For Christmas, my mom gave me pair of inexpensive 2-way (FRS/GMRS) radios from Radio Shack. They're handy around the house as upstairs/downstairs intercoms, but the real-world range on the FRS unlicensed, free channels is only a half-mile. I like the radios because they're compact and can be used hands free with a $10 headset. Sound quality's good.

Prior to receiving the 2-way, I planned to buy a $50 Midland handheld CB like KJ-BOL's, but now I'm not so sure I need a CB since I can bring the 2-ways on the trail to communicate with at least one person in my group. Offroad, what advantages does a CB have over 2-way radio, other than greater transmitting range? I'm wondering why most of us don't use affordable 2-way radios instead of more costly CBs.

T.J.

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2003 Liberty Sport
Bright Silver Metallic
Daystar lift
General Tire Grabber AT2 245/70R16

because with a 2 way radio you can communicate only with one other person - CBs you can hear everybody ans we can all hear you too
Am I correct? - i think so....

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You can get more than 2 radios and they will work with each other. Moose brought 3 of them to a trail ride before he had the cb. They worked out just fine.

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more channels (I believe), more bandwidth, potential for long distance communication, weather channel, emergency channel, and universally used...

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'99 TJ Sport
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Obviously range for 1/2 mile vs 5~6 miles of a CB being run un-modified. In addition, if your running a road trip, interstate or intrastate your CB radio will help you with traffic and police reports from truckers.
If your running GMRS the FCC would like to have you license those GMRS radios technically.
One last thing if your running an isolated trail alone without good cell tower coverage, a CB radio will be a better choice than your FRS/GMRS for coverage.

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Many offroaders are even going to HAM radios now that you do not need to learn dot dot dot dash dash talk to get a license. I use my CB all the time while on highway trips.

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Rusty's 2.5 Coil Lift
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L.O.S.T Midwest #058429

BATTERIES I've used FRS radios, but have had the batteries go out during long trips. I have both CB and hand held FRS radios.

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LostRenegade - Lost # 477
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade - Silver
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Good point about batteries. The NiCad battery packs I have only last about 7 hours and then take 16 hours to fully recharge. I'd better off using alkalines, which supposedly last 12 hours in my radios.

Someone made a good point about cops. CBs make it easier to get emergency help in areas with poor cellular coverage. That alone seems worth the expense. I guess CB is better overall but 2-ways can work in a pinch with a small group. I still prefer the transmission quality and overall sound quality of the little FRS/GMRS radios. FCC license for GMRS "system" is currently $85 for 5 years ($17/year). I can't see myself throwing away that much just to increase my range to 2 miles (if I'm lucky). $17 buys a lot of Taco Bell.

Guess it's time to return the 2-ways for store credit. Only problem is there's nothing I want to buy at Radio Shack. I used to love that store, but now I can't stand it since Fry's Electronics opened a store here. I'm like a kid in a candy store there.

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2003 Liberty Sport
Bright Silver Metallic
Daystar lift
General Tire Grabber AT2 245/70R16

The enforcement of the GMRS license is a bit like do-not-remove-this-tag-under-penalty-of-law tags on mattresses and pillows. The way it was described to me from a Cobra sales rep is that a law enforcement individual has to catch you in the act of transmitting over the designated long range channels.

You'll notice that 7 channels on the band are limited to FRS only (even though GMRS can still function), 7 serve both signals, and 7 or 8 (depending on radio brand) will serve GMRS only.

I use them frequently when hiking in Cumberland Gap. However, their range is severly limited by terrain and forest density (e.g. Cumberland and DBNF)

I'd bring a couple along for any event regardless. They are pretty small compared to hand-held CBs

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'04 Renegade 4x4
L.O.S.T. #058466
Car Domain, Updated: 2/23/2009
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When I am in tight traffic jams on the expressway, I will turn on the CB and listen to the truckers chat about what the accident is up ahead. Some times it gets pretty hilarious listening to them.

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LostRenegade - Lost # 477
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade - Silver
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