How to Choose a 2 Way Walkie Talkie

So, you’re in the process of deciding which 2 way Walkie Talkie is for you!

What 2 Way Walkie Talkie Features Do You Need?

Two way Walkie Talkies need to be simple.  You don’t want to spend all your time selecting variable features and messing about with awkward, fiddly knobs.  Keep it straightforward.

You may decide to select a 2 way Walkie Talkie radio with both GMRS and FRS channels.  It’s worth thinking about, especially if other users are in the same area.  The latter will result in less interference.

Try out a selection of two way Walkie Talkies to see what you like and what you don’t like.  For instance, the Cobra PR100 has a belt clip which you might like, until you find that it needs to be removed if you are to access the batteries.  Do you need to clip a Walkie Talkie radio to your belt when it fits easily into a shirt pocket?  On the plus side it has both GMRS and FRS channels.

Consider the power supply.  If you’re using it on a building site or anywhere where you can recharge it after a day’s work, then a rechargeable one may save you money, but if you’re wandering about in the vast unknown of the outback for long periods of time, you may want to consider the alternative.

What Radio Frequency is Right for You?

FRS is fine for hunting, walking, fishing or camping.  You won’t get interference and you don’t need a license.  For those of you who need a broader range, (up to 5 miles), and will be using your Walkie Talkie radio for more serious business communication, then GMRS is probably for you.
Then there are GPS-enabled Walkie Talkies.  They are ideal if you’re one for the wide open spaces.  They will map your location, your route and your destination.

Another alternative is the weather-alert enabled Walkie Talkies.  As the name implies, it will give you advance warning of adverse weather conditions.

When considering the range required, you need to think about what you’ll be using the 2 way radio for.  If you’re walking or cycling, then 2-5 miles will probably suffice.  Hunters, campers or hikers may opt for a greater range depending on the scale of the journey.

As for selecting channels, FRS and GMRS systems utilize channels 1-7.  Channels 8-14 are for use only by FRS.  Channels 15-22 are solely for GMRS.  Models vary as to how many channel options are available.  If you plan to use it in the city, where GMRS is the preferred option, you may wish to consider purchasing a 14-channel unit.

Which is the Best Walkie Talkie Brand?  Let’s look at a few.

Audiovox have some interesting features such as earbud microphones and a built in torch.  Some Garmin Rino Walkie Talkies boast a compass, a barometer, a weather receiver and an extensive memory.

Cobras are noted for their quality.  Kenwood also have a good name.  Midland Walkie Talkies offer an extensive range to choose from.  Sylvania boasts good audio input and Uniden also have a good reputation in that respect.  And, of course, Motorola, who have been making Walkie Talkies for decades, offers Walkie Talkie radios to suit every budget. that are well built and well designed.

In short, you need to think about what you will use your 2 way Walkie Talkie for and what you expect from it.  There’s a huge range available so take your time in selecting the appropriate Walkie Talkie for your own particular needs.


Motorola RDM2080D Portable VHF MURS Two-Way Radio


Motorola RDM2080D Portable VHF MURS Two-Way Radio


$214.50


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Motocomm Magnum F14 Full-Face Communicator Headset


Motocomm Magnum F14 Full-Face Communicator Headset


$59.95


Motocomm Magnum F14 Full-Face Communicator Headset The full-face helmet headset and PTT system is an accessory for use with Motorola handheld 2-way radios with a single speakermicrophone accessory jack. Makes the use of a 2-way radio convenient and safe while riding a motorcycle, snowmobile, ATV, or any other activity in which a helmet is worn. Use the in conjunction with your 2-way radio for bi...

Car Cup Holder Mount for Uniden Motorola Radio Shack Midland Cobra Bearcat Wouxun & Other Handheld Scanners Radios & Walkie-Talkies


Car Cup Holder Mount for Uniden Motorola Radio Shack Midland Cobra Bearcat Wouxun & Other Handheld Scanners Radios & Walkie-Talkies


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Don't you hate it when someone sits on your device? Us too.

The popular Cup Holder Mount is about 5" tall. It features an adjustable flywheel base that expands to fit varying cup holder opening except for those that are so large that the 7-Eleven Big Gulp falls over.

We add a deep cradle that has jaws which expand to accommodate any handheld device up to 4 inches wide. It's extremely well...


Motorola 53725 SLK Headset with Swivel Boom Mic (Black)


Motorola 53725 SLK Headset with Swivel Boom Mic (Black)


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Motorola i530- Phone (Nextel/Sprint)


Motorola i530- Phone (Nextel/Sprint)


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The ruggedized clamshell in Motorola's Falcon series. Meets military specs for ruggedness. Features iDEN's original Push-To-Talk walkie-talkie feature with speakerphone, and voice dialing....

