprietary information" right here!...

Truly, this IS one superb radio system. While $70 is a bit steep for handheld communications, the Voice Scramble feature makes it all worth while. I've never been much for the silly privacy codes anyway. They're cumbersome to utilize on the fly, and everyone tuned to that channel can hear everything you and your partner(s) are saying, you just can't hear them when they try to break in. Voice Scramble is like the Mute button on your phone; it kills the transmit and receive to third parties while putting out an obnoxious gibberish that will annoy anyone within thirty miles. That's one way to clear the frequency.

Seriously, I agree with others who've written that this comes with more features than most people could ever use. But who cares? It's an excellent radio and I highly recommend it. Midland's disingenuous tactics be damned!

So until the FCC approves base station FRS/GMRS units with more power than handhelds, and huge rooftop antenna access for those inevitably hopped-up super system "shacks" that harken back to the glory days of C.B. radio (God help us!), then the Midland 950vp4 stands tall as THE Cadillac of 2-way radio communications! (As long as you think that Cadillac comparisons signify a good thing!)

Impressed so far
Just picked up a set of the GXT950's today, and expected to have to charge for 24 hours before use, but the batteries were fully charged out of the package. This was an upgrade from some cheaper smaller radios and I refused to buy a new set until these were released. They feel very good in the hand, have easy controls, plenty of volume (except the animal call tones)! The voice quality is very good and clear with and without the included headsets. I have not had a chance to range test them in a rural area yet, but will be soon. The belt clip is also a spring clip, rather than a cheaper non-hinged clip. They are a little bulky, but are still relatively light.

The instructions are easy to follow, but the menu items don't make sense without looking up the abbreviations in the manual. You can set up groups, set up ID's within the group for handhelds, do direct calls and communication to specific handhelds, and assign your own caller ID so other people know who is calling within the group. It does indeed have 42 channels, but the manual only lists the frequencies for the first 22 channels. Some of the upper channels can be used in Hi power and some only in Low (Hi power assuming you have a GMRS license that is - I am legal). The channel scan feature is kind of slow - about 2 or 3 channels a second - surprising since the small cheap ones of other brands have fast channel scanning. However, if using these for what they are meant to be used for, you won't be scanning for other peoples conversations anyways.

Decent Radio
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

These radios outperform the old ones I replaced. Even in the low power setting they operated better then I expected. I haven't had the opportunity to use the high power setting for long distance but I am sure they wont get near the advertised 30 miles that is claimed. Not that I think any of these types of radios get what is advertised. A simple google search of reviews will back up this statement time and time again. I researched 2 way radios for several hours before deciding on this set. I'm glad I bought them and my complaints or only minor things I think could be corrected. One of the cons would be that no lanyard attachment is designed into this unit. If this is important you might look elsewhere or consider altering the radio case. The scan feature is very slow. The animal call signs are a little whimsical if you ask me. I have never used the "group" settings but I can see where this would be really useful if the radios were being used on a cruise ship or large hunting party. All in all I like this radio and I am totally satisfied. The instruction manual must be read in order to get the full use of all the features. I hope you find this information useful. : ) TL

   

Cobra LI 7000-2 WX VP 25-Mile GMRS/FRS 2-Way Radio (Twin Pack)
From Cobra

micro TALK 2-way radio two pack with up to 25 mile range, 22 channels, 121 privacy codes (38 CTCSS codes, 83 DCS codes), 2 rechargeable lithium ion battery packs, 2-port desktop charger, 10 channel NOAA radio, hands -free operation (VOX), VibrAlert silent paging, backlit lcd display, 10 channel memory, scan (channel/privacy code/ memory), selectable hi/med/low opower (in GMRS), water resistant, signal strength meter, single pin combination speaker/ microphone./charge jack, call alert (10 selectable tones), key lock, roger beep (selectable on/off), key stroke tones (selectable on/off), battery low indicator, battery/ power saver, auto squelch, maximum range extender, belt clip.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22826 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Cobra
• Model: LI 7000-2 WX VP
• Platform: Not Machine Specific
• Dimensions: 7.10" h x 2.00" w x 1.33" l, .26 pounds

The Cobra Li7000-2WXVP MicroTalk GMRS/FRS 2-Way Radios make it easy to stay in touch with someone, wherever you may go. This rugged pair of radios is an outdoorsman's best friend, with plenty of range, features, and power to make sure that you don't get separated from the rest of your party in any terrain.

