There're (just) small enough to fit in a top pocket and forget about until you need to contact your buddy, and then they're far easier (and cheaper) to use than a cellphone. Brand: Midland; Range: 36 miles; Power output: 5 watts; Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 4 AA . I'm impressed with the features such as group mode and the large number of available channels to operate on. They should be a lot easier and safer than trying to use cell phones while driving down the road. Something that can be added to the set or as an accessory is a cord or strap which attaches to the radio and then put around your neck to prevent the radio from falling out of your pocket. Coming in at a very close second is a cousin of the GXT1000, the GXT1050. The weather radio scanned and picked the right channel within seconds, and the group call, hands-free activation, and privacy code features were also excellent. We purchased the Midland GXT1000VP4 so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. You can return any Blue ridge Overland Gear product in 30 days, for any reason. Having otherwise competent, intelligent people program a feature-rich radio's complex menu, often leads to considerable frustration. Backlit LCD this will enable you to conveniently use the device at night, in the dark, or dimly lit areas. The followingtable gives you an over view of mid land two way radios that we review. (See here for our hours. I went out with a friend on his boat and was able to communicate with his family back at the shore, and we were easily 10 miles away. Power often insufficient for clear communication on Channels 8 - 14 (the channels not requiring FCC licensing), especially when one or more radios are within a steel-framed building. Using the dual-function buttons does lead to unwanted actions like pressing "CALL" when "LOCK" is wanted or "SCAN" instead of "MON". Great Value for the money. However, these handy devices are often hamstrung by poor sound quality, limited range, and difficulty overcoming interfering obstacles. With this radio, as well as with the others, you can perform automatic channel scans for activity. There are other brands out there, like BaoFeng, Cobra and Amcrest. For the under $150/set range of radios, this is the one we recommend and use. The first step was choosing which radios to look at and test. The package comes with three rechargeable batteries for each radio, plus an AC adapter so you can charge the batteries when you arent using it. Having had a lot of experience with ham equipment in the VHF/UHF bands I know that range can be limited, even with mobile radios having ten times the power and high gain antennas. Using this to stay in contact on road trips with other cars in the pack. Commonality of use by others within range can cause static and be very annoying. The signal seemed to travel better than on other smaller ships that had more blocks of metal in the center. The Midland GXT1000 is Popular for a Reason! The GXT1000 also has a ton of channels, has great power and a host of other features. However, these handy devices are often hamstrung by poor sound quality, limited range, and difficulty overcoming interfering obstacles. You can get two packs, so that you have a total of four radios, for less than what it would cost two buy two of my other radio picks. You are in luck, because the GXT1050 even has 5 animal call alerts. There are also 142 privacy codes that you can use for privacy transmissions. i bought two more abouut three months ago. Ive also looked at other brands before, and although Ive owned Midland radios for personal use, I hadnt been able to test different Midland radios to see which one was the best of the best. But, to make sure that doesnt become a problem, especially with kids, the LXT118 also has a keypad lock. A Midland radio could be very useful to a couple of hunting buddies, especially if the radio that you use for hunting has the ability for whisper quiet communication or a vibrate mode, like you will find on the Midland GXT1050. The main difference, is none of the radios I looked at had a Bluetooth option, whereas Motorola does produce a radio with Bluetooth technology. The difference between FRS and GMRS radios, How walkie talkies can help when you're quarantined with an illness, Radio 101 - How to use Dual Watch on a Midland GXT1000, Radio 101 - How to choose a NOAA weather channel for your radio, TWRS-139 - Two Way Radios in the Mountains. My wife followed in our other car. However, we do try to prioritize orders when possible, if necessary - so feel free to contact us for the most recent information on turn-around times. Site advertising, and even Midland's packaging claims radios are waterproof. I am writing this review for others, because I could not find any reviewers that use these radios for baby monitors. After looking online for over a week I found "Buy Twooway radios" with having the best price I could find anywhere online or off. Giving them a radio to take with them means I have instant communication. If you are looking for a two-way radio and want a low cost option, then the LXT118 model from Midland is right up your alley. Very simple to get on the FCC website. All