2' FIRESTIK ORIGINAL 5/8 WAVE BLACK Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had a FireStik KW2-B on one of my previous cars for about 3 years and was pleased with it; however, if your mount can support a KW4 (or longer if feasible), the result will be longer range.My KW2 was mounted on the trunk deck using a gumdrop mount.I also have a KW4-W on one of my current vehicles and this review is relatively the same as my review of that antenna...It's a durable antenna that's made in the USA.The antenna is top loaded (coil is at the top) and has a fiberglass whip.If you are new to CB radio, don't forget that you'll also need a mount, coax cable, and an SWR meter for tuning the antenna.More information on tuning the antenna is available on the FireStik website (at the bottom of this product's page or under "Tech Help").I'd recommend reading FireStik's "Tech Help" section and taking their advice when shopping for an antenna:"At least two-thirds of the antenna should be above a vehicles roof line for optimum performance."This antenna adjusts by removing the rubber cap and trimming the antenna down with a pair of diagonal pliers.Be warned that, if you over-trim, you'll be looking at adding a spring or quick disconnect between the antenna and the mount in order to lengthen the antenna again.If you want an antenna that is screw adjusted, take a look at the Firestik II FS series with the tunable tip.Over-all, I believe this is a great antenna.

Click Here to see more reviews about: 2' FIRESTIK ORIGINAL 5/8 WAVE BLACK

Product Description:
KW2-B Two foot original FireStik CB antenna (Black)

Want to read more honest consumer review about 2' FIRESTIK ORIGINAL 5/8 WAVE BLACK now ?

Uniden GMR1448-2CK 14-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Everything works fine. These things feature lots! The only thing I would have liked with the package were some headsets. O wells.

O Be warned. Around suburbs you only get about 2-3 miles if even due houses/commercial buildings/etc. Outdoors though it's great.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Uniden GMR1448-2CK 14-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

Product Description:
With the Uniden 22-Channel 14-Mile 2-Way Radio you can stay connected with your buddies while on the trail, at the baseball game, or anywhere else within a 10-mile range. This lightweight, palm-sized radio is also ideal as a neighborhood watch tool and kid-sitting aid. Each state-of-the-art radio features 22 channels (15 GMRS, 7 FRS) and 99 privacy codes per channel to help reduce interference. Another great attribute of this Uniden two-way radio is its hands-free operation, which is made possible by a user selectable Voice Operated Transmitter (VOX) that can be used for automatic voice transmission. Transmission begins when you speak into the optional remote headset for snappy, hands-free communication that is both safe and efficient. The large number of channels and privacy codes give you several communication options that ensure you can almost always talk with your friends and family via an exclusive, uninterrupted signal. Plus, channels are easy to find, thanks to the channel scan feature, which browses to active channels while you watch the display. And the channel monitor function listens for weak signals on a given channel with the press of a key.
These two-way radios offer additional privacy and safety features. If you're having a conversation with sensitive matter, these radios offer a voice scramble feature that prevents outside monitoring. And for added safety, the radios receive emergency and weather broadcasts from the NOAA National Weather Service. When in Emergency/Weather mode, the radios monitor the selected emergency/weather channel for alerts, even when you're not actively communicating.
Additional features include a backlit LCD display that is easy to read under any lighting conditions, a keypad lock that prevents your settings from being accidentally changed, and a choice of five different call tones that offer distinctive ring options to easily identify who's calling. The radios are also equipped with a battery strength meter that monitors the status of the batteries so you can always stay in touch, a key beep audio confirmation of each button you press, and a "roger beep" tone to confirm to other users that you're done speaking. The built-in headset jack is for the optional headset mic, which enables hands-free operation. The radios are equipped with dual-location charging units that make it easy to keep your radios charged and ready to go, and they can also be powered by four AAA alkaline batteries (not included). This two-pack unit comes with the manufacturer's one-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
Two GMR1448-2CK two-way radios and two charging units.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Uniden GMR1448-2CK 14-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) now ?

