2-way Radios?

[toughgirl]

Ok, one of my big frustrations is getting seperated on the mountain from friends and loved ones, and then trying to find them in the sea of skiers w/the same color jackets, pants, and helmets.

So, I ask ... what's your experience w/2 way radios. Any recommendations or other ideas.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

I've used them a few times and have found most of the channels to be hopelessly overcrowded - so you're hearing everyone else. Maybe the newer ones have more channels? I think they do, but I gave up on them. A lot would depend on how many people in one general region are enabling them. From what I've seen where I ski, people have generally gone the cell phone route. I see people on their phones constantly: base lodge, chairlift, summit. Hope I do NOT get to see one talking on the phone while skiing - if so, hope to have my camera on the ready for that!

 

[Jilly]

Yes, buy some and don't skimp. Make sure you get the FRS radio with the subchannels. Then pick a really weird number and make them all the same. Mine even has a ear bud that I can use to hear and talk. Also the new ones have better range. We've had ours for 7 years and are on the second set as the newer had more features.

 

[greekpeakskier]

for me, i like them even at my relatively small resort. i can send the kids off (will be l0 and 12 next week). yes, there is trouble with interference, but they know the can get me if they need me. we have a little code to beep across that means "uh, get to the bottom of lift one, i'm waiting" if the interference is bad.

i also feel more secure if i send a friend off with them ... a way to be accountable to other mothers.

i spent like 35. and wish i'd spent double that, actually. though i really like that they recharge simply by putting them in a charger and are ready to go again overnight.

(we also sometimes use them in wegmans....)

 

[Kano]

We have them, and use them to find each other again. They don't work for us if DH is on the back side and I'm on the front side, but mostly, we're using them if I'm trying to find him cuz I've come to the back side, or when he's back round front again.

He gets a little annoyed with me if he knows we're going to be in range and I don't respond -- but that usually means I'm in the restroom, and I may be a multi-tasking diva, but that's two tasks I just don't pair up! I also can't do radio on the lift -- my hands are busy hanging on!

Oh -- rechargeable is good, but we didn't spend enough money on ours. too much crackle...

Kano

 

[ISki]

I have a Cobra with subchannels. Before it broke, I liked it. Good range. Clear voice. Minimal traffic.

It came with a battery recharger. This is handy.

It stopped working. One radio won't hold a charge. This is the second time this has happened. The first time it was under warranty. I sent it in, and it was "fixed". The second time, now, it is out of warranty.

 

[SkiNurse]

I have used 2 way radios oeyand ave worked out really well for me & my friends.

We have become a little lazy using our cell phones, but realistically, our cell phones don't work in most of the areas we are in. We've talked about bringing the radios back out for better coverage.

 

[Jilly]

have a Cobra with subchannels

That's what we have. Rechargeable and small. I don't carry the cell phone unless we're expecting company that hasn't arrived. I just kept a eye out for a set that was on sale. We also use them at the beach in the summer.