Let's Talk Radios

[phildobaggins]

Who here has radio/walkie talkie experience? It's time my partners and I go in on some nice radios.

We've always used some Midland Talker units (both the orange and the yellow version) and they would work out to maybe a mile or so, but we split up all of the time and when there is no cell service it can be incredibly convenient to check in on the others.

I don't have immense radio experience or knowledge. What's the "best" walkie talkie money can buy right now? I will pay good money for a good device.

[pianoman9701]

I have a 655T Rino. It has a pretty powerful 5W radio AND charts the position of you and your buddies on each others' GPSs. That helps when you're trying to coordinate a hunt. You can also send each other texts, share waypoints, take photos (and share). Other hunters in the area can't see you unless you make them buddies.

[phildobaggins]

I have a 655T Rino. It has a pretty powerful 5W radio AND charts the position of you and your buddies on each others' GPSs. That helps when you're trying to coordinate a hunt. You can also send each other texts, share waypoints, take photos (and share). Other hunters in the area can't see you unless you make them buddies.

That is a stud unit! Is there a subscription required for it?

[pianoman9701]

I have a 655T Rino. It has a pretty powerful 5W radio AND charts the position of you and your buddies on each others' GPSs. That helps when you're trying to coordinate a hunt. You can also send each other texts, share waypoints, take photos (and share). Other hunters in the area can't see you unless you make them buddies.

That is a stud unit! Is there a subscription required for it?

No subscription. I bought the OnX chip which doesn't require the annual update. And the desktop program Base Camp is a free download.

[b0bbyg]

Group of friends all run different varieties of Rinos, I am not sure we can all send/share photos with different versions, but they all share location and text and can be used just as a walkie talkie.
It is a great way to meet up midday or find someone sitting on a critter when they request packing help.  Or just to share a good waypoint amongst the group.

[James]

Be careful with a lot of the so called waterproof units.  I ran a number of the midland brand that were supposedly waterproof, but would die quickly in a light mist.  Turned out they were like IPX4 or some nonsense.

Picked up some Unidens in 2014 that are advertised as submersible and other than battery issues, they are still going strong even with the hell I put them though.

[ghosthunter]

Group of friends all run different varieties of Rinos, I am not sure we can all send/share photos with different versions, but they all share location and text and can be used just as a walkie talkie.
It is a great way to meet up midday or find someone sitting on a critter when they request packing help.  Or just to share a good waypoint amongst the group.

Same with our camp, 110s, 140s, 650s,

I think the 750s are too big and too many un used features.

[birddogdad]

we have had the rinos for years.. ups and downs, older units not serviced any longer either.. we are finding that Onx with your cell phone is working great now.. if you are off grid the inreach mini is hot setup.. you can send your fix thru onx and text at ANY range vs the limits of rino and line of sight/ weather...

they are so spendy now that the mini and onx are still way cheaper than a new 750! other cool mini feature is monthly service fee that easily is shut off till next needed or season vs a year round fee...


hope this helps your future thoughts@

[awapiti]

I have been using the Baofeng UV-5R and like them a lot.  Their price point is excellent and can be had for about $25 each.   We get pretty good distance out of them and have not had any scenarios where we could not reach others in our group.  There are a lot of accessories available including after market antennas that will significantly increase range. 

[Rat44]

The Baofeng is a Ham radio.
Please dont buy this unless you are licensed.
And they are cheaply made.

[Iveexcaped3]

I run a rino 655t which doesn’t get used much as I hunt alone and have a garmin inreach and onX. If I ran with buddies or a group I can see the full potential of it. If I’m hunting a busy area I keep it on scan as I don’t want to interrupt someone’s hunt and to keep myself safe from someone’s hunt zone. 2 years ago I heard about 3 groups have success which was awesome for them and it kept me out of the area they were applying pressure. One thing I like about the 655 is you can run an earpiece so if you’re stalking your radio won’t give you away.

[CJ1962]

Like others I have had various Rinos over the years and would recommend them.  Over the years they provided great comfort knowing the locations of my boys as they started hunting off leash.  The newer ones are getting spendy and as cell phone coverage gets better I find that we are txting with the phones more and more than using the radios.

Also keep in mind that if you hunt out of state check their regs.  Some states it is illegal to use a radio to coordinate a hunt.

[Russ McDonald]

The Baofeng is a Ham radio.
Please dont buy this unless you are licensed.
And they are cheaply made.

They are programmable and can be programmed to FRS and gmrs frequncies.  Some of themodels are part 95 certified meaning they can be used on GMRS/FRS You are just limited on power out when using frs frequencies.  These frequencies are what in the Rino radios.  Distance your limited to line of site.  The FRS frequency is in the UHF band which is only about 2-5 miles line of site.  Line of site is with zero obstruction like trees and even worse if the have leaves or pines.  Saying all that I would go with a Rino.  The only way to get more distance out of any radio in the FRS GMRS  radios which includes Rino's is having a human repeater.  Yiu have to be higher that everyone else and have a clear veiw below.  That is why all my repaters are up on big high peaks.  A 5 watt can talk back to a repeater sometime 20 miles depending on terrain and foliage.  The the repeater can send out or repeat the signal a lot futher or to the other side of the mountain.  So if someone is high up on a peak you might be able to talk to them from the drainage you are in and be able to talk to you other buddy another drainage over that you can't in the current drainage you are in.  He will be your relay if you want to talk to that other buddy. 

