Motorola SX700R Talkabout GMRS/FRS 2-Way Radios with Charger, (Pair) Reviews

• Head and shoulders above earlier Motorola Talkabouts for our tour

  
  By A3QBHMMDRSC5VY on 2006-07-24
  I have been using an increasingly-mongrelized mix of Motorola Talkabout radios for a youth bicycle tour I have co-led since 1998. The radios have had their good points and their bad, but this year (because we had the budget to do so) I decided to retire all the old radios and re-equip ourselves with a single radio model. I chose this particular model based on its slightly beefier dimensions and the capability to receive National Weather Service broadcasts. I purchased six (three pairs). I also purchased six holders [ASIN B000056I6K] to give us options for protecting and holding the radios.
  
  Each pair comes with (two of) a plastic belt clip/holster, an extra faceplate, a rechargeable battery pack, a small "wall wart" transformer, and a single cradle designed to hold both radios. The pilot LEDs that indicate charging are on the cradle for this model.
  
  Although all six radios worked fine out of the box, one had a defective battery that would not charge. It was too close to our tour to do anything about it, so I equipped that radio with four AAA alkaline batteries and changed to the black faceplate to remind me not to put it in the charger. (The design precludes any charging current getting into the system when disposable batteries are installed, but I like to be safe that way.) We managed the problem of three wall warts by plugging them permanently into a small surge strip, binding the cords short, and simply plugging in the surge strip and the cradles at each overnight stop.
  
  We travel through the mountainous Litchfield Hills of Connecticut for a week, and for the most part these radios did not let us down. They feel much more solid and easy to manage than their predecessors--a good thing since Motorola has had so long to perfect the design. They are also a little larger than their predecessors, both in the overall body and in the antenna. I have other GMRS models by Motorola, which don't appear to have antennae any larger than their non-GMRS counterparts. I think the size is a bit of an improvement.
  
  Range was much better, using a GMRS frequency (licensed, of course!), than other Talkabouts I have used. These are all "line of sight" radios, and they also seem to work best in a relatively horizontal plane...but the only significant loss of signal we encountered seemed to be on a winding, steep mountain road on our last day, when the range seemed to drop to less than half a mile. These radios are not miracle workers, and that is a perfectly understandable and acceptable loss.
  
  The batteries held up to an eight-hour day of bicycling, and sometimes beyond that as we use them for coordinating some evening activities as well. The AAA alkalines should be considered an emergency backup power source only: while they held up through four days of work before they were depleted, the contacts inside the radio are very flimsy and will not hold the batteries in place through even a mild shock. There is no padding on the battery cover to "snug" the batteries in place, and I suspect that would interfere with the rechargeable battery which is after all the radio's primary power source.
  
  The NWS radio feature worked very well for us--we were able to find stations wherever we were, and for the first time we were able to get forecasts during our riding day. The radio claims to have an "alert" feature that will monitor the selected NWS channel and switch to it when NWS is broadcasting a warning. Thankfully, we did not have the occasion to test that feature.
  
  The scanning feature worked reliably when I tested it. I did not test the VOX feature (which has adjustable sensitivity in contrast to earlier Talkabout models), but plan to purchase headsets for that purpose. We abandoned VOX for our bike-based staff years ago because it took just one "heavy breather" to jam our entire system.
  
  I received many good comments back from our staff, both bike-based and in chase vans, about the improved quality of radio communication this year. It certainly seemed like the experience was less frustrating than with our old, scratchy, worn-out radios! But this model also gave us more flexibility in how we used the radios, and I would recommend it without reservation.
  
  Oh, and the dead-on-arrival battery? Amazon sent a new pair of radios the next day after I reported it, and made it easy for me to return the old ones. I remain impressed with Amazon's civility, efficiency, and willingness to make things right with items like this.
  
  

• Deceptively nice

  
  By A1VSI2BUF12C4R on 2005-11-02
  These are the only Motorola 2 watt radios on the gmrs market. Although they are larger than most radios, they are very lightweight and come with an excellent belt clip - not the cheap breakable clips that Motorola usually supplies. The reception is very good, the ability to choose high or low transmit power by pressing the p/t button is nice. No way you will get 12 miles out of any radio but Motorola usually has the best range of any brand so if you want a real 2 watt radio, with NOAA, this is the one.
  
