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) $7.49 Motorola 53725 Headset 53725 Headsets & Earsets...

Motorola i530- Phone (Nextel/Sprint) $150.00 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....

AGPtek® Smart Wristwatch Walkie Talkie Two Way 2-Way Radio Watch with Wrist-operated Function $40.09 This new generation wrist watch walkie talkie has FUNCTION called Wristoperated, this wristoperated key located at the right bottomside of your device carries exactly the same functions as the PTT/Call key located on the face of the device. It can conveniently be operated by a simple and gentle upwardflex of your hand. (Make sure that the device is loosely worn, so that it can slide down easilyupo...

Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) $59.99 - Up to 23-mile range- iVOX hands-free communication- 11 NOAA weather channels with alerts-Quiet talk(TM) filter-10 call tones- Rechargeable- Battery save feature- Mini-USB charging port. Item is water resistant....

Midland GXT1000VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Black/Silver) $50.09 This pair of Midland handheld GMRS radios allows you to keep in communication up to 36 miles apart during extreme outdoor activities. These feature-loaded radios include NOAA weather alert to automatically inform you of severe weather hazard information 24/7. Waterproof protection from splashing water and built-in SOS siren for emergencies. Channels (qty.): 50, Range (miles): 36, Privacy Codes (qt...

Couple using 2 way Walkie Talkies

Photograph by oferiko

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