in all, it will be tough to find a better Midland radio for this price. They make several different models with a variety of options and pretty decent prices. It also has a removable antenna, which can allow you to extend range considerably more than higher wattage. Good radio for intended use. Learn how the long-coming and inevitable shift to electric impacts you. Great radios not quite the range I was hoping for but okay for the price, good value. However, it is worth noting that far cheaper radios such as the Arcshell AR-5 (which retails for around $25) are nearly its equal in terms of performance. True, you do lose some capability and range with the LXT1000, but if that is okay for your personal situation, then this is a great two-way radio option for you. Three day back packing adventure along the Arizona Trail and Rincon Mountains. Though the GXT1000VP4 features top-of-the-line performance and features, the much cheaper Arcshell AR-5 will get you similar audio quality and obstacle-piercing power for a much more wallet-friendly price. I will use the headset without the earclip. Glad we chose this product. The units can be charged simultaneously, and they lock in with a reassuring snap. They are going to be limited by the propagation impediments that make up the ship structure But the bottom line is that you can't beat the usability vs the price for this Midland product. Auto-squelch the feature will aid in reducing any background noise that may be emitted by the device when there is no transmission by anyone. If you find yourself asking why you should take my opinion into consideration when looking for the best Midland two-way radio I dont blame you. Had plenty with the other brand. Keep reading for our full product review. For [$] for 2 (including all needed accessories) you are getting the best radios. I've since purchased ten more and upon their arrival, I discovered one didn't operate at all. USPS charges around $15 dollars per address change. And the stock earpiece/mic that comes in the set can be discomforting when wearing for extended periods. Hopefully you can tell this article is intended for just about everybody. Now that you know a little about the radios I picked, and why I chose them, lets go into how I tested each radio to see how they operated and how well their features worked. I was pleasantly surprised at the range of these radios2 1/2 miles in an urban/suburban settingbetter reception on this radio than the police radio system I use everyday at work! The product arrived in perfect condition the next day as promised. We use them spotting on the trial . I am very pleased with my Midland two-way radio's. I tested it with kids and my wife, so I got a wide range of voices and accents (my wife is from the Southern US! Midland isnt the only maker of two-way radios, of course. Radio selected for citizen disaster response groups locally. THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE HAD IS THE BATTERY PACK IN ONE OF MY RADIOS WILL NOT KEEP A CHARGE. However, the former is an FRS and GMRS radio, the X-talker T71VP3 is for FRS use only. Cant go wron g here. Quality is suspect. All FRS and GMRS channels. Me and my wife did a cruise to they Caribbean and they worked perfectly. He's reviewed cameras, weather stations, noise-cancelling headphones, and more for Lifewire. Both Midland GXT1000VP4 and T71VP3 operate on the same frequencies, 462-467 MHz. The whisper mode made it possible to whisper into the radio and the other person could hear plainly on the other radio. Great set of radios for the money, you can't go wrong. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Likewise enabling and disabling weather service channels simply baffles many people. This radio has a tendency to show wear faster than others we tested. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a good set of radios. Midland GXT1050VP4 Two Way Radio Second Option, BUY MIDLAND GXT1050VP4 | 4PACK | 6 PACK | 8 PACK | 10 PACK. We do not have a lot of obstructions but these still have trouble connecting. This isn't really a problem but it is not a significant benefit either. They work great. When you use this feature, you will alert others and provide your actual location for them to come for your aid. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. I purhased the radios primarily to keep in contact with other vehicles when travelling together. We live in a rural area, and my girls love to go hiking in the woods. This radio pretty much has it all. Go ahead and put your new found knowledge to good use to help make the best decision for your personal situation and requirements. Being a ham operator with a UHF ICOM receiver I was able to do a simple signal strength test with the Midland compared to my older Motorola units. As with most others, all of the functions are not immediately easy to adjust, but a few minutes with the directions sorted us out. your full name, (2.) The stated 36 mile range might be possible in outer space. Thank you. Like its cousin the GXT1000, the value pack comes with a host of accessories like belt clips, headsets and a desktop charger. WE NEEDED MORE POWER FROM 2 WATTS TO 5 WATTS AND BETTER RANGE. With a walkie