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104 of 115 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
BEWARE of this Motorola model T5950 IMPOSTER!, December 27, 2004
This review is from: Motorola TalkAbout T6500R 10-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radios (Pair) (Black) (Electronics)
As an outdoor enthusiast, I placed the "regarded" Motorola T5950R FRS/GMRS 2-way radio pair on my Christmas list. While attempting to acquire this set in a "big box" chain sporting goods store, my father was "steered" to the alleged Motorola model T6500 by a store associate who said that model was a new replacement for the T5950. Subsequently, he placed an order (for $40 less) on Amazon. After being informed of this, I decided to do some web research, and interestingly found that the model T6500 was NOT to be found ANYWHERE on the Motorola web site. A second order was placed here a few days later for the "trusty" T5950 set.
Seems the T6500 is "licensed knockoff" of the T5950 by Motorola's mainland-Chinese electronics manufacturer. The units look the same (except for the khaki face plate cover). The features are identical--as is the packaging. Only a small indication on the rear of the T6500 package discloses that the product is "Manufactured and sold by Giant International, Ltd., official licensee for this product." Furthermore, it is warranted and supported EXCLUSIVELY by the MANUFACTURER-NOT MOTOROLA! `Just ask a world-band shortwave radio hobbyist about "warranty service and support" from ANY Chinese OEM producer selling "direct" here in the states, and you'll run away...FAST!
Now...To the "differences"...and there ARE some-ALL performance related. While Motorola may license their name, logo, and design to an offshore OEM producer, you can be sure that they reserve their customer support AND several technical enhancements for models THEY specifically brand and market.
A side by side comparison between the genuine Motorola T5950 and its T6500 "imposter" reveals several performance issues. The T5950 has relatively good coverage (considering the communications class); audio loudness and clarity that are sufficient for reliable reception on a congested and "spotty" broadcast service; and NOAA Weather Station reception that is fairly good...even 30-50 miles from the desired station. I did not compare the T6500s transmit-receive coverage, but its audio quality and "punch" are WELL BELOW that of the "genuine" T5950. Furthermore, Weather Band reception on my T6500 sample (both units in the set) was very nearly NONFUNCTIONAL.
In conclusion: It is well worth spending a few bucks more for the "Real McCoy" genuine Motorola T5950 (I actually spent $4 LESS with a rebate here on Amazon). You'll appreciate the "domestic support", improved transmit audio quality, and a weather receiver that actually may save your life when you're out on the water!
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27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Don't beleive the negative hype, these radios are fine., March 21, 2006
This review is from: Motorola TalkAbout T6500R 10-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radios (Pair) (Black) (Electronics)
I don't know what the fuss from other reviewers is all about. These radios work fine. Like the rest of life, have realistic expectations. They sell for $43.69. Why do people expect the performance of a short wave radio? That is a recipe for disappointment. If you want the performance of $1000 2 way radios, buy that flavor and do not buy the inexpensive one.
I use them for skiing. So far, nothing else. They've been perfect. Compact size fits neatly into a pocket. Battery life is sufficient for a weekend trip. No- the signal doesn't wrap around mountains or curve into valleys. But anyone who actually reads about the declared range should have noted that the proclamation is based on "line of sight". I can't see how this should be a surprise to anyone. So far they've kept me in touch with my party mates on big mountains without any letdowns. No, they don't reach from the summit to the pub at the bottom, but again that is a line of sight issue - have realistic expectations for a $45 radio. They did however reach between the summits of Whistler and of Blackcomb. That seems like a reasonable range to me. Check out a map and see if you agree.
There's a comment in another review about them not seating well in the charger. This is true, but there is a super-simple remedy. There's a cradle for the handset that nests into the charger. If you remove the cradle, fit it on the handset, and then slide the two into the charger - presto, problem solved.
One feature I really like that isn't made obvious in the description is that the rechargeable battery is the same size and shape if three AA batteries. This is a nice option if your battery dies on the road, and your charger is at home.
All in all, I am 100% satisfied with this purchase. So far, the quality has been exactly what I expected from inexpensive electronics. The Chinese manufacturer that licensed these from Motorola put together a solid product.
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49 of 55 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
YOU'LL BE SORRY IF YOU BUY THIS!, May 23, 2005
This review is from: Motorola TalkAbout T6500R 10-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radios (Pair) (Black) (Electronics)
I use my radios for back country hiking, cycling, paintballing, kayaking, amusement parks, car to car communications, and hunting.
I own four Motorola T4900 "3 mile" radios, four Motorola T5000 "5 mile" radios, and two Motorola T6500 "10 mile" radios. I have also owned earlier versions of Motorola radios. I am returning ALL of them. I have replaced them with four Midland GXT550 "14 mile" radios. Why? Because I was a dink and believed that Motorola would perform as advertised. NOT!
Because I was disappointed with the reception of the T4900s before I bought the "5 mile" Motorola's I called Motorola and asked, "If both the T4900 and the T5000 have the same wattage how can you double the distance with the T5000?" They said because of improved circuitry. I believed them and bought the radios. I was very disappointed with the T5000 so I looked for a better radio. I found the T6500 units and bought a pair two days ago. I have tested all three units for distance and clarity on the same route. All three units had the exact same distance. They all lost reception after 3/4 of a mile. I was using channel 16 which is GMRS 1 watt. I did not have a straight line of sight for this test. I re-tested the T6500 "10 mile" units on a 1 mile clear line of sight road on level elevation and got the same results. No matter how you cut it 1 watt is 1 watt. I have read several reviews about the Midland GXT400 where the users complianed about getting only 4 miles of reception while hunting in wooded and hilly terrain. If I get 2-4 miles with the Midland with a clear line of sight I will be very happy. I don't expect 14 miles, but 3/4 of a mile, to me, is just a joke.
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