You probably remember playing with walkie talkies when you were a child. Old walkie talkies were crude devices that would work as far as your closest neighbors house. Modern 2 way radios have come a very long way. With a modern 2 way radio you can call out from 35-50 miles away. They also offer multiple channels so you won’t likely pick up any interference. Cell Phones have largely replaced the need for walkie talkies, but if you live in an area with poor reception or hunt with a large group a 2 way radio is nearly a necessity. Manufacturers have noticed the demand and are making 2 way radios specifically to fill the needs of hunters. Modern units come in camouflage and durable waterproof designs.
What’s The Best Two Way Radio For Hunting?
1. Motorola Talkabout T460 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio
The Motorola Talkabout T460 Waterproof 2 way radio is the absolute best walkie talkie for hunting. Motorola has long been the leader in the 2 way radio market. They’ve lost some of their credibility as a telecom giant but they still make very high quality communication devices at every price point. The Motorola T460 is one of the toughest walkie talkies your going to find.
The Motorola MS350R 35 Mile Waterproof Talkabout 2 Way Radio is meant to stand up to some serious abuse. The high performance radio uses a shock proof durable design that will withstand everything life throws at it. It’s the perfect radio for even the most extreme outdoor activities. With a water resistant enclosure you won’t have to worry about damaging your electronics in a damp duck blind. Just don’t drop them in a pond because they are not completely waterproof. The Vibracall silent vibrating ringer is perfect for hunting. You won’t have to worry about the radio giving away your position to a passing buck. Using both the Family Radio Service and General Mobile Radio Service Frequencies you will receive more channel combinations than budget radios. The 22 Included channels each come with 121 additional privacy codes so you won’t have to worry about interruptions. Motorola Claims these have a range of 35 miles but no two way radios will actually achieve these claims. A 35 Mile range may be possible under optimal conditions using a specifically placed repeater. The range is better than any of the other 2 way radios in this price range. With real time weather updates you will know the weather in places where your phone won’t. It even has a LED flashlight for emergency lighting when needed. If you are looking for a long range 2 way radio try this option from Motorola.
2. Midland 36-Mile 50-Channel Two-Way Radio
Another great moderately priced option is the Midland 50 Channel 2 way radio. The Midland two way radio was made specifically with hunters in mind. The Mossy Oak Breakup camouflage design will blend in well with the rest of your hunting equipment. Midland built this radio to be one of the most durable on the market. They use a shock proof weatherproof design that will withstand most hunting conditions.
Like the rest of the radios in this price range they use a water resistant design. It will survive a splash of rain or a short dip in a puddle but I wouldn’t test submerging the radio for long. The silent operation vibration mode and whisper function are a must have feature on any hunting radio. With the whisper function you’ll be able to speak quietly and still be heard by others. With a total of 50 channels and 142 privacy codes you won’t have to worry about finding an open line. This offers both direct call and group call communication. You will be able to instantly contact one member of your party without alerting the other callers. As affordable 2 way radios go this Midland unit is one of the best money can buy.
3. Cobra Waterproof Floating Hunting Walkie Talkies
The Cobra Flat Camo Walkie Talkies are another great option for hunters. Cobra has been making high quality radios for a very long time and every model is an improvement over previous generations. They provide one of the sturdiest designs on the market. These are one of the few 2 way radios that are actually completely waterproof. The Floating design and orange core makes it the perfect radio for a hiking or kayak trip. You won’t have to worry the next time you miss a radio call. With the Rewind-Say-Again feature you can rewind and listen to the previous 20 seconds of incoming audio to help you recall important information. Like the other radios in this price range there are 22 available channels with 121 different privacy codes so you won’t have to worry about interference. The built in NOAA Weather and Emergency radio receiver will make you ready for anything mother nature throws at you. This radio can be charged with the included dual port charger or with traditional alkaline batteries. There is also a built in led flashlight in case you need some additional light on your trip. If you plan on kayaking or duck hunting I would buy the Cobra Flat Camo Waterproof Floating Walkie Talkies.
4. Midland 22-Channel 2 Way Radio
If you are looking for a cheaper option try the Midland LXT118 18 Mile Walkie Talkie. These lightweight walkie talkies don’t have all the bells and whistles, but they work very well. Midland chose a sturdy water resistant design that should withstand years of abuse. You aren’t going to get a completely waterproof design but it will withstand a moderately rainy day. These 2 way radios feature a dual power option with 3 AAA batteries or rechargeable batteries both sold separately. These don’t include a silent vibratory function or whisper mode so you will have to be mindful of the radio volume while hunting. The last thing you want is to scare away a trophy buck. The range on this unit is pretty good. You will receive about 3/4 of the distance of the more expensive models. You can use these walkie talkies along with all of the other walkie talkies on this list. All you need to do is choose a frequency that all of the models can pick up. Don’t pass these budget 2 way radios up. They make a perfect set of extra radios to hand out to your less prepared brother or friend on your next hunting trip.
What’s The Best Walkie Talkie For Hunting?
If you’re looking to extend your range buy the Motorola Talkabout T460 Two-Way Radio. With the silent function and extremely long range this is the perfect walkie talkie for your next hunting trip. Another great option with a silent function is the Midland GXT1050VP4 Two-Way Radio. The camo design and long range makes this perfect for groups of hunters. If you need a completely waterproof unit buy the COBRA CXT1045R Walkie Talkie. The Floating Waterproof design makes these perfect for duck hunters and kayakers alike. A budget option is the Midland LXT118 2 way radio. You can’t beat the price and durability of this entry level product. Any of the above walkie talkies will be an excellent addition to your next hunting trip.