Customer Reviews

Motorola TalkAbout T6220 2-Mile 14-Channel FRS Two-Way Radio (Evergreen)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These new Motorolas are definitely a nice upgrade from the previous models. Comparing it to my T289s, it is slightly smaller, more feature packed, and generally more fun to use. The new features, such as the "Roger Beep" after releasing the Talk button, and the scrambling options, really make it much more attractive than its predecessors. I even found that the T6220 was able to RECEIVE transmissions (from a T289) more clearly and with less static than my T289. Everything sounds great right? Not exactly.

I really don't understand what on earth Motorola was thinking when they placed the microphone inside the right-hand side button (I believe the Scan button). The instruction manual specifically states to be careful not to cover the microphone while using the Talk button. In order not to cover it, however, you can forget using your right hand because unless you feel like contorting your hand in some strange position while using the radio, it WILL cover the microphone. Even so, when using my left hand the microphone did an extremely poor job of picking-up my voice. When comparing it to the T289, my wife and I agreed that voice transmissions SENT on the T6220 are probably only half as loud and clear as on the T289. A number of times my wife had to ask me to repeat what I was saying.

Unforturnately, the poor performance of the microphone alone was enough to warrant my returning the T6220 and staying with the T289. I hope enough people complain about this problem that Motorola revises the unit to place the microphone in the same location as their older units. If it wasn't for the voice transmission quality issue, I would have given the T6220 an easy "5."

I've owned several Motorola radios in past and these are best yet. Rather than repeat things mentioned in other reviews, let me add a few new things.

First the weather radio thing is really handy. It's nice while driving to be able to get the latest forcast and severe weather update.

Second, the QT (QuieT6000) feature is deluxe. If you are using these things in a congested area, like theme parks, even with all the channels and codes you may find others on "your" channel. What the QT feature does is give you another layer exclusivity. If your curious about how this works you can read about it on Motorola's web site.

Thirdly, the vibrate feature is nice for a call tone. When you're at a noisy themepark, this comes in handy.

Lastly, and very importantly, if you are using rechargable batteries with this radio, be sure to change the settings on the radio to indicate this! Otherwise your radio will give you low battery warnings after only 2 hours of use (and you'll think your rechargables are going bad). It took me a while to figure out what was going on.

All and all I love the radios and would highly suggest them. And I'm glad I'm not the only one that likes plain black radios (I'm one of those function over design guys, I guess).

...KP

The Motorola Talkabout T6220's are the best 2-way radios i have ever owned, and I have owned around 15 pairs. About a month ago and after much research I bought a pair of T6310's. They were packed with features, but had horrible voice quality. It might be acceptable for a $20 pair of 2-way radios, but not a $100 pair. So I returned them. The T6220's are phenomenal! They have all the features of the T6310's, are smaller, and half the price. There voice quality is great. The QuieT600 feature and scramblers are perfect for on a cruise ship or busy hotel where every family is on 2-way radios. They are voice operated with the headset, and easy to use. The design feels solid and they are built well. The backlight is perfect for nighttime use.

A Great little radio-the new features work great. This is a fine small radio. Perfect for Disneyland or the Cruise boat. The belt clip works fine -better than the old 289 belt clip. The radio send an audio signal when you are finished talking instead of you saying "over". It is very cool. I have 4 of the 289's but I love the new look and feel of the 6220 models.

Ok,

So I didn't REALLY need these but, I wanted a set for those times, when I lose the little lady in one of those Meg-a-lo marts!!(Can you say HUGE Stores) The one thing I've noticed is, just HOW MANY folks use these radios for EXACTLY this same purpose. I've discovered some new found friends, while trying to find my significant other, in the deepest darkest parts of the store.

I'm not that excited with the over all quality of the radios. I've owned SEVERAL Motorola business radios in the past and, these(6220) fall short in quality.(Are you listening Motorola?!) I found that the back cover of the units doesn't fit tightly, and that rain could easily enter in through the open space. Considering that one of the MAIN selling points for these units is, "RECREATIONAL" I would have thought that Motorola, would have paid better attention to this matter in manufacturing?!

