I am very pleased with my Midland two-way radio's. The. The main differences are that the GXT1050 was specifically designed and made with hunters and outdoorsman in mind. The GXT1000VP4 GMRS walkie talkie is a powerful and consistent choice for your radio communication needs. Lemon, when we were about halfway up in a canyon. VERY GOOD RADIO FOR THE MONEY. However, these handy devices are often hamstrung by poor sound quality, limited range, and difficulty overcoming interfering obstacles. Excellent service but I did not notice any advice about needing a electricity converter to charge sets . Our arrival and departure teams use these to communicate with one another while directing accessible vans around our parking lots. The Midland GXT1000 series is a dependable radio. My wife just needs to turn unit on and its ready to go, and battery life is very reasonable. In fact, thats why I got my hands on some Midland two way radios. The LXT features 22 channels, a range up to 18 miles and some other features that make it a solid radio. To get a good mix of radios, I wanted to make sure I looked at models from different lines. Id heard of the brand and have even used a couple of their radios for personal use. We use this with our motorcycle to talk with each other on trips. They are a great radio for the money. I hope my tests and the information I learned is able to help you decide on which Midland two-way radio is right for your personal requirements and needs. Last Minute Gift Ideas from Buy Two Way Radios! I bought these just recently so I have not had an opportunity to use them much. Midland GXT1000VP4 Review: Crystal-Clear Communication - Lifewire Totally worthless product and a complete waste of money. Your email address will not be published. Ive also looked at other brands before, and although Ive owned Midland radios for personal use, I hadnt been able to test different Midland radios to see which one was the best of the best. Each radio has 22 selectable standard channels, plus 28 extra channels for extra privacy. Both proved to be very capable, and affordable, with some nice features and capabilities. It also comes with belt clips, an AC adapter for the desktop charger and a DC adapter you can use in your car. After all, it doesnt do you much good if you have a couple of great radios, with good range and battery life, but you cant understand the person on the other radio. As Ive done in other tests, I made it a point to ensure I wasnt the only one using the radios. We manufacture rugged storage solutions from premium materials. The choice of 21/21 proved better than expected since our group had our own private channel despite 5500 passengers on board. Easy to set up, very clear signal @ fairly long distance. But, it has everything else, and then some, that you would want in a two-way radio. The vibrate was perfect. This might not be a feature you use all the time, but I still thought it was nifty enough to mention. Installing the batteries was simple, as was replacing and locking the battery door. GearLab is reader-supported. There are alot of details to keep in mind and there is a charge for rerouting - please read all details below: We pride ourselves in building rugged products that you can use for a lifetime. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Long (12hr) charge time and battery pack wouldn't last all day with light to moderate use. I contacted Midland's warranty department and found out "waterproof" means resistant to a fine rain, that's it - your cellphone is light rain resistant. batteries in a pinch. This was to make sure I was giving each radio a fair test and to make sure I was comparing apples to apples. I am an avid outdoorsman, so I also really like that this radio is water and weather proof. I hang the earbud in my ear and bandaid the mouthpiece to my cheek for trouble free headset use. Range is very good and reception is crystal clear. You can also use the handset for group communications during outdoor expeditions. You can also set the device to a vibrate mode for silent alerts. They are also great for kids because they offer a way for parents to keep track of where they are, and also some protection from danger. In other words, the GXT1000 is one of the best two-way radios on the market today, not just compared to other Midland radios, but compared to all other radios. I recently purchased two pair of them for the dealership. Keypad lock this feature will ensure you do not change your setting by accidentally pressing anything. Two-way radios, especially ones from Midland, are very rugged and durable. There're (just) small enough to fit in a top pocket and forget about until you need to contact your buddy, and then they're far easier (and cheaper) to use than a cellphone. Well, have no fear fellow reader, others like the radio just as much as I do. Many of the other teams were so impressed with the quality, performance and value of the combo pack's pricing, they will be ordering the same units. We found out that the radio has uses for tracking a spouse during shopping season. Obviously, it would be nice if other people could confirm my opinion about the Midland GXT1000, right? Have always had great service. The call button needs to be either placed somewhere else on the radio or simply disabled when the radio is locked. Three days on the road and we never missed a beat. They also work great in big box stores where cell phones don't. Reducing volume helps mitigate the static; turning the unit off and on also helpful. The first step was choosing which radios to look at and test. Overall, we found this radio