PocketWizard PWP-TR 801-125 PLUS II Transceiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have to admit, the Elinchrom EL-Skyport competitor units have more advantageous specifications on paper compared to these PocketWizard Plus II units.There are a few other wireless units out there, but only two of these brands can compete if you want serious no-fail gear.Heres the comparison:

POCKETWIZARD PLUS II

1. 16-bit / 344.04MHz
2. Sync up to 1/500s
3. 4 Channels
4. 1600+ foot range
5. AA battery or AC
6. Transceiver (auto-sensing, no need to purchase different units)
7. Flexible rubber antenna (no swivel)

ELINCHROM EL-SKYPORT

1. 40-bit /2.4GHz
2. Sync up to 1/1000s
3. 8 Channels
4. 50 meter range indoor / 120 meter range outdoor (394 foot range)
5. CR2430 3.0V battery or AC
6. Receiver or Transmitter models are separate
7. Flexible 360 degree swivel antenna

The PocketWizards are even bulkier than the Skyports which are flat.The antenna of the PocketWizard looks fragile and doesn't hide or swivel down when being kept.In fact the plastic build and feel of the PocketWizard feels like a cheap radio control toy for kids.

And to add more to the above, it's almost twice as expensive than the Skyport.

So why did I still get the PocketWizard unit?The PocketWizard MultiMax transceiver is more versatile and more advanced in features than the above two models which is what I am aiming to grab to control the other PocketWizard units.I'm investing and banking on the fact that PocketWizard will try to strike a deal with other manufacturers for wireless flash trigger.

They started with Mamiya Corporation and equipped their Sekonic's current light meters with the technology including my SekonicL-758Cine flash meter that I've installed a PocketWizard wireless module.

And unlike the Elinchrom EL-Skyport RX model (which is a custom tailored version that plugs into their own RX lighting setup), The PocketWizard technology exists in various lighting brands including Dyna-Lite, Norman, Profoto and Photogenic.

Nikon did once use PocketWizard in their D1X way back in 2002 until they started their own Creative Lighting System (CLS) which does not simply rely on triggering a flash alone, but measures, meters and communicates the information back to the camera.It would be best to know each capability and limitation especially depending on the scale of your project, intent and creativity.

The PocketWizard has been around for a longer time and they have rock-solid reliability.It sticks out from the camera hot shoe like a sore thumb and for a good reason that enables great communication with other units over a long distance.

Conclusion:

You obviously have to evaluate your needs and how you plan to build your system.

If you are on a budget and would like equal reliability over shorter and more normal triggering distances, I would suggest Elinchrom EL-Skyport.In fact I would suggest investing on RX models and be able to control Elinchrom's own lights via their downloadable EL-Skyport software.

However, if you want to stick with the proven technology and reliability of PocketWizard then building a system around this wireless set up will be an equally good investment down the line especially as they try to expand with other professional brands of photographic devices.

The advantages of Elinchrom shine when you are building a system around their own brand.Outside of this, PocketWizard has been the recognized leader...at least for now.

Click Here to see more reviews about: PocketWizard PWP-TR 801-125 PLUS II Transceiver (Black)

Product Description:
The PocketWizard Plus II transceiver system does more than cut the cord. The PocketWizard Plus II can wirelessly trigger lights and/or cameras within a range of 1600 feet of the transceiver. Utilizing advanced wireless technologies, four 16-bit, digitally-coded channels are available for selective firing of lights, or when working in 'crowded' environments. If speed is a concern, images can be captured at a rate of up to 12 frames-per-second, which outpaces most currently-available cameras, pro or otherwise. Ultra-fast microprocessors allow for top sync speeds of 1/250th-second for focal-plane shutters and 1/500th for leaf shutters.The PocketWizard Plus II is compact, with a short, unobtrusive, rubberized antenna. The total height of the transceiver and antenna is less than 6.5", and it weighs in at 6oz including the batteries. To ensure a secure fit to your camera or bracket, the Plus II features sturdy locking rings for hot shoes. Power is supplied by 2 AA batteries, which are good for about 60 hours of playtime. An optional AC adapter allows for continuous, unlimited shoot time.

Get 23% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about PocketWizard PWP-TR 801-125 PLUS II Transceiver (Black) now ?