As far as the range goes, well, it's fairly adequate for MY PURPOSES but, your mileage may vary. One thing I would HIGHLY recommend is, that while shopping for this type of radio, you ALSO consider a GRMS unit. I find that the FRS band is VERY active, and this poses some problems trying to get a clear channel at times.

So, would I purchase these units again?......Probably. Would I ALSO look at other units by another manufacturer....YES!!!! Bottom line, for the price, and the amount of time I'll use these, they work fine for me.

It's a common rule of thumb that, when others claim that 'theirs is just as good as or better than...', chances are that they're comparing 'theirs' to a widely acknowledged benchmark in performance and quality; so it is with FRS radios that claim to be 'just as good as or better than' a Motorola. Considering the price (and compared to numerous lesser quality radios on the market), there's really no reason to compromise by purchasing an FRS radio made by anyone other than Motorola. In particular, the T6220 packs an abundance of useful features into a user friendly package. For those of you (myself included) who were growing weary of FRS radios looking like they were designed by Dr. Seuss, there's no confusing a graphite black T6220 as anything but 'communications equipment'. A reviewer's comment about the microphone being poorly placed (and subject to being covered by the user's thumb) is, in my opinion, a non-issue; I have a 'regular' sized adult hand and - even when I try - it's difficult to entirely cover the microphone port when holding the radio as you would during use. Transmit audio is above average and receive audio is average for a two-way radio in this price range (if a received signal sounds 'mushy' when using a T6220, chances are it's because the person at the other end is talking too close to their microphone). If there was to be a legitimate criticism of the T6220's design, I would say that it would be of the battery compartment cover and its latching mechanism. The cover itself fails to achieve a tight fit against the lower portion of the radio when in the 'closed' position; as a result, there seems to be an inordinate (1mm approx) gap between where the lower half of the cover meets the main body of the radio (a problem which has nothing to do with battery type, since it occurs even when there is no battery installed). But this is, after all, a non-commercial/non-military radio; for its price, Motorola has provided everyday users with a terrific product that's clearly a 'notch above'.

I purchased a pair of T6220's this past year and they have proven to be a better performer than I had anticipated. In fact I purchased an additional pair for my hunting friends. The ability to turn off certain features you didn't want or like such as the 'Roger Beep'is a plus! These units worked extremely well in all of my treks through the woods, canyon and draws. I was able to keep in touch with others with little problem.

I do recommend making or puchasing a case for their protection. The face plate seems to scratch easily.

The only drawback I discovered was the small buttons are difficult to activate with gloves. Other than that I would highly recommend the T6220's to those roaming the great outdoors.

These radios once were a little pricey but the price has dropped recently making them an excellent deal. I have three of these units...used them in the heat of Central America and the cold of the Colorado ski slopes. Very nice features set with the privacy codes, scrambling, weather radio, scanning, etc.

This radio might actually have too many features for some users but you can put the radio into a "simple mode" that turns the fancy stuff off. Nice touch.

These radios really lived up to my expectations. For starters, the transmition clarity is quite good. It can get scratchy when you are really far appart or when you are in the mountains with alot of clouds. Fairs, expos, museums, wherever these radios keep us in touch.

I've been using these when I go up snowboarding, and my family is always able to keep in touch regardless where we are on the mountain. In fact I've often picked up conversations from the next resort over! The radios are also slightly water resistant.

These radios also have Motorola durability, I've dropped them many a times, and no problems. The weather radio (NOAA) is useful for picking up very accurate and regularly updated weather reports from the National Weather Service. The battery door does feel like it's not seated correctly and seems like it will pop off. I've only had a door pop off once or twice and we never lost the door. The Eavesdrop eliminator, (which is an aditional 3 encryption codes) really helps to prevent crosstalk when using them in crowded enviroments when other people might also be using FRS radios. These models also have a VibraCall (vibrating alert) which when used along with the QT200, the radio will silence itself, and when someone calls, it will vibrate. Only until you respond will the radio speaker become active.

A great investment for a low price. I'd highly reccomend buying a set. Also, if you have other FRS (Family Radio Service) radios that aren't Motorola, don't worry, they are all cross-compatable.

Great product at a great price Motorola brand speaks for itself, however your site does not show that this is a basic AA Evergreen model with a trim shield that "transforms" in Advantage Timber model that raises cost $ 10.00