Two Way Radio - Moto or Uniden?

**4x4Fink** · 11-25-2006, 11:10 PM

Alright guys,

I went on a Thanksgiving Break camping trip with some buddies of mine.

Long story short, my old Motorola two ways that I have had for 5 years or so SUCK now. They are the old purple/orange Talkabouts. They worked great back then but now they have crappy range.

I've been doing some research and have narrowed it down to the two obvious choices, Motorola or Uniden.

I know I know, CB is the bomb. I realize that a CB radio would be great for communication inside the Runner but usually we just ride in a couple cars, park for the week and then never go back to the cars unless we forgot something.

We all usually go our own seperate ways, traveling in groups of 2-3. One person, maybe two will have a radio in each group.

We get seperated fast and usually at some pretty far distances (at most 5-7 miles). I was looking at the Motorola Talkabout 7400R on Amazon and on the Motorola site, seems pretty sweet...12 mile range, rechargeable or non-rechargeable AA's, tons of channels, tons of ways to cut out the other people using the radios and really rugged.

I also checked out the comparable Uniden GMR1588-2ck. It's got a stated range of 15 mile (I realize I will never get that, and if I do I can't call what I'm doing at the time hiking, however I still use it as a comparison), same amount of channels I believe and all that jazz, rechargeable yada yada yada.

So my question is...Which ones??

The Motorola are almost twice as expensive (Uniden = $49.99 on their site and the Moto's = ~$85 on Amazon). I am willing to pay more for more for the piece of mind knowing I will be able to find the other people I am with but I don't want to spend needless money.

What are your opinions on these brands or even better these specific models?

I searched and found a few threads talking about holsters, and some older models of two-ways but nothing that addressed brands or models of current radios.

Right now I am leaning towards the Motorola as they have been tried and true throughout the years. I have never owned anything by Uniden except for a cordless phone which I love.

Talk to me guys,

Over, Out.

Fink

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**Yoda** · 11-25-2006, 11:47 PM

Costco has the moto for $54. I have the older moto's, and have been thinking of updating to get the longer range.

**4x4Fink** · 11-26-2006, 10:53 AM

I wish I had a Costco near me, I am wondering if my local Sportsman Warehouse has them but I bet they will be quite a bit more than at Costco.

I'm amazed that Costco has the same ones that Amazon does for so much less...I'm definitely not payin $80 for em.

I'll do some more shopping around, I have found some Cobra and Midland radio's but they haven't gotten the best reviews.

Let me know what you guys think, I'll be lookin around here locally for some better deals.

Thanks Yoda!

Fink

**4x4Fink** · 11-26-2006, 11:52 AM

Well I did some shopping and can't find the Motorola T7400R's for any cheaper than $80-85. The comparable Uniden model listed above is considerably cheaper for some odd reason, I guess because it doesn't carry the Motorola name. My local Circuit City has them in stock for $54. I can't find the Moto's anywhere near me so I will have to go online but I'm not sure they are worth the extra cash, I'm a Motorola lover at heart so it's hard for me to switch to Uniden.

I need some more input guys, I don't think my local Sam's Club even sells Two-Ways, atleast I haven't seen them there so I don't think that's an option.

Talk me out of spending the extra cash, or convince me to!

Thanks guys,

Fink

reggie 00 · 11-26-2006, 11:59 AM

They have them @ Sams but online order only.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/nav...=5&item=354713
So if you are a member there. they are only 52.00.

Not quite the same but have a 12 mile range.

BT17R · 11-26-2006, 12:19 PM

I got these at the local Bi-Mart, a mom & pop version of Wal-Mart, for $55:

http://www.cobra.com/index.php?page=...0a251ebd6e.jpg

**4x4Fink** · 11-26-2006, 12:28 PM

Reggie,

Yeah I saw those but those aren't the exact model I was looking at, the reason I wanted to go with the 7400 is because they have a higher wattage. That's a good find though!

BT,

I had seen those around the internet and hadn't heard anything about them. What do you think of them? I hadn't seen a big response about the Cobra radios so I was gonna go with a more well-known brand.

