Hi all,

every now and then I am going to some very remote areas to fish where there is no cell phone signal. Since my wife freaks out at this and I would also feel more comfortable to call somebody in case I broke a leg I am looking into buying a pair of walkie talkies.

I am a little bit overwhelmed/confused by the reviews that I am seeing on the web. 

So, was wondering if anybody has experience/ recommendations.

What would be important to me is:

* Good range: 36 - XX miles
* Great battery life
* Weather sealed: needs to be able to handle some water splashes/ dust
* Weight: not more than 1 pound per 'phone'
* Cost: under 150 USD

Thanks for your feedback!

 

While making your choice, keep in mind that Two-way VHF radios work best when there’s a clear line-of-sight between the sender and the receiver with little obstruction. VHF radios are used exclusively in aviation and marine communications where signals are sent across open 
bodies of water or between the sky and the ground. VHF band 
walkie-talkies are also great for open fields, golf courses, landscaping
 and for outdoor security situations with few obstacles.

 

btw - you will Rarely (if ever) get anything close to 36 miles of reliable communication over land with any hand held VHF or UHF radio - especially without some type of BIG antenna in the mix.

 

Here's some more info that you may want to have BEFORE you invest in anything. 

https://www.quality2wayradios.com/store/Radio-Range-Distance

https://www.quora.com/What-should-one-consider-when-looking-to-buy-a-walkie-talkie-two-way-radio-system-for-business-use

Good Luck

A-Jay

Is your cost, under $150, a limit per unit or total?

You'd be better off with a PLB/GPS messenger (Personal Location Beacon).  Something like the SPOT Gen3.  Walkie-talkie isn't going to cut it, so it's a waste of money, in my opinion.

36+ miles? LOL.  Your dreaming.  Those walkie-talkies you can buy in stores only get out three or four miles over regular terrain.  On open areas like flat water, then they might get out a little further.  But the max range on those walkie-talkies they list on the packaging can only be reached on water or very very flat land with no obstructions like trees, houses, hills, buildings, etc...   

Sounds like you need a satellite phone although they might be a bit out of your price range. You can get them starting at $1,000 each, plus $1-$2 per minute for a call.

A-Jay is right on with his explanation. What you might consider is a marine radio. You won't be able to communicate with the wife, but using the emergency frequency you'll be able to contact someone. You'll also have access to severe weather warnings that are broadcast and that could keep you from getting into a situation where you'd need help.

A bit more that you planned on spending and it requires an antenna mounted to your boat.

Sounds like you need a satellite phone for what your after.  An App on your I-phone will give the phones location even if you don't have service.  Even deep in the everglades I still get service with At&t.  I never go out without telling the wife where I'm going and when to expect me back.  I leave FWL#, and Florida Fish and Game#, if she needs to call them.  In summer always take plenty of extra water with you.  If you do have mechanical problems, clean water will be the most crucial variable.

Thanks all for the input and the clarifications! I was reading some reviews that claimed that there were walkie talkies that had that kind of range. Will need to rethink my decision.

THanks again!

The Spot Gen3 is $150 and will do what you want.  Only need a clear shot to the sky.

On 5/16/2018 at 8:22 PM, A-Jay said:

 

btw - you will Rarely (if ever) get anything close to 36 miles of reliable communication over land with any hand held VHF or UHF radio - especially without some type of BIG antenna in the mix.

 

 

A-Jay

This

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, my whopper plopper is stuck in a tree! over....

 

DO NOT rely on a walkie talkie for rescue communication, specially in wooded terrain, might as well bring some soy sauce to pour over yourself in case the bears are in a mood for Asian...

7 hours ago, reason said:

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, my whopper plopper is stuck in a tree! over....

 

DO NOT rely on a walkie talkie for rescue communication, specially in wooded terrain, might as well bring some soy sauce to pour over yourself in case the bears are in a mood for Asian...

Lol, u think I am Asian?

2 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

Lol, u think I am Asian?

No. We can go with "DO NOT rely on a walkie talkie for rescue communication, specially in wooded terrain, might as well bring some mustard to pour over yourself in case the bears are in a mood for hot dogs..." No, I don't think you are German...