Midland GXT1000VP4 50-Channel 36-Mile Waterproof 2-Way GMRS Radio with NOAA All Hazard /Weather Alert, Rechargeable Batteries, Dual Desktop charger 12 Volt Vehicle Adapter and 2 Headsets (Pair, Black/Silver)

There is a problem with the design, both of my units have an issue when you press the radio near the microphone, it transmits. Sometimes do not let you configure the radio because when I press the front keys it exits the configuration mode (Like when you press the PTT key).
Had to open the unit, insert a dielectric between the mic and the PCB and shave some plastic that make pressure over the mic.
Now the units can be used normally.

Great Product, I'll recomend it to all users.
The only thing I find missing is that it does not support 110-240w power supply for world wide use.

First Observations: Looks cool. Logical interface. Earpieces cannot seem to get it to stay on my ears, flimsy ear mounts. Oh crap, you mean GMRS requires an FCC license?? That just *doubled* the cost of ownership!

Recommendation: If you want range, don't buy this radio. Get a CB radio instead.

Why: I bought this radio as a secondary means of communication in the event the cell phone lines were jammed as they were on 9/11. The listed 36 mile range is only BEST CASE situation if there are no buildings, dips in the road, etc. Best use would be for a use on a wheat farm in Nebraska, at a stadium, or on Lake Ontario... At two miles away from our house, I had no commo with my wife until I came over the small rise in the road and even then it was *barely* audible. Audio did not appreciably improve in the subdivision until 0.5 miles away from home. Unlike CB radio, the signals from GMRS radios are easily blocked.

Yes It's True: The radio REQUIRES an FCC license!! It costs about $80 per user and is good for 5 years. Yes, this radio has the 0.5 Watt Family Radio Band that does not require a license, but if you want to operate with any range at all, the license is required.

Don't waste your money and time. Get the CB for range!

I have the GXT900VP4 model and a friend just purchased this model. I found both to be excellent except for the weather radio function and the cheap rechargeable battery pack included. The weather radio sensitivity is so low that it is nearly unusable. It was unable to pick up a weather radio station that was picked up by an inexpensive ($30) weather radio. It would also be nice if Midland upgraded the rechargeable battery packs to a more modern type that holds its charge for more than a couple months. I found the battery pack Midland provided was always dead after I hadn't used it for 2-3 months. And it's likely the battery pack will no longer hold a charge if not recharged every 3 months or so. A rechargeable lithium or low self discharge nimh battery pack will hold its charge for more than a year and not need to be recharged every few months even if not used to keep the battery from degrading.

A great two-way radio for direct or simplex communication for campers, hikers or anyone that requires short distance conversation less than two miles. Remember that the distance marketed by Midland and any 22 channels or greater radios is applicable only when you can see the person 10 miles away without any objects including trees or shrubs in between. Unless you are in a flat desert or ocean, you will not get the range as advertised.
One way to obtain longer distance with a UHF radio is by raising its height. If one of the user is at higher altitude such as hills, tall rocks or building, both can communicate at farther distance.
Don't forget to obtain an FCC license to operate on the GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies for channel 1-7, and 15-22. These frequencies can operate up to 5 watt and you will be sharing the same frequencies with other GMRS users. It is illegal to operate these frequencies without a license though many operate the radios without knowing that you can receive a hefty fine. The license is very easy to obtain through FCC website for Universal Licensing System (ULS)[...].
The license is for 5 years [...]. No test is required for GMRS but you can operate on any of the GMRS frequencies for your entire family under one license. That is your parents, childrens and any close member of the family.
My son is using the Midland GXT1000 when he is at the mall or at the playground with mommy. I can inline skate in the same park and communicate with him at any time. It's a great tool and less complicated than a cell phone.