Though walkie talkies seem like they are tools from the past, these two-way radios still serve a purpose in this cell phone era. First, they are more reliable than mobile phones because you will eventually run into a dead spot at some point. Second, with an old-school walkie talkie, you can stay in touch with anyone even if you’re in a remote location.
These devices are great for family hikes, boating outings, company coordination, or even schools. Each device can cover at least 35 miles with an exemplary battery lifespan of 15 to 20 hours. Most of all, you don’t have to rely on a charger because you can put in a new set of batteries when they die. Ever wonder why policemen and firemen rely on this mode of communication? That’s because they work well in any location, under any circumstance, and offer durability to withstand abuse. With many models in the market, you may be confused about which model to get. If you are all set to buy one, here are some points for consideration:
Factor in Where It Will Be Used
The kind of walkie talkie you purchase depends on where you will use it. If you intend to use it for your company, investing in an Ultra-High Frequency or UHF is great for city or indoor use. Meanwhile, if you intend to use it for outdoors or rural areas, a Very-High Frequency or VHF works best. Investing in a higher grade model handles longer distances well and provides longer battery life. Moreover, this set comes with a fixed unit that you can leave in the company or attach to a vehicle.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for some bit of family fun for camping or beach trips, a simpler Family Radio Service or FRS system works best. This will allow you to chat with your family in the car. However, if you intend to go hiking somewhere, you need a portable walkie talkie with a better range.
Assess the Various Features
Different walkie talkies offer various features. If you’re using it mainly for outdoor use like hunting or fishing, you must invest in a weatherproof device that can withstand harsh environmental elements. This variant can be submerged underwater without any issues. On the other hand, if you live in a temperate zone, you may want a device that can handle freezing temperatures.
On top of that, some models offer an emergency alert function or a panic button. If you plan to go mount climbing or plan to be far from home, this specific function offers you a chance to send a flash signal to those tuned into your frequency. Typically, these higher-end units also come with a built-in flashlight, which may come in handy if you find yourself stuck in the dark.
Assess the Power Source
You will find that two-way radio typically uses NiMH or NiCd batts. These hold a longer life span and assure efficient operation in a broad range of temperatures. In addition, some units use standard alkaline or lithium-ion disposable batteries. Alkaline offers flexibility, especially if you’re far from an electrical outlet.
Meanwhile, lithium ones offer charging capabilities with long charges and a wider temperature spectrum than its alkaline variant. Assess how long you will use them so you can make a sound decision on which power source is the most efficient.
Find Out About Warranties and Service
Finally, since you will be investing quite a bit of money in your walkie talkie system, you have to pick one that offers warranties. This ensures you can protect your hard-earned money. After all, you don’t want to be stuck with a broken machine that conks out after a few months of use. Most importantly, find a company that offers after-sales services. Should your system encounter problems past warranties, you must get parts to fix your unit.