Summertime means outdoor fun, and if you’re worried about your mobile phone surviving the elements, then the Motorola Talkabout MT350R Two-Way Radios are a great alternative. These durable and easy to use walkie-talkies will keep you connected with your family and friends when you’re hiking, at the beach, camping or even at an amusement park.
The feature that’s a stand-out for me is that these are weatherproof. This means you can take them on a hike and not worry if they’re dropped in a mud puddle, or bring them to the waterpark and not panic when your kids manage to sit on them in soaking wet swimsuits.
They’ve also got an impressive range of 35 miles. How close you come to that range depends on what kinds of obstacles sit between the two units, but I found interference to be minimal when wandering about on a hiking trip with my family. Even around town, it did very well despite hills and buildings. It feels reliable and consistent in its coverage and didn’t have me constantly frustrated with a weak connection.
The Motorola Talkabout MT350R also has some reassuring emergency alert functions. It’s got a built-in LED flashlight and a special Emergency Alert mode that sends an alert tone to other members of your group and then stays in talk mode for 8 seconds so you can call for help. It can also be tuned into NOAA radio broadcasts to keep you apprised of inclement weather or just set to alert you when there’s an emergency weather broadcast.
Additional features include:
• 22 channels, each with 121 privacy codes for 2662 combinations
• 15 hrs. alkaline (3 AA) or 10 hrs. NiMH estimated battery life
• Talkabout Clear for improved audio performance
• VibraCallTM vibrating alert
• iVOX/VOX hands-free communication
• 20 call tones
• Audible low battery alert
Despite their many features, the units remain easy to use. The buttons are clear and uncomplicated so your kids will be able to figure them out in no time. If all the additional features aren’t something you want to use, they’re easily ignored so you don’t feel like you’ve got a gadget that’s too complicated and ends up sitting unused.
The Motorola Talkabout MT350R Two-Way Radios retail for $89.99 and are a great accessory for all your outdoor summer fun!
GeekMom received this product for review purposes.
