| Range
Claim: 10 miles max.
Criteria: Flat land sending and
receiving, country road. |
| Clear |
2.0 miles |
| Faint/Static yet usable |
2.5 miles |
| Signals lost |
> 2.5 miles |
|
| Clarity |
Midland's G-300 GMRS radios
provide superior voice reception clarity. Voices are clear. We
did experience some faint static at above 2 miles but this did not affect our
ability to communicate. |
| Features |
The G-300's offer a full 3 watts of power . Their claim of "up to
10-mile
range" was not realized in our "country road" tests. The G300
is similar to the G225's in that they have most of the same features
including a vibrate alert feature. VOX (voice activated) feature worked very
well, without significant pickup delay. The scanning capabilities are competent if somewhat slow. 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 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 fine radio.
Other than a few "nice to" features and unsubstantiated range
claims, this radio
has a full complement of features, and is practically built from a company
with a solid reputation for quality. |
| Rating (1 worst, 10 best) |
8 |
