REVIEW: FRS 2-way Radios (best value walkie-talkie)

Znews.com --
The FRS two-way radios are great for keeping track of your kids in the neighborhood, or family and friends on a car trip, ski slope, amusement park or at the mall. If you choose a model with a scan feature, you may also enjoy talking to or meeting other radio users in the area.

According to the manufacturers, you can use these FRS 14-channel 2-way radios for a range of up to 2 miles on land (depending on terrain) and up to 5 miles on water. Realistically, the range is somewhat less. If you live in the city, don't expect a range of more than several blocks if there are tall building around, but in more open areas, you can easily reach distances of at least a mile.

If you're using the radios in a relatively low-density area, the Motorolla T5100 is an inxepensive, fun set. For use in crowded areas, such as ski slopes or an amusement park, get a model with digital privacy codes, such as the Motorolla T5200 (good value) or the Panasonic KXTR320S (nice features).

Privacy codes add more sub-channels to the 14 basic channels, and you can tune out unwanted chatter by other people. With 38 privacy codes, you effectively get 532 different "channels" to choose from -- just set all the radios in your group to channel 11, privacy code 21, for example, and you're not likely to get any interference from outside users. Most of these units go through batteries relatively quickly with constant use, so purchase of rechargeable batteries is recommended.

See All Available 2-Way Radios

Motorola TalkAbout T5100 (AA) Midnight Blue 2-Way Radios (Pair)
Price: $34.88 / 2 units.
Pros: Great price (package includes 2 radios), solid construction.
Cons:14 channels only (no privacy codes), limited features, no channel scan feature, no squelch control, uses up batteries relatively quickly.
Other options:(1) AA Battery charger with 4 rechargeable batteries ($14.99).

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Motorola TalkAbout T5200 (AA) Red 2-Way Radios (Pair)
Price: $69.99 / 2 units.
Pros: Has 32 privacy codes, great price (package includes 2 radios), solid construction.
Cons:Limited features, no channel scan feature, no squelch control, uses up batteries relatively quickly.
Other options:(1) AA Battery charger with 4 rechargeable batteries ($14.99).

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Panasonic KXTR320S FRS 2-way Radio (Single, Titanium color)
Price: $99.95 / 1 unit.
Pros: 14-channel, 38 subcodes. Voice activated transmission. Separate speaker for listening gives phone-like privacy at lower volume. Solid, rubberized construction. Car power cord available.
Cons:Uses up batteries relatively quickly. Volume may not be high enough in noisy areas. Buttons small and close together.
Other options:(1) Cobalt Blue model, (2) AA Battery charger with 4 rechargeable batteries ($14.99).

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Midland 75515XLBPR with Charger and Batteries (Pair)
Price:$74.95 / pair.
Pros: Includes rechargeable batteries and charger. 1,694 code/channel combinations. Adjustable voice activated transmission. Automatic power stand-by feature prolongs battery life.
Cons: Buttons very small and close together. Relatively long battery charge time.
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