Best Buy Ratings and Reviews

Whether camping, hiking or taking a road trip with 2 cars you can use these 2-way radios to stay in touch. Enjoy interference-free airwaves for crystal clear conversations. Get the scoop on eXRS Radio Guide

Average Customer Rating:

3.8

out of

(15 Reviews) 15

Rating Snapshot 15 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

80% of customers would recommend this product to a friend

(

12 out of 15

)

Customer Reviews for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

Review 1 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

Great for Privacy

Customer Rating

5.0

Posted by: Stingray011

from Watkins Glen Ny

on 07/14/2010

This user is a Reward Zone Member and is earning points for their purchases!

Value for Price

5.0

Range

5.0

Features

5.0

Reliability

5.0

What's great about it: Everything

What's not so great: Echo when talking

Works Great for the Price paid! Couldn't of asked for anything better!

I would recommend this to a friend!

0points

0out of 0found this review helpful.

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Review 2 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

WOW......great radio

Customer Rating

5.0

Posted by: Bryan1224

from Temecula, CA

on 07/08/2009

Value for Price

4.0

Range

5.0

Features

5.0

Reliability

5.0

What's great about it: Text messaging, contact list....pretty much everything

What's not so great: it's all good

I have used two way radios for years now and this is by far the best! I've tried approximately 10 different kinds and none have held up to my expectations except this one. The distance you get from these is incredible! The clarity is fantastic and the fact that you can text with these makes them the best on the market!

I would recommend this to a friend!

+8points

8out of 8found this review helpful.

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Review 3 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

Awful!

Customer Rating

1.0

Posted by: BAB25

from Akron, OH

on 05/06/2009

Value for Price

1.0

Range

1.0

Features

5.0

Reliability

1.0

What's great about it: Text Messaging

What's not so great: Everything else

I bought 8 of these after extensively reading about them and thought they would be great for my staff of 10 people. After spending a few hours setting them up and testing them, they were the worst 2-way radios I ever used. You're supposed to be able to assign each radio with it's own unique frequency and name. If you do that, they will work infrequently at best. I never got more than 2 good connections out of them before they became inactive. You are better off buying any one of the Motorola varieties.

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

+7points

8out of 9found this review helpful.

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Review 4 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

Great radios!

Customer Rating

5.0

Posted by: FarmerJoe105

from Sedalia, MO

on 03/16/2009

Value for Price

5.0

Range

5.0

Features

5.0

Reliability

5.0

What's great about it: Range, Text messaging, Price

I use these radios around my small farm and they have worked great everytime. I don't know of any two-way radio that will do text messaging!

I would recommend this to a friend!

+3points

3out of 3found this review helpful.

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Review 5 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

TriSquare Two-Way Radios

Customer Rating

5.0

Posted by: Bill64116

from Columbia, MO

on 12/11/2008

Value for Price

5.0

Range

5.0

Features

5.0

Reliability

5.0

What's great about it: Operator friendly, Features Reliable!

What's not so great: N/A

I purchased 2 sets of the TriSquare TSX300-2VP to try in my warehousing facility. I run multiply forklifts in a limited line of site facility and it is imperative that the forklift operators know where other lifts are within our facility. With the included headsets that work using the VOX or the PTT setting, the forklift operators were able to hear and communicate without any trouble. I then purchased 4 more sets and now the entire warehouse staff as well as the shipping/receiving coordinators utilizes the radios to coordinate incoming and outgoing freight. Not only have we improved our safety, we have also increased our efficiency using the TriSquare radios. With up to 10 billion channels, I do not have to worry about overlapping with other businesses using radios within the industrial park where we are located. I have tried TriSquare competitor’s two-way radios but have not had the success that I have had with the TSX300-2VP. There are many more features and functions such as caller ID and texting that we use as well. We are in the process of outfitting our other locations with the same radios. I have purchased 2 sets for my personal use as well. Great product!

I would recommend this to a friend!

+5points

7out of 9found this review helpful.

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Review 6 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

Nice for privacy, but not for range or quality

Customer Rating

3.0

Posted by: Randomandy

from Mountain View, CA

on 11/24/2008

Value for Price

4.0

Range

2.0

Features

5.0

Reliability

3.0

What's great about it: Modern privacy, caller id, individual paging

What's not so great: Range is lower than FRS

I'm a ham radio operator and electrical engineer so was excited at the idea of having modern digital communications technology for only $40/radio. They are one Watt, double the maximum allowed on unlicensed FRS radios. Spread spectrum (frequency hopping) is great to avoid channel crowding and detection or eavesdropping by scanning.

