We've aquired a number of these and other models of Motorola FRS radios over the last 3 years, so we're pretty familiar with their strengths and weaknesses.
All of these Motorola products have the following properties:
1. As stated elsewhere, their practical range is about a mile or two under realistic conditions. This is more than sufficient for activities such as camping, skiing, fishing, shopping and beach-going. Even for car-to-car communications during convoy-style road trips.
2. These are consumer-grade products, and they are low-priced accordingly. Their knobs will come off if you pull, and if you drop them onto a hard surface they will break. So don't do those things.
3. The plastic belt-clips they come with break immediately. Instead, it is possible to rig a lanyard to hold them.
4. Built-in flashlights are very handy on camping trips. They are not terribly bright but it is sufficient to prevent tripping over rocks and branches.
5. We long ago ditched the rechargable batteries and put Alkalines in them before each trip. Rechargable was a nice idea but did not pan out for all-day use.
And if anyone wonders why bother with these when we all have cell phones, 3 points
a. Group communications. These are BROADCAST radios useful for GROUP activities. Sure there are "walkie talkie" phone apps, but not everyone will agree to install & configure, and they are battery-drains.
b. Inexpensive. You really want to pull out your $400 smartphone on a ski lift?
c. Battery life. A set of fresh alkalines will last a few days at least.
Particular models
MR350R,
i. They are lightweight but not too small.
ii. Because of i. they do feel cheaply made, a bit toy-like.
iii. For the money, may not be the best but we own them and use them anyway.
MH230R
i. Feel a bit more durable than the MR350R
ii. Though they are lower power, but in practice this has not mattered.
iii. Lower-price, but no flashlight
iv. Smaller, so better for kids or to tuck in a ski-jacket pocket.
MC220R (not sold on Amazon currently)
i. Junk. Do not buy. A few have stopped working, or only work when you squeeze the battery case.
MS350R, which we currently prefer over other Motorola models.
i. Same features as MR350R, and same price.
ii. Waterproof. We bought these specifically for poolside and waterpark use.
iii. Case feels more rugged, though I will not subject them to a drop test.
iv. Heavier and slightly larger than MR350R, which may be a pro or con depending on your taste.
In summary, we were not terribly impressed by any of them when we first got them three years ago. But they still work and they've been tremendously useful within their limitations, so my opinion has improved over time.
Finally note that now, for the same $30 per handset, one can buy an amateur / professional quality 5W handheld (e.g. BaoFeng), Of course to use that much power one must be licensed and the units must be programmed-- one doesn't just open a blister-pack and hand them to kids.
Still, it shows that these Motorola radios are not good deals as far as technology goes, we are paying a price for convenience.
| Item Weight | 1.3 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 2.1 x 1.1 x 6.2 inches |
| Item model number | MH230R |
| Batteries | 3 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Display Type | VFD |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Height (inches) | 11 inches |
| Width (inches) | 8 inches |
| Weight | 14.87 Pounds |
