When you're outside cell phone service and need to get in touch with your hunting buddies, reach for these long-range two-way radios.
Once you realize the benefits of a good set of two-way radios for you and your hunting party, you'll always want to use them.
Once you experience a crummy, unreliable walkie talkie while out in the woods, especially when you really need it, you'll realize something else. Quality matters, and these three will set you up well in that regard.
Midland GXT1050VP4
These two-way radios from Midland offer a 36-mile range, water-resistant construction, and clear, crisp sound quality. The unit is finished in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. A total of 285 privacy codes give you over 6,000 channel options to block out other users, and an SOS siren sends out a location-specific distress signal in case of emergency. NOAA channels and Weather Scan alert you of severe weather conditions nearby. Featuring five different animal call alerts, each pair comes with belt clips, desktop charger, rechargeable battery packs, AC/DC adapters, and a pair of boom mic headsets.
While GMRS two-way radios—such as the Midland GXT1000VP4—are also excellent options for hunters, they require a special license from the FCC to operate. So be sure you're eligible before going this route.
Cobra ACXT1035R FLT
These compact camo walkie talkies have a maximum range of 37 miles, a built-in LED flashlight, rubberized grips, and VibrAlert to notify you of incoming transmissions. They're completely waterproof and will float if you drop them in a creek or lake. Rewind-Say-Again repeater technology lets you to replay missed radio calls, while VOX allows for hands-free voice activation. NOAA weather alerts will keep you informed of government-operated weather channel warnings based on your location. The Cobra handheld radios come with a dual-port charger for the rechargeable batteries but also work with regular AAA batteries.
Motorola T465
These weatherproof two-way radios from Motorola are lightweight, boast a battery life of up to 26 hours, and offer a 35-mile maximum range. Emergency alerts, VibraCall, NOAA capability, VOX technology, and a flashlight are built into T465 radios. The dual-pack standard package comes with two rechargeable battery packs, belt clips, cable charging adapter, a soft-molded carry case, and earbuds with PTT microphone.
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