to be superior in terms of reception and sound quality. It is a little more expensive than the GXT1050, but is a nice option for hunters or avid outdoorsmen like me. These are great at malls when everybody splits up, great at the beach and boardwalk, great at the lake when we're out on jetskis. The Midland GXT has pretty good range but feels bulky andkinda cheap. **All Midland products are shipped separate from other order items**. (.05 watts) per FCC. It is true the actual range of the radio depends on the terrain and if there any obstructions like hills or buildings, but that is true for any radio, regardless of the manufacturer. Brand: Midland; Range: 36 miles; Power output: 5 watts; Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 4 AA . Good radio for intended use. It boasts pretty good range and plenty of features, but it is a bit more spendy and larger than some pretty comparable ones. The radios we purchased had group mode, which was indispensable to us, as we did not need to hear everyone's conversation, only those we needed to talk with. I had each of my family members use them, too. Midland GXT1000VP4 Review - Walkie Talkie Reviews The only bad thing is that some of the channels that the radio can go to are restricted depending on where you live. But if you are just using it to keep in touch with a hiking partner on the trail or a skiing buddy at the resort, the AR-5 is all you are ever likely to need. There are many different makers of radios and some of them are comparable to Midland in features, range and design. Have not found any dead spots yet. You wont ever have that problem with GXT1000. would not recomend them for motorcycles other than that they are great. We use to use the Motorola direct connect radios but tried these to replace them since we only needed them to work on our 2 acre lot. Not every shipment is eligible for a reroute. It performed relatively even better in the hill test and the poor weather test, but it still was not quite in the top echelon of radios with good range. That was a surprise, Thanks Danny I put the units on the charger for the night as the owners manual states is the first charge is for 24hrs. I have short range but I guess it is because of the peaks and valleys or the area. WE WENT WITH THE MIDLAND GXT 1000 RADIOS. Power often insufficient for clear communication on Channels 8 - 14 (the channels not requiring FCC licensing), especially when one or more radios are within a steel-framed building. One of the first differences youll notice right away is the GXT1050 has a mossy oak camouflage design. There was noplace in the workshop that I didnot have reception. Camping, hiking, boating, fishing or just playing fetch with our dog. we never accept free products from manufacturers.Learn more. Backlit LCD this will enable you to conveniently use the device at night, in the dark, or dimly lit areas. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. You are in luck, because the GXT1050 even has 5 animal call alerts. The Midland GXT's range is its strong suit, while its short battery life left us wishing for more. But, if you are in an emergency situation where you need to worry about saving precious battery power, you can use the radio in low power mode. The manufacturer has a strict "minimum advertised price" policy for this item. Our company bought 2 sets of these radios for use by our land survey crews. Midland GXT1050VP4 Two Way Radio Second Option, BUY MIDLAND GXT1050VP4 | 4PACK | 6 PACK | 8 PACK | 10 PACK. Setting up the Midland GXT1000VP4 handsets is a hassle-free experience. 12 Best GMRS Radios Reviewed and Rated in 2023 - Hamtronics It did not take that much time to do this. We do not have 5 watt hand held GMRS/FRS two way radio.". Shop Accessories. You can put it in silent mode that disables all the tones. Overall, we found this radio to be superior in terms of reception and sound quality. This hands-free capability was one of our favorite features and could be vital in a number of situations where you are unable to press and hold a button to talk. Channels 8-14 are the 467 MHz channels that are restricted to 1/2 watt by FCC rules. No sponsored content. Using MIDLAND LXT118 18-Mile GMRS Two Way Radio. I'd recommend keeping batteries handy for when the battery pack goes dead. Lastly, you get a pair of headsets. We use four of these around our property which encompasses about 8 acres. in our business we have tried 3 other radios all with problems we tried to live with. Rerouting UPS shipments already in transit are a $35 fee per address change. When Im not working, Im outdoors with my family. They work almost a mile through a suburban neighborhood, close to three miles on a hill looking down with direct line of sight, and it picked up the ranger station at the base of Mt. Want to try your hand and hunting and animal calls? Smittie. You wont want to dunk them in a lake, but they should hold up to a rain shower or a splash from a canoe paddle. Though the GXT1000VP4 features top-of-the-line performance and features, the much cheaper Arcshell AR-5 will get you similar audio quality and obstacle-piercing power for a much more wallet-friendly price. We went through 24 of these in 2014. The X-Talker is also water resistant, so you can take it outdoors with you. This helped to get a good variety of options and features, and also gave me the opportunity to look at what scenarios would be best for a specific radio. