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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 5 mile maximum ranges that typically are advertised to see if their claims are true. 

Midland G-225

Range

Claim: 7 miles max.

Criteria:  Flat land sending and receiving, suburb setting. 

Clear 2.4 miles
Faint/Static yet usable 2.7miles
Signals lost 3.0 miles
Clarity As usual, Midland radios provide superior voice reception clarity, and the G-225's are no different.  Voices are crystal clear, no tin can sounding as with some other radios.   It actually sounds like the person you're talking with.  We did experience some faint static occasionally at over 1.8 miles, but this did not affect our ability to communicate.
Features The G-225's are GMRS/FRS crossover radios with power at either 0.5 or 2 watts.  On channels 1-7 and 15-22 they allow a choice between high (2W) and low (0.5W) power levels.  Their package claim of "up to 7-mile range" was not proven in our country road tests on high power. 

The G-225's only difference from the G-227's is that they lack the vibrate alert feature...oh, and the 225's are red in color vs. blue. 

VOX (voice activated) feature worked so so.  Just talking within 1 inch of the radio did not cause it to transmit, however if you blew a bit of air into it first, it did open the channel automatically without significant pickup delay.

The scanning capabilities are competent.  To activate keylock you have to hold in the scan button for what seems like a fairly long time (actually more like 3 seconds).

Even though I don't know many people who actually like to use the "Roger Beep Tone" during use, it's available if you want it and works fine. You can also turn if off quite easily.

Accessory:  The mic/earpiece accessory allows quick and regular contacting.  The cord comes with a small button device which hangs mid chest.  By pushing the button, you can transmit.  Receive happens automatically.  This accessory works fine for those who might need this feature.

Ergonomics

Ease of use, and general feel

Radios feature a belt clip that juts out slightly so that when you are holding it, the clip actually assists you in keeping it in your hands.  The sides of the radio have ridges which also help to maintain a good grip (works well for damp environments).  Radio has a rounded bottom which unfortunately doesn't allow you to stand it up.  Nice for aesthetics, not so great for practicality.  Short antenna doesn't get caught in your shirt.  The monitor button (opens up squelch) is uncomfortably close to (above) the talk button so you have to be careful not to startle yourself by hitting the wrong one.  After a bit of use this should become a non-issue though.
Quality  Solid radio, medium weight.
Overall Impressions This is a full featured radio with excellent clarity and standard transmission capabilities.  The VOX and extensive range claims leave a bit to be desired however.  Other than a few "nice to" features and unconfirmed range claims it is practically built from a company with a solid reputation for quality.
Rating (1 worst, 10 best) 7.5