- UHF/FM band for ultra-clear reception with a range up to 16 miles
- 22 channels combined with 38 privacy codes provide 836 privacy channels
- 10 NOAA weather channels, 10-channel memory, scan function and auto-squelch
- Unique battery-saver circuit, roger-beep, 10 call alerts, and key lock
- Weigh 3.7 ounces, measure 2.2 x 6.6 x 1.5 inches (W x H x D), and backed by 1-year warranty
This a huge step up from the 5-mile Cobra radios that I also own. To a point that I actually find them useful.
The biggest range I was able to get from them in a residential area was around 1 mile, and a good usable range would be around 1/2 mile. This was not exactly line-of-sight, with a lot of residential houses in between. So, yeah, the 16-mile range claim is completely bogus, and it would be stupid to expect something like that from a 2-watt GMRS radio. Hence, I find 0.5 mile usable range to be respectable, but I wouldn't say that about the advertising claims of the manufacturer, of course.
Curiously, the transmitt power seems to be very similar to my 5-mile radios. The main difference is in quality. With these radios I'm able to receive the same signal further away, and it is much clearer.
So far, the most use I got out of these radios was on a 400 mile trip to LA. With my old radios, I had to be almost right next to the other car to communicate, a car in between or distance over 300 feet will make the signal too weak. The new radios were working very well. Granted, our cars didn't get further than 1/2 mile apart, but in that range the signal was always very strong and clear. I was very comfortable using them during the entire trip.
Pros:
AAA batteries easily replaceable, when stock batteries die.
Handsfree compatible very useful when skiing or driving.
NOAA forecasts kills time when bored on a camping trip.
Handy volume knob put on high to hear a call, then set to comfortable level to communicate.
Weatherproof wouldn't dunk them, though, and they don't float.
Cons:
Unstable when in the charging base.
Hand-straps could be useful with these.
I'm glad these radios use AAA rechargeables. I'm only going to use my radios several times a year and I'm sure they will last much longer than the batteries will (build quality is pretty good, BTW). Li-ion batteries only make sense when you use your radios a LOT, otherwise store your Li-ions half-discharged in a fridge, or they will loose their capacity in just a couple of years.
The original Cobra handsfrees are overpriced, and although, they have the same plug as many cell phone hansfrees, polarity is reversed. Of course, that last part can be fixed with just a little soldering. I'm anxious to try these radios on the slopes, when ski season starts. Then would be a good time to update this review.
Buy Cobra MicroTalk PR 4100-2 WX VP 16-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Now
The only reason I gave these radio's 3 stars is because I know they are the same as any other 2-way radio's. I also own a set of Uniden 5 Mile FRS 2 way radio's, but I decided to buy an extra set so each user can have their own charger.
I also like that these Cobra radio's use standard AAA rechargeable batteries. This way when the batteries go bad you just buy another set of rechargeable batteries.
Do not believe the claims of 16 mile range, they barely do 1 mile if you are lucky. In fact my other set which is supposed to do 5 miles go just under a mile in reality about the same as these 16 mile ones. I don't know how they can advertise this, but they are all the same.
I tried them in low and in high and the distance was the same. Here's the kicker, I read the manual that says in order to use these legally in high power setting, you will need a license from the government? A license so you can talk a full mile away? That's a load of crap. Seriously, these things are nothing but a toy and a license to use them is laughable.
I have no problem keeping them on low power, especially since I will only be using them to contact the house next door (a relative). My new cell plan is only 200 minutes prime so these will do the job just fine, just don't expect much distance out of them.
I ran the test in my area which has a lot of trees. I left one home with my wife and drove my car away, I even turned down the windows. I had a fully charged battery in both and both were set at high.
Do not expect anything better from other brands, good luck. By the way, the price for these here at Amazon is great and I would sugest buying them if they fit your needs. There is 8 AAA rechargeable batteries includes, that's a value of at least $20 just for the batteries, so you get these 2 way radios for really cheap when you consider the value of the rechargeable batteries.
Read Best Reviews of Cobra MicroTalk PR 4100-2 WX VP 16-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Here
Claim of 16-Mile transmission is optimistic at best. Good quality and appearance. Fun. Especially find the weather band feature appealing. First AND second packages contained faulty charging base. Cobra Corp. tech support has not responded. Have decided to try a third time due to deal and overall quality.
Want Cobra MicroTalk PR 4100-2 WX VP 16-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Discount?
The batteries look like regular recharable batteries. 600 mah NI MH. Well, good luck replacing these batteries. I got new ones that were the same 1.2V and NI MH but 800 mah (longer running). Though the batteries operate the unit just fine, the charger will not accept the batteries. At this point, it's cheaper just to replace he units.
I have had these radios for about 1.5 years now. In the beginning, they worked ok not what I would expect for the money. One of the radios now has not worked for the last year or so. We use them mainly for hunting and can't depend on them at all. I have a pair of Uniden 12 mile radios that work constantly regardless of temperature, weather, terrain etc. The unidens are crystal clear up to at least 3 miles (the furthest test), the Cobras work sometimes at distances slightly over 1/2 mile. The radio that does not work will not transmit or receive without cutting in and out. I've talked to Cobra and they suggest that the age and use may have shorted out the PTT button. Seeing as how they have less then 20 hours on them, I don't feel the quality is very good. I would avoid these at all costs and go with a cheaper model (Uniden or Oregon Scientific The $14 pair of O.S. have been used in the same conditions for over 10 years and I've never had a problem with them.)
I do alot of boondocking (dry camping) and haven't installed solar panels yet. I've outfitted the coach with 2 6volt deep cycle batteries and this charger. We use the batteries most of the day and night for 2 tv's, pump, lights etc. This charger gets the batteries back to full power very quick using the generator. Before I installed this charger the generator seemed to be running all the time. This is the cats meow!
