Motorola Talkabout FV200AA

Discontinued
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Motorola Talkabout FV200AA

Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Covers all 22 GMRS and FRS channels
Cons
  • Limited range
  • Potential eavesdropping
  • FCC license for GMRS channels
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 

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).

Where To Buy
 
 
Motorola TalkAbout FV200AA 5-Mile 22-Channel Two-Way Radio (Pair)

 (30 reviews)
Buy new: $22.99   5 New from $25.23

In Stock.

 
 
 
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
eBayeBay rated 3.89 (1218 reviews)1,218 store reviewsIn Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Conditions apply.$43.08
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. Boys' Life

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 Adventure

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

3. ConsumerGuide.com

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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