Cobra PR 3000VP 6-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My family bought Cobra PR 3000 radios for a cruise in December 2003 and were pleased overall.
They are simple to use. The LCD display is excellent. Volume and voice quality were good. The CTCSS tones worked well to screen out the many other passengers who had similar radios.
They are light and small enough that it was never a chore to carry them.
We often used the call signal and vibration features to initiate contact, because those work better than a voice in noisy areas.(Too bad those features are missing from every higher-powered, commercial-quality radio I've found.)
On the down side, within 48 hours of use, the poorly designed pocket clips broke off two of the four radios.
And their power and range were less than ideal. At high power (2 watts), we could easily communicate between five decks. Reception was sketchier or non-existent when trying to communicate from the bow on deck 11 to the stern on deck 3.
Ashore, the radios worked well over about 1/2 mile of hilly terrain. Beyond that, little or nothing. They did much better over open water, of course.
Cobra does make a 3-watt model, which might perform slightly better. But the built-in stubby antenna on all Cobras limits their performance, from what I've read of how UHF radio works.
Commercial radios, which would undoubtedly perform better, cost at least $130 each and are far less user-friendly. Makers include Icom and Vertex.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cobra PR 3000VP 6-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

Product Description:
The Cobra 3000DX 2-way radio is one of the most powerful radios on themarket. With its X2 Power Technology, the radios are able to achieve longer range andstronger penetration of buildings, cars, dense woods and other obstacles. The result is arange up to six miles. Other features include: thirty-eight sub-channels, twenty-two totalchannels, key lock, silent vibration alarm, battery saver circuitry, scan feature,illuminated LCD screen and water resistant packaging. This amazing radio packagecomes with a desk charger, two rechargeable battery packs and a wall adaptor.Remember that you'll need a FCC license to use these radios.
What's in the Box
Two PR 3000DX GMRS radios, two rechargeable battery packs, charging unit, wallcharger, belt clip, wrist strap, a user's manual, and a one year limited warranty.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Cobra PR 3000VP 6-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) now ?

Uniden GMR1038-2 10-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)AT THE TIME THAT I BOUGHT THESE, IT CAME OUT TO 12.00 PER UNIT (24.00 FOR THE PAIR) VERY GOOD DEAL...AMAZON ADVERTISES THAT IT COMES WITH CHARGING UNITS AND IT DOES NOT.BE VERY CAREFUL.I HAVE COMPLAINED AND IT STILL SAYS IT ON THE WEBSITE FOR 2WEEKS NOW. APART FROM THAT -ITS A PRETTY NICE UNIT, RECEPTION IS FINE (NOT 10MILES THOUGH) ABOUT 1-2 MILES ON A BUSY HIGHWAY..BATTERY LIFE IS POOR.. WITH CONSTANT USE, YOU CAN GET ALMOST 1 DAY OUT OF IT. 4 AAA BATTERIES.THE RECHARGABLE UNIT IS A MUST..BUT FOR 12.00 PER UNIT - NOT MUCH ROOM TO COMPLAIN.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Uniden GMR1038-2 10-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

Product Description:
Stay connected with your buddies while on the trail, at the baseball game, or anywhere else within a 10-mile range with this pair of GMR1038-2 two-way radios. Also ideal as neighborhood watch tools and kid-sitting aids, each state-of-the-art radio features 22 channels (15 GMRS, 7 FRS) and 99 privacy codes per channel to help reduce interference.
Stay in touch with friends and family with these easy-to-use GMR1038-2 10-mile, two-way radios. View larger. Another great attribute of the GMR1038-2 radios is hands-free operation -- a user selectable Voice Operated Transmitter (VOX) that can be used for automatic voice transmission. Transmission begins when you speak into the optional remote headset for snappy, hands-free communication that is both safe and efficient. The large number of channels and privacy codes give you several communication options that ensure you can almost always talk with your friends and family via an exclusive, uninterrupted signal. Plus, the channels are easy to find, thanks to the channel scan feature, which browses to active channels while you watch the display. And the channel monitor function listens for weak signals on a given channel with the press of a key.
Additional features include a backlit LCD display that's easy to read under any lighting conditions, a keypad lock that prevents your settings from being accidentally changed, and a choice of five different call tones that offer distinctive ring options to easily identify who's calling. The radios are also equipped with a battery strength meter that monitors the status of the batteries so you can always stay in touch, a key beep audio confirmation of each button you press, and a "roger beep" tone to confirm to other users that you're done speaking. The built-in headset jack is for the optional headset mic, which provides hands-free operation. These radios are equipped with dual-location charging units that make it easy to keep your radios charged and ready to go. The radios can also be powered by four AAA alkaline batteries or an AC adapter (not included).