  

• better than 5 mile

  
  By A1816WQYAP44O on 2005-09-12
  i had a pair of the motorola 5 mile range radios that i liked, but the range of them wasn't very far. i use them for hunting so i can chat with my hunting buddy so we don't get bored while we are sitting there. with the 5 mile range radios, if i was on one corner of a square 40 acre parcel we hunt i couldn't reach him if he was on the other corner. but with these radios we have 3 times the range. i like the weather function that these have also. the only downfall that i don't like is that they are a little big and bulky, and they don't have a "12 mile" range like they say. i would be happy with half that. but the true range through tree's is around 3/4 to 1 mile. which is better than the 5 mile's 300 yards.
  
  

• Very reliable

  
  By A22STM4RYG2QCC on 2006-04-24
  I recently took these cross country through the desert, and I found these SX700Rs to be very reliable. In open landscapes such as the Sonora Desert or throughout Texas, these radios provide very crisp sound with no static. In a week of continual heavy usage, I never once picked up stray radio signals from other devices. Within large cities where there is a lot of concrete and steel construction a lot of radio signals, the effective range drops; however I was able to stay in contact with my driving partner providing we were at least within eyesight of each other.
  
  The kit comes with two communicators, a hands-free clip that I haven't tested, two chargers, two AAA battery packs, and two belt clips. The radios aren't very heavy at all despite being larger. Each radio still fits easily into an adult's hand. The belt clip is sturdy; however, the radio doesn't locked into the clip very well. They have a tendency to slip out of the clips as you bend over.
  
  The battery life is pretty good. A fully charged battery pack lasted me over 12 hours of intermittant use with the radios continually powered on. On the upside, with radios using a AAA batteries, if you do run out of charge and do not have access to the charging base, you can substitute 4 AAA batteries.
  
  

• 12 miles range?

  
  By A3OBR9A1FAEYKK on 2005-08-06
  i bought the sx700r in july of 05 to use between two cars in malls and theme parks in florida for my recent holidays. the range of the product is 12 miles and this is the reason i ordered this motorola radio as it is the longest range advertised on all their 2 ways. in real terms the 12 miles is really only 3/4 of a mile. yes not even 1 mile. disappointed i contacted motorola on their american helpline and they said it is because electrial/land features and only 12 miles point to point on flat land will achieve 12 miles i would not recommend this product if over 3/4 of a mile is what u want brian
  
  
• SX700R 2-Way Radios
  By A3OJ8MSXOLO2Z8 on 2005-08-29
  These are not great for long distances (> 2 miles) as advertised but they worked very well for the purpose we bought them. We used them on a cruise ship and they were fine. I think the extra interference channels made a difference because there were a lot of folks on board with similar radios and our channel was never once interfered with.
  
  The belt clips are WAY better than the ones from previous generation Motos.
  
  
• Works, but be careful
  By A35XWJ9OGCBCK9 on 2005-09-29
  If you are looking for the actual "12 mile" radius that these radios are advertised as, you will be disappointed. In a large metropolitan, suburban setting, my actual range was about 1 mile.
  
  We purchased these thinking if we only got half of the 12-mile range, that would be fine. But a one-mile radius is unacceptable.
  
  Having said that, they do work in a range of one mile or less without any problem.
  
  
  
• Good product for the money
  By A1JPU4DH9RI7V9 on 2005-09-08
  This radio set is a good deal for the price. A 2watt output radio would maybe reach 12 miles on the ocean or in the plains, but for the most part that's not where we use them. They should have advertised the average range not maximum in perfect conditions. The uneducated customer will buy into these thinking they can use these through 12 miles of walls, trees, or dirt, that's not the case. 1 mile through wooded area is minimum I would say from my testing. Products I have purchased in the past that cost more for one instead of a pair did less.
  
  
• good features but too bulky
  By A2A7OWGJNLFR57 on 2005-12-21
  I've owned these radios for 3 months. Overall they are nice. They have great features like variable power (1/2 watt vs 2 watt), NOAA, vibracall, GMRS channels (which are uncrowded and may provide an advantage in theme parks) and rechargable batteries. However the radios are too big. They are not heavy, but with the belt clip they are 8"x2"x2.5" (40 cubic inch). This compares to my older TA280SLK at 7"x2.5"x1.5" (26 cubic inch) and my T6220 at 6"x2"x1.25" (15 cubic inch). You guys with the least bit fashion conscious wives may have then balk at wearing them.
  
  Additionally the charger has two problems. It too is too big for travel (you can't use the charger without the base). Also there is no "charge finished" indicator.
  