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[Rainier_JB]

Pretty much all the options available (and those mentioned above) use the same UHF frequency band so paying more results in the same performance but better features (the maps on a Rino, more waterproofability, etc.)

Another option would be a Garmin or Zoleo satellite messenger paired with your phone. Definitely more expensive but I've had really good luck using that to message between folks in my group.

[aaronoto]

I've been super happy with my Rocky Talkie's - battery life is great and they're very well made.  Every other FRS radio I've come across is cheap junk with a battery that doesn't last.

https://rockytalkie.com

[blackpowderhunter]

garmin rinos are nice especially for the location sharing with your hunting partner. 
MUCH easier to coordinate meeting up with the location sharing rather than "take a left at the big tree, then walk to the other big tree with the moss on the side " 
sure they arent cheap, but if something can be considered safety equipment in the field, it's worth it to me.
also MOST walkies will work on the FRS frequency which is limited to 2Watts, garmin rino's can work on GMRS which is up to 5W.

[Russ McDonald]

garmin rinos are nice especially for the location sharing with your hunting partner. 
MUCH easier to coordinate meeting up with the location sharing rather than "take a left at the big tree, then walk to the other big tree with the moss on the side " 
sure they arent cheap, but if something can be considered safety equipment in the field, it's worth it to me.
also MOST walkies will work on the FRS frequency which is limited to 2Watts, garmin rino's can work on GMRS which is up to 5W.

Did you also know that technically by FCC rules use must purchase a license to operate on GMRS frequncies.  https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2021/10/the-difference-between-frs-and-gmrs-radios.html

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[pianoman9701]

I have a 655T Rino. It has a pretty powerful 5W radio AND charts the position of you and your buddies on each others' GPSs. That helps when you're trying to coordinate a hunt. You can also send each other texts, share waypoints, take photos (and share). Other hunters in the area can't see you unless you make them buddies.

That is a stud unit! Is there a subscription required for it?

Nope, but I also have Onx on it, which does. However, unlike the Iphone OnX, you don't have to update and resubscribe every year.

[blackpowderhunter]

garmin rinos are nice especially for the location sharing with your hunting partner. 
MUCH easier to coordinate meeting up with the location sharing rather than "take a left at the big tree, then walk to the other big tree with the moss on the side " 
sure they arent cheap, but if something can be considered safety equipment in the field, it's worth it to me.
also MOST walkies will work on the FRS frequency which is limited to 2Watts, garmin rino's can work on GMRS which is up to 5W.

Did you also know that technically by FCC rules use must purchase a license to operate on GMRS frequncies.  https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2021/10/the-difference-between-frs-and-gmrs-radios.html

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

i did, and i have one, along with a few other silly FCC licenses.
anyways, i read at one point that garmin had gotten a waiver for users of rino's to not need the FCC GMRS license.
I haven't looked too far into it, although id guess that people getting popped for this arent the ones using radios in the woods, more those in urban populated areas.

[pianoman9701]

garmin rinos are nice especially for the location sharing with your hunting partner. 
MUCH easier to coordinate meeting up with the location sharing rather than "take a left at the big tree, then walk to the other big tree with the moss on the side " 
sure they arent cheap, but if something can be considered safety equipment in the field, it's worth it to me.
also MOST walkies will work on the FRS frequency which is limited to 2Watts, garmin rino's can work on GMRS which is up to 5W.

Did you also know that technically by FCC rules use must purchase a license to operate on GMRS frequncies.  https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2021/10/the-difference-between-frs-and-gmrs-radios.html

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

The FCC has almost no enforcement. Until they hire 87,000 armed agents I won't be paying another government tax. Of course, I never use the radio anyway.

[C-Money]

I use a pair of Cobra radios that my dad got me years ago. They have the NOAA channels. Work well, and reach surprisingly long distances. We also use them to communicate when traveling together in separate vehicles.

[HntnFsh]

My understanding was that there was a waiver or exemption from licensing for these types of radios.

I also understand that I dont care and will use them anyhow.

[Russ McDonald]

Thus I used technically.  FCC has filed against manufacturers that radios not longer put gmrs channels in.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[MHWASH]

Is there a Rino that’s just a radio? I don’t need all the locator or OnX stuff.

[Russ McDonald]

Is there a Rino that’s just a radio? I don’t need all the locator or OnX stuff.

No because it is a Garmin product so it is going to have GPS.  It also doesn't come with OnX you have to load it on there.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[Magnum_Willys]

Available at Sportsmans Warehouse - have not used them but tech sounds interesting - $110.

