Midland GXT720

Midland Radios

GXT720

When you're away from base camp and need to talk a good radio is vital.

Most of the areas where I venture are out of cell phone range, since I'm not too good with smoke signals I rely on these to make contact with base camp and to help if I'm in trouble.

The Midland GXT720's were the most best handhelds I could find that did not need an FCC license and included an NOAA weather channel.

Per Midland's specs the GXT720 has a range of "up to" 30 miles. Unless you're separated only by empty air (picture two mountain tops 30 miles miles away with nothing in between) don't use this range as gospel. That's not to say they cannot transmit that far , they can. But only under optimal conditions that you may never encounter. The best range that I can usually muster is about 3-4 miles in mountainous areas.

When you use any type of consumer (GMRS/FRS) keep in mind that they are designed only for short ranges. Don't expect them to do anything other than that.

With those thoughts in mind I like the Midland GXT720 very much for the following reasons:

Weather Band - Receiving the NOAA band is a good thing
Long Antenna - Radios with longer antennas are more efficient in transmitting and receiving signals. That's the short answer. The antenna has to be the correct length for the frequency (UHF 462.5500 ~ 467.7125 MHz )
Inexpensive - Around 60-70$ per set

Home Find a Trail Gear Reviews Knots