  The range is better with the 2 watt option. I have compared them with the above mentioned radios at the same distance and the quality is better. That being said, what really matters is lack of obstructions not power of the radios, as others have said.
  
  I would have given them 4 rather than 3 stars if they were smaller.
  
  
• 12 mile range? Not even.
  By A316FKPJ2D9JUY on 2007-02-07
  I can back up the reviewer who said the 12 mile range is a lie. We have owned these Motorola SX700R Talkabouts since last July, 2006. We have tested these Talkabouts from LESS than a mile away, two different directions from home, and the reception was poor to non-existent in one direction and average to poor the other. The only obstructions were trees. And remember this is less than one mile apart. The sound quality and reception were awful.
  
  If you want something to use around the house, house to yard, yard to yard, very close to home, it will work fine. Reception and sound quality are excellent at close range. But if you want something to communicate with one mile or more apart, look elsewhere. This won't do it.
  
  
  
• No Warranty
  By ALRZBB393F38U on 2006-04-12
  These radios are as advertised with an exception, they are not Motorola products and there is no warranty.
  
  They are manufactured (or at least pass through) Giant International (giantintl.com)
  
  When mine broke (sketchy power/volume switch design) Motorola said call Giant. Giant said "We cant help you unless you have the receipt." It was a gift, I have no receipt. The unit is clearly marked with a manufacture date within the past couple months.
  
  Trying to be helpful, I guess, they passed me further down the food chain to a parts supplier, suggesting I go buy repair parts and have a go at it myself.
  
  They suck.
  
  
• 12 Miles? Yeah Right!
  By A20KBGULS2YERG on 2006-01-29
  We bought these radios for three reasons: kids playing in the neighborhood, communicating while skiing, and short distance communication. Two out of the three reasons didn't work for us. We took them to Colorado and the performance wasn't at all what we had hoped. I was at the base of the mountain and my husband took his to the top. We lost reception probably half way up the lift. I also took one with me on a short trip in town just to check the 12 mile range. I was two miles down the road and lost reception - we live in a suburban area of Atlanta where this should not have been a problem. It does work great in the neighborhood when my son is just a stones throw away! Oh well, I guess we got suckered into the 12 mile pitch - hopefully you won't!
  
  
• Info about range claims
  By A2G3HNPBVWPEKH on 2007-08-05
  When looking at FRS/GMRS Radios radios ignore the marketing ploys that tell you the range of the radios (12 miles, 18 miles, 22 miles). All of the radios sold to the general public (except high end models- over $100 per individual radio) have the same power output rating- 1/2 a watt for FRS and 2 watts for GMRS. All other things being equal- every radio will have the excact same range. Why do you think that the more expensive the radio the farther a range the manufacturer says it has? Because they want you to THINK a more expensive radio has a farther range so you will buy the more expensive one. But they all have the same power output- meaning they will essentially have the same range. This is all a marketing PLOY to get you to buy a more expensive radio. A more expensive radio may have more features, but if the power output is the same the range will essentially be the same. You can look for the power output on the manufacturer's website, but I have researced this already- almost all models sold to the general public have 1/2 a watt for FRS and 2 watts for GMRS. With the power rating being the same the things that will affect range are antenna size, height of the transmitter, and terrain- usually things you will have little control over. So buy a radio that has the features and size you want and ignore the marketing ploys about the range.
  
  
• You say these haven't got range?
  By A2BYT5D0CNE6ZC on 2006-07-24
  I just purchased these radios before a recent family vacation in Kamloops, B.C.. I was interested to see how far these would transmit according to their "12 Mile" posted distance. And let me tell you, I got at LEAST 9 miles out of them, and the obstruction was a MOUNTAIN! We were on a hill, over looking the town, and the other radio was well across the valley, around the side of a mountain, and a few more miles out. Clarity was amazing, never having to ask, "Can you repeat that, please?", or ,"Come again?". These communicators are definitely worth the buck. The only downfall I see is that the charging LED is on the wall adapter, rather than the cradel, but thaat's nothing! Overall a great buy, and great while hiking or hunting.
  
