Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: This is a great product. The range is much better than any of the FRS radios (just remember to get your FCC license before using). It would be a shame to rate this product lower than 5 stars just because batteries aren't included. And, regardless of the range you get with this product, you can be assured that it is better than any of the FRS radios (I have done a side-by-side comparison, even comparing it to a 5 watt UHF ham radio). The size, performance and features make this a "best buy".
Rating: 
Summary: Nice 2-Way Radio for the Price
Review: Tips: Remember, even though this unit is an "FRS/GMRS*" radio, you need to get a license to use it from the FCC. An FCC GMRS license is currently $75 for 5-years, and is available online. Dual FRS/GMRS radios require an FCC license even though you may only want to use the FRS channels.Pros: Quality manufacturing, and good look-and-feel for such an inexpensive radio. Many useful features (e.g., Scan, NOAA WeatherRadio built-in, VOX mode option [i.e., Voice-Only-Transmission...no pushing of "talk" button], Dual Watch mode [i.e., "watch" 2 channels simultaneously], Call Ringer selection [like on your cell phone]). Fairly easy to operate (although you'll want to familiarize yourself with all its operations before putting it to the test in the field). Removable belt clip. Cons: Not rugged-ized. It's made of some kind of hard plastic, and has no rubbery outside covering. Although of quality manufacture, it may get banged-up more than a rugged-ized radio. No battery charger I can find [even on the AudioVox website], and it has two metal contacts on the bottom that 'look' like recharger contacts. So, you have to use disposable AAA batteries, or charge your own rechargeable batteries outside the unit. [This 'con' is a nit, in my opinion.] No other accessories (e.g., leather case, swivel belt clips, etc.) I can find [even on the AudioVox website] other than a generic set of headphones. [This 'con' is a nit, in my opinion, too.] Conclusion: A very nice radio for the price. *FRS = Family Radio Service. Best for use with your family on informal outings. No FCC license required for FRS-only radios.
GMRS = General Mobile Radio Service. Best for more formal use [although business use not permitted], like a road rally, or bicycle competition, or the like, and slightly longer distance. Requires an FCC license, and can only be used with your family and close relatives. Friends need their own license according to FCC rules. For most people, an FRS-only 2-way radio is a better choice for an informal, infrequently-used "walkie talkie"; you get [nearly] the same functionality without the need to get licensed.
Rating:
Summary: Nice 2-Way Radio for the Price
Review: Tips: Remember, even though this unit is an "FRS/GMRS*" radio, you need to get a license to use it from the FCC. An FCC GMRS licennse is currently $75 for 5-years, and is available online. Dual FRS/GMRS radios require an FCC license even though you may only want to use the FRS channels. Pros: Quality manufacturing and look-and-feel for such an inexpensive radio. Many useful features (e.g., Scan, NOAA WeatherRadio built-in, VOX mode [i.e., hands-free mode], Dual Watch mode [i.e., "watch" 2 channels simultaneously], Call Ringer selection [like on your cell phone]). Fairly easy to operate (although you'll want to familiarize yourself with all its operations before putting it to the test in the field). Belt clip. Cons: Not rugged-ized. It's made of some kind of hard plastic, and has no rubbery outside covering. Although of quality manufacture, it may get banged-up more than a rugged-ized radio. No Charger I can find [even on the AudioVox website], so you have to use disposable AAA batteries, or charge your own rechargeable batteries outside the unit. (This one's a nit.) No other accessories I can find [even on the AudioVox website] other than a generic set of headphones. (This one's a nit, too.) Conclusion: A very nice radio for the price. *FRS = Family Radio Service. Best for use with your family on informal outings. No FCC license required for FRS-only radios.
GMRS = General Mobile Radio Service. Best for more formal use [although not business], like a road rally, or bicycle competition, or the like, and slightly longer distance. Requires an FCC license, and can only be used with your family and close relatives. Friends need their own license according to FCC rules. For most people, FRS is a better choice for an informal, infrequently-used "walkie talkie".
Rating:
Summary: Nice 2-Way Radio for the Price
Review: Tips: Remember, even though this unit is an "FRS/GMRS*" radio, you need to get a license to use it from the FCC. An FCC GMRS license is currently $75 for 5-years, and is available online. Dual FRS/GMRS radios require an FCC license even though you may only want to use the FRS channels. Pros: Quality manufacturing, and good look-and-feel for such an inexpensive radio. Many useful features (e.g., Scan, NOAA WeatherRadio built-in, VOX mode option [i.e., Voice-Only-Transmission...no pushing of "talk" button], Dual Watch mode [i.e., "watch" 2 channels simultaneously], Call Ringer selection [like on your cell phone]). Fairly easy to operate (although you'll want to familiarize yourself with all its operations before putting it to the test in the field). Removable belt clip. Cons: Not rugged-ized. It's made of some kind of hard plastic, and has no rubbery outside covering. Although of quality manufacture, it may get banged-up more than a rugged-ized radio. No battery charger I can find [even on the AudioVox website], and it has two metal contacts on the bottom that 'look' like recharger contacts. So, you have to use disposable AAA batteries, or charge your own rechargeable batteries outside the unit. [This 'con' is a nit, in my opinion.] No other accessories (e.g., leather case, swivel belt clips, etc.) I can find [even on the AudioVox website] other than a generic set of headphones. [This 'con' is a nit, in my opinion, too.] Conclusion: A very nice radio for the price. *FRS = Family Radio Service. Best for use with your family on informal outings. No FCC license required for FRS-only radios.
GMRS = General Mobile Radio Service. Best for more formal use [although business use not permitted], like a road rally, or bicycle competition, or the like, and slightly longer distance. Requires an FCC license, and can only be used with your family and close relatives. Friends need their own license according to FCC rules. For most people, an FRS-only 2-way radio is a better choice for an informal, infrequently-used "walkie talkie"; you get [nearly] the same functionality without the need to get licensed.
Rating:
Summary: the amazing noaa reception is great!nice !!
Review: When taken from the package,the reception of 4 noaa frequencies was present!
Also,a little further research discovered a hidden feature!When the radio is in gmrs scan mode,it will also show which CTCSS tone is being used,while scanning all the fifteen channels.
Battery consumption is fairly minimal,and overall,I give the radio 5 stars for performance,appearance,and feel!
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