After doing some more research the Uniden GMR1588-2ck seem to have a few more features than the Motorolas. The Unidens have 2.5 watts, not sure thats a huge difference but the biggest thing is the price.

Still contemplating, any more ideas would help that much more.

Thanks!

Fink

BT17R · 11-26-2006, 12:50 PM

Fink, these are my first, bought for wheeling. I don't have anything to compare them to, but they're loud and clear over the short 1-2 mile distances I've transmitted on. They have a LiOn battery pack with a power save feature good for about 12 hours of average use at high power setting, more on low power bands. The sales guy persuaded me to get them although he also carried more expensive Unidens, Motorolas, and another brand. He said customer feedback was most positive about Cobra compared to the others.

**Yoda** · 11-26-2006, 01:35 PM

Sorry, the Costco Motorola's are the SX700R online:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11117032&search=motorola&Sp=S& Mo=10&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_Sig nDesc1&N=0&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All &Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=motorola&Ntt=mot orola&No=7&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=& s=1

**4x4Fink** · 11-26-2006, 06:59 PM

Well, after doing some research and shopping around locally. I went to Circuit City and got the Uniden's that I had been looking at. They were $59.99, they had the Cobra's there that BT17 was talking about but I decided to get these since I had done all my research and these turned up so much.

The Cobra's were nice and small and would be easy to tuck into a pocket in my pack but they just seemed like they might be a little too small.

I'm gonna have my girlfriend help me test these out tomorrow to see how well the work. So far my favorite feature (now, remember, I'm coming from the world of the 4 mile range radio's so I'm like a kid in a candystore there) is the NOAA weather broadcasts. This is great, it's like a weather radio in your hand while you camp...this would have come in very handy this past trip.

So far I like em, I like the stand alone chargers as well, makes it easy for several of us to use em at seperate camp sites or cabins.

My plan is to test these for a few days (we have some storms coming up so I wanna see just how cool it will be when I get the weather alerts, lol) and then depending on how much I like em I might order the Motorola's and test them out too and then maybe even test the Cobra's out. I don't really know why, just for something to keep me busy I guess.

Anyway, keep the ideas coming and if you have used some other ones you like let me know and maybe I'll test those out too.

Later,

Fink

**4x4Fink** · 11-26-2006, 07:42 PM

Haha...I feel like a real idiot.

I talked to one of my buddies who is a camping, hiking, gadget enthusiast and he said that the model of Motorola's I was looking at, the T7400R has since been replaced by the SX800R. This model has a stated 16-mile range, 22 channels, 121 Privacy Codes per channel, 8-hour talk time, IVOX hands-free and of course the NOAA alerts.

So, I went on www.buy.com and ordered a pair. Should be here on Wednesday or Thursday and then I'll be able to compare them to the Uniden's. Just from the specs of the two I like them both about the same, the Uniden's look better and have independant chargers and the SX800R's are made by Motorola which is just kind of peace of mind.

I'll let you guys know how I like em and give you some short reviews of em both.

Thanks for the idea's guys!

Yoda, looks like you were a lot closer than I thought! Good work man!

Fink

**4x4Fink** · 11-29-2006, 02:46 PM

Well...I just got the Motorola's.

First impression, crappy.

Here are my intial pro's and con's of each:

Motorola
Pro's:
-Thinner, better fit in pocket
-Bright yellow, easy visibility when on ground on campsite
-Longer stated range 16 miles with Moto and 15 miles with Uniden

Con's:
-Very weak feeling, not as ruggen as I was hoping
-PTT/Talk button harder to press, makes a clicking sound makes it feel cheap
-Dual charger, not as easy to lend to someone else on campsite or whoever might want it
-Speaker is not as clear, high treble
-Screen is clustered with icons, nice features but the screen is too small to display all of the different icons
-Buttons are small, all clumped together, if you have big fingers you'll be fumbling around hitting different buttons before you hit the one you want
-Doesn't sit in charger as snugly, kind of "leans" on the charging prongs
-Weather broadcasts are not very loud, not very clear
-Belt clip is stupid, penetrates into the walkie talkie and swivels really losely, once again cheap feeling

Uniden
Pro's:
-Very stout feeling
-PTT/Talk button has smooth operation, no clicking, easy to press
-Speaker is deep and clear
-Look better
-Screen is laid out well, not clustered easy to read
-Weather broadcasts are loud and clear
-Seperate chargers
-Great grips, rubber, wide, fits my hand perfectly

Con's:
-Not very long range near where I live, although there are lots of building around. I got about 1 mile of reception depending on which direction my location was from my house where my girlfriend was.