  
• Go the distance
  By A3DET1NRSAJ1KD on 2006-07-27
  I bought these for work for comunication between myself and the customer or myself and my apprentice. They seem to work really well. I am a plumber so I would typically be in a crawlspace and the other person would be somewhere else inside or outside of the house or building. They worked great from one end of a three acre factory to the other with all kinds of machinery running, when my nextel couldn't make it outside the building. They really do work 12 miles apart - we tested that, sound still crystal clear. And the batteries last just about forever. The really ingenious part about the batteries is that they come with rechargeable which can be charged on the included base station. But if those were to die and you weren't near a charger, or in five years or so when they just don't last as long, you can simply use AAA standard batteries. A product that is useful for as long as you own it and keep it in good shape! Thanks Motorola.
  
  
• Good Purchase
  By AY7ZS03I9M3PY on 2007-02-22
  My husband bought this item for our recent trip to Disneyworld. We timed the order 2 weeks ahead and had it sent directly to the resort - since we live in Canada this avoided a possible customs brokerage delay. There was a problem in the shipping - Amazon's notice told us that delivery would be 2 1/2 months from the date of order(!) but when we tried to cancel we were told it had already shipped. The problem might have been with the 3rd part vendor for this product. It arrived at the end of our 2nd day at Disney.
  
  Delivery problems aside the units worked very well. We could communicate reliably over half a theme park away. We could even talk from inside a building to the outside such as Space Mountain or GM's Test Track where my daughter and I were delayed on the track for half an hour due to a breakdown. On the other hand, from where we stayed at Fort Wildnerness it wouldn't reach as far as the general store or the pool next to it.
  
  We've also used them to keep in touch on shopping trips and a walkathon when we've had to split. There can be dead spots due to buildings but we've kept in touch over a distance of 2 major intersections.
  
  As other posters have noted, don't expect it to work over long distances unless you've got a clear line of sight. Also the quality of sound isn't as good as you can get with a cell phone, but they do work where cell phones service doesn't. Intend to use it when we rent a cottage in the summer to keep in touch with the kids when they go out on the lake. (As we have Canadian/Roger's cell phones we would have had to pay roaming charges to use a cell. It would have also come in usefull in our recent trip to Niagara Falls (Canada) as our phones kept telling us we were in the States.)
  
  The kids also have fun just using it to play outside or to talk to kids down the street.
  
  It met our needs. Recommended.
  
  
• Fun, but not all it's cracked up to be
  By A30C3N0ZMBOACA on 2007-04-06
  We first used these on our cruise vacation last week. They were nice to have when out in the open water with no cell phone coverage. When one of us would hang back in the room, we could find the other later. It was also nice on the beach. One of us would go shopping and the other could lay on the beach and call in for a drink.
  
  DISTANCE
  Okay, I didn't really expect them to work at 10 miles, but come on. It was 1 mile at best. I hear that the cheapo sets do that.
  
  BATTERY
  The batteries seemed to last quite long, though we didn't do much talking. We mostly had them on standby in case of need.
  
  VIBRATE
  I guess I misunderstood the vibrate feature. It is helpful to notify you when you can't hear the sound (like on a windy cruise ship deck), but it doesn't disable all the other sounds. So don't expect it to keep quiet.
  
  ON/OFF
  I imagine many sets have this problem, but the handsets had a tendency to turn on while moving around in the bag. I pulled one out of my suitcase when I got home and it was on. A slight rub of the on/off knob can turn it on.
  
  INTEFERENCE
  While on the cruise ship, we got "called" 4 or 5 times by someone apparently not in our group. I was unable to prove this, but I suspect that someone was on the same frequency as us, but the privacy code prevented us/them from hearing any speach. Alternatively, it is possible that someone in our party (of 2) accidentally bumped the call button.
  
  
• Motorola SX700R Talkabout GMRS/FRS 2-Way Radios
  By A2WED6RU0E9C0E on 2007-05-14
  I am an Acreage Surveyor and distance between instrument and prism often require the use of radios for communication between engineers. These Motorola SX700R radios are the best I have ever used. My work environment is often extremely harsh, woods,mountains,etc. and the durability and dependability of these handhelds is second to none. Excellent product and a very wise purchase.
  
  
• It's the wattage, folks
  By ATNYTRYVHN96F on 2007-06-21
  Several people have complained about these radios having a very short range in adverse conditions (e.g., downtown in a city with large buildings). That is unsurprising.
  
  All that matters with regard to range is the wattage of the radio. There is no magic technology that makes one 2-watt radio have superior range to another 2-watt radio.
  
  These radios are 2-watt. They do fine for that, and are very nice 2 watt radios. But if you seriously need really good range, then you need 5-watt radios (the maximum power the FCC allows for family usage), like the Motorola AXV5100. As you might imagine, 5 watt radios are much more expensive - like $500 per pair.
  