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. It takes 24 hours to initially charge the batteries and then 12 hours for subsequent rechargings. It has a few hiccups, but it also crams in tons of features, great range, and impressive audio quality into an attractive, professionally styled unit. There are other brands out there, like BaoFeng, Cobra and Amcrest. For the money, you get a ton of features and accessories, making the GXT1000 easily stand out over the other Midland radios I reviewed. The radios work well as long as the distance is not too far apart. After taking a look at all those radios, the GXT1000 came out on top as the best overall Midland two-way radio, for several reasons. . We lost one during the trip, so I have now written addresses inside the battery door on the others. Digitalnerds blog is reader-supported. We even tried using them while riding by pressing the button on the "hands free" cord but this did not work either. The GXT1000VP4 is ideally suited for group communication. With this feature, if you are in a scenario where you dont want to make noise, you can squelch back to let your buddy know it isnt a good time to talk. Weatherproofing also means that these radios wont be bothered by dust and dirt, contaminants that can be as deadly to electronics as water. We really like that it has a volume/power knob for easy and quick adjustments. The sound quality is excellent and with the head set we can still talk in noisy areas. It boasts about a range of 36 miles of wireless range. Units worked very well, clear reception and transmission. BTWR replaced with no problem so good service. I was hoping for better distance than that. Battery life is tremendous with standby time over 8 hours. Midland GXT1000VP4 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio - Up to 36 Mile Range The LXT118 also has a hands-free operation mode, which I really liked. Lasts all day on a single charge. I purchased this radio set for work use to replace an older set that wasn't cutting it. Several units ceased to function within a month of receipt. On a basic level, it comes equipped with scanning and monitoring buttons: scan to look for activity on available channels, and monitor so that you can hear the volume of your radio in order to adjust it. have being really good for we use it for. Now that you know a little about the radios I picked, and why I chose them, lets go into how I tested each radio to see how they operated and how well their features worked. They have been the best ones I have purchased yet. | Virginia, USA, 22 Channels PLUS 28 EXTRA CHANNELS - Clear, crisp communication with easy button access, JIS4 Waterproof* - Protection in all directions against light rain or splashing water, 142 Privacy Codes - Gives you up to 3,124 channel options to help you block other conversations, 36 Mile Range* - Longer range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction, X-TRA TALK Power - Maximum allowed by law, SOS Siren - Allows you to send out distress/locator signals in an emergency situation, NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Weather Scan - Automatically locks on to your local weather channel and alerts you to severe weather, 10 Call Alerts - Different call tones to notify you of incoming calls from your group. MOST POPULAR RADIO!! The product is used in hilly terrain to keep in contact with different groups, we have used these radios in driving rain with no loss of signal, pros - we have used it at 10km (on hi power mode) through a ridgeline with no loss of signal, these radios do not work very well from inside a vehicle, on foot they are ideal. 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy code the device features up to 3,142 channel options for privacy purposes that you can use to block other conversations. When we went inside the cabins, the performance definitely dropped. Were in it for the long haul and so is our gear. The GXT1000 has a 50 different channels to choose from, plus there are 285 different privacy codes available. The GXT1000 also has a ton of channels, has great power and a host of other features. Why is this important, you ask? Easy to operate and functions well, The range was pretty good. We take a cruise every year. GXT1000VP4 Two-Way GMRS Radio. Let us know! a phone number we can reach you at, and (3.) The weather radio scanned and picked the right channel within seconds, and the group call, hands-free activation, and privacy code features were also excellent. Please keep in mind, if you order one of our products and it is a low stock item there may be additional time required for production. Being that it is so easy to accidently hit the call button when the radio is attached to your belt, it has really become annoying. If you have any issues or questions contact us.// See Our Full Warranty: HERE //. Units are easy to use and program, and settings are saved, even if you remove the batteries - a huge bonus. There are some specific people that would benefit from using a two-way radio. 