On the trail communication...recommendation.

[IBallEngineer]

License seems to be needed for MURS, but after reading into all the options, could be the best bet...although I still think buying some 2 way Motorolas and modding them would be best for that instant gratification and simplicity.

This is VHF set up designed for chase vehicles in Baja. A little pricey but they work spectacularly well. Have had as much as 11 miles of distance when conditions are good. That isn't normal, but 50 watts gives you a lot of power. They also sell handhelds that are only 5 watts but still work pretty well. NO license required

https://www.pciraceradios.com/collections/radios/products/icom-mobile-f5021?variant=7918520453

 

[BrianSD_42]

Finally, have a few buddies ready to go on some trails and was curious what everyone uses to communicate while in the middle of nowhere since cell service is spotty at best.

Been looking at CBs as well as the Midland X-Talker 2way radios. https://midlandusa.com/product/t71vp3/ I can't imagine I'd really need a CB these days but was hoping for some feedback from others with more experience.

Thanks!

My recommendation would be to use two hand held $50 HAM radios and simply use non-repeater channels. Lots of folks do this, including several I ride with. While technically illegal it isn't much of a big deal as long as you look up, set to and use the proper non-repeating channels. These hand held HAM are very affordable and work 100x better than CB or FM. I've used all three options and this is the way to go. Of course I would also encourage you to get a legit HAM license but in the meantime using the non-repeater channels isn't going to hurt anyone.

THEY JUST WORK

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVHNNL8/ {I've got this one}
https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-BF-F8HP-Two-Way-136-174MHz-400-520MHz/dp/B00MAULSOK/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z52HP10/


:llama:

 

[hyken]

I have a CB in my runner and I can definitely say that it is nasty audio if you're just listening to random people. But as long as people are in range, they have theirs setup correctly and your squelch is set properly, it works just fine. If you don't like unsightly antennas though, stay away. Install and setting the SWR is a bit of task though if you don't do your research first. The people over at Firestik antennas have some great resources for CB.

MURS is honestly great. There are a few bands that the FCC made public bands with a maximum of 2 watts. These radios are, like others have said, like the Motorolas and such used by businesses. They work very well in my limited experience with them.

The little family radios (GMRS/FRS) don't even bother... they're all garbage unless you're in the salt flats.

And the Baofeng UV-5Rs - I have two of these and they work awesome! Everyone on here is saying to make sure you get a ham license, but that's not necessary for these provided you stay in the frequencies used by GMRS/FRS and MURS. It's like a having a more powerful family radio that puts out either 1 or 4 watts. Granted, they're not certified by the FCC, but really? The government has bigger fish to fry than tracking down who's using a 4 watt radio on a .5 watt public frequency... just my two cents though.