Best 2 Way Radios For Hunting: A Complete Buying Guide
If you absolutely love the outdoors, there probably has been a time where you have hunted or maybe it’s something you’ve been thinking about, but whether you are a hunting veteran or just trying it for the first time, there are challenges that can arise.
One of the biggest challenges is communication, especially if you are hunting in groups. You’ll want to be able to effectively communicate with everyone without risking your game being startled. One of the most easiest and effective ways to communicate is through 2 way radios. This article will give you a review and a comprehensive breakdown of the best 2 way radios for hunting.
Product | Range | Battery Life | Price | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Up To 8 Miles | Up To 8 Hours | $$$ | ||
BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black) | Up To 30 Miles | Up To 14 Hours | $ | |
Up To 26 Miles | Up To 12 Hours | $ | ||
Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) | Up To 23 Miles | Up To 10 Hours | $$ | |
Midland GXT1000VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Black/Silver) | Up To 36 Miles | Up To 11 Hours | $ |
The Top 5 Best Two Way Radios For Hunting
1. Retevis H-777 Two Way Radios Long Range
For the hunter that is looking for a simplistic design without all of the buttons and gauges but still wants that top notch quality and reliability that is only found in the best hunting headsets, then the Retevis H-777 Two Way Radios are a great fit. You can look forward to increased voltage stability because of the included USB cables which greatly help reduce battery explosion. There are no worries when camping at night as this walkie also comes with an LED torch, also included is a emergency alarm that signals for help right away. This radio has a vast amount of features that will ensure you not only have a safe but productive hunting trip.
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2. BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black)
There are some two-way radios that are superior against other radios of its kind, but the downside is you can expect to pay a pretty penny for it. If you are hunter looking for top of the line quality all while not breaking the bank, then the Baofeng UV-5R fits that description perfectly. With this walkie you are able to customize channel names, and switch from high power to low power settings to be able to effectively preserve your battery. Equipped with an LED flashlight for those night time hunting adventures and a large LED display so there are no issues with seeing your screen. Also included is a tone time out timer and a low battery alert. This radio has a vast amount of features that is sure to assist you during your hunting trip.
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3. Midland LXT600VP3 36-Channel GMRS
If you love the sport of hunting but you look at safety as one of your highest priorities and want a hunting radio that can live up to your expectations when it comes to staying safe, then the Midland LXT600VP3 36-Channel GMRS may be an option for you. Included with these walkies is the weather scan feature that finds you the closest NOAA broadcast to inform you about any dangerous situation from nuclear power plant warnings to child abduction. Navigating through rough terrain while trying to communicate is no longer an issue with the 3 level VOX that enables hands free function and despite its technical features, its still completely water resistant. A great buy for the hunter that not only wants to stay safe but wants high quality communication.
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4. Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)
If there is a hunting radio that you are looking for that has a great set of features , that you can rely on to be your go-to radio when it comes to hunting game, the Motorola MH230R is definitely a reliable walkie-talkie that will greatly assist you during your outdoor journey. Included with this two-way radio are rechargeable batteries that lasts for up to 10 hours, a plethora of accessories that includes, belt clips, earbuds, a dual charger and a charging adapter to make sure all of your communication needs are met. The Motorola also has safety covered during your hunt as well with 11 different weather channels ( 7 NOAA) and alert features that can automatically be set so you don’t have to worry about checking in to see what the weather is, just set the alert and you’ll be notified. A walkie that gives you the safety and essentials you need to have a more than successful hunting journey.
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5. Midland GXT1000VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Black/Silver)
It is very much possible to get everything you need in a two-way radio while still keeping a fairly small budget. If you are just looking for the communication essentials, while making sure you remain safe during your travels, the Midland GXT1000VP4 could be the radio you are looking for. Being prepared for uncertain weather conditions is no problem, as this walkie is equipped with every hazard weather channel including alerts and weather scans. 9 different levels of VOX essentially makes this walkie hands free, while also having an SOS siren, just in case of emergencies. 5 watts, with a 36 mile range, you can be sure you are getting the maximum amount of power and reach, all for an affordable price. The perfect addition to the hunter thats on a budget.