10 Best Midland Two Way Radios April 2023 - MSN The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a truly premium two-way radio, outpacing the competition in terms of range, audio quality, and feature set. The Midland MXT500 is a full 50 watt Micro Mobile GMRS two way radio with 8 repeater channels and 142 privacy codes. We also have a set on another frequency so that our main office can track down our councilor more easily without interrupting the whole school. We use these Radios to communicate within our Housekeeping department as well as Maintenance and when service vendors are working in our building. So, thanks for reading along so far the best is still to come! But, for everyday use around the house or even camping, you should not have a problem finding a channel without someone else on it. Representatives were very professional and delivery was very fast. The followingtable gives you an over view of mid land two way radios that we review. The GXT1000 series two way radios put out 2.8 watts on high power, 1.5 watts medium, and .5 watts on low power. Radioddity GM-30 GMRS Radio; 4. They make several different models with a variety of options and pretty decent prices. We use them spotting on the trial . I would be skeptical at first, too. Im a tech enthusiast and I grew up playing with walkie talkies. Had plenty with the other brand. But, I wanted to really dive into the Midland brand, take a detailed look at several of their radios and see which one came out on top. Of course, with any group activity, you always have "that guy . The Midland GXT1000 is Popular for a Reason! Totally disappointed with this purchase. It uses simple, somewhat antiquated technology, such as is typically found in digital watches or calculators, and though crisp and clear, this type of display is limited in the complexity of what it can display. No bell or ringers going off to disturb anyone during a show. Using the AA alkaline batteries, the handset will last you for up to 23 hours. 5 watts of power. the weather radio worked great as well warning us in our last outing of a pending severe thunderstorm whic allowed us to prepare our shelters and camp in time for the storms arrival. Out of the 10 radios, we have already replaced 5 of the batteries. [] great products, excellent prices. Great for Family Vacations to keep in touch with everyone! The radios were used over a three day weekend for 8 security teams on a 60 acre park and worked flawlessly. We bought these radios primarily for baby monitors and I couldn't be happier with my investment. Since this is my pick for a low cost option, I better mention the price! Along with Midland's GXT1000s, this bundle contains a few favorite accessories that make handheld . These walkie talkies are the number one seller in the United States. If youre an avid hiker like me and you want to have that feeling of being lost in the wilderness, then walkie talkies are a must-have. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Another 2 sets is on order now! These radios are great. The display has a nice backlight that lights up when you press buttons, making night operation a bit easier. If there are too many houses, trees, or especially hills, even the best radios tend to struggle. I also got the headsets which are great. Seems great so far. On the other hand, inside the ship we pretty well had reliable connectivity at a distance of about halfway of the length of the ship. Limited to orders shipped within the continental United States. The Midland GXT1000VP4 is constructed using premium quality plastic that is sturdy and durable. I was skeptical about the stated range of these radios, but truly impressed after buying them. You can use the handset comfortably since it can work even when they are splashed by water while using them outdoors. This radio is very similar to my #1 pick, but is geared more towards outdoor use like hunting, so it is a bit of overkill to get this radio if you plan to use it in everyday situations. With this size, you can carry it around or keep it in your pocket or waist belt. It takes two hands to turn on the power or change the volume, but we found them easy to use one-handed otherwise. Next, I wanted to make sure I looked at two-way radios that would be good for everyday use and in a wide variety of situations. We have an assortment of Motorolas in our shop and these work better (clearer sound and better features). I didnt have any problems using this radio around my neighborhood with the kids being a couple miles away. A lot of times, though, you wont need that much range. As I mentioned earlier, I use two-way radios to help keep track of my kids when they are running around the neighborhood with friends. . However, these handy devices are often hamstrung by poor sound quality, limited range, and difficulty overcoming interfering obstacles. The range claim is way over the top (this was known at time of purchase from websearch)but sufficient for our purpose in city environment (a few kilometers). Disappointed that the. Shipping calculated at checkout. I bought 2 sets (4 radios) for out Boy Scout troop. Please note: if you call via phone but do not leave us a message we will not be able to return your call. use as campground radios. Having said that, the radios work well, the controls were not hard to figure out. Closed on evenings and weekends. However, it is worth noting that far cheaper radios such as the Arcshell AR-5 (which retails for around $25) are nearly its equal in terms of performance. The product arrived in perfect condition the next day as promised. It features 36 channels and has very clear communications. Audio has been great and I was pleased with the distance we were able to reach in a heavily urban area. After several days at sea, I began to notice that performance/connectivity of all our units was surprisingly good despite the large size of the ship. We tested several brands of FRS/GMRS radios and the performance of the Midland units was well above the other brands in the same price category. There are also 142 privacy codes that you can use for privacy transmissions. We use our radios for teachers to have constant contact with the main office when they take our children to the playground or go into our church. Additionally, the device is durable, lightweight, and presentable. This is very important to me, especially in a scenario where you want to have private discussions. walki-talki.