talkie, you can communicate with your friends even when there is a big mountain separating the two of you. The 1050 comes with a mossy oak camouflage design and has the ability to produce animal calls along with silent operation and a vibrate alert, all of which are perfect for hunters. The weather band on here is the best. For the money, a very nice set of radios. You can use the handset comfortably since it can work even when they are splashed by water while using them outdoors. So, if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links on this site, I receive a commission for it. I WISHED WE HAD 2+ MILES WITHOUT ANY HILLY TERRAIN IN OUR AREA. Otherwise, the worked great, real world range in the hilly woods is about 2 miles, if there's somewhat open country 4 miles is pretty easy. On board ship, with 8 people in our group, we set all of our talkies for Channel 21 (everyone else had Motorolas), Privacy Code 21. Moved cross country with all of our belongings in a u haul pulling a trailer with one of our vehicles on a trailer. You basically use your voice to activate the radio. Midland GXT1030VP4 with bold yellow faceplate. Shipping calculated at checkout. The Midland GXT1000VP4 is equipped with fantastic features that will enable excellent communication within a group, whether youre in the warehouse or on a hiking trail. The GXT1000VP4 features 50 available channels and boasts an advertised 36-mile range. 2 Cons: Certain accessories do not trigger the radio into TX mode and can be frustrating to operate. Add to cart. A superficial complaint is in reference to the call button. That radio is the LXT model. I had originally bought the radios for airsofting(it a lot like paintball for those that don't know). I tested the Midland GXT 1000's last night from the steal workshop and the house, a distance of aprx. use as campground radios. The Midland GXT1000VP4 has up to 50 channels that you can use to communicate efficiently within a 36-mile range. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Also a source of revenue to rent out to groups to use. If for some reason you dont love your authentic BROG gear, let us know and well make it right. Where it did shine nicely was range, which at 38 miles is a little more than either of the GXT radios. I live in the Rocky mountains and have used the radios many times at ranges no other radio can match these are the best radios available! You get a charger, belt clips, headsets, all of that included. 5 out of . We are a small assmebly shop, so extensive range was not needed. This hands-free capability was one of our favorite features and could be vital in a number of situations where you are unable to press and hold a button to talk. walki-talki.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. There is also a group call feature, which allows you to create a group among various radio units and make direct calls within that group, and 10 different call tones. But if you are just using it to keep in touch with a hiking partner on the trail or a skiing buddy at the resort, the AR-5 is all you are ever likely to need. $99.99. The X-talker comes with a base charger you can place two radios in to charge, plus a micro USB charging cable and electric outlet adapter. Once we are about 1/2-3/4 mile apart, depending on terrain, we loose signal. First of all, this radio gives you a ton of channel options. It's easy to use,well made and people asks me about it.I am in the northern part of South America,using it.Live in California. The range was about 2-4 miles on the highway but that worked out fine for us because we were following one another. One of my favorite aspects of the GXT1000 is all the accessories that come with the value pack. VERY GOOD RADIO FOR THE MONEY. Garmin GPSMAP 66i Handheld Navigator and Satellite Communicator, Garmin Zmo XT 5.5" Compact Waterproof All-Terrain GPS, Midland GXT1000VP4 5-Watt AC/12V-Rechargeable GMRS Radio (Pair), DO NOT attempt to place an order at the last minute, please note: we typically do not reply on evenings and weekends when the office is closed, 2023 Blue Ridge Overland Gear Please keep in mind, if you order one of our products and it is a low stock item there may be additional time required for production. The battery indicator is not accurate. I recently purchased two pair of them for the dealership. Wattage: The power and performance of a GMRS radio depend on the wattage. your order number. The range on the X-Talker is nothing short of awesome. WE WENT WITH THE MIDLAND GXT 1000 RADIOS. Tweet. We lost one during the trip, so I have now written addresses inside the battery door on the others. Midland MXT400 GMRS Two-Way Radio. If we are helping other customers, or you call outside of our normal storefront hours, please leave a message with: (1.) I am using this to run race track safty. It takes practice to not clip the first spoken word. Midland GXT1000VP4 Radios With Headsets and Charger. I found the headsets to work very well and be extremely useful if you want to go hands free for doing yard work or anything you need to use your hands. The GXT-900VP4 is a full featured radio that . You also have an SOS siren and an NOAA weather scanning feature that provides you with the local forecast and can run in the background to relay severe weather alerts. I feel they are the best made for the price and what they do. This is a solid second alternative and is also a great choice for anyone that wants a two-way radio specifically designed for hunters and outdoorsmen. But the minute we went behind a ridge or a large block of buildings, we found ourselves cut off. Digitalnerds blog is reader-supported. You can also set the device to a vibrate mode for silent alerts. Seems great so far. Great radios, but not much range. It's the best recreational hand-held I've ever owned. Using the AA alkaline batteries, the handset will last you for up to 23 hours. