Kinda looking at a set of these to use with my son on the trail.

I'm interested in the VOX kind to use hands free. Also looking at the lower end priced ones @ 70.00 a pair.

Do they work as well or again do you get what you pay for? Do you get good range, anyone use these or have any reccomendations?

Thanks

 

We use the Talkabout & Talkabout Distance radios here on the farm. The standard Talkabouts seem to be good for the better part of a mile, less in rough terrain/thick trees more in the open. They will reach a good 2 miles like advertised if you both are on a hill & in the open. The Distance radios carry roughly double that.
I have had terrible luck with the VOX feature, though. If you rev the engine loud enough, it kicks on, if you set the sensitivity down so it doesn't do that, you seem like you have to yell. Also, when you hit a tree, your kids will hear every 4 letter word you scream. I sent those back, and use a speaker mike that clips to my collar. I have friends who use the headset with the button you press by your throat to transmit with good results.
Spring for the radios with more than one channel, because it seems all the one channel radios are set to the same frequency.

 

Earbud phones with clip-on PTT (push-to-talk) microphones (about $ 20 at Radio Shack) seem to work better than the VOX (voice-operated-relay) microphones, having witnessed both setups in use on the trail. The noise level varies so much the VOX setups seem hard to adjust so they work under all conditions; however, everything's a matter of personal preference; if you like VOX, go for it--any 2-way communication's better than none.

Diogenes

 

You do get what you pay for; we have had great luck with Motorola SP 50 radios. These go about 5 miles clear. It seems all the police departments are changing to newer technology making these radios very affordable for the rest of us.

Here's a couple on ebay

 

Depending on the kind of money are willing to spend I have used the Collett Comm. 900 VOX on my snowmobiles and they work flawlessly. There a bit pricey but they work.

Mud4Me

 

Cobra has the FRS-250. They are $49.95 each, with a $20 rebate in the box. $29.95 ea. Great radio to start out with. You can order directly from Cobra. "I do not work for Cobra"

Weetoots
http://www.cobraelectronics.com./microtalk.html

 

I have used the TalkAbouts for a while now. We have arm bands for them and we have our helmets wired. There is a small push to talk button on the inside of the chin on the helmet. The VOX thing like stated above does not work to well with the engine reving.

 

How did you wire your helmet? I have the cobra clear call and the earbud mike, We cliped the mike to the front air vents and put the earbud in ear, but it always falls out. Did you attach the earbud to the helmet to, if so what did you use. Any info would be helpful, it is nice to be able to talk with out stopping and yelling at each other.