Motorola Talkabout T5200 (14 Channels) Two Way Radio

Pros: 38 subchannels, no licensing or airtime charges, compatible with other FRS radios
Cons: belt clip easily breakable, limit of 2 miles, less features than more expensive FRS radios

The Motorola Talkabout T5200 Two Way Radio is basically a short range walkie talkie that operates on Family Radio Service (FRS) designated frequencies set aside for home and recreational use. Most FRS two way radios out on the market today feature the...

Pros: Durable, Relativey easy to use, better range & clarity versus CB.
Cons: Why is the push-to-talk button on the front? Immature users of system.

FRS has been around for a while now, and it's always looked apealing to me simply because of the fact that it's superior to Citizens Band (CB) radios....at this point.

After examining the possibilities for a period of time, and comparing...

Pros: Lightweight, feature-rich. Near-legendary Motorola quality.
Cons: Begs for more (GMRS-class) output power. Odd placement of PTT button.

My two-pack of T5200s came in the mail about two months after I bought four Michelin tires during their Make Contact offer.

These are my first FRS (Family Radio Service) radios, so some of my observations are...

Pros: light-weight, clear, easy on batteries, easy enough for kids to use.
Cons: claims 2 mile radius, but not really powerful enough

I received these 2-way radios as a gift. I had been bugging my wife for them, and she finally broke down and bought them for me. I wanted to have something to communicate with people on land when I was kayaking and with others I am kayaking with. The...

Pros: Easy to use and they work
Cons: "push to talk" button is on the front, not on the side.

FRS (Family Radio Service) is quickly becoming the standard in communication for outdoor enthusiasts. These radios are a lot cheaper than buying a handheld cb and are easier to use. All FRS radios have about 2 mile range, regardless of brand. This is the...

Pros: Great range and reception. Easy to slip into your pocket. Headset jack
Cons: Belt clip useless, broke first day, Mic in awkward spot.

For years now, my wife and I have struggled going shopping together. Being bored with each others interest in clothes or electronics, often we have decided to split up and join up at a later time, and then having problems finding each other. Last year,...

Pros: Privacy Codes a big Plus.
Cons: Range

I own both the 5100 and the 5200. (See my 5100 review.)

Same range as all other FRS (Family Radio System) 2-way radios. But this model adds the Privacy codes that allow you to only hear others on your channel and privacy code. This is great...

Pros: Can't beat the price: Free with four Michelin tires!
Cons: Had to buy batteries.

Michelin Tires are giving these little numbers away free with the purchase of four tires. The tires were free replacements for Firestones. I had to front the money for alkaline batteries, but Michelin even paid for those with an additional $50 cash...

I like these better than the Cobras that I used to own, mostly because of better control over volume, on/off, and the sub-channels which give better privacy. I also like that the T5200 uses AA batteries which can be found everywhere, as opposed to AAA, which I have sometimes had trouble finding in backwoods "general stores".

I used these primarilly at Whiteface Mtn ski area in Lake Placid NY. I found they were incredibly durable and the transmission and receiving quite good. I could be in the lodge and my son would be on the other side of the mountain - through rock ledges, and his transimission came through loud and clear. I bought another pair when my neighbor took my son skiing and lost one of them. The 14 channels, 38 privacy codes weeded out a lot of interference from the straight 14 channel models. I purchased my last pair at Radio Shack to the tune of $24.95 each - regularly $35.00 for each. I also feel they are somewhat more durable and water resistent than I would have thought. They took a few tumbles in the snow, and quite a few shots when we took major falls on the icy slopes.