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Definitely worth the price if you need the extra features. The LXT118 also has a hands-free operation mode, which I really liked. The X-Talker is also water resistant, so you can take it outdoors with you. All of this, and all the features I just mentioned, come with a pretty reasonable price tag, as well. to stay in touch and they work great every time. In this post I will be providing a brief comparison between two of our more popular models, the Motorola MS350R and the Midland GXT1000VP4. We like that it has a volume/power knob, and enough buttons to make menu navigation a bit easier, but it has . The Midland GXT-1000-VP4 boasts maximum power with X-TRA TALK, allowing for up to 36 miles Xtreme Range in optimal conditions (typically 2 miles or less in urban conditions). So, thanks for reading along so far the best is still to come! I was skeptical about the stated range of these radios, but truly impressed after buying them. Great for Family Vacations to keep in touch with everyone! while unloading tree stands in the mountains,my radio fell out of my pocket unto the road.i picked it up and i said oh no;i wiped it off from the dirt and turned it on and GREAT it still worked. Others in our group have tried other brands but all of them have switched back to these. Add to Cart. Great product and we would recommend to any small businesses needing to improve their communications! The GXT1000VP4 is ideally suited for group communication. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. It has a NOAA weather alert mode that automatically synchs up with your local weather station to alert you before any severe weather arrives. The walkie talkies can be used to stay in contact with other hikers on your adventure. We like the volume knob on top of the GXT for quick adjustment. You wont ever have that problem with GXT1000. Well, if you dont have many channels to choose from, it can be difficult to find a private channel. I'm head of Security Operations at my Church and found these radios meets my needs and desires to stay in contact. It felt bulky in a jacket pocket, so we preferred to use the supplied belt clip or keep it in our backpack when it was not in use much. However, in my fairly dense residential neighbourhood with lots of tall trees and three story houses, one third of a mile is about the maximum range. I mentioned earlier I am an avid outdoorsman. Used by a professional real estate inspector. The major impediment is that you can't expect 100% communications availability on these large ships with so much metal that absorbs or blocks the signal. The headphone and microphone ports are covered by a rubber cap that snaps securely into place to prevent dust and moisture from entering these sensitive interfaces. Please include in your order notes what day you must have the items "in hand" if your order is time-sensitive. It has a few hiccups, but it also crams in tons of features, great range, and impressive audio quality into an attractive, professionally styled unit. One way or another, I am outdoors a lot. We talk to the next crossing guard to let them know how many children are coming to them and who they are. The plugs are not suitable in U.k. with some adaptors. Bought 2 sets (4 radios). Ive used plenty of radios, especially in urban situations, where I could hear someone else on the radio because they were on the same channel I was. It has many of the same features as the 1000, including great range, water and weather proof and plenty of channels. We all 28 Crossing guards us these radios to help keep tabbies on children and were they are . Please remember that your product total (before shipping costs) must be over $129 to qualify for FREE SHIPPING. Our arrival and departure teams use these to communicate with one another while directing accessible vans around our parking lots. We use four of these around our property which encompasses about 8 acres. haven't had a chance yo use them too much, but they seem to have decent range. I like the vox controlled headset. There are times that some other radios in the area will override and we will have to change channels, but for the moneyit is a great buywe have never had trouble with the radiosthey don't last forever, we have had to replace somebut we will continue to buy. In other words, the GXT1000 is one of the best two-way radios on the market today, not just compared to other Midland radios, but compared to all other radios. We found out that the radio