Two way radio recommendation

[James]

When I hunt with partners I prefer to use radios, and the last number of years I have been running midland gxt1050’s.  I biggest issue with them is durability; I seem to fail one radio a year, mostly due to them getting wet (even though they are “waterproof”).  Even though I have had good luck getting them replaced, I am really tired of it. Sometimes all it takes is a little splash, given the fact I hunt in the rainforest, well water happens.
https://midlandusa.com/two-way-radios/product/gxt1050vp4/

I am looking for some recommendations as to what to buy for next year.  Google searches has popped up the uniden submersible, but I would love some feedback to people that have actually used them.
http://www.uniden.com/two-way-radios/two-submersiblefloating-50-mile-range-frsgmrs-radios-with-2-vox-headsets-and-2-carabiners/invt/gmr50892ckhsg

Thanks!

[KFhunter]

If you have deep pockets get everyone a Garmin Rhino,  we use these things snowmobiling so if they'll hold up to that they'll take anything you dish out hunting.

Also it's sure nice to see where your partner is without even talking,  they just show up on your GPS map in almost real time.

[BuckHunter23]

   Most of our group has the Garmin Rino 530 HCX models, and a couple have upgraded to the Rino 655t.  We always know where everyone is at and can easily find each other if needing to meet up for whatever reason.  The new 655t has some added features that may or may not be neccessary for your needs.  It has a color touch screen, which works well with gloves on.  Has a decent camera built in, in case you forgot to bring your own along.  Digital compass.  The other cool feature is the GMRS radio capability.  This past season I was picking up other Rino users over 15 miles away.  They aren't cheap, but there are some good deals out there on the internet if you look.    Good luck

[jasnt]

I use the midland GTX 1000( black model) and haven't had an issue in 3years but I live on the dry side. I have heard those rhinos are sweet!

[vandeman17]

Another vote for the Garmin Rhinos. We like ours and it is really nice to have the mapping features to keep track of everyone in your party.

[ghosthunter]

 

Another vote for the Garmin Rhinos. We like ours and it is really nice to have the mapping features to keep track of everyone in your party.

 

[stickflngr]

Ive run the rino's since they first came out at am now using the 655t. So I guess you know what I would suggest..

[HotRod]

Another vote for the Garmin Rhinos. We like ours and it is really nice to have the mapping features to keep track of everyone in your party.

   ditto

[deltaops]

I use a Rhino as well. Got it when I was in the military while deployed.

[cbond3318]

If you have deep pockets get everyone a Garmin Rhino,  we use these things snowmobiling so if they'll hold up to that they'll take anything you dish out hunting.

Also it's sure nice to see where your partner is without even talking,  they just show up on your GPS map in almost real time.

We use the Rhino 610 and have been happy with it. Great feature is the mapping of your buddies location by queuing the mic.

[Russ McDonald]

If your not looking for all the bells and whistles on the Rino they have a 120 model that is much cheaper but still has two-way and GPS.

[washelkhunter]

Cabelas had the 655t on sale at $150 off awhile back. My pard got one which meant that now I had to get one. Wifey surprised me with one in dec for my bday! I was perfectly happy with my midlands. The 655t is sweet tho. 5 watts of power eliminates the line of sight issue. Gps, radio and camera all in one ultra reliable unit. Whats not to like eh?

[Jingles]

A question for the rhino owners Excuse me if this to some is a dumb question but was once told that the only dumb question is the one that isn't asked.
I understand that  you can track your other members of your hunting party with a key of the mike  but how do you keep from getting the locations of other rhino users that aren't in your party?
I am presuming they are similar to the Motorola FRS radios that have sub channels with in the channels i.e. T5420 9 channels with 9 sub channels with in those 9 channels.
Are they also capable of having earbuds and/or mic ear piece combo's?
Thanks In advance for the info

Visited the garmin site and I see they are pretty pricey especially the 650 and 655

[cbond3318]

your friends can be programmed in to show up with there name or whatever you program it as. you will pick up other hunters, and I believe it shows up as a default name.

[deltaops]

your friends can be programmed in to show up with there name or whatever you program it as. you will pick up other hunters, and I believe it shows up as a default name.

 

I have not picked up any hunter yet, so either they are not using a Rhino or I wasn't close enough to them.

A lot one can do with a Rhino. I name all my way points. I found a few new spots last season and saved them in the GPS.

When I was deployed, some of my team mates had them and we just named each other with whatever.

Whatever number you have in the party, you can set all the way points where you would like to converge, after that you can all split up and move out.


I own the 110 like the one in the pic.

[James]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I guess I hadn't really thought about the Rhino because I already have a GPS, but that may be the best way to go.  Having the GPS and radio in one sure would be nice, next time I am at the sporting good store I will check them out.

How is the battery life on them? How many days can you hunt on a charge?

Are they waterproof enough survive hunting/fishing in the rainforest and the occastional drop into a pool of water?

[deltaops]

Same Batteries will last me a year, just depends on the use really. Last year 2012 I changed them out once. When I went out in 2013 I replaced the batteries just to have fresh ones in. When ever I store my GPS after I am done for a few days, I will remove the batteries. I use the kirkland brand and they last me for a while.

I always keep spare batteries with me just in case though.

My GPS has been soaked from poring down rain and never had an issue with it. I have not really dunked mine in any water or at any depths and I really do not want to test it out. 

I have a clip on mine and also attach a lanyard to it so I do not drop it.

[Jingles]

Again thanks for the replies Currently have a GPS and a pair of the Motorola's so looking to condense to one unit Sounds like the rhino is the way to go

[BuckHunter23]

You'll only pickup other users outside of your party if they happen on the same channel as you.  Most of the channels have a ton of sub-channels available, so the likelihood you would pickup anyone else is pretty slim.  Of course, if you use an easy one like Ch.1 Sub 23 you might be more likely to hear others.  I only picked up others because I was bored on the top of a ridge and scanned all the channels    Happened to pick up a few hunters on the other side of the freeway, about 15 miles away.  It was actually good entertainment to hear what other hunters were up to.

Anyhow, hope you got the info you were looking for.  Rinos are a great all-in-one options.  Deciding which one to get depends on how many bells and whistles you want/need.

[salmonchaser]

You asked about battery life. With. The 530 and 655 rechargeable batteries we get about 2 days of hunting. Depends on how much talking etc. You can improve on the battery life by reducing how often your unit updates with the satellite. I take a battery pack and extra batteries with me on pack in trips, otherwise simply plug it into the power port when I get back to the truck. The only place I've ever been disappointed with the communication system was very near an Alaska air base. Probably just radio interferences. The GPS worked fine.
When I'm not worried about talking to someone or simply want to check where I am relative to camp in case the guide gets lost, I just turn it on a couple of times during the day and have had the battery last the entire trip. We tend to spread o it quite a bit in a very deep canyon during elk season. With the Garmin it is very easy to figure out how to best get organized to get an elk out.

[Doc Sauce]

I used a Garmin Rino this year.   The only thing I did not like was the reception.  They worked great if I was on top of a hill, but even just a little below the hill top, and it was hit or miss.  By the time I got to be about 75 to 100 feet below the top, there was nothing at all.  The guys I was talking to were only about .3 to .7 miles away.

I would love to have a HAM radio with the GPS functions of the Rino... if only that existed.