Cobra MicroTalk PR 4100-2 WX VP 16-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This a huge step up from the 5-mile Cobra radios that I also own. To a point that I actually find them useful.

The biggest range I was able to get from them in a residential area was around 1 mile, and a good usable range would be around 1/2 mile. This was not exactly line-of-sight, with a lot of residential houses in between. So, yeah, the 16-mile range claim is completely bogus, and it would be stupid to expect something like that from a 2-watt GMRS radio. Hence, I find 0.5 mile usable range to be respectable, but I wouldn't say that about the advertising claims of the manufacturer, of course.

Curiously, the transmitt power seems to be very similar to my 5-mile radios. The main difference is in quality. With these radios I'm able to receive the same signal further away, and it is much clearer.

So far, the most use I got out of these radios was on a 400 mile trip to LA. With my old radios, I had to be almost right next to the other car to communicate, a car in between or distance over 300 feet will make the signal too weak. The new radios were working very well. Granted, our cars didn't get further than 1/2 mile apart, but in that range the signal was always very strong and clear. I was very comfortable using them during the entire trip.

Pros:
AAA batteries - easily replaceable, when stock batteries die.
Handsfree compatible - very useful when skiing or driving.
NOAA forecasts - kills time when bored on a camping trip.
Handy volume knob - put on high to hear a call, then set to comfortable level to communicate.
Weatherproof - wouldn't dunk them, though, and they don't float.

Cons:
Unstable when in the charging base.
Hand-straps could be useful with these.

I'm glad these radios use AAA rechargeables. I'm only going to use my radios several times a year and I'm sure they will last much longer than the batteries will (build quality is pretty good, BTW). Li-ion batteries only make sense when you use your radios a LOT, otherwise - store your Li-ions half-discharged in a fridge, or they will loose their capacity in just a couple of years.

The original Cobra handsfrees are overpriced, and although, they have the same plug as many cell phone hansfrees, polarity is reversed. Of course, that last part can be fixed with just a little soldering. I'm anxious to try these radios on the slopes, when ski season starts. Then would be a good time to update this review.

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Product Description:
The Cobra Li4100-2WXVP MicroTalk GMRS/FRS 2-Way Radios make it easy to stay in touch with someone, wherever you may go. This rugged pair of radios is an outdoorsman's best friend, with plenty of range, features, and power to make sure that you don't get separated from the rest of your party in any terrain.
The Li4100-2WXVP MicroTalk radios utilize the UHF/FM band for ultra-clear, long-distance reception with an extended range capability that reaches up to 16 miles, depending upon the terrain. These units feature an illuminated LCD display that is easily visible at a glance even at night, 10 separate call alerts to differentiate between incoming callers, and an on/off selectable roger-beep tone that indicates the completion of other transmissions so you know when it is ok to talk. These radios also feature an auto squelch with a selectable maximum range extender that overrides the auto squelch for longest-possible reception, and a selectable on/off keystroke tone signal that confirms key activation. Additionally, the Li4100-2WXVP radios include 10 NOAA channels for full coverage of all government operated NOAA weather broadcasts, a scan function to locate conversations in progress, and a 10-channel memory for programming favorite channels or channel/privacy code combinations for easy retrieval.
The Cobra Li4100-2WXVP radios provide seven GMRS/FRS, seven FRS and eight GMRS channels for a total of 22 channels, all of which are easily accessed via the front panel's push buttons. When combined with the units' 38 privacy codes, users have a choice of up to 836 sub-channels to ensure privacy. These radios are built with a unique circuit that automatically switches to battery-saver mode if there are no transmissions within 10 seconds, thereby extending the battery life, and let you choose between High and Low power settings (GMRS only) to either maximize range or further extend your battery life. What's more, they come with a belt clip to secure your radios while you are on the go, and include a key lock that eliminates accidental channel changes. For added convenience, these MicroTalk radios include a VOX function with five selectable levels of sensitivity, which will detect the user's voice and transmit without the need to press any buttons, freeing your hands for other tasks.
The Li4100-2WXVPs each run on four rechargeable, NiMH batteries, and come with a two-port desktop charger that allows you to recharge the batteries in both radios at once. Each radio has a built-in speaker/microphone/charger jack that lets you not only recharge batteries while in the unit, but use earphone speaker/microphone combinations for hands-free operation. Constructed to be water resistant for improved outdoor reliability, the Cobra Li4100-2WXVP MicroTalk Radios weigh only 3.7 ounces (without batteries), measure 2.2 x 6.6 x 1.5 inches (W x H x D), and are backed by a manufacturer's one-year warranty.
What's in the Box
Two Li4100-2WXVP MicroTalk radios, two-port desktop charger, eight rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries, user's guide and warranty information.

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