Rating: 
Summary: Information, Please
Review: I agree with practically all the critics and their thoughtful reviews of the Motorola T6220 AA 2-Way Radio (that's "Walkie-Talkie" for us over 35 years of age). "Evergreen" is simply its color and of cosmetic value only, like a cell phone's face plate. I've just edited and updated my original review of September 2001 to reflect the fact that, although this particular model is technically obsolescent in some ways, there is a good medium-sized PRO that is built into the unit that is worth considering when purchasing it. The individual consumer's decision is to weigh that against the various CONS that have to do with the intervening 2 years'-plus worth of the newer units' technology (especially the improved storage formats of proprietary, rechargeable battery packs.) As most reviewers agree, Motorola is terrific value, a good tradeoff of function for the dollar. It is no surprise that Motorola units lead the market together with Cobra and Uniden with their Citizen Band heritage. Experience and talking with other enthusiasts have generated a few general recommendations about the "Walkie-Talkie" format in general and perhaps some relevant buying tips. If you'd like to see them, please refer to the re-edit of original review dated September, 2001, which bears the re-edited title "The Ironies of Time . . . " Thank You. Allen Smalling.
Rating:
Summary: Information, Please
Review: I agree with practically all the critics and their thoughtful reviews of the Motorola T6220 AA 2-Way Radio (that's "Walkie-Talkie" for us over 35 years of age). "Evergreen" is simply its color and of cosmetic value only, like a cell phone's face plate. I've just edited and updated my original review of September 2001 to reflect the fact that, although this particular model is technically obsolescent in some ways, there is a good medium-sized PRO that is built into the unit that is worth considering when purchasing it. The individual consumer's decision is to weigh that against the various CONS that have to do with the intervening 2 years'-plus worth of the newer units' technology (especially the improved storage formats of proprietary, rechargeable battery packs.) As most reviewers agree, Motorola is terrific value, a good tradeoff of function for the dollar. It is no surprise that Motorola units lead the market together with Cobra and Uniden with their Citizen Band heritage. Experience and talking with other enthusiasts have generated a few general recommendations about the "Walkie-Talkie" format in general and perhaps some relevant buying tips. If you'd like to see them, please refer to the re-edit of original review dated September, 2001, which bears the re-edited title "The Ironies of Time . . . " Thank You. Allen Smalling.
Rating:
Summary: Information, Please
Review: I agree with practically all the critics and their thoughtful reviews of the Motorola T6220 AA 2-Way Radio (that's "Walkie-Talkie" for us over 35 years of age). "Evergreen" is simply its color and of cosmetic value only, like a cell phone's face plate. I've just edited and updated my original review of September 2001 to reflect the fact that, although this particular model is technically obsolescent in some ways, there is a good medium-sized PRO that is built into the unit that is worth considering when purchasing it. The individual consumer's decision is to weigh that against the various CONS that have to do with the intervening 2 years'-plus worth of the newer units' technology (especially the improved storage formats of proprietary, rechargeable battery packs.) As most reviewers agree, Motorola is terrific value, a good tradeoff of function for the dollar. It is no surprise that Motorola units lead the market together with Cobra and Uniden with their Citizen Band heritage. Experience and talking with other enthusiasts have generated a few general recommendations about the "Walkie-Talkie" format in general and perhaps some relevant buying tips. If you'd like to see them, please refer to the re-edit of original review dated September, 2001, which bears the re-edited title "The Ironies of Time . . . " Thank You. Allen Smalling.
Rating: 
Summary: Cool FRS for gadget lovers
Review: I bought the 6220 with the T250 (yellow). I was attracted to the 6220 because of its size and the weatherband tuner built in. I like the idea of weatherband radios when camping or hiking because in the southwest thunder storms can come up fast and a little warning is always good. The 6220 seems like it was designed for my hand. As apposed to the T250 which feels bulky compared to the 6220. It fits perfect and the buttons are not hard to use even for me (I have pretty big hands). The display is small, yet easy to read with the red back light and the menus are self explanatory. The 6220 could use a different belt clip. The radio comes with a swivel clip (a cheap version of the swivel clip used on NOKIA wireless phones). I think this is a disadvantage because it leaves the radio hanging out farther from your belt than the clip on the 250. This makes it more likely to hit something that you may walk close to and it just doesnt feel secure. Overall I like the radio, it has all kinds of tones and fun little things that anyone who is into gadgets will like. If your looking for an FRS, I would suggest this model for sure.
Rating:
Summary: a great radio for keeping in touch
Review: I bought the original Talk About radios and these are nice improvement. Same basic performance and reliability, but many nice features added, specifically the Weather feature, call alert and Roger beep/tones. I have used other FRS radios and found the reliability of the Motorolas to be superior, especially in adverse conditions. We have had Kenwood radios fail to operate due to moisture and Cobra radios fali in the cold, but the Motorolas always seem to be working - I highly recommend this model.
Rating:
Summary: a great radio for keeping in touch
Review: I bought the original Talk About radios and these are nice improvement. Same basic performance and reliability, but many nice features added, specifically the Weather feature, call alert and Roger beep/tones. I have used other FRS radios and found the reliability of the Motorolas to be superior, especially in adverse conditions. We have had Kenwood radios fail to operate due to moisture and Cobra radios fali in the cold, but the Motorolas always seem to be working - I highly recommend this model.
