I have both the Cobra 2 channel cheapies ($30 a pair) and a Motorola talkabout 250. Both can use the same headsets, but the funny thing is that the Cobra has better range, at least mine do. They both operate at better than 2 miles by line of sight (3.5 miles in one instance by gps). I use them when hunting coyotes with a partner who is about 100 yds away. Also used them quite successfully chasing elk, and we had good reception at distances up to 1/2 mile in the timber. The Cobras have one annoying feature which is an end of transmission beep that you can't turn off, so if you use those for hunting, get an earpiece. The Motorola 250 can be had at a good discount now, as it is an older model, and it has the subchannels that help to eliminate cross-talk. Scan feature on the Motorola is a nice thing to have as well so you can eavesdrop on what the other guys are doing if you want to get nosey. It helped us to head some elk off at the pass once, but unfortunately there were only spikes and cows.

Hope this helps,

Andy

p.s. The Motorola uses AA batteries, which can be a big savings as costco has 48 packs for cheap. Then you only have to carry one type of battery for GPS, radio, and emergency flashlights.

[ 07-18-2001: Message edited by: Dogfish ]