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GMRS Reviews
GMRS Radio Reviews
While you can't test each GMRS
radio brand and model to see how they perform under typical conditions, our
reviews provide the results of our hands-on tests of the features you want and
need. We offer our opinions of which radios really deliver and which
ones offer only basic services. We test the maximum ranges that
are advertised to see if their claims are true.
| Audiovox GMRS500SLK |
 |
| Range
Advertised 5 mile range.
Criteria: Flat land sending and
receiving, suburb setting. |
| Clear |
>3 miles |
| Faint/Static yet usable |
TBD |
| Signals lost |
(max range TBD) |
|
| Clarity |
Voices are very understandable
and clarity is excellent. |
| Features |
This radio is unlike any I've
ever tested. It's the size of about 3 stacked credit cards.
It's flat, really flat. Radio is advertised as a
FRS/GMRS hybrid. It has the standard 22/38 channel settings and includes a
battery meter. Channels 1-7 and 15-22 are 1 Watt. Channels
8-14 are 0.5 Watt (FRS). It has a proprietary battery that has to be
charged through the wall charger, so make sure you charge it before taking
it. Only scans channels 1-22. Has VOX with a bit of a delay
before pickup even with 2 settings. Comes with great FM radio
reception (much better than Audiovox's prior FR560FM, and even Kenwood's
UBZ-GR14), but can only listen to radio, or use radio...not both.
Would have loved a few FM station memory settings, but is not to be.
Has 8 volume levels, sufficiently loud (and soft). Also has button
to light display, and side "key finder" light for led at top of radio.
Radio won't stand up. Comes with leather case for belt clipping and
wrist strap. Has lockout to disable buttons. |
| Ergonomics
Ease of use, and general feel |
Radio is flat and although
doesn't exactly "fit" your hand, it isn't uncomfortable to hold.
Buttons are easily and logically placed, but would have preferred radio
memory button(s). The push to talk button has a small subtle,
yet satisfying tactile "click". |
| Quality |
Audiovox makes fine electronic
products. I expect this radio to hold up very well. Antennae is short and flexible and isn't likely to get
snapped off. |
| Overall Impressions |
This super flat GMRS radio
blew me away with it's range and features (FM radio anyone?). I
honestly did not expect it to perform as it did, but I was very pleasantly
surprised. Is space is a premium for your pockets and want a super
performer with FM radio to boot, and don't mind having to mind the charge,
it's your pick. |
| Rating (1 worst, 10 best) |
10 |
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