Walkie Talkie Reviews

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.

1 Hour Rapid Charger For DTR Series $108.00 The 1 Hour Rapid Charger For DTR Series 2-Way Radios enables you to fully charge your DTR Series radio in 1 hour....

10 Hour Plug-In Wall Charger For XTN Series $88.00 This 10 Hour Plug-In Wall Charger For XTN Series 2-Way Radios lets on-the-move users keep a spare charger handy....

2 Hour Desktop Rapid Charger For XTN Series $208.00 This 2 Hour Desktop Rapid Charger For XTN Series 2-Way Radios is easy to use, simply drop the radio or battery into tray and be fully charged and ready to go in 2 hours....

Motorola MR350 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) $53.69 The Motorola® Talkabout® MR535OR 2-way radio lets you talk hands-free within a range of up to 35 miles. It features the Quiet Talk™ filter that provides clear communication. Stay informed of changing weather conditions with the 11 weather alert channels....

Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) $40.19 The Motorola Talkabout MH230R walkie talkies are an easy and economical way for active families and friends to stay connected on the go. While fun and handy, they can also play an important role in your family's emergency preparedness plan. With a range of up to approx. 23 miles, the rechargeable MH230R two-way radios use both FRS and GMRS frequencies providing more channels. Among its many featur...

Couple using 2 way Walkie Talkies

Photograph by oferiko

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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.

Midland 22540 Headset Speaker with Boom Microphone $14.65 Midland Radio Corporation is a world leader in wireless two-way and weather/hazard alert radios, with an extensive line of land mobile radios, CB, GMRS and FRS radios, MURS radios, weather-monitor alert radios, itinerant radios and a line of quality antennas and accessories.Midland 22-540 is a professional style headset with boom microphone. It features rugged headset with an adjustable band and s...

Midland® Emergency Base Camp Radio (70970) $109.99 The ultimate in hand crank emergency radios. This two way hand crank radio has 22 channel capability, NOAA weather alert, and AM/FM. The radio is a base radio for two way communication and is compatible with GMRS and FRS radios. 5 Power Options - Uses 4 standard AA batteries, Rechargeable Battery Pack, Dynamo Crank, AC Adapter or DC Adapter (AA batteries not included). Special Features: 22 Channe...

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)....

Midland 18-258 40-Channel Glass-Mount CB Antenna $12.47 Uniquely designed antenna makes installation simple. Special process transfers energy from one side of glass to the other without the need of wires. Antenna is complete with 12 of prewired cable and all necessary installation material. Simple to install. Rod is 17-7 stainless steel with new BLACK-KOTE finish. Antenna radiator removes easily for car washes, etc. Blister packed in a display package....

2-Way Radio 2PK 24 Mile Range $39.95 - Midland 2-Way radio 2 pack- 22 Channels plus 6 extra channels - clear, crisp communication with easy button access- Up to 24 mile range: longer range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction- 121 Privacy codes gives you up to 2668 channel options to help you block other conversations- Weather scan easily scans the active weather channel in your area- N.O.A.A. Weather alert radio...

Walkie Talkies from a Vending Machine

Photograph by secretagentmoof

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The invention of the Walkie Talkie, also known as a 2 way radio or two way Walkie Talkie, has been attributed to several people.  The inventors were:

1)    Al Goss, who came to the attention of the OSS (soon to be the CIA) in 1938.  He was a high-school student and was recruited by the OSS and they went on to develop the walkie talkie for use by the military.

2)    The engineering team at the Galvin Manufacturing Company in 1940 (soon to become Motorola).  The team was made up of Dan Noble, Henryk Magnuski, Raymond Yoder, Lloyd Morris, Bill Vogel and Marion Bond.  They produced the Motorola SCR-300.

3)    Donald L Hings, who was a Canadian.

A Walkie Talkie radio is a hand-held, 2-way transceiver with an antenna and either an earpiece simply for the user to hear or a speaker allowing those in the immediate vicinity to hear.

Following the War, 2 way Walkie Talkies came into popular use by the public and by businesses.  Using the ‘push to talk’ system, (PTT), they were available at a wide range of prices, depending on whether they were to be used as a toy or as a serious means of communication in the workplace.  Unlike the original 2 way Walkie Talkies, some of which had to be carried in a backpack, modern units are small enough to fit into your pocket.  They may be shockproof, waterproof and contain a scrambling device for privacy.  Some kids Walkie Talkies boast a Morse code facility.

As a means of instant short-range communication, 2 way Walkie Talkies have proved an invaluable asset to the work carried out by security, law enforcement, military and construction workers.  It is also of great use to the general public for use when skiing, camping, hunting and for keeping in touch with our children, particularly in areas where there is no cell phone signal.

Etón VOICELINK FR1000 ECO Edition Clock Radio (White) $62.80 Stay connected with the Voicelink FR-1000. This emergency crank radio combines two-way radio with GMRS technology, built-in flashlight, cell-phone charger and access to weather channels to prepare you for any emergency situation. Now with Bonus FRS walkie talkie included. Get prepared and get connected with the Voicelink FR-1000 today....

Etón VOICELINK FR1000 ECO Edition Clock Radio (Black) $84.97 Stay connected with the Voicelink FR-1000. This emergency crank radio combines two-way radio with GMRS technology, built-in flashlight, cell-phone charger and access to weather channels to prepare you for any emergency situation. Now with Bonus FRS walkie talkie included. Get prepared and get connected with the Voicelink FR-1000 today....

Eddie Bauer FRS Radio Set - 2 Units $49.99 Stay connected with friends and family during your outdoor recreational activities. The Family Radio Service (FRS) is a Citizens Band Radio service with No License required. You may operate your FRS Eddie Bauer Radios anywhere within the territorial limits of the U.S....

LEGO Walkie Talkies $22.99 ...

Transformers Powerhead Walkie Talkies $14.44 Powerhead Walkie Talkies...

Motorola's First 2 Way Radio from 1962

Photograph by bhenak

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