Rino Radios

[smdave]

Anyone use the Rino radios?

I am thinking about getting a new GPS this year and have always liked the features of the Rino's. The new ones are out with the Hcx technology in them so the older ones are getting affordable. The standard 530 is now only $289.00 at Walmart.

Any personal experience?

Dave

[elkaholic]

I have used the Rhino gps/radios for 3 seasons now.  I really like them. They tend to burn through batteries if you leave the gps on continually. I usually pack some extra batteries and have rechargeables at camp.  they have a bice feature where you can see where your hunting partner is at when you both communicate with GPS on.

[jackelope]

they have a bice feature where you can see where your hunting partner is at when you both communicate with GPS on.

i think they are real cool as long as your hunting buddy has one too...otherwise, it's a waste of $$. A couple guys i know have them and like them a lot.

[Ray]

I rarely use radios. But when I do I use these below and they work fine for me. 19.99 for a set     (Samsung not included)


http://www.store.motorola.com/mot/en/US/adirect/motorola?cmd=catDisplayStyle&catKey=600500

MOTOSTORE Home  > 2-Way Radios  > FV200AA Alkaline Two-way Radio (Grey/Blue)

[smdave]

The Rino is really what I would like information on, I have Motorola GMRS/FRS 550 radios but was looking into getting a Rino for the all in one functions that it has.

Dave

[jackelope]

does anyone else you know/hunt with/hike with/etc have one?
that's really the cool feature they offer, otherwise just buy a gps and keep the radios you have IMO.
you'd get a better stand alone  GPS for that kind of money.

[smdave]

I was going to buy a pair if I purchased them

Dave

[jackelope]

well in that case...have at 'er.

[billythekidrock]

We have the older Rinos and we use the hell out of them.

[Crunchy]

I have on and so do the other 8 guys I elk hunt with.  Last year four of us shot elk.  Got on the Rhino which gives your location, and called for help packing it out.  I would only trade it for one of the newer 530 models.  Besides I like to venture off, and I mark my way points as I go.  When you hike a ton of miles you dont want to take not one extra step if you dont have to.

[Slider]

I have one and don't go into the woods without it!!! I would highly recommend it. I also have the Mapsource topo program to download topo maps into it. It's the Cat's Meow!!! Good Luck

[saylean]

My 3 brothers, my father, myself, and our 2 other hunting buddies all have the Rhino radio with mapsource...they are great. We use them all the time when hunting to help co ordinate hunts, call for help, safety, etc. We do not rely on them 100%, but they are very handy for sure. They do go through the batteries if you leave the gps on, as stated above. I usually have fresh batteries for the start of the day and carry an extra pair in my pack. You can plot way points, follow your buddies path, follow your own path, how far you travelled, elevation, average speed, not to mention speak and hear clearly through them.

[rackattack]

About what range are the radio, and tracking portions good? 

[DeKuma]

I know this is an old post, but thought I would chime in.

My dad and I ahve been using these for about 4 years now and I would not trade them for the world. (Except a newer one)
My dad is 66 years old and I like knowing where he is when we hunt.  After a heart attack and surviving cancer, I would not trade being able to be in constant contact and knowing right where he is on the map at any given time.  We have been as much a two miles apart and still pick each other up on the screen.  Supposedly as long as you get FMRS signal, you can gfet them to show on the GPS.
They come in handy when one of us has an animal down too.............

[Intruder]

They're nice.... I really like mine.

About what range are the radio, and tracking portions good? 

I don't recall but if you have direct line of site I want to say about a 1 1/2 miles for the radios.  Terrain will definitely effect it though. 

The tracking option is going to be based on the satellite coverage to a large degree... of both you and the others you may be tracking.  I'm not sure if radio coverage effects that or not though.  I know with enough sats you can get accuracy down to around 20 ft.   

[JBR]

I've used the Rinos with my two hunting partners for 5 years now and they have worked great.  The GPS and particularly the buddy location feature on the map screen is terrific.  Easy to go straight to your partner to assist with their downed animal or pick a location for everyone in your party to meet at.  That being said, we all have found the radio feature to be VERY LACKING.  So much so, that this year, we ended up buying the new Midland waterproof 26 mile GTX-850 radios, just for radio communication.  Perhaps the new versions of the Rinos have improved their radio reception, but our (the 130s I believe) were all very difficult to communicate with.  Just my .2 cents.

[Coasthunterjay]

well if anyone wants a hook up there is a guy on Craigslist who is selling his rino 120 for 140 bucks and he has a bunch of topos that if you ask will download them on there for you before he ships it.....good deal at 140 just dont have any money to buy it so i thought i would pass this on to you all..............

[Crunchy]

Is the 120s the only ones he has.  Im looking for a 520 model.  Anyone know of the best deal on the 520 models.  I found Walmart wont sell them on the internet, and didnt find them at my local store.

[MikeWalking]

My nephew has put 3 on the bottom of Rattlesnake Lake, yours for the taking