Walkie Talkie input needed

If you (and your friends) are also in the market for a GPS device -- the Garmin Rino line of GPS/FRS/GMRS look interesting -- particularly the feature that charts the locations of your buddies on the GPS map screen.

If you (and your friends) are also in the market for a GPS device -- the Garmin Rino line of GPS/FRS/GMRS look interesting -- particularly the feature that charts the locations of your buddies on the GPS map screen.

I've been using a Rino for a few years now for ski touring and they are a great way to go and work well especially in large groups like hut/yurt trips, we've split the group up by ability and easily re-grouped later to trade partners/lunch etc. I have a few issues with the transmitting of your waypoint and track that I eventually worked out, (default settings) but overall that feature works great... and could be extremely useful in an emergency. I can elaborate on those default settings if anyone needs that.

despite how much I like my Rino I have a very strong opinion against some of the models.... I would not waste my money on the 110, 120, and 520 models. (I have no experience with the 600 series but I suspect the 610 model is not worth buying either) I have been with others using these models and their downfall does not pair well with ski touring... I have had two different friends sell or return their 520's over the issue.

Overall they are a great unit, were finicky to learn but work well in all aspects (except the models mentioned above). If there is any interest I can follow up with my explanations/details. I only advocate the Rinos because I think that waypoint sharing and radio use are a safety tool especially for larger groups.

I rode snowmobiles with some guys that had the Rino's last winter and they worked great, I just don't have the cash to buy one. I have some older Motorola's that work fine for smaller groups as long as you maintain a good line of site.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationGreat topic with lots of options, not sure there is particularly a correct answer.. We have tried almost every variety of FRS/GMRS radio which includes all from Costco, SportCo, anyco etc. The units are limited by allowable power per FCC and more so by lack of channel control. That is to say when other groups are nearby, regardless of channel/code combo in use your mileage may vary. When one needs a radio to work I am of the bigger is better school, seems to apply to skis, trucks, guns etc. I have had great results with the 4 watt Motorola SP50 series radios. They are available in VHF or UHF, batteries last along time and aren't so big that carrying a spare is a big deal. The real advantage with the SP50 series is the ability to program the channels. Some were 2 channel, others 10 leaving the option for multiple frequencies. These are old school now, thus becoming very price attractive. If memory serves true the UHF versions could be made to "talk" to the the little FRS Motorolas with the correct programing. Size is a bit of a concern as these don't fit in a pocket too well. Think Ski Patrol Radio size. Best carried in a chest pack although I have slipped one into a water bottle slot on a pack and used a mic extension. The optimal set up it the earbud and laviler mic combo, radio stays inside and dry, yet is always available. Here's a set of six on eBay <;

I have two pair, and they are handy for any skiing situation I have been in. skimming the wildsnow article, I would agree that a remote mike would nice. It can be a pain fishing one out of a pocket. I try and rig them so I can key the mike and not have to take it out of my pocket. There is some fiddle factor getting them set up, and making sure everyone knows how they work, but nothing too daunting.

Koda,

Can you elaborate on which model you DO recommend and why? thanks.

I've been using a Rino for a few years now for ski touring and they are a great way to go and work well especially in large groups like hut/yurt trips, we've split the group up by ability and easily re-grouped later to trade partners/lunch etc. I have a few issues with the transmitting of your waypoint and track that I eventually worked out, (default settings) but overall that feature works great... and could be extremely useful in an emergency. I can elaborate on those default settings if anyone needs that.

despite how much I like my Rino I have a very strong opinion against some of the models.... I would not waste my money on the 110, 120, and 520 models. (I have no experience with the 600 series but I suspect the 610 model is not worth buying either) I have been with others using these models and their downfall does not pair well with ski touring...  I have had two different friends sell or return their 520's over the issue.

Overall they are a great unit, were finicky to learn but work well in all aspects (except the models mentioned above). If there is any interest I can follow up with my explanations/details. I only advocate the Rinos because I think that waypoint sharing and radio use are a safety tool especially for larger groups.