The Li7000-2WXVP MicroTalk radios utilize the UHF/FM band for ultra-clear, long-distance reception with an extended range capability that reaches up to 25 miles, depending upon the terrain. These units feature an illuminated LCD display that is easily visible at a glance even at night, 10 separate call alerts to differentiate between incoming callers , and an on/off selectable roger-beep tone that indicates the completion of other transmissions so you know when it is ok to talk. These radios also feature an auto squelch with a selectable maximum range extender that overrides the auto squelch for longest-possible reception, a keystroke tone signal that confirms key activation, and a patented VibrAlert for silent incoming calls in noisy or all-quiet environments. Additionally, the Li7000-2WXVP radios include 10 NOAA channels for full coverage of all government operated NOAA weather broadcasts, a scan function to locate conversations in progress, and a 10-channel memory for programming favorite channels or channel/privacy code combinations for easy retrieval.

The Cobra Li7000-2WXVP radios provide seven GMRS/FRS, seven FRS and eight GMRS channels for a total of 22 channels, all of which are easily accessed via the front panel's push buttons. When combined with the units' 121 privacy codes, users have a choice of up to 2,662 sub-channels to ensure privacy. These radios are built with a unique circuit that automatically switches to battery-saver mode if there are no transmissions within 10 seconds, thereby extending the battery life, let you choose between High, Medium and Low power settings (GMRS only) to either maximize range or extend your battery life, and a time-out timer that limits transmit time to three minutes, preventing accidental ongoing transmissions and even further extending battery life. What's more, they come with a belt clip to secure your radios while you are on the go, and include a key lock that eliminates accidental channel changes. For added convenience, these MicroTalk radios include a VOX function with five selectable levels of sensitivity, which will detect the user's voice and transmit without the need to press any buttons, freeing your hands for other tasks.

The Li7000-2WXVPs each run on an ultra-compact, high-capacity rechargeable, lithium-ion battery, and come with a two-port desktop charger that allows you to recharge the batteries in both radios at once. Each radio has a built-in speaker/microphone/charger jack that lets you not only recharge batteries while in the unit, but use earphone speaker/microphone combinations for hands-free operation. Constructed to be water resistant for improved outdoor reliability, the Cobra Li7000-2WXVP MicroTalk Radios weigh only 4.2 ounces (without batteries), measure 2 x 7.1 x 1.33 inches (W x H x D), and are backed by a manufacturer's one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Two Li7000-2WXVP MicroTalk radios, two-port desktop charger, two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, user's guide and warranty information.

Very Good for non-professional radios
Being an Amateur Radio Operator I am very tough to please with radios like this. I am used to radios made for emergency communication that are the same quality as police and fire radios. In addition I have walkie talkies that go through repeaters that can communicate for hundreds of miles. HF radios communicate around the world.

I purchased these for a cruise. The UHF frequencies go through metal better than lower VHF. Having the extra power helps to. Even though they will have a reduced range on things like a ship, they really do pretty well. Having the security codes prevent interference from other people who may be using the same frequency. Overall worth the money.
This radio also has a 1350mah battery that lasts much longer than so many other cheap walkie talkies. This is probably the best one made.

Good radios except for a glitch
I purchased these radios a few months ago. Today I went to see what reviews had been posted. The only one says that he found a 2-3 second delay in transmitting, something quite annoying. Curiously, one of mine has the same problem, only one of them. After doing some experimenting, I found that this problem occurs only while using the DCS privacy channel encoding. Using CTCSS does not create this problem. Other than that, I am very happy with the radios. They feature maximum 5-watt output, the maximum legal. I have been updating my two way radios since the first two-mile (0.5 watt)came out, always being somewhat disappointed with the range results. These do have a noticeable improved range over the Cobra 17-mile I had before (with which I was happy enough until one of them was dropped in a lake, never to be found).
A few weeks after writing the above, 1 of the Li Ion batteries gave up. It would just simply not charge at all. I called Cobra customer service and they told me to return them for warranty repair. I still have not received them back. I will let you know how it goes. I did include a letter mentioning the 2-3 second delay, as well as the fact that the battery charger never turns off even after the batteries are fully charged, as opposed to a previous model I had. I called this by its name: a major design step back. OK I have received them back in good working order. The 2-second delay glitch is still there, and the service people did not bother to make any comment on my letter. Overall,I'm quite happy with the radios and would opt for them in the future again.

