wrote in message
oups.com...
Anyone tried any modern-style walky-talkies for use when fly-fishing
with (fast hiking) friends, ones that will work in river gorges? Or,
ever see any side-by-side reviews of such?

I just spent the last three days scrambling up and down river canyons
with friends, and could really have used a good pair to keep us in
touch. We almost lost one guy. My concern is that the walkys won't
work in the deeper gorge areas. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Tim

There are two basic groups of radios that are widely used in the outdoors
and a third, that gets more use in construction. FRS (Family Radio Service)
has no license requirements and is limited to 1/2 watt. There are 14
channels and most radios have 38 "Private Line" codes (sub-audible tone or
SAT). They are currently pretty cheap, even for "good" ones.

Second class of radio is General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). This is a
licensed service, though almost no-one applies for the license any more.
These radios are limited to 5 watts, often include the FRS freqs as well and
also have PL codes. For distance over open ground, all FM radios are
line-of-sight (about 5 miles maximum). For penetration of obstructions, the
more power the better. GMRS radios are about 100 bucks per pair for "good"
ones. Midland Radio makes a set with headsets, batteries and chargers for
around a hundred dollars per pair that work well. Cobra, Motorola, and
Uniden all make radios in this class. There are even GMRS repeater services
available in a lot of places that really increase range, though you will
need a license to subscribe to these.

There is also MURS (Multiple User Radio Service) that is on the VHF band
(FRS and GMRS are UHF) and require no license. Power is limited to 2 watts,
radios are more flexible and are often programmable (by the dealer) to meet
specific needs. These freqs are often simply programmed into commercial VHF
radios in the land mobile class. Thousands of options here, from 150 per
radio to over a grand (bells and whistles not used by anyone for any reason
under any circumstances). These radios are much more durable and
"professional" than the FRS and GMRS classes. (You can look just like the
cop on the beat with one of these).

Best bet over all, IMO, would be the GMRS radios, unless you need to spend
the extra money to impress your friends. (Which we all know fly fisherman
are prone to do)

Mark
(radio sales and service for over 15 years and running)