Two Way Radios

[barber oregon]

How useful are FRS radios in the real world? I've been thinking of getting a set of Cobra FRS 121-2Cs for use in and around the neighborhood, malls etc.

A search of these forums showed only one response to the performance of FRS radios--that they had short range and were basically useless.

So is this an accurate assesment? Are all FRS-type radios like this in terms of performance?

 

[TOB9595]

I had occasion to use a set of new cobra's. I figured Cobra would be better than my Motorola's. NOT
They were disappointing and were returned to the store to get some Motorola Talkabouts. I've found these to be useful. I've only had up to the 250's and they were awesome.
Depends on the terrain for distance transmitting.
I've used the 250's in Large shopping malls, in a 13 story concrete Hi Rise apartment building. Penetration was good on all areas of the building.
Ski slopes and in the woods.
If hilly there is a line of sight problem you may encounter.
Try them out, but I'd get the Motorola.

In my area Dick's Sporting Goods has the Motorola 57xx? for $30 for 2 after rebates.
Tom

 

[Blue Jays]

Good Evening All-

Barber, here's a search I did on BladeForums using GMRS and it came back with about ten threads. You could do the same thing using "FRS" as your keyword, but GMRS will give you a bit more range...once you send the FCC a check for $75.00 to cover a five-year license. One doesn't even need to pass a test or anything...just a valid credit card or a check that doesn't bounce.

You might also want to visit Bill's 2-Way which I've found to be a good resource. I've telephoned them and also found the helpful in that regard. Once I get a few more dollars saved, I'm going to pull the trigger and get a couple of high-quality radios for the family. They would be great for skiing, hiking, camping, car-to-car for roadtrips, etc., etc.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide to purchase.

~ Blue Jays ~

 

[BobHWD]

I use mine extensively. Every year, our group uses them to keep in touch during downhill ski racing events. I also use them on road rally events, and group rides. They come in handy any time you are separated from a member of your group. I've seen images of soldiers in Iraq using them. I would suspect they are being put to use to facilitate non-classified communications at the Platoon or squad level.

 

[Denix]

I use mine around the house quite a bit. I own 7 acres of land, so when I'm in the backyard, I'm easily 500 feet from the house in the middle of the woods. The radios are quite handy for that.

On top of that, for the past 2 years, they've been mandatory equipment for our annual "guys fishing trip". On a lake you pretty much get maximum range, so there's always one boat within range of another. We find them quite good for calling the guys in to a productive fishing spot, and jibing one another constantly!

Guy