My walkie-talkie recommendation.

[mformby]

No problems with Midland here

I bought two Midland GXT1000vp4 several years ago, maybe 5 at least. I have had no problems with them. The original purpose was for a cruise we were going on. There were 13 of us and we had 6 Midlands. The adults used one channel and the kids used a separate one. I was surprised, and pleased, at their performance. They worked much better than I thought they would.We each had spare NiMH batteries but one battery worked all day. My only complaint with the Midlands is the volume control knob is too easy to bump and turn down or up. It needs to have more restriction. Other than that we all really liked our Midlands. So I would recommend them without hesitation. Maybe you just got a bad set.

UPDATE:

As it turns out, the regular non-rechargeable batteries fit in fine, but all types of rechargeable get stuck! This is a MASSIVE design flaw that is an absolute deal-breaker! I just about had enough "fun" picking out batteries from them while they get stuck one after another, so I don't even bother with the confusing "Group" features and such.

I already talked to my buddies about my findings and my gigantic disappointment, so I recommended them to take these back to the store and either pick a Motorola instead, or request a refund, because this particular Midland model is a complete and utter disaster as is!

My next recommendation to them will be something like these Motorolas:
Motorola Talkabout MS355R 2-Way Radio Pair (Camouflage) MS355R

These Midland walkies looked great on paper, but delivered junk in actual usage!

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM AT ALL!!!

... but at least my buddies didn't have to find all this out on their own, the hard way.

 

[MrGClips]

I bought two Midland GXT1000vp4 several years ago, maybe 5 at least. I have had no problems with them. The original purpose was for a cruise we were going on. There were 13 of us and we had 6 Midlands. The adults used one channel and the kids used a separate one. I was surprised, and pleased, at their performance. They worked much better than I thought they would.We each had spare NiMH batteries but one battery worked all day. My only complaint with the Midlands is the volume control knob is too easy to bump and turn down or up. It needs to have more restriction. Other than that we all really liked our Midlands. So I would recommend them without hesitation. Maybe you just got a bad set.

There was no malfunction, only poor performance with both reception and transmission on both units. I know the difference between a malfunctioning walkie and a walkie with weak performance.

And the design flaw with the rechargeable battery is also evident. It has nothing to do with bad sets. They simply failed to consider the size of the battery compartment under the antenna to accommodate thicker rechargeable batteries.

This model is just a flawed product as is.

 

[KC4RAF]

Mr.G, I assume you had tried the

newer model Midland than what Mformby had. This would be where you found Midland poor performers. Just like the newer model Cobra cb radios have gone down hill in performance compared to their older models. I have a pair of Midlands that I purchased about 10-12 years ago and they performed very well.
My opinion is that some companies have traded off cheaper parts to optional performance.
A couple of CBers in the area bought a couple of Cobra 29 and they returned them. Not saying ALL Cobra or Midland are bad, just some of them.

 

[ActionJackson]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kinlau
....I use my Baofeng instead. .

Very dangerous words around here ��


Baofeng Baofeng Baofeng !

 

[MrGClips]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kinlau
....I use my Baofeng instead. .

Very dangerous words around here ��


Baofeng Baofeng Baofeng !

LOL! ... yeah, almost "heresy" around here! Careful before the "inquisitors" show up!

 

[MrGClips]

To keep the topic alive, after browsing through all sorts of radios, let me make a new recommendation for anyone who's NEW to FRS/GMRS, wants to be 100% legal and is willing to pay for the FCC registration fee for the GMRS license (optional!) that is required for the higher power transmission using a REGULAR consumer radio.

There are numerous good "bubble-packs" out there, but this time I picked the one that looks the most 'stylish' (imo) and also has the FM commercial radio built in, so this particular walkie-talkie should not only perform well and look good, but also have this entertainment feature.

OK, here it is... ta-ta-ta-taaaaa: Behold the MOTOROLA T480!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1171656-REG/motorola_t480_emergency_2_way_radio_red_white.html

So far, of all the bubble-packs I've ever owned or tried out, it was Motorola that delivered the best sound and transmission quality by far! This model also runs on 3 X AAs (rechargeable or regular), giving easy extension option to the battery life. Motorola is also known for its easy to learn menu system with all the necessary options and some customization included as well.

The price-tag is higher than the usual, but I believe, as far as FRS/GMRS goes, it's worth it for anyone who's not interested in becoming an amateur radio operator, only wish to register for a simple GMRS license that involves no test of any kind, and start using both FRS/GMRS legally for fun or emergency.

Of course, using it on FRS only doesn't even require an FCC registration of any kind. Just turn it on and start talking. Simple as that!

That's it for now.