New to off-roading, do I *need* a radio?

[kodiakisland]

Lots of good thoughts here! I know there are other things to spend money on, its mostly being torn on the future need/ability, though I'd certainly try using it.

I'm fine with getting a license, and I tend to troll until I find a good deal, so the investment of it doesn't bother me. I have seen a few combo sets with something like the MTX+handheld, which is what I'd get.

Good idea on the handheld, and the combo lets that person you're riding with be the spotter. I also like the emergency abilities, but would have a GPS beacon if I really went out there.

I keep two handhelds in the Bronco for all kinds of things. Hiking, camping, other vehicles, etc. Also a lot easier to contact someone within radio range for less than life threatening emergencies than activating a GPS monitor. Mine kept me entertained in a 2 hour traffic jam in Yellowstone last summer while monitoring quite a few other people’s conversations, as well as being able to find out what caused the jam. They are useful if you have them, not so much if you don’t.

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[BroncoTrail]

I bought these Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio - Long Range Walkie Talkie with 142 Privacy Codes, SOS Siren, and NOAA Weather Alerts and Weather Scan (Black/Silver, 3-Pack) for $100

 

[Tricky Dick]

Another vote for handheld GMRS. Mine saved my butt after the wheeling when my tow rig broke down and I had no cell service, I was able to raise my buddy who had gone on ahead.

 

[604Bronco]

Reading your post got me thinking about GMRS, and being a newbie to this as well, I stumbled across this video. Not only is it informative, I quite enjoyed his dry sense of humour throughout.

 

[3People1Body]

I keep a Baufang programmed with FRS/GMRS/weather always in my Bronco and F150. I've not come across a group a couldn't listen to yet. But I haven't been in groups with other freqs/encryption....

 

[CO_BRONCO_2023]

They are cheap enough and easy to use that I would just grab a pair of handhelds.

 

[Jimmiee]

I have a Midland MTX-500 50W GMRS which I mounted inside my console so it's out of sight and I can keep the mike in the glovebox until needed. It has a stubby 5" antenna which is mounted next to my stock radio antenna which is also a stubby antenna. Also, I have 2 handheld Midland X-Talkers which were given to me at Cruise Moab a few years ago. GMRS has taken the place of CB but it never hurts to have a handheld CB radio as well.
I would suggest getting a pair of handheld radios to start and then decide if you want to install an onboard system later. If you join a club some use HAM radios but you will need a license to legally use a HAM.

 

[BroncoTrail]

i just watched this video (at 1.5x speed) and it had some helpful information for a newbie like me. Figured I'd share.

EDIT: LOL I just noticed this exact same video was posted above. Thought it was a different one. Oh well I'm leaving it!

 

[CalvinT]

So, as I've been making of list of stuff to eventually get, a radio keeps coming up as something I feel like I need. The catch is that I don't have an offroading group yet, and everything is waiting until my 7MT gets handled. Basically, I'm in the thinking about everything phase of stuff.

Do I just call it a day and get a GMRS, probably an MTX575? Or, do I wait and see if I'll really need it?

I've been wondering the same thing for emergency use. I don't think I'll run across anyone where/when I expect to be going.

I've decided on a ZOLEO Satellite Communicator and the what3words app on my phone (what3words.com).

What3words doesn't need a cell connection to work but allows you to text a precise location to someone with the ZOLEO. No need to text GPS coordinates. It can also be useful in town if you're meeting someone. No need for addresses either.

I may also get a ACR ResQLink emergency beacon or something similar incase I fall while exploring on foot.

 

[604Bronco]

i just watched this video (at 1.5x speed) and it had some helpful information for a newbie like me. Figured I'd share.

EDIT: LOL I just noticed this exact same video was posted above. Thought it was a different one. Oh well I'm leaving it!

Beat you to it, lol! It is a great video - the guy has quite a few helpful (and funny) videos. Worth checking it out, if you’re new to radios like I am.

 

[Arrowbear Rider]

I was in the "I'll buy it if I need it club" and in only two weeks I've gone to "I need it it club."

A local meet up the weekend before and the Bronco Safari has me looking at which one to buy and the reason I came here.

Kodiakisland nails it, so I'll only add:

After a week of borrowing one and being "that guy" I want one.

After a week of borrowing different radios, each different in quality, age and ease of use or not so easy to use, owning my own is now more important. Knowing what I have and how to maximize it's use, simple as that... and nice shiny new ones are always cool.

If you're going to meet up with a group in your area more than a few times or go the Bronco events, then get a set; or be "that guy" that doesn't have a radio. And that's OK! It Let's People Know You're Not Committed to running trails with others and gives them a heads up on your wheeling experience.

 

[604Bronco]

I was in the "I'll buy it if I need it club" and in only two weeks I've gone to "I need it it club."

A local meet up the weekend before and the Bronco Safari has me looking at which one to buy and the reason I came here.

Kodiakisland nails it, so I'll only add:

After a week of borrowing one and being "that guy" I want one.

After a week of borrowing different radios, each different in quality, age and ease of use or not so easy to use, owning my own is now more important. Knowing what I have and how to maximize it's use, simple as that... and nice shiny new ones are always cool.

If you're going to meet up with a group in your area more than a few times or go the Bronco events, then get a set; or be "that guy" that doesn't have a radio. And that's OK! It Let's People Know You're Not Committed to running trails with others and gives them a heads up on your wheeling experience.

Will these be sufficient on trail runs?!

 

[Arrowbear Rider]

Will these be sufficient on trail runs?!

For you and your spotter?

 

[604Bronco]

For you and your spotter?

If I'm running with these, I'm likely using them to talk to myself

 

[Climber]

For under $100 , I can’t believe anyone would consider going out alone without an GRMS radio.
I wish you all who don’t carry one continued good luck.

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