Midland  GXT400, GXT450vp1, GXT450vp4

(GXT450vp1 comes with headphones, GXT450vp4 comes with batteries, charger, and headsets)

Range

Advertised 10 mile range.

Criteria:  Flat land sending and receiving, country road setting. 

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.  

We got great reception all the way up to 3 miles.  At 3 miles, we could talk, but there was a bit of static.  Reception ended at 3.5 miles.  The GXT-400 continues to exceed our benchmark of 20% of advertised ranges.  

Clarity

Very clear.  Voices sound like the person talking. 

Features

• 4 Watts of power
• 22 Channels
• 38 sub channels per channel
• Vox
• Call Tones
• Water resistant
• 3 year Warranty
• Keylock
• Roger Beep Tone
• Scan feature
• Power High/Power Low Option
• Durable Belt Clip
• Uses 4 AA Batteries or AVP-3 Rechargeable battery

With a wealth of fine features, including NOAA weather reception, I've found the GXT400/450 to be a fantastic communications companion. 

Super sturdy case, nice push to talk button (tactile feedback).  easy to change settings with a click of the menu button. I guess you could use the low power option to save batteries when you're relatively close to each other, but my guess is people generally leave it on high anyway.  Scanning channels was a little slow to my liking, but it works fine.    The Vox feature works great in a relatively quiet environment, but that's about the only time you'd need this feature anyway.  Because of its power capabilities, it uses 4 AA batteries, but doesn't feel bulky on your belt.

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 GMRS frequencies.  Channels 8-14 are FRS.  3 call tones.  Radio scans not only main 22 channels, but the 38 subchannels at the same time!  Radio has a flat base it will easily stand up as with or without the belt attachment.  Uses 4 AA batteries which I believe helps to boost power.  Comes with earbud and mic cord which work fine.

Ergonomics

Ease of use, and general feel

Radio is fairly rectangular though tapers a bit at the ends.  It feels good in my hands. It is wider and a bit bulkier than some other radios, but no heavier than normal.  Buttons are easily and logically placed.  Radio has easy change volume knob on top.   Belt clip attachment is on a spring that can be easily detached and doesn't get in the way of your hand when holding it.  The push to talk button has a great tactile and medium "click" so you know when you're still pushing in or not.  I loved this feature in this radio.  It also has 4 ridges on each side to help with grip.

Quality 

Midland is well known for designing and manufacturing a very solid and quality radio.  This is no exception.  Antennae is short and flexible and isn't likely to get snapped off.

Overall Impressions

I liked this radio a lot.  The Midland GXT400 is a radio of choice.  Yes, I test lots of them, but when I pick one up to use on a trip or for a walk, it's the GXT400 or GXT600 I consistently choose.  Especially with the charger, I know it's always fully charged.  I give both of these  my highest recommendations.  

I found no design issues at all!  This radio has a kitchen sink of features and provides overall great clarity and quality.  Go get a pair of these and you won't be disappointed !

Rating (1 worst, 10 best)

10