Any recommendations on a particular Motorola Talkabout model?

I'm looking to buy a basic reliable set...I don't need anything fancy.

I usually use these for fishing, such as telling someone back at the car to bring me a drink; come look at the fish I just caught; bring the net, I have a fish on; is there anything biting at your hole; help, there is a bear chasing me; etc.

They are particularly good if you and a fishing buddy are exploring a lake on float tubes...

Thanks in advance

I don't know the answer for your question - but see if you can find a set that is good on battery consumption. I had a set a few years ago and couldn't beleive how fast the batteries got used up...

I personally hate the Motorola Talkabouts. Motorola decided to put a sub-audible tone on their signal that makes it so that if you have a Motorola Radio you can only talk to someone else with a Motorola radio. I have Icom FRS radios and can hear everything someone with a Talkabout (or any other companies radio) says but they can't hear me.

This feature also causes people with TalkAbouts to walk all over those that don't have them. I'm amazed that the FCC has allowed this to happen. It is really bad because it just makes the range much more limited than it should be.

Don't get me wrong. The Talkabout radios are very robust radios and work well. But I don't use them or buy one due to this "Feature".

My Talkabouts lasted one fishing season before the button to talk crapped out. I was not very impressed with them. Just my .02

sum'n funny bout a radio that goes two ways......

A cell phone is a two way radio. In technical terms, they use what is called a "duplex" communication channel, which allows communication in both directions simultaneously. So, both persons can speak into the phone at the same time.

A radio that only allows one speaker at a time uses a "simplex" channel.

That being said, I think the Talkabouts use a simplex channel, since only one person can speak at a time (I think).

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I have a set of the cobra two-way's.They were a gift a few years back and have used the SHEEYAT out of them and they have held up great.Get the five mile range or better.Stay away from the 2.5 mile radio's.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

I personally think the motorolla's are crap. We use them every day at work and they just don't hold up. Have had them 2 months and the talk buttons are out on 3 (out of 4). Also, they don't take water very well, one day out in the rain will trash 'em. Be sure to put them in a plastic bag when its raining.

I've had 3 since they first came out. I've had no problems with mine. I have two different models.

Huh? I have Motorolas,Unidens and Cobras,and I can use any of them in any combination and they work "together" just fine.

I've had great luck with them as well and haven't had any difficulties talking with other non-motorolla brand FRS radios. I've got three different models none of which are still available so I can't recommend something that you can go out and pick up.

I have a pair of the cheapo 4500's that work great, and I have no problems with them. Distance is limited, but that's ok with me.

i've had a pair of cobra microtalks that work just fine...clear, lots of range, and rechargable to boot...i think the wifey is getting me the new garmin rino120 gps/2-way radio for christmas---i've been a real good boy this year!