However, in my side by side tests, my FRS radios (Motorola Talkabout 5420) had clearly better range by maybe 10-20% as well as having noticeably clearer audio quality. Since range, simplicity and compatibility were my primary criteria, I decided to return them. Plus they failed to live up to their claim of "matching or exceeding the range of FRS radios."

Other than the slightly lower range and clarity, they still worked adequately and I would recommend them for certain applications. With a range on the order of a mile, having 10 billion channels is like having a combination lock with 10 billion digits. Even the cheaper TSX100's, with 1000 channels, have the equivalent security of a 3 digit combination lock which I think plenty sufficient. That's excellent for use in crowded environments where many people are using radios - like amusement parks, resorts, or whatever. You won't have to worry about people crowding your channel or mistaking strangers for family.

For team environments, I liked how the caller id shows up on the receiving radio. The ability to call individual radios privately seemed clever, though perhaps a bit too complex to be considered handy.

The TSX300 fits easily in the hand. It isn't as big as it looks in the photo and they are very light.

Text messaging was fairly clumsy to use. I would hate to have to rely on it.

The talk button took a slightly uncomfortable amount of pressure to operate. It could get tiring after a lot of talking. Maybe that's good for some people! Also, for some reason it drops the first 1 second of your transmission, so you have to pause before talking.

The belt clip is poorly designed. The clip is very thin and doesn't clip to your clothes. It only slides on. A little swipe would slide it right off and onto the ground. The radio is attached at the top of the clip, so trying to push it back on your belt will spin the clip around the wrong direction. Clumsy! And it takes a fair amount of force to declip from the radio, but there is nothing to hold on the other side to oppose the force, so it ends up taking two hands to operate the clip mechanism. Very inconvenient to do every time someone radios you!

Batteries are NiMH which is superior and more expensive than NiCD.

Conclusion:

Range and audio underperform basic FRS radio.
Vastly superior when privacy/security is needed.

I would recommend this to a friend!

+13points

13out of 13found this review helpful.

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Review 7 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

When cell phones can't cut it

Customer Rating

4.0

Posted by: JoshSpfld

on 10/08/2008

Value for Price

4.0

Range

4.0

Features

4.0

Reliability

3.0

We bought these because our cellphone coverage was terrible at our building. The eXRS seemed like a well reviewed product with more features than the competition. We weren't disappointed. Not only do they have good range and quality, they are very durable as well. We have 4 of them, each set to be able to direct connect a single radio or broadcast to the whole team. We have some areas where we can't talk back and forth from, but it's far better than we experienced using push to talk features on cell phones.

I would recommend this to a friend!

+2points

2out of 2found this review helpful.

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Review 8 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

Little More Than A Child's Toy

Customer Rating

1.0

Posted by: MEtracker

from Massachuestts & Maine

on 01/30/2008

What's great about it: fits nicely in your hand

What's not so great: complicated

I was most interested in the 900MHz, complete privacy and greater / better reception at "up to 25%greater distance". Extensive field tests over a flat, open field have proven to be VERY disappointing, with the greatest distance for a transmission less than one quarter mile (line of sight)! Sadly, they do not perform as expected.

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

+4points

4out of 4found this review helpful.

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Review 9 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

So fun!

Customer Rating

4.0

Posted by: kooltrip05

from Elk Grove, CA

on 01/01/2008

What's great about it: Texting, private calling, call waiting, caller id, 10 billion channels,

What's not so great: headset doesn't sometimes work, loses connection with each other sometime, expensive,

This is a truly great walkie talkie! It went up in price, it used to be $99. But, its great with all the features.

But, sometiems the range doesnt go as far as you want

I would recommend this to a friend!

+1point

1out of 1found this review helpful.

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Review 10 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

TriSquare TSX-300 Review

Customer Rating

5.0

Posted by: jwilkers

from Columbus, Ohio

on 11/03/2007

What's great about it: Security, number of channels, no interference.

What's not so great: minor loss of syncronization at times

TriSquare TSX300 Review
FCC ID:O9GTSX300

Power output: 1 Watt ERP

License Requirements: No license required

Frequency/Mode: 900 Mhz ISM band, Digital Frequency Hopping Spread-Spectrum
------
Introduction and features:

These radios introduce the general public to the latest generation of two-way radios. Consumers now have at their disposal, a radio that can be used without interference from other persons.

These radios introduce the consumer to a whole new level of communications. We can now designate channels with full customization, such as alphanumeric designations.

