Cobra CXR-700 GMRS/FRS Radios with 650 mAh

Bottom Line: If you dont mind giving up weather channels and some battery power, this unit is otherwise identical to the more deluxe Cobra CXR-800.

Cons: This unit is largely identical to the more deluxe CXR-800 with two exceptions. First, the included 650 mAh batteries are somewhat less powerful than the 950 mAh batteries included with the CXR-800. Second, this unit lacks the additional 10 weather channels found on the more deluxe model. Keep in mind the legalities. This is a dual purpose radio. The 22 total channels include the 7 shorter range, lower wattage, FRS-only channels that do not require an FCC license, the 8 longer range, higher wattage, GMRS-only channels that do, plus the 7 shared channels that can be used either way. You should purchase an FCC license for the longer range GMRS usage. Application info is included with the units.

Pros: With more channel combinations than a CB, GMRS/FRS radios are ideal for quieter calls between cars in a convoy to share info about road conditions. Theyre also much smaller and lighter than CBs. Antennas are smaller, too, since GMRS/FRS operates on a higher frequency (462/467 MHz versus 27 MHz). Theyre also ideal for on-foot use upon arrival. We take these to car races at places like Elkhart Lake, Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio and Indy. Theyre great for wandering the track grounds and keeping up with everyone. The CXR-700 has a 650 mAh Lithium ion battery thats stronger than the typical 500 to 600 mAh NIMH batteries that most GMRS/FRS radios use. Lithium ions also weigh less than NiMH and lose only 5 to 10% of their power per month when stored versus a NiMHs 20 to 30% per month loss. Cell phones use Lithium ion; why not your GMRS/FRS radio? Advertised range is 25 miles, but thats unobstructed line of sight. Realistically, expect 2 to 3 with obstacles like trees, buildings, etc. on GMRS and 1 to 2 on FRS. Why? GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) allows higher transmit power than FRS (Family Radio Service). Many high end features are included. Selectable power lets you choose max range or longer battery life. VOX for hands free operation. Choose call tone or vibrate alert. The backlit LCD display has a channel indicator, battery meter and more. Total of 3124 GMRS/FRS channel combinations (22 channels/142 privacy codes). Automatic squelch, 10 channel memory and channel scan are all handy. Includes two radios, two batteries, two belt clips and one two-port desktop charger.