Cobra microTALK CXR825 30-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

by Cobra

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2 x 1.5 x 5.5 inches ; 3.5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00365E1H4
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: CXR825
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

Product Description

The Cobra CXR825 is a microTALK 2-way radio two-pack with up to a 30-mile range. This unit consists of 22 channels and 142 privacy codes (38 CTCSS codes/104 DCS codes), and comes complete with two lithium-ion battery packs and a two-port desktop mini-charger. The CXR825 also features a 10-channel NOAA radio, hands-free operation (VOX), VibrAlert silent paging, call alert (10 selectable tones), backlit LCD display, scanning function (channels/ privacy codes), single pin speaker/microphone/charge jack, 10-channel memory, selectable high/low power in GMRS, key lock, roger beep (selectable on/off), key stroke tones (selectable on/off), battery low indicator, battery/power saver mode, signal strength meter, auto squelch, maximum range extender, and belt clip. Comes in ROHS lead-free packaging.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars reasonable quality, May 3, 2010

By 

Jerry - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cobra microTALK CXR825 30-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Electronics)

Among the brands of GMRS/FRS radios, Cobra is the only one I've found to use Li-ion batteries. Compared to other rechargeable battery technologies, Li-ion will last longer and weigh less. Cobra has three models in their flagship category: 925, 825, 725. I chose the 825 for a few reasons.

Compared to the 925, this model lacks the voice recorder and has lower battery capacity. Without the voice recorder, if you miss something, I think it's a matter of asking people to repeat their message. Although the 925 battery capacity is higher, the voice recorder increases the power draw, so it may offset and result in similar battery life. The main differences between the 725 is the capability to receive NOAA weather broadcasts; I believe the batteries and the outside form factor are the same.

They advertise different communication ranges (35, 30, 27) in miles. I'm skeptical and wish there were more truth in advertising. However, for casual users, you're probably within 5 miles. These types of GMRS/FRS radios do not work well inside cars unless you have an external antenna. If used properly, they work reasonably well. I've been able to communicate within 10 miles. For the purists, the 925 and 825 have three transmit power levels (5, 2, 0.5 watts) while the 725 has only two (5, 0.5 watts).

So far, I can think of only one drawback - I wish Cobra makes a car charger. Their website says you may purchase parts and build your own, just call them for wiring info.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Strange Walkie-Talkie, June 15, 2010

By 

Nom De Plume "East Coast Nut" (West Coast Junkie) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cobra microTALK CXR825 30-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Electronics)

This is a strange walkie-talkie. First rate engineering with a second rate execution. It even looks a little strange with a cheap clear plastic grill on the front. This walkie-talkie is also one of the smallest on the market.

It is a very straight-forward and easy walkie-talkie to program. Much easier than the Midland, if you don't mind the NOAA blaring in the speakers each time you go through it to get the programming steps you need to change.

It had a strange way of fitting in the recharge base. It just plops in one way and easily wobbles, but it makes contact all the time.

Most of the commonly needed buttons are right on the front, not like others that make you dig through or do some button looping to get what you want. There is even a separate backlight on-button on the side.

The backlight does not evenly cover the LCD like many other comunication devices, but rather it is two lighted LED'S on either side of the display. Cheap, but it works.

The rechargeable batteries is put in a square sealed plastic case and difficult to remove from the walkie-talkie, luckily you shouldn't be doing that often.

The VOX works like all the others. Not very sensitive, but it will work if you learn to talk loud and even practically yell on the least sensitive adjustment. It has 5 adjustments.

Have not tried any accessory with it. But it should work in ordinary use if you just like to hold the Cobra in your hand and talk and recieve. It has all the ability built in to exceed the basics too, should your needs go further than that.

To use the high-range mode everyone knows "buy" now you have to get an FCC license, but in FRS free mode of a few miles or blocks depending on obstacles can be obtained.

I also found out it cannot use most Midland accessories due to different pin configurations.

Bottom Line: If you want a straigh-forward minimal-fuss walkie talkie and just want to start talking this will probably be the one you want.
Comment Comment | Permalink

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keeping in touch, June 28, 2010

By 

Mr Handyman "Mr Handyman" (OH, FL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cobra microTALK CXR825 30-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) (Electronics)

They are great! Fifteen of us went on a very large cruise ship and we used them to keep in touch since there was no cell phone service. The security code feature meant that we only heard each other and no one else even if they were on the same channel. They made the cruise much more enjoyable.