What To Look For
Two-way radios are not the same as old-fashioned walkie-talkies. Today's models are compact, lightweight and more powerful. Two-way radios have frequency differences that separate them by range. Family Radio Service (FRS) radios use frequencies that do not require an FCC license and have a range of up to two miles --- over flat land or water and within sight of each other. General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) models are more powerful. A third type on the market is the eXtreme Radio Service (eXRS), which uses the 900 MHz band used by cordless phones and does not require a license. Most two-way radios designed for personal use have up to 22 channels.
Common Pitfalls
A 5-year renewable license is required by the FCC to operate a GMRS radio. This license covers one adult and immediate family members such as spouse or children. Some two-way radio features will not be compatible with a radio of a different brand or even a different model, so consult the user guide before purchase if this feature is important. Many GMRS two-way radio manufacturers claim a range of 20 miles or more, but consumer reviews indicate this is exaggerated over real-world testing of the broadcast range. Range listings are for ideal conditions of flat, un-obscured visibility. Obstacles between radios such as hills or buildings will greatly reduce the working range.
Where To Buy
Two-way radios can be purchased from Sears, electronics shops such as Radio Shack, online direct from the manufacturers or from shopping sites such as Amazon. Shoppers searching for a bargain can check resale sites like eBay. Catalogs for outdoor retailers such as Cabela's or Sportsmen's Guide also offer two-way radios.
Cost
Nearly 200 models of two-way radios create a wide price range, from below $30 to $380. Two-way radios with GPS features will cost more than those with strict walkie-talkie capabilities. Expect a decent quality two-way FMS/GMRS radio to cost between $45 and $70. Search online for the best price for a specific model --- for example, comparing four retailers for the TriSquare TSX300-2VP finds prices ranging from $41 to $94 for the same model.
Comparison Shopping
Consumer reviews offer comparisons of five of the best models of long-range two-way radios available in 2009.
The Motorola EM1000 is a user-friendly FMS/GMRS with a claimed range of 20 miles that has 22 channels with 121 privacy codes, hands-free communication, an emergency alert/transmitter, a USB charging port and an LED flashlight --- said to be a favored feature among consumers who own this product.
The Cobra LI7200 claims a range of 27 miles. It costs slightly more than the Motorola EM1000 and lacks the scan lockout feature but in other ways is very similar. The advantages of the Cobra over the Motorola is better range, sound quality and longer battery life.
The Midland GXT900VP4 requires a license for the longer-range frequency GMRS channel bands but has a range up to 30 miles. The Midland features National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alerts, 20 extra channels, voice privacy scramble with 142 privacy codes and adjustable power settings.
A similar model, the Uniden GMR2089, has the ability to dial one specific person in your party. The range for the Uniden GMR2089 is listed at 20 miles.
The FCC license-free TriSquare TSX300 works much like a cellular phone with phone book memory, caller ID, texting, call waiting, voice-activated transmitting and connection to the NOAA weather alerts. The manufacturer does not list a range but says its product will meet the same range expectations as FMS/GMRS radios.
About The Author
A former zookeeper turned writer and copyeditor in 2006, Kelly Schaub has published dozens of non-fiction articles on pet care and other topics. Schaub is a member of Willamette Writers, the Editorial Freelancers Association, and Romance Writers of America. Schaub earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Oregon State University and edits fiction professionally.