7 Components You Want To Look For When Choosing The Right Two Way Radio For You
Durability
We all know that most of the time, when hunting, it requires us to be in some pretty rugged conditions like wet mud, rough, uneven terrain, and wooded areas crowded with bushes and other outdoor elements but despite having to hunt in those conditions, you’ll need to have a high quality and durable hunting radio.
Different radios will be able to endure different amounts of pressure, some more than others, but you generally want to look for radios that can withstand being dropped on a hard surface and being under heavy pressure for an extended period of time. This will ensure that just in case you drop your walkie-talkie, you don’t have to worry about it breaking apart and when you have to lay on it when you’re trying to get that perfect shot, there’s no worries about it malfunctioning because its been under a heavy amount of weight too long.
Weather Protection
September through December is hunting season and the weather during those months are mostly cold and rainy, so it’s imperative that you have a two way radio that is resistant to the weather element that usually has us saying rest in peace to our electronics…water. Having a water resistant radio means that communication will not be affected even if it is raining or if you happen to drop your device in a pond, your money is not wasted.
Range
It is a great idea to scope out or even have a good idea about where you are going to be hunting. Radio manufacturers will claim that a specific radio can range up to a specific distance but, what they don’t tell you is that how far your range extends is greatly determined by a number of different factors that have nothing to do with the actual radio itself such as:
If you are not completely sure about how many dead spots there are where you will be hunting, it is a great idea to maybe lean towards a hunting radio that has a built-in long antenna for increased range.
Privacy Codes
Having privacy codes on your walkie-talkie eliminates intervening broadcasts from your other fellow hunters. They can also be used on different channels, allowing you to talk within specific groups.
Not all hunting radios have this feature but it may be something to consider especially if you plan on hunting in groups or there are lots of other hunters that look for game on the same grounds you do.
NOAA Weather Channels
Safety should always be concern number one when hunting. You are around countless dangerous weapons like rifles, hunting bows and knives but despite being around all of those, they aren’t the only dangers for a hunter. Weather can quickly change and being warned is how you stay safe.
There are some radios that include a channel specifically for the weather, giving you immediate updates. It’ll protect you and your group.
Battery Power
This will be completely dependent upon how long your hunting day will lasts. If you are only hunting for maybe 1-3 hours at a time, the battery life may not be at the forefront of your concerns but on the other hand if you plan on a full day of hunting, make sure you are investing in a hunting radio that has extended battery life.
Every walkie-talkie is different and there are a few ways for them to be powered such as:
Headset Quality
Radios are needed to effectively communicate with others that are hunting with you, this is true but they can get loud and hunting requires patience, careful planning and quietness and with a loud walkie-talkie you run the risk of potentially scaring away game.
You can completely avoid this issue with a headset that can connect to your radio. You’ll want to make sure that your headset fits comfortably and that you can hear clearly through it.
Useful Accessories To Consider
Earpiece
For those who enjoy a complete hands off experience, an earpiece is a way to be able to communicate while not having to physically have your walkie-talkie in your hand or exposed at all.
Belt Clip
A belt clip is useful because it eliminates you needing to place your hunting radio in your pocket. In return giving you more pocket space, feeling more mobile and having your walkie more accessible.
Rechargeable Batteries
Having rechargeable batteries can definitely be beneficial, especially if you are on a budget. Though they may cost more than regular batteries, they will lasts way longer, ultimately saving you money.
Hand Strap
As an alternative to putting your walkie in your pocket and strapping it to your belt, there are also hand straps you can use. They are very secure and flexible.
Conclusion
In your search for a two way radio for hunting, there are a few attributes you’ll want to look for and that perfect radio will have them all. Features like, NOAA weather alerts, water resistance, privacy codes, usb charging ports, and a long range are all things that make up a great radio.
The best choice when it comes to a hunting walkie-talkie is the BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio. Not only does it have a vast amount of features like being pc programmable but it is also very affordable, making this radio a perfect choice for hunters.
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