Product Review: Low-Priced 2-way Radios

TECHNOLOGY Znews.com --
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, and they're 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 live in the city, don't expect a range of more than several blocks if there are tall building around.

All the models reviewed here offer digital privacy codes. This allows you to tune out unwanted chatter by other people using the same 14 channels, and is a very important feature to have if you'll be around any other 2-way radio users.

Right now there are some great deals available. Below are our recommendations for the best values in low-priced two-way FRS radios.

Midland 75515XLBPR with Charger and Batteries (Pair) Price:$57.46 / pair (after $10 mail-in manufacturer's rebate). Pros: Great price (price is for two units). 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. [More info about Midland 75515XLBPR from Amazon]

Panasonic KXTR320S FRS 2-way Radio (Single, Titanium color) Price: $19.88 / 1 unit (after $30 mail-in manufacturer's rebate). Pros: Great price (price is for one unit, after $30 mail-in rebate). 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). [More info about Panasonic KXTR320S (Titanium) from Amazon]