Base unit or handheld???

[JT 5oh]

Hey whats everyone using on the trails with your clubs? On the fence if I should mount a midland base unit or if we should just buy some good handheld GMRS radios one for the truck and spotter? Then we could loan them to others as well while on the trails.

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[mdyucca]

I have both GMRS and CB. Considering both are off the shelf units I have found the GMRS more capable with greater range in radio communication. The Jeep group I run with has adapted to GMRS radios. GMRS frequencies do require a license to transmit. Most GMRS radios include FRS (Family Radio Services) channels. The FRS channels are used in the inexpensive, bubble wrap, radios sold at Walmart, Amazon and many retail outlets. Several people in my Jeep group have FRS radios. Since the GMRS radios have the FRS channels we can pick a FRS channel and communicate.

The thoughts Re the best type radio to use is varied with many opinions. GMRS handheld is working best for me.

 

[LostWoods]

Base units properly mounted (which you really can't do on a Jeep but you can get 80% of the way there) vastly increase range over a handheld. You can improve a handheld with a properly mounted antenna but base units can generate 2-3x the broadcast power a handheld can in the case of GMRS.

If you only run small trail groups then a handheld will probably be fine even though you might need a relay mid-pack at times.

I have the Midland 275 and the only way I'd get rid of it is if I was upgrading to the new unit with more power. The ham-like design with a hidden base and all the controls on the mic is outstanding and makes finding an install location super easy.

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