EmailBest Reviewed
Two-Way Radios
- Best FRS/GMRS two-way radio Motorola EM1000 *Est. $45
- License-free two-way radio TriSquare TSX300 *Est. $80
- Two-way radio with GPS Garmin Rino 110 *Est. $145
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- Inexpensive
- Covers all 22 GMRS and FRS channels
- Limited range
- Potential eavesdropping
- FCC license for GMRS channels
We found the best reviews of the Motorola Talkabout FV200AA two-way radio (or of similar Motorola models) in Boy's Life and National Geographic Adventure magazines. ConsumerGuide.com rates this radio, and it attracts some user comments on Amazon.com.
This two-way radio has been discontinued, but you may find it on sites like eBay. As long as you don't need much range, reviewers said the Motorola Talkabout FV200AA was a good choice in a GMRS/FRS radio. The Motorola's rated range is five miles, but that distance can be greatly reduced by buildings, hills and other obstacles. This radio also lacks privacy codes, which may not be a problem out in the woods, but it could make conversations a challenge in areas where lots of radios are in use. The Motorola FV200AA covers all 22 GMRS and FRS channels, but like most two-way radios, using the GMRS channels requires an FCC license (available online for about $85). Be aware that because this radio operates on open channels, people using the same channel can listen in on your conversations. The current top pick in its class in our Best Reviewed section is the Motorola EM1000 (*est. $45 per pair).
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Our Sources
1. Boys' LifeDetails/Subscribe
In this article, a sports filmmaker is interviewed about two-way radios, and the writer lists 10 recommendations varying in brand, price, range and features. The pocket-sized Motorola FV200R (similar to the FV200AA) is recommended because it weighs less than 3 ounces and has a five-mile range.
Review: Two-Way Radio Buying Guide, Mark Anders, Aug. 2007
2. National Geographic AdventureDetails/Subscribe
Fulmer notes that even though the Motorola Talkabout FV200AA two-way radio costs just $20, it's durable and has a range of up to five miles. "The Talkabouts can withstand a throw from a horse or a hard landing off the halfpipe," he writes.
Review: Pack This, Josh Fulmer
The Motorola earns a decent rating in this brief review, but it scores better for value and ease of use than it does for performance. This write-up is based on features, and there's no evidence of hands-on testing (despite the performance rating).
Review: Motorola Talkabout FV200AA, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Apr. 10, 2006
4. Amazon.com
About two dozen owners post reviews of the Talkabout two-way radio, with an even split among five-star and one-star ratings. The unhappy owners report static, durability problems and poor range. Amazon.com no longer sells this model directly.
Review: Motorola FV200AA 5-Mile 2-Way Talkabout Radios, Contributors to Amazon.com
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3 picks by top review sites.
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GARMIN 010-00564-01 Rino 530HCx 2-Way Radio With GPS/FRS/GMRS
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