Just a couple other tips, if this is for playing tactical games or soldier of fortune exercises out in the woods with a few buddies. Or as part of your personal 'bug out bag', to grab and go with.
First is that less is sometimes more, in two big ways. Bear in mind that out in the field, this handheld is not the only kit that is going to be strapped to you. You would be surprised how much weight and bulk you will be carrying. Every ounce and square inch matters. So whether it is a bug out bag, or going out there as part of a group, you will appreciate a smaller, lighter radio. A full-sized 5w handheld is always a bigger, longer and heavier carry.
The second 'less is sometimes more' goes to transmission strength. A higher power handheld is going to beacon you further out when you break radio silence. If you are all chattering back and forth at full power, every time you key, it is like turning on your tactical lamp at night. Others may be scanning, and will 'hear you coming' much sooner at higher outputs.
Most small groups do not fan out more than a mile overall anyway, so you won't need that extra power unless you are truly separated and stranded from your group. Ideally, when on the move, you want just enough range to reach your group members, and no more. Someone can carry a more powerful mobile base or a single full-size handheld as your 'radio man' if you need to reach back to fixed locations. So keep that in mind, too.
With all that in mind, this line is reasonably priced and currently very popular among the hunters, even more so than the higher power GTX units:
It is very small and very light, requires no license, and has a real-world range of up to 2 miles. It has adequate water and rough handling resistance, and recharges off a car, or off any other 5v (USB) source, making it much more power versatile than its bigger GTX brothers. Drop three lithium AAs into one, and you can run it all weekend long. That matters.
If you need more power and more environmental durability, then their GTX line is a full-power GMRS handheld, with about a 2-3 mile range, but a no-test license will be required with it. And it is substantially bigger and heavier.
At the lower end of the market, I think right now Midland makes a better line than Motorola, Cobra or Uniden does. That changes as you move up-market. These companies have all been around for many decades, and have a good reputation in the consumer RF field.
If you have more money to burn, you can start looking at the professional grade Motorola equipment, but that realistically starts at a couple hundred dollars per unit.
I would also be discerning about trusting internet reviews on this equipment. Many are just Amazon referrers. Talk to people into outdoor sports and hunting, camping and hiking. They will give you honest feedback.
Thank you again. This is all extremely helpful, and I'm saving the info. I've only had some lower end Motorolas for light outdoor use, and those midlands look like a great, practical upgrade.
And if you ever need a favor from a Cali-pede, consider yourself on my good side. :)
Happy to help you out.
Just a couple other tips, if this is for playing tactical games or soldier of fortune exercises out in the woods with a few buddies. Or as part of your personal 'bug out bag', to grab and go with.
First is that less is sometimes more, in two big ways. Bear in mind that out in the field, this handheld is not the only kit that is going to be strapped to you. You would be surprised how much weight and bulk you will be carrying. Every ounce and square inch matters. So whether it is a bug out bag, or going out there as part of a group, you will appreciate a smaller, lighter radio. A full-sized 5w handheld is always a bigger, longer and heavier carry.
The second 'less is sometimes more' goes to transmission strength. A higher power handheld is going to beacon you further out when you break radio silence. If you are all chattering back and forth at full power, every time you key, it is like turning on your tactical lamp at night. Others may be scanning, and will 'hear you coming' much sooner at higher outputs.
Most small groups do not fan out more than a mile overall anyway, so you won't need that extra power unless you are truly separated and stranded from your group. Ideally, when on the move, you want just enough range to reach your group members, and no more. Someone can carry a more powerful mobile base or a single full-size handheld as your 'radio man' if you need to reach back to fixed locations. So keep that in mind, too.
With all that in mind, this line is reasonably priced and currently very popular among the hunters, even more so than the higher power GTX units:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018111247?pid=590736
It is very small and very light, requires no license, and has a real-world range of up to 2 miles. It has adequate water and rough handling resistance, and recharges off a car, or off any other 5v (USB) source, making it much more power versatile than its bigger GTX brothers. Drop three lithium AAs into one, and you can run it all weekend long. That matters.
If you need more power and more environmental durability, then their GTX line is a full-power GMRS handheld, with about a 2-3 mile range, but a no-test license will be required with it. And it is substantially bigger and heavier.
At the lower end of the market, I think right now Midland makes a better line than Motorola, Cobra or Uniden does. That changes as you move up-market. These companies have all been around for many decades, and have a good reputation in the consumer RF field.
If you have more money to burn, you can start looking at the professional grade Motorola equipment, but that realistically starts at a couple hundred dollars per unit.
I would also be discerning about trusting internet reviews on this equipment. Many are just Amazon referrers. Talk to people into outdoor sports and hunting, camping and hiking. They will give you honest feedback.
Thank you again. This is all extremely helpful, and I'm saving the info. I've only had some lower end Motorolas for light outdoor use, and those midlands look like a great, practical upgrade.
And if you ever need a favor from a Cali-pede, consider yourself on my good side. :)