Excellent radios
I purchased my first Cobra FRS 3 mile radios around 9 years ago and still work perfectly. The LI 7000 radios are a huge evolution in range, features and specialy battery capacity (1500 mAh) which is the best I've seen for this radio type.
In regard to the range you can select the power setting acording your needs and be aware that channels 8-14 work only on LOW power setting because they are FRS; for channels 1-7 (FRS/GMRS) and 15-22 (GMRS) you can select HI, MED or LOW. I use them successfully from my office to a 4 mile range into the city with the Hi power setting and channels 1 through 7.

   

Midland Outfitter Series GXT1050VP4 50-Channel 36-Mile Waterproof 2-Way GMRS Radio with NOAA All Hazard /Weather Alert, Rechargeable Batteries, Dual Desktop charger 12 Volt Vehicle Adapter and 2 Headsets (Pair, Mossy Oak )
From Midland Consumer Radio

Midland GXT1050VP4 42 Channel Waterproof Mossy Oak Break Out Camo GMRS Radios with NOAA Weather/All Hazard Alert. Includes Rechargeable Batteries, Dual Desktop Charger, Headsets, and 12 Volt Vehicle Adapter, Pair Packed. The GXT1050VP4 features the standard 22 GMRS Channels plus an additional 28 Channels. The GXT1050 meets the JIS4 Standard of exposure to water for 30 minutes and features the Maximum Power allowed for GMRS Handheld Radios for up to a 36-Mile Range. Weather Scan finds the nearest NOAA broadcast to stay up to date with the latest weather and hazard information. In addition to important weather announcements, All Hazards Alert means the GXT1050VP4 will receive other emergency announcements such as Child Abduction (Amber Alert), Nuclear Power Plant Warnings, Biological Hazard, Fire, and Landslide Warnings. New features for 2009 include the Whisper feature which allows you to speak quietly and still be heard clearly by others and SOS to send out a distress sound for emergency situations. The Group Call allows you to make "direct calls" to other people within the group without alerting the entire group. The GXT1050VP4 features a Vibrating Alert for silent notification and 9 Level E Vox for Hands Free operation. Additional features are 387 Privacy Codes, Scan of the 50 Channels, Hi/Med/Low Power Settings, 10 Call Alerts, Keypad Lock, and Battery Save Circuit. Unlike other GMRS radios on the market that use lithium batteries, Midland's Dual Power Option allows the use of the included rechargeable batteries or 4 "AA" batteries (Not included).

• Amazon Sales Rank: #511 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Mossy Oak Break Out Camo
• Brand: Midland
• Model: GXT1050VP4
• Dimensions: 1.40" h x 2.40" w x 4.00" l, 2.50 pounds

Midway's GXT1050VP4 two-way, 22-channel radios are designed for GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) operation, in a rugged, weatherproof package. With a range of up to 36 miles and Mossy Oak Breakup Camo finish, they're ideal for your next hunting trip. Features include privacy codes, direct/group calling, NOAA weather radio/alert/scan, silent operation, whisper function, SOS siren, and plenty more. Five animal call alerts are also included. Perfect for the outdoorsman.

With a range of up to 36 miles, the GXT1050VP4s are perfect for most any adventure. Click to enlarge.

Package includes Pair of radios, belt clips, desktop charger, rechargeable batteries, pair of mic headsets, AC wall adapter, and DC (vehicle) adapter. Click to enlarge.

Measures 9.75 x 2.5 x 1.75 inches.

GXT1050VP4 Features

22 Channels PLUS 28 EXTRA CHANNELS
Clear, crisp communication with easy button access.

Up to 36 Mile Range
Longer range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction.

387 Privacy Codes
Gives you up to 5560 channel options to help you block other conversations.

NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Weather Scan
Automatically locks on to your local weather channel and alerts you to severe weather.

SOS Siren
Allows you to send out distress/locator signals in an emergency situation.

JIS4 Waterproof
Protection against light rain or splashing water from all directions on the radio.

Whisper
Allows you to speak quietly and still be heard clearly by others.

