2-way woods radios...?

[redleg155]

Hello all,

I'm looking for a very good 2-way, probably vhf, system for field use. I have read a bit about the latest stuff and would like some input from those that have used hand-held 2-way radios in the field.

The purpose of these items will be to keep me in contact with my son (soon to be 11) at scout outings primarily. Since he's a type I diabetic and wears an insulin infusion pump, communication can be critical at times. While we'll be attending the outings together, we will not often be co-located. We should be within 20 minutes or so of each other, which is perfect.

I'm leaning towards the VHF radios with "MURS" frequencies - these are free of permitting from the FCC and are targeted at the commercial / business user. But, I hear these radios work great for a mile or more in the woods.

Don't want to put a price limit on the search, but I expect to spend more than what I would for Wally Worlds top shelf and less than about $250 each so I don't need to call for life support from my unit if/when my son loses one!  Price is not really the limiting factor, performance and durability are more important.

I've been looking at the Motorola RDX / RDV 2020 series that are MURS capable.

Thanks - redleg

[GeneRector]

  Howdy! Look on eBay and search for MURS radios. Columbia is one brand and Dakota is another one. They should be within your price range. Good Luck!Always, Gene

[redleg155]

Thanks GeneRector.

I'm also desiring some feedback / experiences from those that have used these radios.

redleg

[Torwe]

Your leaning towards the MURS frequencies is a sound move in my opinion. As a licensed ham I am quite familiar with various radio freqs. The murs band is totally uncluttered. And the range is quite acceptable for this band and also you would be surprised just how many people moniter the murs freqs although they very seldom talk. I do on occasion talk on them and you would be surprised at the range avaliable.

[Catfish]

For the price the FRS radios are hard to beat. I don`t know how far you are wanting to get, but we use the FRS radios while coyote hunting with dogs and on flat land consistantly get 2 to 3 mile range. In the woods or in the mountains I would think worst case at least 1/2 mi. To do any better your going to have to spend a bunch of money.