Walkie talkie recommendations?
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I'm looking into getting a pair of two-way radios for longer multi-pitch climbs. It needs to be able to securely attach to a harness. Does anybody have any good ones in mind? Preferably under $100? |
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Check out Rocky Talkies Haven't used them but I've heard good things |
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Most brands have a clip on the body of the unit but it’s nothing that I think would be suitable to clip and unclip from a harness. I found a mesh pouch with a zipper at REI that was just the right size to put my unit into. It has a sewn loop that I put a small locking carabiner on, and I clip this setup to my draw sling or its own sling. I like this setup because I can raise it up to my face to talk without unclipping anything. You are able to press the talk button on the side without unzippering the pouch because you can see the buttons through the mesh. They are not very expensive. Can’t tell you the brand tonight but basically I just got a pair that had a good review rating on Amazon, rechargable. |
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I've got a set of these: https://www.rei.com/product/115306/motorola-t600-h20-2-way-radio-pair they work great, good range, easy to use, one took a 100' header off the top of the pitch I was coming down at stone mountain. nice scuff but otherwise 100% operational. that being said I'm looking at the rocky talkies also for those couple of climbs where radios come handy. they are smaller and look like they are more secure. |
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+1 Rocky talkies |
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Another vouch for Rocky talkies. Range should cover the distance most if not all long pitches reliably, including overhangs. Two clip-in points for the harness including an extending leash. $90 |
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There are a few solutions depending on where you are climbing. If there is a network available like in Yosemite or Squamish. Then a Push2Talk app on your phone is a good option. You can use a headset and keep the phone in your pocket. Apps are usually free. There are also portable networks available to connect smart phones. This isn't cheap but allows you to use a phone setup as above. Beartooth.com and goTenna Mesh The Rockie Radio is a sleek option but needs to be worn on the outside. |
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I've found that regular (store bought) walkies-talkies will often not be strong enough to deal with the interference of large, granite areas. This guy in Englewood sells used, professional, grade radios that are awesome: used-radios.com/ and he's a really nice owner. The radios that are hard coded with dedicated frequencies (like what cops or EMTs use) tend to deal with interference much better. I've used a retired, police, 2-way radio for years in the mountains. |