These radios are attractive, and large enough to operate easily, while remaining attractive and not bulky. While packed with functions and features, I considered most operational functions easy to access with little to no confusion.

These radios feature 10 billion channels, which are actually frequency hopping schemes. Channels can be accessed either by direct entry or by programming channels into "talkgroups", which can be accessed easily by menu. With 10 billion channels, you can say, switch to "primary" rather than say go to "10 million, 300 thousand, and forty six". Get your radios, and set up this easy function.

Business users will appreciate this, as you can program a "warehouse" group, and "office" group, and so forth.

You can set up a "private" channel, unique to each radio, for direct one on one communication. This private channel is constantly monitored, regardless of whatever group channel you are on.

For Nextel users, this is very similar, except it is direct point to point, rather than going through a cell site.

You can send text messages across groups, as well as over private channels.

Radios can be cloned over the air to allow for easy transfer of all configurations between radios. Once you program one radio, you simply send the data to all radios.

There is a VOX function to allow for hands free operation.

These radios are compatible with single jack Motorola accessories.
-----
Detailed Performance Evaluation:

Ease of operation: Basic functions were immediately easy to understand. More advanced functions required some study. I consider this a very easy radio to program and operate in all respects. Menu functions are easy to understand, and are well laid-out.

Sound quality: Quality of sound is excellent. Volume levels are good in all but the noisiest environments.

Use of XLT series microphones and accessories are fully compatible and perform well. I assume all Motorola GMRS accessories will also work.

Operational range:

Home to vehicle: .68 miles
Person to person outdoors: 1.25 miles
Vehicle to person (person outdoors): 1.25 miles
Vehicle to vehicle: 1/2 mile

Under my test conditions, these radios performed virtually identical to FRS/GMRS radios I have reviewed on this site.

These radios were not tested in any large indoor environment, although they work perfect in a typical family home. Indoor reviews are possible in the future and will be included at a later date.

Once radios got out of range, they would lose track of one another. Communications became
lost. Once in range, the radios re-acquired one another and communications resumed. I found this
process to occur rather quickly.

Text messages are sent "blind" There is no handshaking or error correction to verify the message was received.

Operational Issues:

When talking on a "private" channel, you must wait a while before re-initiating a private call to the same radio. Switching to a group channel and back can help assist this. Regardless, the radios will re-synch after a few seconds. Typically, this won't be an issue, and I do not consider it a serious problem.

Sometimes the radios become "confused". This problem occurred rarely, and only when the radios were either too close to one another, or too far, close to maximum range. After a few seconds they re-synched. This is considered a minor issue and shouldn't present a problem in most cases.

These radios will interfere with 900 Mhz cordless phones, baby monitors and other 900 Mhz devices at VERY close range. Interference seems to not be a factor at distances of 10 feet or more. This is not a frequency interference issue. Many higher power RF emitting devices can interfere with other devices on the same band.

There is no interference with 802.11 B wireless networks.

Battery life exceeded 5 hours on AA alkalines.
With the supplied battery packs, life exceeded 8 hours. The supplied packs provide 4.8 volts, which exceed 4.5 volts on alkalines and provide a more stable voltage curve.
-----

User Application Recommendations:

Commercial:
In a small business, these radios are ideal. Communications within a small facility should be easy. Each department can be addressed individually, with great flexibility in programming.

These radios are RECOMMENDED for commercial applications.

Consumer:

The average home can use these with great ease. You will have excellent coverage and flexibility within your property, and your neighborhood. These radios are fully comparable with FRS/GMRS radios in range.

These radios are RECOMMENDED for consumer use.

Assests of these radios:

1: Flexible channel programming with plain text channel group assignments.
2: good volume and sound quality.
3: Reliable communications within operational range.
4: Advanced radios, yet very easy to operate.
5: good look and feel with well laid out controls and menus.
6: Text messaging.
7: Programming of several radios immediately via on-air data communication.
8: Zero interference from other radios due to channel combinations.
9: Secure communications, impossible to monitor on a scanner.

Final thoughts:

Good application of first generation technology. While there were some bugs, I enjoyed my experience with these radios and can see myself using them extensively. A lot of the functions could be considered overkill for consumers. Nonetheless, consumers will appreciate the great flexibility of these radios. Accessory compatibility with easily available Motorola microphones and such add to usefulness.

Understanding digital technology and how it works helps explain some of the delay issues and loss of synch. If you are in range, you will never see this happen. Essentially, it is the same as any other radio going out of range. My tests entailed very rapid switching of functions... something most people will never do, when in a real world environment.