Thing may change if the range on the Moto's are a lot longer around here although it really only matters out where I'll be hiking.

I'll post back once I can test them both out more extensively.

So far, Uniden's are sticking around.

Price was better on the Uniden's as well, about $15 less.

Fink

**4x4Fink** · 11-29-2006, 09:20 PM

Well...I'm shocked.

The range on the Moto's is longer than the Uniden's here around my house. Granted it's not MUCH longer but it is longer.

Overall they're not horrible. I go hiking a lot and I will probably stick with the Uniden's.

I cannot return the Motorola's because I am an idiot and did not read the return policy where I bought them. I guess I could try and get Wal-Mart to take them back, people have done that before, lol. I don't wanna do that.

If any of you guys want them, after further testing they turned out to be pretty decent, let me know.

I'll sell em for $60 shipped anywhere, let me know.

Thanks guys!

Fink

CJM · 11-29-2006, 09:47 PM

which unidens didya get? Looking for a new pair myself..

**4x4Fink** · 11-30-2006, 07:03 AM

I got the GMF1588-2ck. I was going to get the GMF1595-2ck but they are in a Break-Up Mossy Oak and I didn't really need that. The only difference between the two is a $15 price difference and the Mossy Oak/1595 model has a Vibrate alert, all of the important features are identical.

Fink

ewong · 12-13-2006, 08:28 AM

I didnt look up all the models mentioned in the thread - but me THINKS that the confusion is over
-- marketing hype
-- FRS vs GMRS

What makes it more confusing is that the FRS and GMRS (akak the FM radios you see everywhere) use the same frequencies in many cases.

Info HERE

http://www.popularwireless.com/gmrsfaqa.html

As the FRS radios and FRS/GMRS combo radios are "type" certified (among other things - have no removable antennas) they all have a rather limited range. Of course - line if sight is rather far. I recall one case where a lost hiker on a mountian ridge was able to call for help at a significant distance to a person with a scanner who heard the call many miles (20+) away - but it was clean line of sight.

The FM radio's wont go around corners (akak over a ridge) making htem of more limited utility when say skiing.

Another option is to all take the "no-code" HAM license test. Its really not that hard (its designed to not bee that hard BTW). Then you can get things like high wattage radios in the truck and "repeaters" - making the range rather limitless (sattelite bounce and internet relay gives one GLOABAL coverage)

11-25-2006, 11:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
Yoda Super Moderator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 2,664	Costco has the moto for $54. I have the older moto's, and have been thinking of updating to get the longer range. __________________ David TLCA 14788 71 Landcruiser FJ-40 TBI 327, TH-350, Warn 8000, disk axle swap. 76 Landcruiser FJ-40 project/parts (haven't decided) Last edited by Yoda; 11-25-2006 at 11:49 PM.

11-26-2006, 10:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,952	I wish I had a Costco near me, I am wondering if my local Sportsman Warehouse has them but I bet they will be quite a bit more than at Costco. I'm amazed that Costco has the same ones that Amazon does for so much less...I'm definitely not payin $80 for em. I'll do some more shopping around, I have found some Cobra and Midland radio's but they haven't gotten the best reviews. Let me know what you guys think, I'll be lookin around here locally for some better deals. Thanks Yoda! Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

