MIDLAND XT511 2 Way Radio with Dynamo Crank Power

The unit works, but only if you live in a rural & flat area.
I purchased the item, thinking that it would be great for emergencies.
I could use the FM radio, weather station, light.
The AM and other bands nothing but static.
The Two way communication, nothing but static.
The Amazon advertisement says nothing about the limitations of the communication section. Amazon needs to correct that ad.

Otherwise if you live in a flat & rural area, it probably works like a champ.

If you are looking for an Emergency 2 way radio, look no further.

Pros:
1. AM/FM - These are not Bose speakers, but they are clear. It works just like portable battery powered radios. This is useful in emergencies when the TV and cable are knocked down so you can get news from stations that are still transmitting. I take it out with me on my patio and just listen to music or news.

2. Multiple power source - Can run on Alkaline, included Rechargeable battery pack, AC socket, DC through the cigarette lighter, or just cranking to recharge the batteries. With all those sources of energy, you will never run out of power.

3. 5 Watt GMRS Radio - It truly is powerful. Just as strong as my professional radios. Excellent as a base station when traveling or trying to look for help in an emergency.

4. Portability - It comes with a strap so that you dont have to hold it when moving about. It also has a handle so you have a firm grip when carrying it.

5. LED flashlight - You will never be in the dark. I have tried leaving it on the whole night and it still had have charge. I just used the crank to fully charge it again.

6. Weather-proof - I actually used it when there was a one week heavy downpour here LA. It got wet in the rain, but it did not fail.

7. VOX - It has 3 levels of sensitivity. At level 1, it is so sensitive that it will transmit if someone in the room speaks.

8. External Speaker Mic - It is very clear and is functional. It uses the same connectors as my Professional Icom handheld radio, so you can even upgrade the Speaker mic if you wish.

Cons:
1. Durability - As a base station, or if you don't drop it it is perfectly fine. It is not built to withstand a drop on a hard surface like Professional radios. This is an emergency base station so, you aren't expected to treat it like a walkie talkie. They never stated that it is as durable as a professional radio, so I was not expecting it. So it isn't such a big deal.

2. No carrying case - It would have made it more useful if they included a small bag where you can put this and the accessories, as well as some basic emergency supplies. But, again, this was something I knew that was not included so, it is just a nice to have.

Summary:
It does everything it says it can do, and does it very well. If you were caught after an earthquake, this is the equipment you will need to have with you. It delivers what it promises, and is better than the other Midland Walkie talkies.

This radio is performing great for me! I and my wife loves it!! AM radio works fine, (don't forget that AM is directional, you have to turn the actual radio to get best reception) FM radio, gets all the stations in my area perfectly, yeah the sound isn't the best but c'mon its a little mono radio! Its not supposed to sound like your home theatre system! ;-) WX, picks up the weather stations fantastically!! Haven't had a Alert yet so can't comment on that. No weather alerts in the past few days here in Boston.

GMRS, transmits great, receives great! only tested it out over a couple miles so far. But man over all this is a fine emergency radio, I have 4 Rechargeable AA energizer 2500 MAH batteries and currently running it on the Rechargeable side to run it out and test out the dynamo crank. Oh and hey it can also charge your freaking cell phone through the USB port!! C'mon you can't beat that in a emergency!!!! I will update this review when I hand crank the rechargeable batteries once these run down to one line left and let you know how that works. Take care everybody and stay safe!!!

But to be honest, I've had it for less than 24 hours. Here are my 1st impressions:

1) smaller and lighter size than expected-- now I might actually take this backpacking with a group
2) light is bright and beam spread out and wide
3) rechargeable battery is pre-charged
4) digital tuning is nice
4a)- NOAA wx stattions work well (I'm in Seattle)
4b)- AM/FM stations come in nice

5) I tried the 2-way radio, but I didn't pick up anybody so I didn't talk to anyone.
6) the USB port will not charge an iPhone.

Otherwise, I love this.

UPDATE: 24 hours later
I still like this radio. But the little disc/knob that is attached to the hand mic/speaker and is used to clip the hand mic/speaker to the base unit broke off--it's just glued on. Not really meant for storage.

This radio is everything I hoped it would be. It is a GMRS radio base station that will operate on AC power, DC power, battery, and dynamo crank. In addition to the GMRS two-way capability it receives AM/FM and weather with severe weather alert.

It's compact size allows it to be easily carried.