[K3CAL] GMRS Radio Recommendations

[Ron Startzel]

I agree with Andy.

Do you know if Shorty is looking for radios to work with a GMRS repeater or
radios that will do about a mile or so on FRS and GMRS frequencies?

If just radios which can work for about a mile, the FRS/GMRS ones off
Amazon should work fine.

If looking for repeater use, can still get them off Amazon. I have 4 BTECH
GMRS PRO radios, but they would be too expensive for kids.

Based on any more replies, I can post a few ideas at my next stop.


On Tue, Jun 23, 2026 at 20:30 Andrew Charland via K3CAL <
k3cal at mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> Initial thoughts...
>
> Based on age and not knowing if radio will be a continued interest, I
> would be inclined to stay in a lower price range. If a radio is
> accidentally left out in the rain, dropped and broken, etc., not too much
> of a worry. Accidentally left somewhere, not too much of a worry. If it's
> something that's grown out of as they grow and their interests change, not
> too much of a worry. Are they going to have regular use or only when
> they're at the grandparents place? Alternatively, as they use them and
> develop an interest, show proper care, etc., maybe upgrade to something of
> a higher quality with more options.
>
> I would stick with something preprogrammed, easy to use (no indepth menu
> to navigate, no button combinations to memorize, etc.), easily recharged
> (USB-C), and flexible antenna (not always best but stand a better chance if
> activities" become rough). Software programming is popular so a programming
> cable is a must.
>
> I'm usually not much of a brand recomender nor do I know anyone's budget.
> If you're looking to stay lower price for now, Amazon has a lot to offer
> that will work. If you're willing to go higher in price, there are several
> brands worth mentioning... Retevis, Midland, Wouxun, Radioddity are a few.
>
> Just a few quick thoughts...
>
> Whatever direction you go, hopefully you'll bring some younger folks into
> radio and I look forward to hearing from them on the repeater.
>
> Andy
>
> On Tue, Jun 23, 2026, 19:14 KB3WFV via K3CAL <k3cal at mailman.qth.net>
> wrote:
>
>>
>> GMRS Radio Recommendations.
>>
>> I'm posting this question for fellow club member Shorty KC3ZPC. She has
>> five grandchildren visiting her from out of town. They range in age from 4
>> to 14 years old, and have expressed an interest in two way radio. Are there
>> any recommendations on which GMRS radios to purchase, and where to buy them?
>>
>> Brian
>> KB3WFV
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