11-26-2006, 11:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,952	Well I did some shopping and can't find the Motorola T7400R's for any cheaper than $80-85. The comparable Uniden model listed above is considerably cheaper for some odd reason, I guess because it doesn't carry the Motorola name. My local Circuit City has them in stock for $54. I can't find the Moto's anywhere near me so I will have to go online but I'm not sure they are worth the extra cash, I'm a Motorola lover at heart so it's hard for me to switch to Uniden. I need some more input guys, I don't think my local Sam's Club even sells Two-Ways, atleast I haven't seen them there so I don't think that's an option. Talk me out of spending the extra cash, or convince me to! Thanks guys, Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

11-26-2006, 12:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
BT17R Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Da Gorge, Oregon Posts: 5,673	I got these at the local Bi-Mart, a mom & pop version of Wal-Mart, for $55: http://www.cobra.com/index.php?page=...0a251ebd6e.jpg __________________ '07 FJ Cruiser TRD SE 6M/T

11-26-2006, 12:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,952	Reggie, Yeah I saw those but those aren't the exact model I was looking at, the reason I wanted to go with the 7400 is because they have a higher wattage. That's a good find though! BT, I had seen those around the internet and hadn't heard anything about them. What do you think of them? I hadn't seen a big response about the Cobra radios so I was gonna go with a more well-known brand. After doing some more research the Uniden GMR1588-2ck seem to have a few more features than the Motorolas. The Unidens have 2.5 watts, not sure thats a huge difference but the biggest thing is the price. Still contemplating, any more ideas would help that much more. Thanks! Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

11-26-2006, 12:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
BT17R Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Da Gorge, Oregon Posts: 5,673	Fink, these are my first, bought for wheeling. I don't have anything to compare them to, but they're loud and clear over the short 1-2 mile distances I've transmitted on. They have a LiOn battery pack with a power save feature good for about 12 hours of average use at high power setting, more on low power bands. The sales guy persuaded me to get them although he also carried more expensive Unidens, Motorolas, and another brand. He said customer feedback was most positive about Cobra compared to the others. __________________ '07 FJ Cruiser TRD SE 6M/T

11-26-2006, 01:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
Yoda Super Moderator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 2,664	Sorry, the Costco Motorola's are the SX700R online: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11117032&search=motorola&Sp=S& Mo=10&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price\|1\|\|P_Sig nDesc1&N=0&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All &Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=motorola&Ntt=mot orola&No=7&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=& s=1 __________________ David TLCA 14788 71 Landcruiser FJ-40 TBI 327, TH-350, Warn 8000, disk axle swap. 76 Landcruiser FJ-40 project/parts (haven't decided)

11-26-2006, 06:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,952	Well, after doing some research and shopping around locally. I went to Circuit City and got the Uniden's that I had been looking at. They were $59.99, they had the Cobra's there that BT17 was talking about but I decided to get these since I had done all my research and these turned up so much. The Cobra's were nice and small and would be easy to tuck into a pocket in my pack but they just seemed like they might be a little too small. I'm gonna have my girlfriend help me test these out tomorrow to see how well the work. So far my favorite feature (now, remember, I'm coming from the world of the 4 mile range radio's so I'm like a kid in a candystore there) is the NOAA weather broadcasts. This is great, it's like a weather radio in your hand while you camp...this would have come in very handy this past trip. So far I like em, I like the stand alone chargers as well, makes it easy for several of us to use em at seperate camp sites or cabins. My plan is to test these for a few days (we have some storms coming up so I wanna see just how cool it will be when I get the weather alerts, lol) and then depending on how much I like em I might order the Motorola's and test them out too and then maybe even test the Cobra's out. I don't really know why, just for something to keep me busy I guess. Anyway, keep the ideas coming and if you have used some other ones you like let me know and maybe I'll test those out too. Later, Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

11-26-2006, 07:42 PM	#11 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,952	Haha...I feel like a real idiot. I talked to one of my buddies who is a camping, hiking, gadget enthusiast and he said that the model of Motorola's I was looking at, the T7400R has since been replaced by the SX800R. This model has a stated 16-mile range, 22 channels, 121 Privacy Codes per channel, 8-hour talk time, IVOX hands-free and of course the NOAA alerts. So, I went on www.buy.com and ordered a pair. Should be here on Wednesday or Thursday and then I'll be able to compare them to the Uniden's. Just from the specs of the two I like them both about the same, the Uniden's look better and have independant chargers and the SX800R's are made by Motorola which is just kind of peace of mind. I'll let you guys know how I like em and give you some short reviews of em both. Thanks for the idea's guys! Yoda, looks like you were a lot closer than I thought! Good work man! Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