Communications security and freedom from interference are great assets. No annoying "call tones" from neighborhood kids trying to jam you :
I'd buy these radios and recommend them to friends.

I give them a 9 out of 10.

I would recommend this to a friend!

+12points

12out of 12found this review helpful.

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Review 11 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

Pretty Good

Customer Rating

4.0

Posted by: AT06

on 09/29/2007

I must say I expected the talk range to be better than what I've tested it for so far. My church has two buildings and I tested the talk range between them. The conversation was clear with a little static. I think the only edge the GMRS radios have over Trisquare's radios is the repeaters. Once a repeater that supports FHSS is built, I'm sure that'll help these radios out. Unless the FCC decides to put a restriction on that idea. LOL! The text messaging feature really helps because I work during live performances. So when me and my crew can't hear each other, we can just send messages. I recommend playing an imaginary 1/4 second beep when you transmitt. It gives the radio's transmission a chance to reach the others without missing the first word you say. Contact lists are great too because sometimes you just want to talk directly with one person instead of interrupting everyone.
Overall, good radios, pretty fair price, but an FHSS repeater will get them over the top.

I would recommend this to a friend!

+5points

5out of 5found this review helpful.

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Review 12 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

These are the coolest radios I have ever used!

Customer Rating

5.0

Posted by: Midwesterner

from The Midwest

on 09/22/2007

I bought these radios for my family because of the privacy claim but found that these radios offer far more than that. First of all, they work as two-way radios as well as any I have used in the past including some with wild claims of 18 mile range. We all know those claims are not realistic under normal conditions. The range of these radios is great in our neighborhood and when we go hiking – same as other radios. They do work well in between different buildings and houses. They also work well caravanning in cars.
I quickly found that it was different talking on these radios. We were much more comfortable knowing that no one could listen even with a scanner. These radios use frequency hopping so they only stay on each frequency for a fraction of a second. No more jerks harassing my daughter!
Much to our surprise, the text messaging is very easy to use and works at the same range as voice. Once we got started on text messaging it was hard to stop.
The keypad and display backlighting makes them easy to use in the dark. These are definitely worth the price. You can’t get these features in any other brand and you don’t need a license for eXRS. Remember that FRS/GMRS radios are always overcrowded and require a license to use the GMRS channels.
I would definitely recommend these radios to others. Some of my friends have already taken my advice. I give them a double 5 Stars.

I would recommend this to a friend!

+8points

8out of 8found this review helpful.

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Review 13 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

Not to expectation

Customer Rating

2.0

Posted by: LKinLA

from Los Angeles, CA

on 09/09/2007

Before purchasing this radio, I did a lot of research online about the TriSquare radios. I was primarily interested in the 900mhz, privacy channels, and text messaging function. I purchased this radio for a cruise trip. My friend and I thought to test it out since he has the Motorola Takabout radio. To my surprise, the Motorola out performed the TriSquare!
At first, I thought the 900mhz TriSquare will get a little bit more distance and also reception through steel walls (especially on a cruise boat), but I was wrong! Not only did the Motorola Talkabout got better reception, there were less static and farther range. The rechargable battery on the Motorola lasted longer and the transfer message button was easier to press.
The only positive aspect of the TriSquare would be the text messaging function, however it lacks a time stamp. This made it difficult for me to determine whether the message was sent or when it was received. The headphones that came with the radios did not do it's job either. When I tried to use it, the messages were too soft to comprehend. I ended up not using the headphones because it was just better to speak directly into the radio.
Overall, for the price and performance, go for the cheaper GMRS radios. The TriSquare is much too expensive for the added text-messaging function and the performance it claims.

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

+2points

4out of 6found this review helpful.

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Review 14 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

Good Radio

Customer Rating

3.0

Posted by: Iceman139

from Plymouth Meeting, PA

on 09/07/2007

This is a nice radio for privacy. The text messaging is a good feature.
As far as distance, I find this radio does not transmit or receive as well as the GMRS radio's I use under same conditions and distances.

I would recommend this to a friend!

+3points

3out of 3found this review helpful.

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Review 15 for eXRS 900MHz FHSS 2-Way Radios (Pair) - Charcoal Metallic/Black

BEST FOR ALL

Customer Rating

5.0

Posted by: ANTHONY

from New York, NY

on 09/02/2007

THIS IS THE NUMBER ONE IN TOW WAY RADIO THANDS EXRS.

I would recommend this to a friend!

-4points

1out of 6found this review helpful.

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