Renaissance of the Walkie-Talkie: Motorola T265 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio
Last updated: April 30, 2020 · Originally published: May 12, 2019
I don’t know how it works for you, dear reader, but for me it seems that the number of commercials a cell-service provider runs extolling the excellent reach and strength of their signal runs in direct–and inverse–proportion to how well that cell service actually works once I’m a few miles away from the nearest road. Losing the ability to communicate with members of one’s hunting party is not just maddening; it’s actually a safety hazard. Even young, fit people can suffer a medical emergency in the backwoods, and no matter how fancy one’s cell phone is, if there’s no signal there’s no signal. That’s why more and more hunters, hikers, and campers are turning back to the tried-and-true technology of the two-way radio to keep in touch…and that’s why I’m excited to hear about the new Motorola T265 Rechargeable Two-Way Radios Sportsman Edition in Realtree Xtra Camo.
These Realtree camo TALKABOUT walkie-talkies offers up to a 25-mile range, as well as emergency features and silent hands-free communication. They offer a push-to-talk button, as well as silent hands-free communication just in case you’ve got eyes on a nice (but spooky) trophy buck or bull. With a Realtree Xtra camo carry case, this two-way radio system will let you fully enjoy your wilderness adventure.
Performance characteristics:
- Range: up to 25 miles
- # of Channels: 22 channels + 121 privacy codes
- NOAA Weather Channel and Alerts: Yes
- iVOX/VOX Hands-free: Yes
- Micro-USB Charging: Yes
- Dual Power: Yes
- Battery Life (alkaline): up to 29 hours
- Battery Life (rechargable NiMH): up to 12 hours
- Two-Year Warranty
The MSRP is $85; right now, the product is showing as backordered, but you can place an order now to get “on the list” for one as soon as Motorola has more inventory. Click here to reserve yours. Find Realtree on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and at Realtree.com.
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There is definately a lot to know about this topic. I love all
of the points you made.
Thanks for finally writing about >Renaissance of the Walkie-Talkie: Motorola
T265 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio <Liked it!
I am also a ham-WB6VRJ- I was gladto see the other ham;s comments on range-yep he is sooo correct!
The range on all these types of walkies is way over stated. You’ll get a mile and a half on high power if you are lucky. Also, an FCC license is required to legally use them on high power.
$85 would be OK if 25 miles was realistic. 2-3 miles is worth $19.95.
Can it be plugged into a solar device to recharge in the field?
As an Amateur Radio operator holding a Amateur Extra Class license, I can tell you The 25 mile is bogus. You will only get that via line of sight with nothing between borh radios like trees or terrain. Both units would need to be on mountian tops with nothing in between.
Realistically you may get 1-2 miles at best.
Thanks for the article. Good place to start. I am now looking at the specs for the T631 waterproof. A bit more $.
Stop touting a “25 mile range” for goodness sakes! Anyone using these type of walkie talkies understands that 25-mile claim us almost impossible achieve. (unless possibly communicating over a long stretch of water or from one high elevation to another with no obstacles in between. The average distance you can expect is around two miles.. So cut the advertising nonsense and tell it like it is.
how many transmitting watts do they have. if its less then 5 watts, there is no way they will help hunters, except on flat ground or someone on a mountain top to mountain top. Thick, or Hilly areas will block the communications. the 25 mile is misleading.