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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 basic services.  We test the maximum ranges that typically are advertised to see if their claims are true. 

Midland GXT600, GXT600VP4

 (similar is the GXT600 which does not include charger or headsets.)

 

Range

Criteria:  Flat land sending and receiving, suburb setting. 

Clear

3 miles

Faint/Static yet usable

>3 miles

Signals lost

 3.5  miles

We don't hold GMRS radios to their advertised ranges.  Maximum ranges tend to be under ideal conditions i.e  on water, etc..  We prefer to hold radios to real-world, less than ideal conditions.  "GMRS Reviews" employs a benchmark of 20% of advertised ranges.  This means that a reviewed GMRS radio should be able to meet this typical use benchmark.  

The GXT-600 matched our benchmark coming in at well over 3 miles of clear transmissions.   The clarity and crispness of Midland speakers is unmatched in the GMRS market.  The volume range offered is vast from the tiniest whisper to loud and booming.  

Clarity

Very clear speaker.  Excellent volume range from super soft to quite loud. Offers some of the best speaking clarity in GMRS radios.

Features
  • 5 Watts max
  • Advertised as having up to 18 Mile Range
  • Value Pack Includes: 2 Radios, 2 Rechargeable Batteries, Dual Desk Charger, AC Adapter, DC Adapter, Mic Headsets
  • All Hazards Weather Radio - Automatic severe weather/hazard information 24/7 NOAA weather radio.
  • Vibrate Alert - Provides silent page/call notification
  • Switchable Hi/Med/Lo Power - Allows you to adjust transmit power
  • 22 Channels
  • 121 Privacy Codes - Gives you up to 2,662 channel options to help block other conversations
  • 3 Levels of eVOX - Allows hands-free operation.  No need for an external microphone
  • Channel Scan - Automatically checks channels for activity
  • 5 Call Alerts - Different call tones to notify you of incoming calls from your group
  • Silent Operation - Turns off all tones for quiet operation
  • Auto Squelch - Removes annoying background noise
  • Auto Battery Save - Provides longer battery life
  • Keypad Lock - Locks in your selected settings
  • Roger Beep - Indicates call completion
  • Backlit Display - For easy nighttime viewing
  • Monitor - Checks for any activity on your channel
  • Water Resistant - Prevents damage from light water exposure
  • Keystroke Tones - Audible tones with each key press
  • Mic / Headset Jacks - For speaker mic and headphones
  • Drop-in Charger Capable
  • On / Off Volume Knob
  • Uses 4 AA Batteries (not included)

The GXT600VP4 continues a long line of very high quality radios.  The NOAA weather radio offers 10 channels to match to your local NOAA transmission.  It also has an emergency alert feature if NOAA provides it.  The vibrate notify feature works fine.  With other radios vox is many times offered with a single sensitivity, but the GXT600VP4 offers vox with 3 sensitivity settings.  A nice feature which allows vox to work more effectively depending on if the area is quiet or noisier.  Channel scan works well with the ability to scan all 22 channels in under 7 seconds.  Roger beep setting works fine. Channel monitoring works as expected, but what’s extra nice is that you can turn down the volume of the unit – something other radios we’ve tested don’t always allow. 

Ergonomics

Ease of use, and general feel

The GXT600 has slimmed down from the 400 models with a slight tapering from mid to bottom.  This actually fits your hand even better now.  The PTT button is conveniently placed and makes a ever so slight click sound when pressed.  This is welcome to verify that you're actually clicking.  Belt clip is removable and clips using a spring-type alligator piece.  Radio will stand up on its own.

Quality 

Radio has a solid feel.  It has a weight that let’s you know it’s on your belt, without being heavy.  The housing is made of sturdy plastic holds up very well - even after being dropped several times  <grin>

Overall Impressions

The Midland GXT600VP4 and the GXT600 are excellent choices in GMRS radios.  While our highest rated GMRS used to be the GXT400, the 600 now sets a new benchmark for GMRS radios to aspire to. 

Our range testing indicated that the GXT-600 matched our benchmark coming in at well over 3 miles of clear transmissions.   Most GMRS radios we test don't even make it to 3, which the 600 not only met, but surpassed.

Rating (1 worst, 10 best)

10