This is Broadsword Calling Danny Boy? UK Walkie Talkies

March 5, 2008 4:05 AM

I'm interested in picking up a pair or more of walkie talkies, primarily for use whilst skiing - I didn't seem able to find any good recommendations (I saw this) but it seems US focused.

I would like some walkie talkies that offer:-

* Decent battery life (approx 10 hours)
* Robust construction (for when the inevitable crash happens)
* Headset for hands-free operation
* With a button that clips to a jacket to transmit (so don't have to get walkie talkie out of pocket to send)
* Good voice quality
* Long range (8KM) seems the standard
* Licence free

posted by eb98jdb to technology (5 comments total)

Some awesome callsigns couldn't hurt either....
posted by eb98jdb at 4:08 AM on March 5

You don't say where you're from.

At this juncture, state side, I'd advise you away from traditional "walkie talkies" toward FRS radios, but to get that kind of range over and over again you're probably going to need GMRS.

GMRS is a licensed band, but it's like $75 US for 5 years, (and nobody bothers to get the license. (but you get a fine if you get caught. (but I think the FCC has other things to do.)))

A NPO I used to work with used Cobras for a long time, but that was all communication w/i a mile.

Recently I've been drooling over the new Midland 26 mile ones. Dick's has a 2 radio set w/ batteries, chargers, remote mics, and the works for like $85. On ebay they're even cheaper. Those are the semi-silly camo ones, but you can get just the radios and battery packs even cheaper. They're pretty tough too, I've played w/ them.

As a youngster, my radio call sign was "l'il squirt" and now it's "whistlepig". Of course, when we go paintballing we make up much more toughguy names.
posted by TomMelee at 6:37 AM on March 5

You don't say where you're from.

This is important information, because every country assigns the frequencies used in its territory, and no good answers to your question are possible without knowing where you are. FRS and GMRS, for instance, are probably not allowed outside the U.S.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 7:25 AM on March 5

Hi - this is for the UK please
posted by eb98jdb at 8:03 AM on March 5

Where are you going skiing?

I ask because Decathlon in Spain and France both sell some really good ones for circa €50 a pair. They're all tiny (pack of cigarettes) and fully featured.

Try here for UK purchasing though if you need them pre departure.

(Loved that film. All-time favourite. Re. call signs, what better than that!)
posted by DrtyBlvd at 1:17 AM on March 6