Group Call
Allows you to make "direct calls" to other people within the group without alerting the entire group.

eVOX
Hands-Free Operation (9 levels) with easy voice activation--no need for an external microphone.

X-TRA TALK Power
Maximum allowed by law.

Weather Scan
Easily scans the active weather channel in your area.

Direct Call
Allows you to instantly contact one member of your party without alerting the others.

10 Call Alerts
Different call tones to notify you of incoming calls from your group.

Five Animal Call Alerts
Includes Turkey, Duck, Crow, Cougar and Wolf alerts.

Channel Scan
Automatically checks channels for activity.

Dual Watch
Lets you monitor two channels.

Vibrate Alert
Provides silent page / call notification.

Auto Squelch
Removes annoying background noise.

Keypad Lock
Locks in your selected settings.

Monitor
Checks for any activity within your channel.

HI/MED/LO Power Settings
Lets you adjust transmit power & conserve battery life.

Roger Beep
Indicates call completion.

Silent Operation
Turns off all tones for quiet operation.

Bright Backlit Display [LCD]
Easy to read day or night.

Keystroke Tones Audible tones with each key press

Mic and Headphone Jacks

Battery Life Extender
Provides longer battery life.

Drop-in Charger Capable

Dual Power Options
4 standard "AA" batteries (not included) or rechargeable batteries.

Midland Radio Corporation

Midland Radio Corporation is an international industry leader in wireless communications with affiliates in Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, Russia, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as representation in Latin America. Midland develops high quality consumer products such as GMRS Two-Way Radios, Citizen Band (CB) Radios, Marine Radios, Bluetooth intercom systems, and All Hazards/Weather Alert Radios. Also, as a leading manufacturer of Land Mobile Radios, Midland supplies professional grade analog and digital (P25 Technology) Portables, Mobiles and Base Stations/Repeaters for government entities such as forestry, public safety, and other commercial users.

Known in the '70s primarily for CB radios and household electronics, Midland has grown with the times by producing innovative new communications products and by actively promoting public emergency preparedness. Midland has manufactured quality Two-Way Radios for the last 50 years and is a market leader in several individual categories.

What's in the Box

Pair of radios, belt clips, desktop charger, rechargeable batteries, pair of mic headsets, AC wall adapter, DC (vehicle) adapter and owner's manual

Don't expect 36 mile range
All manufacturers exaggerate the range of these little radios. I have used these to hear users on top of a 14,000 foot mountain from 6 miles away, but there were no obstructions between me and them. That's the best distance I've achieved. I had a lower power version of these and they worked well for several years before one of them died. I saved its battery as a spare for these and I can still use the one working with these. Most Midlands use the same rechargeable batteries, although you might carry at least four alkalines along if you expect to be away from the recharger for more than a day. If you're camping out you might want to establish a timetable to use them to extend battery life. They have excellent channel security, either with just two of them or in a group. Hearing other users of the same channel can get very annoying. The numerous privacy choices prevent that almost 100%. Like others, in a city or any enclosed space the range is very limited. The headsets can be handy of you're fishing or hunting. I've used 2-way radios for more than 40 years. The first ones I had were the size and weight of bricks. These are state-of-the-art, light, with good clips and among the best currently available.

Midland Outfitter Series GXT1050VP4
The Midland Outfitter Series GXT1050VP4 is no better then any other radios I have used. The GMRS side of the radio will not let you work repeaters for those that are licensed for this service. Range is a joke and the audio could be better the drop in charger only shows when the radios are charging but the light remains on after the battery is fully charged unlike the Talkabout Motorola radios I own. I feel this could shorten the battery life as they are always charging. I called Midland and they told me to charge the radios 8-10 hours max so I don't over charge and damage the batteries. You can not adjust the squelch on these radios as one radio does not hear as well as the other. Another call to Midland was of no help.On the plus side the ear microphones work well and the display is readable day and night.

Well worth the money
I owned a pair from the leading competitor to midland and even at the same rating for range, could not receive or transmit through heavy urban obstruction from inside a vehicle for more than a mile. This Model was able to do both at 3 miles with the added problem of multiple Ham radio transmitters in line with my signal. In open country, The signal carried for a measured 12 miles, and that, because the radios were not farther apart. for $80. How can you go wrong when considering all the features and the performance.