FRS/GMRS recommendations?

[Scarsman]

Anyone use or have a preference with these radios? I had a pair of old Talkabouts from about 1997 :whaa: and was very impressed with them. Sadly, one of my sons dropped one in the lake last summer, so I only have one now. I am thinking of getting a new pair, and wondered which ones would be best. There are a lot more choices out there now than when I got the last pair. Seems like they all have GMRS now.

Ok, GO!

 

[LagunaH1]

Keep in mind that you need an FCC license to operate GMRS on it's "high" power setting. FRS is completely unlicensed but also very very limited in terms of range.

If you are looking for a decent range, unlicensed, two way radio, I'd suggest you look into MURS:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Use_Radio_Service

If you google around for "MURS Radio" you will likely find a couple of not-so-expensive radios.

...and you know I *have* to say this: You could also consider getting a HAM license. The entry level license is really very easy to get and it opens up a whole new world where you can use repeaters and get even better range than the MURS radios.

 

[MaxPF]

When you have your ham ticket you won't feel so bad about dropping real money on a good HT

 

[H2Jungle]

IMO the Midland GXT1000 is great for general, fairly short range use. Or the GXT5000 if you can find one.
I have both of these. The 5000 is heavier an bulkier than the 1000 but definitely a very solid piece of gear. I have not had a chance to experiment with range on these but they seem much better than my Motorola Talkabout radios. As mentioned you do need an FCC license obtainable from their website.

 

[Scarsman]

Thanks guys. I might look into the MURS radios. I am not loking for setting up repeaters and all that. I am looking for something when we go camping/hiking/hunting sort of situation. I don't need to talk 10 miles away. Looks like the MURS do alittle better than the FRS do. Like I said, the little talkabouts I had did really well for what I use them for. I imagine the MURS would be a little less busy, too maybe?

 

[DJinCO]

I agree with the others; a HAM radio is much more useful. I have a VX-8 and it is a GREAT HT! I put it in the little pocket/space just forward of the gear shifter on the console in the H3. Sets there nice and easy. The ONLY drawback is the 5w max power. In the mountains, there are some limitations, but that is understandable.

 

[f5moab]

GMRS...last time I looked there were no FCC people in the mountains:shame:

 

[DJinCO]

They are everywhere.... they fly stealth blacked out helos. The swoop down and suck the life out of babies...

wait, those are zombies.

Sorry, wrong thread.

Nevermind.

 

[Steve #1]

GMRS...last time I looked there were no FCC people in the mountains:shame:

And if you still feal you need to get the licence you send in the form with a check. Price went up a wile back but I still think it is under $40.

 

[f5moab]

I would love to see the figures on how many actually purchase the GMRS license; which is $85.00 for five years. But all in the group need the license, not just one. And the need for GMRS for a few people is generally not needed. I was kind of making a joke.