MIDLAND GXT1050VP4 50-Channel 36-Mile Waterproof 2-Way GMRS Radio MIDLAND GXT1050VP4 50-Channel 36-Mile Waterproof 2-Way GMRS Radio

Pros: Durable, Long-lasting, Rugged, Decent Quality. These radios excel in performance and durability for a working crew.

Cons: Bad clip-on--easily dislodged. Hard to intuit features' setting. Cheap headsets with bad replacement options.

Other Thoughts: Bought four of these to start and love them for my crew. Three are still perfectly operational, but the headsets do not last well. Tried to add to the set but bought GXT795Vp4 by mistake. The private channels of these were lost on the other radios. Buying 4 more of these right now and wanted to share my experience with them.
We do fluid-applied roofing systems, so the waterproof feature comes into play with careless workers. City range is about 1 mile, effectively.

Pros: I used these a couple times after i bought them, paid more than i should have for them. Regardless, they were flawless. They have more features than ever needed. Why not just use a cell phone? But i was in a group of 20+ people, so in that situation these did the trick.

Mainly i use them when in a caravan with a bunch of cars.

Cons: I used them in the mountains so the 36 mile range was dropped to about a 2-5 mile range... Whatever. I guess if i was on the ocean they might work for 36 miles.

Other Thoughts: Worked for me.

Pros: Havent got em yet. Getting them in a few days but already know about them. Just correcting a couple other reviews that are innacurate.

Cons: N/A

Other Thoughts: "The frequency they use won't bounce off clouds and such, so their more of a line of site broadcast. For this you will need to use UHF radios."

mathelm- FRS and GMRS operate from 462MHz-467MHz which happen to be UHF. These radios ARE UHF radios.

"700Mah 5 cell AAA pack!"

RetroFighter- Not sure of the actual A/Hr rating but these are AA, not AAA.

Jus keepin things sqared up for other viewers!

Pros: It's great for using in airsoft. We use them for tactical uses during the games. The batteries last a long time. I had mine packed for a few months and the battery was still charged when I started using it again. We bought two sets last year and I just bought another set for the rest of our team.

Cons: The headset is hard to keep on with the helmet and mask I use for airsoft. I bought another headset for it.

Pros: Waterproof and rugged, holds a charge for a LONG time. Privacy channels work well.

Cons: 36 mile range grossly overstated. For skiing, you really must be on the same side of the mountain to even have a change, ideally on the same slope/run. Haven't tested the range on flat land, but I'm sure it's much better. A little bulky considering the lack of range.

Pros: Low cost, free shipping. My nine year old son loves to play with them.

Cons: They don't come even CLOSE to the advertised transmission distance (37 miles???). Under typical terrain (some trees, a few houses), I am at BEST able to transmit and receive about a mile away on the low frequency channels and "maybe" a mile and a half away on the FCC channels. I consider that a rip off.

Other Thoughts: These will be good for camping, in the immediate neighborhood, or special events. Unless you're transmitting over a desert terrain or open water, don't expect the signal to get out very far.

Pros: The best family type radio I've seen yet. Vibrating alert. Really cool Secret Service type ear peace and cuff mic available at a great price.

Cons: Group Mode isn't private. Not really water proof. While they handle WET very well, if submerged for more than a few seconds, they will die ( search youtube ). Camouflage color which guaranty's that if you drop it in the woods, you will never find it. (Why do ya have a camouflage wallet? reply: I hunt!... Yea well You drop that thing in the woods, you gonna hunt alright!)

Other Thoughts: Most people see the 36 mile range and don't realize that the test was done in the most optimal conditions. (i.e. Flat land desert like conditions, low humidity etc..). Like when you read the sticker on a big SUV that claims 25mpg. If you were in outer space, say on the dark side of the moon, you could probably get a few hundred miles. In reality they will do around 1, maybe 2 miles here in NC in a semi congested area. These radios are controlled by the FCC and are limited to 5 watts (your cell phone is 1 watt). The frequency they use won't bounce off clouds and such, so their more of a line of site broadcast. For this you will need to use UHF radios.
FYI. The group mode is not private. Anyone on the same channel can hear your conversation. But they can't respond (i.e. you can't hear them). If you have 3 or more radios in your group, you can page a individual radio, but your conversation will be heard by the whole group, along with anyone else on that channel.

Pros: Radios have great range and look good. The battery life is very good for being a 700Mah 5 cell AAA pack! Comes with a nice charger that works well! Headsets fit well but are a little tricky to adjust and keep in your ear for action use!

Cons: Better headsets are hard to find for midland 2 pin radios. well, at least tactical heatsets are.

Other Thoughts: Over all I would choose these radios over much more expensive radios! The 5 watt output and good receiver make it out perform most of the other radios on the market!