11-29-2006, 02:46 PM	#12 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,952	Well...I just got the Motorola's. First impression, crappy. Here are my intial pro's and con's of each: Motorola Pro's: -Thinner, better fit in pocket -Bright yellow, easy visibility when on ground on campsite -Longer stated range 16 miles with Moto and 15 miles with Uniden Con's: -Very weak feeling, not as ruggen as I was hoping -PTT/Talk button harder to press, makes a clicking sound makes it feel cheap -Dual charger, not as easy to lend to someone else on campsite or whoever might want it -Speaker is not as clear, high treble -Screen is clustered with icons, nice features but the screen is too small to display all of the different icons -Buttons are small, all clumped together, if you have big fingers you'll be fumbling around hitting different buttons before you hit the one you want -Doesn't sit in charger as snugly, kind of "leans" on the charging prongs -Weather broadcasts are not very loud, not very clear -Belt clip is stupid, penetrates into the walkie talkie and swivels really losely, once again cheap feeling Uniden Pro's: -Very stout feeling -PTT/Talk button has smooth operation, no clicking, easy to press -Speaker is deep and clear -Look better -Screen is laid out well, not clustered easy to read -Weather broadcasts are loud and clear -Seperate chargers -Great grips, rubber, wide, fits my hand perfectly Con's: -Not very long range near where I live, although there are lots of building around. I got about 1 mile of reception depending on which direction my location was from my house where my girlfriend was. Thing may change if the range on the Moto's are a lot longer around here although it really only matters out where I'll be hiking. I'll post back once I can test them both out more extensively. So far, Uniden's are sticking around. Price was better on the Uniden's as well, about $15 less. Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

11-29-2006, 09:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,952	Well...I'm shocked. The range on the Moto's is longer than the Uniden's here around my house. Granted it's not MUCH longer but it is longer. Overall they're not horrible. I go hiking a lot and I will probably stick with the Uniden's. I cannot return the Motorola's because I am an idiot and did not read the return policy where I bought them. I guess I could try and get Wal-Mart to take them back, people have done that before, lol. I don't wanna do that. If any of you guys want them, after further testing they turned out to be pretty decent, let me know. I'll sell em for $60 shipped anywhere, let me know. Thanks guys! Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

11-29-2006, 09:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,561	which unidens didya get? Looking for a new pair myself.. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

11-30-2006, 07:03 AM	#15 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,952	I got the GMF1588-2ck. I was going to get the GMF1595-2ck but they are in a Break-Up Mossy Oak and I didn't really need that. The only difference between the two is a $15 price difference and the Mossy Oak/1595 model has a Vibrate alert, all of the important features are identical. Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

12-13-2006, 08:28 AM	#16 (permalink)
ewong Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philly PA Posts: 1,290	I didnt look up all the models mentioned in the thread - but me THINKS that the confusion is over -- marketing hype -- FRS vs GMRS What makes it more confusing is that the FRS and GMRS (akak the FM radios you see everywhere) use the same frequencies in many cases. Info HERE http://www.popularwireless.com/gmrsfaqa.html As the FRS radios and FRS/GMRS combo radios are "type" certified (among other things - have no removable antennas) they all have a rather limited range. Of course - line if sight is rather far. I recall one case where a lost hiker on a mountian ridge was able to call for help at a significant distance to a person with a scanner who heard the call many miles (20+) away - but it was clean line of sight. The FM radio's wont go around corners (akak over a ridge) making htem of more limited utility when say skiing. Another option is to all take the "no-code" HAM license test. Its really not that hard (its designed to not bee that hard BTW). Then you can get things like high wattage radios in the truck and "repeaters" - making the range rather limitless (sattelite bounce and internet relay gives one GLOABAL coverage)

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