Which 2-way radio?

[DznyDreams]

I was at my local Wal-Mart today and I priced 3 different brands of 5-mile range, rechargeable, 2-way radios. Two of them were priced exactly the same, and the 3rd was much cheaper. Which of the following should I pick for in-park use? (Price is really not the major issue as I will use them for more than just this trip, but I really don't want to spend more than $75 before tax.) Could I actually expect to be able to communicate between parks with any of these models/brands? I don't know much about this stuff, so any input is helpful. Don't forget to vote!

#1 - Audiovox Twin-Pack - Model No. GMRS1222CH
Price: $29.77

Description:
*8 GMRS and 14 FRS channels
*5-mile range on GMRS channels
*38 channel subcodes
*Hands-free operation with VOX
*Electronic controls
*"Roger" beep
*Selectable high/low GMRS power settings
*Channel scan
*Includes 8 AA rechargeable NiMH batteries, dual desktop charger and swiveling belt clips

#2 - Motorola Talkabout Twin-Pack - Model No T5700
Price: $58.76

Description:
*7 GMRS/FRS 1-watt channels
*7 FRS 1/2-watt channels
*8 GMRS 1-watt channels
*38 interference eliminator codes
*1-watt transmit power
*5 audible call tones
*Talk confirmation tone
*Keypad lock
*Backlit display
*Transmit LED
*Battery meter indicator
*Audible low battery alert
*Rechargeable ready with 2 NiCd batteries (included)
*Comes with 2-pocket desktop charger that can charge batteries and/or radios and a transformer
*Audio accessory connector (single pin)
*Removable swivel belt clip
*Time-out timer
*QT noise filter
*Weather resistant
*Scan
*Nuisance delete (scan)
*Manual advance (scan)
*1-year warranty
*Includes user's guide

#3- Cobra Twin-Pack of PR550-2VP GMRS/FRS Radios
Price: $58.76

Description

*22 channels
*38 privacy codes
*Includes a dual-port rapid charger that can charge the included NiMH batteries 6 times faster than standard chargers
*2 earbud microphones
*Large backlit LCD panel
*Auto squelch
*Call alert with 10 tones
*Selectable roger beep
*Key lock
*Power-saver circuitry extends battery life
*Low battery indicator
*10-channel NOAA radio with NOAA All-Hazards Alert
*Radio scan by channel or privacy code
*Water-resistant design
*Rubberized soft grip
*Single-pin speaker/microphone jack

 

[nativetxn]

Which one did you choose?

 

[DznyDreams]

Originally posted by nativetxn
Which one did you choose?

None of the above! LOL!

I solicited the advice of a local gentleman who knows a heck of a lot more about this stuff than I do. I was told what to look for but not given an exact model/brand. I settled on the Motorola Talkabout T5920 NiCD Rechargeable. I purchased them at Best Buy for $79.95, but there is a $10 rebate that I can mail in. So, initially I've spent a little more than I had intended, but the rebate will save me. I'll also get the FCC license ($75.00 for 5 years), and then I'll be all set.

TALKABOUT® T5920 NiCD Rechargeable
Double Pack - Black

Highlighted Features: 7 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)/FRS (Family Radio Service) 1 Watt Channels; 7 FRS 1/2 Watt Channels; 8 GMRS 1 Watt Channels; 99 Interference Eliminator Codes; 10 Audible Call Alerts; Talk Confirmation Tone (like saying "over" or "roger"); Time Out Timer; Transmit LED
Removable Swivel Belt Clip; VOX Capable - talk hands free with or without an accessory; QT Noise Filter; Priority Scan; Nuisance Delete (Scan); Manual Advance (Scan); Audio Accessory Connector (Single Pin); Backlit Display

Indicators/ Alert Features: Battery Meter Indicator with Audible Low Battery Alert; VibraCall® alert

Security Features: Keypad Lock