Need a simple two way radio recommendation

[Aceman]

I am looking for a simple pair of two way radios to use for tri-purpose:
a) General kid contact around the neighborhood
b) Camping
c) SHTF/Bug out communication

I have been thinking about something like the Midland GXT1000 / Motorola sort of walkie-talkie looking radios. I need two - but three or more might be a benefit.

I just want something simple and reliable. Gadgets/extras a bonus - but not necessary. What do you recommend to get, or avoid? Lower cost is better. I always like "optimum" price performer gear.

[J.C.]

I am not sure - when you say "SHTF" communication do you still just mean with your family? These FRS/GPS radios are not really any good for talking to the outside world but work fine for family activities you mention. If you want to talk to the outside world you need at least a CB and really need to think about 2M ham.

I have a pair of GXT760s. Both models are classic "bubble pack" radios. If you are planning to communicate only with members of your family who are within a couple of miles, they are fine. I have used mine for Airsoft which is kind of hard on them and they have held up ok for me.

I'd definitely look at other models - mas far as cost goes you get two 760s for less than half the price of the 1000 from what I am seeing. I can't see how the specs aren't different in a way that will matter for your requirements.

[nacho]

I wouldn't discount the little FRS radios I scan them some times and always hear traffic all over the place. I think the issue in a SHTF situation would be that there is too much traffic.

[Shok]

I would try the MURS radios. Less busy during SHTF and basicly an FRS radio. I've been meaning to get some since no one in my family wants to get their technician license.

Shok

[gary in ohio]

I am looking for a simple pair of two way radios to use for tri-purpose:
a) General kid contact around the neighborhood
b) Camping
c) SHTF/Bug out communication

I have been thinking about something like the Midland GXT1000 / Motorola sort of walkie-talkie looking radios. I need two - but three or more might be a benefit.

I just want something simple and reliable. Gadgets/extras a bonus - but not necessary. What do you recommend to get, or avoid? Lower cost is better. I always like "optimum" price performer gear.

The GXT1000 are your typical FRS/GMRS bubble pack radios. They will talk 1-2 miles but dont count on any futher, REGARDLESS what the box says it will talk. (36miles is a joke. 1-2 miles max).

If this meet your needs they are nice radios and reasonable priced.

[aa1pr]

You want radios check out this shop:

http://www.409shop.com/409shop_shopcat. ... entid=1567

I have friends who have purchased gear & the seller stands behind the products

Some of it may require an Amateur Radio License while others do not

[KYZHunters]

We have the whole complement of comms from HF ham gear to FRS. We use the FRS a lot around the farm and they work great. I can't recommend a particular model, but I would get a set that come with a drop in charger and can also use AA batteries. I'm terrible about battery maintenance and it's always nice to be able to just pluck a radio from the charger and stick it in my pocket knowing it is ready to go.

[Jeriah]

Can I jack this thread to ask a related question? If we were to take the OP's needs, but add the requirement for being able to use them in conjunction with hearing protection, where would that leave us? Are there electronic hearing protection muffs that double as hands-free walkie-talkies? You'd think there would have to be. Bonus points if you can connect them to a cell phone as well. Or an MP3 player. Am I dreaming or do these exist? Oh, and ruggedized, for outdoors, not some silver Sharper Image crap.

[nacho]

Peltor makes what you want. My shooting muffs are electronic with mics and automatically cut out when there are loud sounds, like gunshots. They also have aviation style jacks to input audio from a radio. I usually hook them up to my radio's speaker mic so I can talk to my buddies across the way.

It's not hands free, well at least not when I have to key the speaker mic, but Peltor does make mics for their aviation headsets, and if you hooked them up to a vox capable radio, you could talk hands free, of course that means every time you take a shot it keys your transmiter, but I guess if your party runs a full duplex system this would be less of an issue.

[MarkyNark]

I am looking for a simple pair of two way radios to use for tri-purpose:
a) General kid contact around the neighborhood
b) Camping
c) SHTF/Bug out communication

I have been thinking about something like the Midland GXT1000 / Motorola sort of walkie-talkie looking radios. I need two - but three or more might be a benefit.

I just want something simple and reliable. Gadgets/extras a bonus - but not necessary. What do you recommend to get, or avoid? Lower cost is better. I always like "optimum" price performer gear.

Aceman,

I've tested a ton of FRS/GMRS two way radios and I one thing is clear - Most of them, not matter how much you spend are pretty poor in quality. For consumer grade, Midland, as a brand is about as good as it gets, and sadly, that fell short of my expectations. However, I do like GMRS; especially the licensing. You get one license for the whole family and your done with no tests. To get the good radios in combination with GMRS, I found that many UHF radios can be programmed with FRS/GMRS frequencies which is what I settled on. A few years back I purchased two BlackBox UHF radios with programming software and now I have the best radios with the frequencies that I love.

Mark

[nacho]

A few years back I purchased two BlackBox UHF radios with programming software and now I have the best radios with the frequencies that I love.

I assume by "frequencies you love" you mean the designated GMRS frequencies with a 12.5kHz bandwidth. Even then I can't find the FCC ID for the BlackBox radios, to see if they are part 95 accepted, or that they are even part 90 accepted.

Every station in a GMRS system must use transmitters the FCC has
certificated for use in the GMRS. Write to any FCC Field Office to find out
if a particular transmitter has been certificated for the GMRS. All station
equipment in a GMRS system must comply with the technical rules in Part 95.

If you take the battery off the back there should be an FCC ID, go to this page http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/ and you can find out if the unit is part 90/95 approved, and legal for GMRS bands.

[theammobroker]

Search Ebay for "Motorola Spirit." These are older radios n/l/a from Motorola, but are several steps up from the GMRS/FMS radios available today. UHF or VHF. You can still buy batteries on Ebay or from a Batteries Plus, etc. Good luck!

[Kommander]

Jeriah I use a pair of Howard Leight R-01526. They have an audio jack that can be used with a radio if you want.