Bruno

Marketed to families on the go, FRS radios claim to let parents and kids stay in touch from as far as two miles away - whether they're on the slopes, in the mall, or in a separate car on the highway. FRS is a private, two-way, short-distance voice communications service.

Here's what the experts say to look for when choosing an FRS radio:

A total of 14 channels are allocated by the government for family radio service. Look for radios with 14 channels to optimize your chances of finding a less crowded channel.

To minimize the chance of having your conversation interrupted by other radio users, some FRS radios have 38 subchannels. With these, you can only talk to someone on the same channel/subchannel combination. While this doesn't ensure complete privacy, it does make it a little harder for others to find you.

Models with voice-activated transmission can be activated with voice commands, allowing hands-free usage during busy outdoor activities.
Channel scanning lets you scroll through channels to find traffic, which helps you avoid busy frequencies, or find friends who are on the radio.

The scramble feature found on some FRS radios offers more privacy than subchannel codes. A scrambler makes your conversation unintelligible to others listening in. The Kenwood FreeTalk offers this feature.

A low-battery alert ensures you won't get stuck on the slopes with a dead radio.

Most FRS radio antennas are rugged enough to withstand heavy use. Some fold down to make it easier to fit them into your pocket.

Some models are powered by AA or AAA alkaline batteries, while others use NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries, which last longer.

Biyun

What is the advantage of a 2-way radio over a regular cell phone? Couldn't you just use a cell phone, if you're 2 miles away (or further away)?

PheasantValley

Are these radio systems any different than the old "walkie-talkies" that we used to play with as kids?

2sonsandadaughter

The advantage to a 2-way radio would be that you don't pay monthly usage fees like you would with a cell phone. If you don't want your child to have a cell phone, a 2-way radio is a good way to keep track of them, provided you are only 2 miles away.

2sonsandadaughter

It's a similar concept but I don't think the old walkie-talkies had a range of 2 miles. The walkie-talkies are similar to today's baby monitors, which have a short range.

kitkat86

With a cell phone, you also have to worry about being able to get a signal. If you can't get a signal, you can't communicate.

Some two-ways have greater communication range now. We have the Motorola Talkabout T6530. It is supposed to have a range of 10 miles. We haven't tried that far yet, so don't know about the claim.

Also, some two-ways are coming out that have weather bands on them.

Biyun

I recently cancelled my Nextel phone service because of numerous dropped calls. In case of an emergency, I would hate to have that problem. I think the 2-way radios are a more reliable option.

technt77

Not to mention the privacy issue . . . but now I'm wondering if anyone on the same frequency can pick up your walkie talkie signal. A variety of these are available on the market from shorter to longer range ones.

tiggapooh

My husband uses a two way radio in his work everyday with his fellow employees. Since they all have two ways and some don't have cell phones, and since it absolutely necessary that they keep in touch throughout the day, the two ways are good way for the guys to contact each other and get immediate responses. And do it a little more privately.

JLo

Nextel cellular service offers direct connect, which is kind of like a 2-way radio in that you can talk back and forth with someone. I see a lot of companies are using that service.