Name: Cobra Electronics™ 2-way FRS Radio (2000/2002)
Purpose: Field communications
Range: 2 mi.

We started with eight Cobra radios and it was one of the best purchases we've made. They're sturdy and work for our purposes. The range is cut down by large buildings, which we have, but we're rarely more than two miles from each other, so a fresh charge will keep us going. They come in packs of 2, complete with their own batteries, charger, and earbuds for a little over $40. We've since bought six more of the newer models for a total of fourteen radios on-hand at any given game.

The 2000 model is all button operated (from volume to channel) without a keylock option and the roger beep is rather annoying. Also, the belt-clip is on a plastic case that breaks far too easily and the earbud won't stay in some people's ears. Still, you can't beat how rugged they are (we're still using them) and the belt-clip and earbud were easily upgraded (see below).

The 2002 model was a big improvement. Still the same rugged, sturdy device with a better, built-in belt clip and less annoying roger beep. There's a more conventional twist-knob for on/off and volume, but the same old earbuds. They seem to give a better signal in our urban environment, though.

Name: RadioShack® Communications Ultra Light Headset
Purpose: Quiet Communications
Range: n/a

The second best purchase we've made. The mic/PTT button clips firmly to your clothing, and the wrap-around keeps the earbud in anyone's ear. We only have eight of these, but plan to catch up to our total radios soon. Standardized jacks fit any 2-way radio.

Not our best buy, but some people had problems with the earbuds hurting their ear after a couple of hours of play. The PTT button is on a small box that requires it's own AAA battery, has a small clip on the back, and has secondary volume and VOX option. There's another switch for "radio" which we find useless so we just don't mess with it. It takes a minute to get the volume(s) adjusted, and wind against the microphone (even fast running) causes additional noise. However, if the earbuds hurt your ears but you still want to be a little stealthy with your radio, this takes care of you.

We took these back almost immediately.

It was hard enough to get the mic in the right position on your throat (and everyone's spot is generally different) and even then it was hard to communicate to someone. They're made for high-noise areas where any communication is good communication.

Basically, we were going for that cool Navy SEALs look, but unless you've got military grade throat mics and real guns you've got to talk over, go with the wrap-around earbud or the boom mic.