Decent quality 2-way radios

[DBarnes727]

Can anyone recommend a decent 2-way radio that has:
1) good range
2) good battery life
3) small size
4) compatibility wth Motorola channels/codes

 

[First Tracks]

Can anyone recommend a decent 2-way radio that has:
1) good range
2) good battery life
3) small size
4) compatibility wth Motorola channels/codes

I've always had Motorolas. For range, make sure to get one of those GMRS/FRS (did I get that acronym right?) radio combos that have 1-watt channels for the 5-mile line of sight range (you'll never get that, but it sure beats the 1/2-watt transmitting power).

Both B.J.'s Wholesale Club and Sam's Club have combo packs, if you have a membership at either. The selection seems a bit better at Sam's, and either is a fraction of typical retail. You can get a pair of Motorola radios, some with NOAA Weather Radio alert, along with a bunch of goodies like a dual drop-in charger, NiMH batteries, and even things like earbud headsets, belt clips (only useful when doing things other than skiing!) and even interchangeable face plates for +/- $50 per pair. Typical retail on a pair, without any of those extras, is somewhere around $80-90 per pair. You can't beat the wholesale clubs with a stick for radios, and right now they have a good selection due to their popularity as Christmas gifts.

 

[Greg]

There was a pretty detailed thread discussed here recently:

http://forums.alpinezone.com/viewtopic.php?t=2330

Hope this helps!