Rating:
Summary: Good Recreational Two-Way Radio
Review: I bought two of these to keep track of my buddies on our hunting trips. The controls are easily mastered, the range and clarity is much better than expected, even in heavily wooded areas, and the vibrating call feature is a real bonus. We can communicate over 1.5 miles through woods. All in all, a fine product. One thing needs care. The battery door is easily opened. I blocked mine shut with a small piece of rubber inserted behind the latch to keep it shut. Easily removed to change batteries, too. If you bought something else, you made a mistake. These are really nice radios. Update: Three years later, we're still using these hunting and travelling. My wife and I use them to keep in touch on the road. They are rugged, and hold up. Mine were NOT made in China. If the ones you are looking at are, then the quality will not be there. Check before you buy. With Motorola, there's quality in their radios.
Motorola is a defense contractor. I have found that if you want quality, getting something from a defense contractor is the way to go.
Rating:
Summary: Good value for a great radio
Review: I bought two of these to keep track of my buddies on our hunting trips. The controls are easily mastered, the range and clarity is much better than expected, even in heavily wooded areas, and the vibrating call feature is a real bonus. All in all, a fine product. One thing needs care. The battery door is easily opened. I blocked mine shut with a small piece of rubber inserted behind the latch to keep it shut. Easily removed to change batteries, too. If you bought something else, you made a mistake. These are really nice radios. Update: Two years later, we're still using these hunting and travelling. They hold up. Mine were NOT made in China. If the ones you are looking at are, then the quality will not be there. Check before you buy. With Motorola, there's quality in their radios.
Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected.....
Review: I gave the T6220 a chance. I liked this FRS, but a few things about it really bugged me. The main gripe is, the voice quality isn't all that good. I tried out 2 different T6220, & both were having the same voice quality issue. The incoming voice sound isn't all that clear, I had to keep asking for a repeat of what was said. I swapped out to use the T289 I brought along, & the voice quality was much better. I adjusted the volume on the T6220, but going lower I could not hear all that well, I was at Seaworld & it was pretty loud. The T289 seemed to bring voice quality in better. When the T6220 is set "loud" you really lose much of voice quality. I believe it might be due to where the mic is located. It's right under the scan button on the right side, not really a good place for a mic. Also, the battery cover pushes up when it is holding 3 AA batteries. I didn't mind this at first, but when I accidentally pushed up on the remove tab a couple times, it made me think that I can lose the cover quite easily. I fixed this problem by covering the remove tab w/ electrical tape. Minor problem, easily fixed, but I didn't like that the battery cover could be lost if you did not pay attention to it. Also when the batteries push up on the cover, it allows just a bit of an opening. Why this could be a problem, Motorola says it's water resistant. Well, if the battery cover isn't completely closed, moisture can seep in & damage the internals of the T6220. The belt swivel clip works pretty good. But you almost have to hunt & peck to find when you want to clip the T6220 to the belt clip. It's a bit hard to push the radio onto the clip. Motorola suggests to push the clip button when securing the radio to it. Really not a problem, but you have to hunt for the clip to clip on. If you own this radio or any of the T6300 series, you'll know what I mean. I prefer to use a carry case, but you can't use a Body Glove carry case. I tried out the Body Glove case I have for the T289. Fits nice & snug, but the mic is covered & the other person cannot hear what you're saying. I had to buy a Motorola belt carry case & jimmy rigged it to work w/ my backpack. The T6220 is a really nice FRS, but since I first bought the T289 & know how good the sound quality is on those FRS, I was dissapointed when the quality wasn't there w/ the T6220. I do like the shape & small size of the T6220. I do think that for what it offers in a small package, some quality are compromised. I returned the T6220, I hope if you do plan on buying this, that you don't have the same problems I ran into.
Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected.....
Review: I gave the T6220 a chance. I liked this FRS, but a few things about it really bugged me. The main gripe is, the voice quality isn't all that good. I tried out 2 differen T6220, & both were having the same voice quality issue. The incoming voice sound isn't all that clear, I had to keep asking for a repeat of what was said. I swapped out to use the T289 I brought along, & the voice quality was much better. I adjusted the volume on the T6220, but going lower I could not hear all that well, I was at Seaworld & it was pretty loud. The T289 seemed to bring voice quality in better. When the T6220 is set "loud" you really lose much of voice quality. I believe it might be due to where the mic is located. It's right under the scan button on the right side, not really a good place for a mic. Also, the battery cover pushes up when it is holding 3 AA batteries. I didn't mind this at first, but when I accidentally pushed up on the remove tab a couple times, it made me think that I can lose the cover quite easily. I fixed this problem by covering the remove tab w/ electrical tape. Minor problem, easily fixed, but I didn't like that the battery cover could be lost if you did not pay attention to it. Also when the batteries push up on the cover, it allows just a bit of an opening. Why this could be a problem, Motorola says it's water resistant. Well, if the battery cover is completely closed, moisture can seep in & damage the internals of the T6220. The belt swivel clip works pretty good. But you almost have to hunt & peck to find when you want to clip the T6220 to the belt clip. It's a bit hard to push the radio onto the clip. Motorola suggests to push the clip button when securing the radio to it. Really not a problem, but you have to hunt for the clip to clip on. If you own this radio or any of the T6300 series, you'll know what I mean. I prefer to use a carry case, but you can't use a Body Glove carry case. I tried out the Body Glove case I have for the T289. Fits nice & snug, but the mic is covered & the other person cannot hear what you're saying. I had to buy a Motorola belt carry case & jimmy rigged it to work w/ my backpack. The T6220 is a really nice FRS, but since I first bought the T289 & know how good the sound quality is on those FRS, I was dissapointed when the quality wasn't there w/ the T6220. I do like the shape & small size of the T6220. I do think that for what it offers in a small package, some quality are compromised. I returned the T6220, I hope if you do plan on buying this, that you don't have the same problems I ran into.
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