  
• Very Useful
  By A1OITS8UCQL2X0 on 2006-07-25
  These are nice two-ways, they offer ease of use but with lots of advanced features as well. Keep in mind that an FCC permit is required and will cost a one time fee of about $80.00. Clarity and range is good, I have not yet tried the hands free feature so cannot say about that. I would suggest a car charger if you travel with it a lot. The one complaint I have is the belt clip takes two hands to operate.
  
  
• We have 20, they work great!
  By AZ5LOJA24828F on 2006-03-03
  Reasonably durable, consistant performers. Excellant range, useful features. I wish they were a little smaller, but they aren't too bad.
  
  
• Good Quality, decent range.
  By A1H6FUMD4TDCR2 on 2006-05-15
  These radios sound great. The range is ok. I have another radio that claims to have 14 mile range and these will broadcast farther than the 14 mile radio. However the range is no where near the 12 miles they advertise. They are a little big but I think they might be less likely to be lost because of their size. Belt clip is good. There have plenty of features and options. I kind of wish they had the digital compass though. These are the best 2 way radios I've owner so far.
  
  
• Good Range, Easy to use
  By AT5P0VROA8CMF on 2007-06-10
  Bought these to replace a pair of Midlands that were a Christmas gift. The buttons on the Midlands were hard to push, and the radios just did not work well. These are great. Easy to use, and have good range. I take one with me on a 4-mile walk each morning, and can communicate back to my home on the entire walk. These are kinda big, compared to the Midland. Wish they were smaller...
  
  
• Better Clips But Not The Best
  By ATJYZD1PLYFOW on 2005-12-30
  I love motorola. I will always buy walkie-talkies from them. They are very durable and reliable. I had the T5620 before the SX700R and it worked for a long time. I have dropped it in sand, water, cement, and lots more. It still works fine. I gave it three stars because the clip was better than the ones that broke after a few months of use. One of the reasons I bought the walkie-talkie was because of the convinient holster feature. But the problem is it does not clik-in well. The first day I used it I dropped mine at the library and my little brother dropped his while shopping. We found them but trust me you don't want to lose them. The cost just over $70 at Best Buy. I know motorola can do better than this.
  
  
• only 1 mile reception range
  By AOACZ5CMUMQCL on 2006-07-26
  I can not use it more than 1 mile, even on the high way, no blocking situation.
  
  
• Waste of money
  By A3ALJHGCZWBKGB on 2006-07-26
  The real world distance that you going to get out of this radio is whooping 0.6 miles!!!
  That is it. I was hoping Motorola would inflate the advertised range by 2 or 3 times but to have 0.6 with advertised 16 miles that is just laughable. I've tested it in the hills upstate New York. Worthless but makes nice beeping sounds.
  
  
• Dissappointed
  By A2QX9AY870QLRP on 2006-08-20
  We purchased these to communicate with my nephews who just hiked the rim to rim at the grand canyon...while I' was not expecting to talk to them at the bottom of the canyon they did not work even at the rim until we were practically in shouting distance. This was a major dissappointement.
  
  
• worth it
  By AH6RA3AW5HHLI on 2006-08-27
  I am a traditional rock climber and a backcountry snowboarder/mountaineer. These radios were a good choice at their $45 price. Between belays, reception is clear enough and ample. Above tree line, communication is expectedly easy, as well. Conversely, in the trees of the backcounty performance is notably lessened, yet still practical.
  Why Motorola doesn't add a lanyard, or at the very least, an attachment point for a carabiner or cord or whatever, so I can dangle the radio from my harness is waaaay beyond me. It was frustrating to realize the omission as I opened package. I solved this easily enough with (duh!) some duct-tape, but still...how hard could it be? The units are a lil' on the heavy side, but not so much as to warrant the super-cost of a super-light version.
  Overall, I am satisfied ... for now.
  
  
• Excelent product
  By ADZFZ7Q02LT4K on 2006-02-23
  It really have a HUGE range, easy to charge, handle and i like the design very much. It's compatible with other old Motorola's radio.
  
  
• Motorola SX700R 2-Way Radios
  By A27S7M21C4IMZF on 2007-01-03
  I am most happy with these radios. They look wonderful,operate effeciently and have a long battery life. The only negative is that there rated reception distanced is grossly overstated.
  
  

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