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 53725 SLK Headset with Swivel Boom Mic (Black)


Motorola 53725 SLK Headset with Swivel Boom Mic (Black)


$7.07


Headset With Swivel Boom Mic...

Motorola i530- Phone (Nextel/Sprint)


Motorola i530- Phone (Nextel/Sprint)



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....


Motorola Nextel i365 Walkie Talkie Rugged Cell Phone


Motorola Nextel i365 Walkie Talkie Rugged Cell Phone



This extra-rugged iDEN phone meets military specs for most extreme conditions. Compared to the i355, this model is smaller and lighter, and sports a better display. Other features include off-network PTT, speakerphone, MMS, and Java....


LEGO Walkie Talkies


LEGO Walkie Talkies


$24.99


Kids of all ages love their LEGO bricks. Now, you can get quality walkie-talkies with cool LEGO styling to stay connected to fellow LEGO maniacs up to a mile away. They are easy to use - one channel, simple push-to-talk-button and volume control....

Two Way Radio Walkie Talkie Wristwatch Spy Wrist Digital Watch--auto Channel Scan--lcd Display--auto Squelch Built-in Microphone


Two Way Radio Walkie Talkie Wristwatch Spy Wrist Digital Watch--auto Channel Scan--lcd Display--auto Squelch Built-in Microphone


$34.95


With 6km of range, the wristwatch walkie talkie can offer you the freedom to go anywhere and do anything--from weekend hiking to just hanging out at a mall. This wristwatch walkie talkie is lightweight, state-of-the-art communications devices, providing a new fashionable communication way to your daily life. This package comes with two wristwatch walkie talkies, 2 Li-ion batteries, 2 headsets, 2 c...

Couple using 2 way Walkie Talkies

Couple using 2 way Walkie Talkies

 

Photograph by oferiko

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Related posts:

  1. Who Invented the Walkie Talkie?
  2. Where Can I Buy a Walkie Talkie Radio?
Tags: 2 way walkie talkie, FRS, frs channels, garmin, GMRS, Motorola, radio, two way walkie talkies, walkie talkie, walkie talkie radio, walkie talkie reviews, weather alert

Posted by Bradley / Walkie Talkies

4 Responses to “How to Choose a 2 Way Walkie Talkie”

  1. Simon @ MaximonSolutions.com on 23 Sep 2009 at 11:56 am #

    I’d add ICOM as another good brand, mostly because of the huge range of options that you can have with a handset and their completely waterproof walkie talkies as well

  2. Walkie Talkie Reviews on 24 Sep 2009 at 2:41 am #

    Hi Simon

    Thanks for stopping by. I agree that ICOM Walkie Talkies are a good quality brand and their waterproof two way walkie talkie is ideal for outdoors use, such as camping, sailing, hiking and fishing.

    Bradley

  3. George on 23 Jun 2011 at 3:46 am #

    We are gong on a cruise in two weeks . there will be three adults a d three teenagers. I want at least on (OK to good) pair, on the cheep. Any specific sugestions?

  4. Bradley on 23 Jun 2011 at 2:20 pm #

    Hi George

    If you want a good quality walkie talkie and great value, click this link and check out the:

    Motorola MR350R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair).

    Also on that page, have a look at the fantastic review by Dr. Wilfredo M. Viray “Wally”; it is well worth reading, as well as the other reviews.

    One of the features that may be particularly useful on board ship is the silent vibrating ringer so you can have the radios on even in situations where you need to be silent.

    Another very popular and cheaper option is the:

    Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

    I hope you find something suitable and have a great trip.

    Bradley

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