Which Radios to buy?

[momoftwins]

I know this has been beat to death. I tried to use the search function, but it is not working.

Well, what are the most economical radios to buy? With 5 yr old twins, I am sure we will be splitting up.

I do remember someone said to make sure the radios had subchannels??, is there anything else I should look for?

What brand do you use?
Thanks to all.

 

[Humpbacks1962]

I have a pair of Cobras that work great. You can find them at Staples for under $70.00. Last month they had a rebate offer for $10.00 off.

A good advice: Get them with recharging units rather than buying the rechargeable batteries separately! I know some people don't think it makes a difference but it is so much simpler to just stick the whole thing in a recharger after every use!

Matter of preferences maybe, but I don't like getting the batteries in and out every time after using.

Wanda

 

[LBYC-19]

We have Motorola talkabouts with subchannels. When DD went to WDW last summer with soccer team, they all placed their radios on one channel for the day and had no problems.
I don't have the battery pack (people do rave about it this feature), but, she used it all week on the same batteries (then we used it all summer) and STILL didn't need a change of batteries, so I guess it depends on how much you will use them. My sister has seen these at half price for $40- because they are always coming out with newer models. You are correct, the subchannels are what you need, brand is pesonal preference (and of course, what is on sale!)

 

[LBYC-19]

We have Motorola talkabouts with subchannels. When DD went to WDW last summer with her soccer team, they all placed their radios on one channel for the day and had no problems.
I don't have the battery pack (people do rave about it this feature), but, she used it all week on the same batteries (then we used it all summer) and STILL didn't need a change of batteries, so I guess it depends on how much you will use them. My sister has seen these at half price for $40- because they are always coming out with newer models. You are correct, the subchannels are what you need, brand is pesonal preference (and of course, what is on sale!)

 

[travlnman1]

Is a radio with a radius of 2 miles sufficient or should
you have a 5 mile radius?

 

[RobinLyn]

The best kind to buy are FRS (Family Radio Service) radios with sub channels. There is some great info at Deb Wills site on 2-way radios and what to buy http://wdwig.com/radio.htm
I purchased two for our up coming trip to WDW at Amazon.com and they are great! Even better they were on sale for $29.95 each, regular price $99.99 each. We have two teenage boys and know we will get lots of use out of them. The ones I purchased are made by Midland (below) and they have been around for years. Check Amazon.com for some great prices. I received them in the mail 3 days after ordering online. If the ones you purchase don't come with a battery charger, this is something you will probably want to buy.

RobinLyn


Midland 75517CBX 14 Channel 2-Way Radio with NOAA Weather, Charger & Batteries
Up to 2-mile range
14 channels
38 CTCSS (sub channels) and 83 DCS digital privacy codes
10 weather/hazard channels (7 NOAA, 3 Canadian)
12-function LCD screen; channel scan, 4-tone respond buttons, dual-watch and power-save modes

 

[Babblin'Boo]

I'll swear by those recharging units myself! It is awesome to just stick the whole thing in a stand rather than pull batteries out of the radios and recharge each time you use, over and over again.

 

[dvcdudes]

Whatever you do.... Get the ones with sub channels.

 

[beavismom]

CompUSA has a pair in their ad this week for only $19. I think you have to do a rebate, but these are the 14 channel FRS radios with sub-channels. I wouldn't wait long to get them though or CompUSA will run out.

 

[Mskanga]

make sure you get the ones with sub-channels, I got the motorola talkabout FR60 with the 38 subchannels and 2 miles radius and I promise I will never go to an amusement park without them again, they worked wonderful in WDW without a problem and we also use them at other amusement parks in the summer time.