Want to read more honest consumer review about Uniden GMR1038-2 10-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) now ?

Cobra MicroTalk PR 260-2 WX VP 12-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)These were rated for 12miles - and if you've ever done any research on these type of 2-way radios...regardless of the rating, if you're able to get a 1 mile range from them, you're a lucky few. I fully expected that disappointment. However, what I did not expect was that the rechargeable batteries that it came with were aweful. On a full charge, it barely lasted a trip to the mall on less than mild usage. Btw...there is no indicator to say if it is fully charged. I charged it for the recommended 10 hrs.Anyway...I had another pair of refurb Uniden that I got for almost nothing...that pair was just as good, if not better than this one which I paid $45 including shipping. Not a recommendation.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cobra MicroTalk PR 260-2 WX VP 12-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

Product Description:
The Cobra PR260-2WXVP 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 PR260-2WXVP MicroTalk radios use the UHF/FM band for ultra-clear, long-distance reception with an extended range capability that reaches up to 12 miles, depending upon the terrain. These units feature an easy-to-view, illuminated LCD display that provides the radio's status at a glance even at night, five 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 that shuts off weak transmissions or unwanted noise due to terrain or range constraints, and a maximum range extender that overrides the auto squelch for longest-possible reception, as well as a keystroke tone signal that confirms key activation. Additionally, the PR260-2WXVP radios include 10 NOAA channels for full coverage of all government operated NOAA weather broadcasts, and have a scan function that allow user's to scan channels or privacy codes within a channel to locate conversations in progress.
The Cobra PR260-2WXVP 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, come with a belt clip to secure your MicroTalk 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 PR260-2WXVPs run on four AAA rechargeable batteries (included) each, and come with an AC wall charger with a handy Y plug 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. The Cobra PR260-2WXVP MicroTalk Radios weigh only 2.8 ounces (without batteries), measure 2.3 x 5.9 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 PR260-2WXVP MicroTalk radios, wall charger with Y plug, eight AAA rechargeable batteries, user's guide and warranty information.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Cobra MicroTalk PR 260-2 WX VP 12-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) now ?

Uniden GMR895-2CK 8-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a very good set for the money, when my kids go to the local pool which is about 4 miles away, I still can hear them well. Its a durable set as I have dropped them on concrete and it still works perfect. The camo color is nice for hunting but it might spook the deer if you use them while undercover.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Uniden GMR895-2CK 8-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

Product Description:
Stay connected with your buddies while hiking on the trail, riding the ski lift, or exploring other locations within an 8-mile range with this pair of GMR895 two-way radios. Also ideal as a neighborhood watch tool and workplace aid, each radio features 22 channels (15 GMRS and 7 FRS) and 38 CTCSS privacy codes, along with a voice-activated transmitter that enables hands-free communication when used with an optional HS 2467 headset and microphone. The impressive range of channels and privacy codes gives you several communication options, ensuring that you can almost always talk with friends or family via an exclusive, uninterrupted signal (radios must be set on the same channel and code to communicate). As a bonus, each GMR895 radio also receives seven NOAA National Weather Service channels.
Browsing for channels is straightforward and intuitive thanks to the scan feature, which looks for active channels while you view the display, and the monitor function, which listens for weak signals on a given channel. To transmit on a GMRS or FRS channel, merely press the PTT button while the scan is paused. It's important to note that the transmission range will vary depending on the channel and the surrounding terrain. Should the signal prove too weak for a given situation, however, you can extend it via the Power Boost button.
Additional features include a backlit LCD display with a battery strength meter, a keypad lock that keeps you from accidentally pressing buttons at the wrong time (such as when a radio is in your pocket), a silent alert option that noiselessly alerts you of an incoming call, and your choice of five different call tones. The radios come with a single charging cradle that can accommodate both radios at once, two NiMH rechargeable battery packs, and two belt clips for efficient transport. The entire bundle is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box
Two GMR895 two-way radios, dual charging cradle, two NiMH batteries, two belt clips, user's manual.
Note: Use of the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies requires a Federal Communication Commission license. For information and application forms, visit the FCC at www.fcc.gov/wtb/uls or call the FCC hotline at 1-800-418-3676. For further questions, contact the FCC directly at 1-888-225-5322.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Uniden GMR895-2CK 8-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) now ?