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. on the G-11 with the one Danny included with the Midland GXT1000's that came yesterday. I use these radios for work (Harbor Department). The most noticeable improvement of the Midland GTX1000 is that the battery charge held up to a full 3-bars even at the end of the day with heavy use. Top-notch performance and tons of features. The radios have no problem transmitting in our urban area 1-2 miles with small hills between us. The 36 channels can also be used with 121 different privacy codes, which ends up giving you almost 3,000 different channel options. Though it must be said that walkie talkies work better when there are no obstructions. The Wouxun KG-805G is listed at a full 5 watts and is a little more rugged than either Midland model. )We are a small team but are dedicated to you - our customer! These radios have made her feel more secure and is impressed with their ease of use,clarity,size and excellent price.Perfect! We talk to the next crossing guard to let them know how many children are coming to them and who they are. The 1050 comes with a mossy oak camouflage design and has the ability to produce animal calls along with silent operation and a vibrate alert, all of which are perfect for hunters. There should be a indicator light on the charging unit when the batteries are charged The head set oush to talk and the Vox feture did not work good on the motorcycle as falsely advertised in the add, Used by a housekeeping team of up to 12 to communicate between multiple buildings in close proximity. The radios are also helpful in large department stores and malls. I did a lot of reading on the Midland GXT1000 units and purchased for several of the features such as Direct Call, additional privacy codes and locking keypad to name a few which are key when multiple people are sharing radios. Reception in mountainous terrain is even less when around hills and such. But, you dont get the weather and water proof features of the GXT models I looked at. I HAVE ONLY USED THEM FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. Most beginner-friendly and affordable models will have five watts. How does well under $30 sound? Yes, this radio actually has five different animal call alerts. Radio selected for citizen disaster response groups locally. Midland GXT900VP4 Two Way Radios EVs have been around a long time but are quickly gaining speed in the automotive industry. Add to cart. Add to Cart I called customer service to inquire about a commercial alternative, such as an ICOM or Kenwood, but that would require a $500 additional investment--hard to justify. Great value for the money. This value pack includes rechargeable batteries, a desktop charger with AC wall and DC vehicle adapter, and a pair of headsets with boom microphones. We operate a small full service marina. they were very bad. The handset has two power options which are the AC and the DC. I ran each of the radios through the same set of tests, used them in similar situations and compared them to come up with a way to rank them and give you the information you need. Would purchase again. Great delivery time..radios are super! We were able to install the batteries easily. I've since purchased ten more and upon their arrival, I discovered one didn't operate at all. How cool is that? In fact, the only feature this radio didnt have was Bluetooth technology. Add to Cart. This comes as no surprise as this is what I expected and is satisfactory for communicating with family members in the neighbourhood. Earlier I mentioned Midland had grown into a company that makes well-known and well-respected radios, so the decision to test and review their radios was not a difficult one. Like its cousin the GXT1000, the value pack comes with a host of accessories like belt clips, headsets and a desktop charger. However, please note that once an order leaves our facility, you as the customer are responsible for any rerouting fees assigned by the carrier. Using this to stay in contact on road trips with other cars in the pack. You will be able to carry it around comfortably without feeling the pressure of extra weight. It would be great if Midland would consider this. The Midland GXT1000VP4 has a group call feature that you can use to create a group out of all the connected walkie-talkie units that you have. For example, Motorola is a popular and well-respected two-way radio company. Midland GXT760 Review Leave a Reply Cancel reply. No problem whatsoever getting a clear signal at over 20 kilometers in town and even greater on the highway. It gives her instant communication with me at home, as opposed to trying to fumble with her wireless phone. The radio will also work with standard AAA batteries or other AAA rechargeable batteries, which is a nice touch. But, hopefully after you read a little further you will see I have the experience and knowledge to provide valuable information in this article. Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio - Long Range Walkie The Midland GXT1000VP4 radios offer powerful 2-way communication in a tough, weatherproof package with an impressive range. By now, you should have a solid foundation about what tool look for in a two-way radio and what options and features are available on todays market. TIME SENSITIVE ORDERS: Many of our customers order from us right before they are taking a trip. Although you may use these to contact GMRS repeaters, the Midland X-talker T71VP3 is exclusively an FRS radio. Midland GXT1000VP4 5-Watt AC/12V-Rechargeable GMRS Radio (Pair)