Couple using 2 way Walkie Talkies

Couple using 2 way Walkie Talkies

 

Photograph by oferiko

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Where Can I Buy a Walkie Talkie Radio?

Developed originally for use by the military, a Walkie Talkie radio is a portable bi-directional radio transceiver.  Each Walkie Talkie radio can transmit one at a time but the signal can be received by any number of handsets if the wattage is sufficient and the range is limited.

Today, 2 way Walkie Talkies are very popular with the police, emergency services and just about anyone who wants to keep in touch over a limited distance.  Hikers, hunters, campers and orienteering groups have found them to be an invaluable addition to their arsenal. They also seem to have been readily adopted by the construction industry as a simple and immediate way of maintaining contact with progress on site.

When considering your purchase of a Walkie Talkie radio, first think about what you want it for.  What sort of range will you need?  How much are you willing to pay?  It is important to ask yourself a few simple questions at the outset to ensure that you get the right two way radio for your needs.

Low power kids Walkie Talkies are popular as children’s toys.  Kids love to play hide and seek games with them and they’re a good way of keeping in touch with your children when you’re out around town together.

Walkie Talkie radios do not need a license if they employ the FRS range, (462-467MHz) and are available in most retail stores.  Some kids Walkie Talkies are very basic and may not even have a volume control.  In some models, the receiver’s speaker doubles as a microphone.

If you’re thinking about buying a 2 way Walkie Talkie radio, it’s well worth shopping around.  Consider contacting people who use them on a daily basis.  Their first hand experience should prove invaluable.  Online retailers are worth looking at and many provide customer Walkie Talkie reviews that you can read.  There are also specialist magazines which are good for finding out what’s happening today in the marketplace and what is on offer.  Local stores often offer a personal service and allow you to try different models before making your choice of which Walkie Talkie radio to buy.


Oregon 35-015 Bolt on Type Muffler Tecumseh Part Numbers 33280, 33280A and 34185B


Oregon 35-015 Bolt on Type Muffler Tecumseh Part Numbers 33280, 33280A and 34185B


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MUFFLER TECUMSEH...

ULTIMATE Dynamo 2-Way Radio with 3-LED Flashlight


ULTIMATE Dynamo 2-Way Radio with 3-LED Flashlight



Ultimate Dynamo 2-way radio is ideal for emergencies! 5 power sources and 2-way communication capability, you'll never be left alone during a disaster!...


Midland 14 Channel FRS Two-Way Radios


Midland 14 Channel FRS Two-Way Radios



14 channel hand-held radios are the smallest available! Tiny 3 3/8in. x 1 3/8in. radios have long 2 mile range. Features include easy voice activation, scan, backlit LCD and low battery indicator. Also come with flexible antennas and hand straps. Each use 3 AAA batteries (not included)....


Reduce, RECHARGE, Recycle! TruCELL AA NiMH Pre-Charged 2200mAh Rechargeable Batteries - Includes 4 Batteries!


Reduce, RECHARGE, Recycle! TruCELL AA NiMH Pre-Charged 2200mAh Rechargeable Batteries - Includes 4 Batteries!


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Why Accessory Power's truCELL AA NiMH Precharged Rechargeable Batteries?Accessory Power's truCELL Rechargeable Batteries can replace your drawerful of those expensive and disposable single-use Batteries.truCELL Rechargeables are made with Top-of-the-Line Materials and are economical, reuseable, and an Eco-friendly replacement to either your throw-away alkalines or for underperforming rechargeables...

Midland Avp7 Rechargeable Batteries For Mdllxt210, Mdllxt310, Mdllxt410 & Gxt Series 2-Way Radios (Two-Way Radios/Scanners / Frs/Gmrs 2-Way Radio Accessories)


Midland Avp7 Rechargeable Batteries For Mdllxt210, Mdllxt310, Mdllxt410 & Gxt Series 2-Way Radios (Two-Way Radios/Scanners / Frs/Gmrs 2-Way Radio Accessories)



MIDLAND AVP7 RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES FOR MDLLXT210, MDLLXT310, MDLLXT410 & GXT SERIES 2-WAY RADIOS. RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES FOR MDLLXT210, MDLLXT310, MDLLXT410 & GXT SERIES 2-WAY RADIOS...


Walkie Talkies from a Vending Machine

Walkie Talkies from a Vending Machine

Photograph by secretagentmoof

 

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