Customer Reviews

Midland 75-509W 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radios (Pair)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You have to love a company that sells these things WITH rechargeable batteries and the charger. Just pop both of them in the charger overnight and you are ready to go. They are easy to use, small and lightweight. Work MUCH better than the Motorolas I bought my parents a year ago (and paid over ... each for).

I ordered these and was terribly disappointed to find that they don't support CTCSS subcodes. That means that you're limited to 14 channels, not 14 channels * 38 subcodes = 532 channels. As you can imagine, the difference between 14 and 532 makes a huge difference when you're trying to use these at someplace crowded, like Disneyworld. Their performance is OK, as is the build quality-- not bad for the money-- but the lack of subcodes is a killer.

This product has quite a number of things going for it. Firstly it's an excellent FRS radio with excellent range (have not been able to test the two mile range 'cause of my terrain), coupled with the headphone set it allows for ease of communication for a variety of purposes, I use it for security in-store as well and they work marvellously. Also, with the drop-in charger and rechargeable batteries the savings gained in the original great price is magnified 100X over a similar motorolla product, which does not even have battery rationing and is certaily not rechargeable! (these average 2AA batteries per day on continous use!) Ideal choice for the budget conscious shopper who wants a greater bang for the buck.

I bought fifteen sets to use at our school. They've been knocked around and dropped and still work pretty good. Some of the units pick up a lot of static especially as the battery starts to run low. We still can't figure out all the features and the display. The displays are confusing and some of the features appear to be meaningless or possibly aren't working. The battery indicator doesn't seem to work consistently. Some of the transmit buttons are stubborn and have to be pressed HARD. One of the transmit buttons don't work at all. The belt clips pop off, (resulting in the unit hitting the floor) especially if you're fat and you bend over. Hah! Anyway, the bottom line is that for the cost, they've been serving their purpose.

With twin boys of 11 and a 14 year old daughter, having this relatively inexpensive technology is certainly better than not having it. But I'm afraid that's the best I can say about these radios. I live in a typical residential neighborhood. Living just 8 blocks from the Atlantic Ocean I expected just "half" the advertised range of 2 miles, but disappointed I was. Less than 5 blocks down the road squelch covers the kids audio without 'any' adverse conditions. I purchased two sets (4) radios. The only reason why I don't return them is because I suspect the rated 2 miles is just a farce. They get a rating of 3 for the technology, but performance couldn't possibly rise above a 1. Sorry folks!

I bought these to use at an event - the reception wouldn't carry across the building, and when it did work the quality of the sound was pretty poor.

These radios have worked well for us under most conditions- at the lake, in Mexico, and car to car. The nice part about them is the rechargeable batteries and the included charger. The sound quality and range has been within acceptable limits for us, and has surprised us on occasion when they have been loud and clear thru forested areas and over hills. They have been subjected to jolts on the jet ski and minimal amounts of waterspray without apparent damage. They hold a charge for a long weekend. Overall we have been satisfied with the performance of these radios and feel they provide good performance at a fair price. My only (minor) complaint is that I have to consult the owner's manual to understand some of the various functions as the lettering near the buttons and dials is small and difficult to read.