has uses for tracking a spouse during shopping season. I was also impressed with the voice quality on each channel I used. We take a cruise every year. Well, you get the option of procuring a single pack and then a bundle pack too. I found this to be very valuable around the neighborhood when I would give one of my kids a radio. Its really the extra features that make the Midland stand out. Yes, you can get a package of two LXT118 radios for less than $30. If you have ever used two-way radios, you have probably heard of the company Midland. One minute it said I had a full battery the next it said the battery was low. We manufacture rugged storage solutions from premium materials. Cell phone towers are known to be down or useless during a natural disaster or emergency situation, so two-way radios from Midland are a great way to have communications without worrying about cell phone signal strength or availability. Keep reading for our full product review. The Midland GXT1000VP4 is built of durable plastic and feels like a device that should be able to take a beating, though the plastic screen will likely pick up scratches with time. Sign up for our newsletter today! I did get this reply from Midland regarding the newest version of the GXT1000 series radios: "Thank you for contacting Midland Radio. 75 yards and direct line of sight. For less than $100, you get an extremely capable radio with a ton of extra accessories. They also work great in big box stores where cell phones don't. They are also great for kids because they offer a way for parents to keep track of where they are, and also some protection from danger. The main differences are that the GXT1050 was specifically designed and made with hunters and outdoorsman in mind. The GXT1000 comes with a ton of other features, too. It is worth mentioning though, that the menu systems to access these features are frustratingly complex, and you will need to spend a lot of time referring to the manual to make full use of them. Fast delivery and everything is performing as expected. The radios we purchased had group mode, which was indispensable to us, as we did not need to hear everyone's conversation, only those we needed to talk with. If you already have GMRS radios 50 watt and are still looking for a 40 watt, this one fits the bill well. I hang the earbud in my ear and bandaid the mouthpiece to my cheek for trouble free headset use. When it comes to range, Midland tends to be in a league of its own, offering a full 5 watts of transmit power with the GXT1000 radios. Many of the other teams were so impressed with the quality, performance and value of the combo pack's pricing, they will be ordering the same units. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. We were able to install the batteries easily. For my use its good but any other with obstructons I would look elsewhere. I purchased 10 of these radios for my shop staff. It is easy to use, has a backlit display and works about as well as any radio Ive ever tested. Whisper function you can use this to speak quietly into the handset during the outdoor expedition. I bought them for a ski trip to Colorado, They work great. We have used them several times so far and find them to be of good quality, especially for the price. I receive signal at 1.5 miles rooftop to rooftop without a hitch. After all, everyone has a different situation and circumstances for two-way radio communication. If you select one of these power options, the radio wouldnt have as much range, but the battery life is longer because the radio isnt putting out as much power. I did a lot of reading on the Midland GXT1000 units and purchased for several of the features such as Direct Call, additional privacy codes and locking keypad to name a few which are key when multiple people are sharing radios. The USA's best selling handheld radios bring GMRS radio technology and NOAA weather alerts to your next adventure. We use our radios while shopping, vacationing and even arond the house. I have tried literally all baby monitors and they barely work around the house. Use on biking, shopping etc. Setting privacy tones seems overly difficult to many. Bought these to use while my husband and I are riding our motorcycles. I'd recommend keeping batteries handy for when the battery pack goes dead. Very pleased with the radios and especially the battery life. This is very important to me, especially in a scenario where you want to have private discussions. The only bad thing is that some of the channels that the radio can go to are restricted depending on where you live. It has a hands-free feature, if you purchase or have an optional headset to use with it. Midland advertises a range of up to 36 miles. Overall, we found this radio to be superior in terms of reception and sound quality. HardLuck682 3 yr. ago. Its large screen and more user-friendly control layout were necessary to efficiently navigate the larger number of functions this radio offers. Buy Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio . We are very happy with the product and would purchase again when needed. When Im not working, Im outdoors with my family.
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