I'm shopping for a hand held radio for use at meets and I have no clue about them. I'm looking for something that works well with low audio distortion, has a good range, and includes a headset. Does anyone have any suggestions for what models I should be looking at and good online vendors for them?

 

I'm looking too. I have Motorolas T5400. They have limited range as they only FRS. I'm looking to buy a pair with the full 22 channels.

My Motorolas have decent sound quality, not great. It is very often hard to understand what is being said. Part of that is that the person transmitting is holding their unit too close to their mouth, and part is because the units in general don't have great sound.

None the less, I'm considering the Motorola T6550R and I am also considering the Midland two ways.

I probably will stick with the Motorolas because they are widely used, and there is no issue with compatibility. 9 out of 10 people at our meets use Motorolas.

Most of the features of the two ways seem very nice when you read them on the packaging, but for the most part they will go unused. The features that I am looking for are the nicad batteries with the docking charger (so that I don't have to use disposable batteries), 22 channels and 8 to 10 mile range and earbuds.

You will probably never use the weather reports, you cannot use the Vox feature on drives because it is too noisy, and the multitudes of ring tones are unnecessary. Look for clarity, range, earbuds and rechargable batteries.

A decent set should cost between $50 and $90 dollars (more or less)

Do not buy any radio without an earbud or headpiece. It is almost impossible to hear the radio without it in the open cockpit of the S2000.

I have always found it convenient to have two. One for myself and one for my +1.

 

I bought the Midland GXT635 from the Midland site online, and I've been very pleased with them. All channels - FRS and GRMS. No problems interacting with my Daughter's Motorolas on either set of channels. I also got the headset/mic combo for them which works well.

They will run with NI-MH rechargeables (the kit I bought has the cradle charger), or on 4-AAs in a pinch. The belt clip is removable. Buttons are nice and big even though the unit itself is smallet than most of the Motos. My model also has built-in weather radio which has been a nice feature. I do use it with some frequency.

Having 2 sets of mid-quality Motos for my kids, I definitely prefer my Midlands for ease of use and sound quality.

Dave

 

Thanks Dave.

I've been looking at the Midland GXT600 whcih from what I can gather is pretty much the same as the GXT635. I just saw where Crutchfield has them for $69.99 and I've got a $100 gift card.

I'll let you guys know how they work in this terrain after they arrive.

 

That's good to know. Thanks for the info. I've not been happy with the sound quality of the Motos, but I thought they were about the norm. I'm going to look into the Midlands.

 

[QUOTE=parkerdt,Sep 3 2006, 08:04 AM] I bought the Midland GXT635 from the Midland site online, and I've been very pleased with them.

 

Thanks, that's good to know. Back in my off-roading days I used a Midland CB and as I recall it worked very well for me. I'll take a look at their handhelds today.

 

Not to hijack this discussion, but do any of you know if it sipossible to buy the headset alone? My motos will accept a headset, but I never see them on sale at the local Best Buy. Is that something I can buy on line?

 

I'm not sure since I don't know which radio you've got but try here:

http://www.myradiomall.com/

 

Yes it is. You can buy them on the Motorola website or at sporting goods stores. Dick's carries the headset with the boom microphone for $29.95. They also carry the over the ear speaker (no microphone) for $9.95. They used to carry the combination earbud and microphone but they don't any longer. It is available on the Motorola site.

When you go into the sporting goods stores (Dick's, Sports Authority) you can generally find the two ways in the hunting/camping department. Make sure you buy the one that is compatible with your brand and model of two way. Don't rely on the store help for any info. They know less about two ways than we do.

I've been most successful at Dick's, Sports Authority is hit and miss for two way accessories.

Best Buy and other electronic/appliance stores used to carry the accessories but don't any longer. They barely carry any selection of two ways. You won't find any accessories there.