Motorola Talkabout T800 Bluetooth Two-Way Radios - 2 Pack - The TALKABOUT T800 allows you to share and track locations with your travel companions. No cell service? No problem. Just download the TALKABOUT app and connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, and you'll have the ability to locate a friend's campsite, share your current location and send messages, all while exploring off the grid. You can also control your radio settings from the TALKABOUT app. Skiing, hunting or at a music festival, the T800 has an IPX4 rating and a range of up to 35 miles* to keep you connected no matter where your adventures lead.

[jrebel]

Available at Sportsmans Warehouse - have not used them but tech sounds interesting - $110.

Motorola Talkabout T800 Bluetooth Two-Way Radios - 2 Pack - The TALKABOUT T800 allows you to share and track locations with your travel companions. No cell service? No problem. Just download the TALKABOUT app and connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, and you'll have the ability to locate a friend's campsite, share your current location and send messages, all while exploring off the grid. You can also control your radio settings from the TALKABOUT app. Skiing, hunting or at a music festival, the T800 has an IPX4 rating and a range of up to 35 miles* to keep you connected no matter where your adventures lead.

Just bought these a couple months ago.......Haven't tried to use the bluetooth yet but can say the radios are on par with others I have bought.  The only negative so far.....when using from car to car while traveling, they sucked and were not usable.  Not sure if it had anything to do with the bluetooth or the electronics in the vehicles ( 21 dodge 1 ton and 22 ford 1 ton).  Range is not what they say...but none of them are.  In the outdoors away from the vehicles they were clear and easy to use.  Batter life appears to be good / on par with other. 

[Russ McDonald]

Available at Sportsmans Warehouse - have not used them but tech sounds interesting - $110.

Motorola Talkabout T800 Bluetooth Two-Way Radios - 2 Pack - The TALKABOUT T800 allows you to share and track locations with your travel companions. No cell service? No problem. Just download the TALKABOUT app and connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, and you'll have the ability to locate a friend's campsite, share your current location and send messages, all while exploring off the grid. You can also control your radio settings from the TALKABOUT app. Skiing, hunting or at a music festival, the T800 has an IPX4 rating and a range of up to 35 miles* to keep you connected no matter where your adventures lead.

That mile is way wrong those radios will bot work 35 miles unless you have a repeater or you have ine person on a 10000 fot peak and you 35 miles down in a wode open medow and you have a clear veiw of each other.  Their marketing cracks me up.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[Mudman]

Russ, what do you recommend?  A radio for a utv/jeep or handheld unit on the cheap and easy with decent performance?  You know more than us on radio so your opinion quite valuable.

[Russ McDonald]

Rugged radios for utv's are baofengs did you know that.  Sorry just a little thing I saw.  Any how.  You are all going tobe stuck with only radios that can use FRS frequencies.  So the Motorola talkabouts or Garmin Rino's.  What I use is a a couple Baofengs because you can program the to other frequencies.  If you have a ham license you can get on the ham repeaters. I really like the Rino's because you have a gps handheld unit and radio all in one but they are spendy.  Midland and Motorola sell aboit the best FRS radios out there.  The marketing on the packaging is wrong.  The best you going to get on a radio like that at only 2 watts is 5 miles clear line of site.  Heavy trees will degraded that.  Getting higher will improve it to.  No one is going to be able to afford the radios that I work on everyday lile the Bendix King KNG P150 or BKR5000.  Motorla APX's.  The other thing with the baofengs is you can change antennas which cam impove yiur signal in and out.  Baofengs are also cheap pos's to but I can fix them and have 4 of them.  In the long run I would lean towards and Rino first and Motorola Talkabouts second.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[Mudman]

Thanks Russ.  I have Rhino 655t.  It is awesome (at 5w) but screen is worn and too small to read for my eyes.  I didnt know that about rugged radio. $$$  Hmm.  What are these midland mxt275base car units advertising 15watt etc.??  It looks like they are good, or is lies again?  https://midlandusa.com/products/mxt275-micromobile-two-way-radio

[Russ McDonald]

Thanks Russ.  I have Rhino 655t.  It is awesome (at 5w) but screen is worn and too small to read for my eyes.  I didnt know that about rugged radio. $$$  Hmm.  What are these midland mxt275base car units advertising 15watt etc.??  It looks like they are good, or is lies again?  https://midlandusa.com/products/mxt275-micromobile-two-way-radio

Cool thing is the Midland has repeater channels but GMRS has repeater pairs you can license.  Pretty cheap.  15 watts you can get out a bit better line of site maybe 10 miles but a handheld will only be 5 miles.  With a repeater up on a hill top will give you 50 miles easy.  I take 2 watt repeaters on fires up on mountain tops and cover 25-40 miles easy that is in a radius from the repeater.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[ghosthunter]

Thanks Russ.  I have Rhino 655t.  It is awesome (at 5w) but screen is worn and too small to read for my eyes.  I didnt know that about rugged radio. $$$  Hmm.  What are these midland mxt275base car units advertising 15watt etc.??  It looks like they are good, or is lies again?  https://midlandusa.com/products/mxt275-micromobile-two-way-radio

I have something like that in my truck, not midland. Works great when we are traveling as a group on the road and when trying to locate hunting partners coming out hands free.