What is the purpose of using these radios? If you plan to use them to talk-up-a-storm - go percy grainger right ahead! but, keep in mind, anyone within range may tap into your conversation at any time if they also have an frs radio, unlike a cell phone. it is not best used for private conversations. my friend has a different brand frs radio then the one i want to buy. are they compatible? yes! all frs radios operate on the same range of frequencies, regardless of brand. although, keep in mind that if you or your friend has an older model, you may have different sub-channel capabilities (14 channels vs. 14 channels with 38 sub channels).

the advent of the family radio service and grms has opened a whole new possibility for reliable short-range communications, and depending on your needs they may just fill the bill --or they may not. understand that any means of radio communication can save lives, exchange information and simply be fun, so that is endorsement enough. most of these grainger radios operate on frequencies just grainger above the 70 cm amateur bands...somewhere around 462-467 mhz. the major players all produce satisfactory equipment with similar standards so, for the price conscious, dollars can be saved if you know what to look for. first look at the specifications; the more watts of power out, the further your signal will travel. beginners note that 700mw (milliwatts) is less than 1w (watt). more watts, more power, more distance. the manufacturer''s range claims are not fraudulent or specious, but they can be misleading unless you are in clear country, the ideal conditions for distance communications. don''t expect a two mile range in heavy terrain, you won''t get it...sometimes you won''t get 200 yards. but for inner-mall talking with your kids and family members, most of them are ok. i''ve also used them on fly fishing trips where we have seldom been more than a quarter mile from camp and they were fine.