The range of handheld radios largely depends on two key factors: Transmission Power and obstructing Terrain. In this video, Alex (Rocky Talkie Co-founder and Physics PHD) walks us through the difference between the transmission range of FRS (2 watt) and GMRS (5 watt) radios.

We selected range situations where each radio is pushed to their max range limit, where clear audio begins to degrade with static. See how the extra power of the GMRS helps extend range (~30%) in minor obstruction terrain (like forests and rolling hills) and how that power can make less of a difference in line-of-sight situations and some major obstruction scenarios (where the radio waves lack a viable bounce path).

Introduction: 0:06
Line-of-sight 35 mile testing: 1:24
Minor obstruction testing: 2:13
Major obstruction testing: 3:32
GMRS features to extend range: 5:13
Conclusions on FRS vs. GMRS Range: 6:01
Choosing your best radio: 7:09

Learn more about these radios and which may be optimal for your backcountry sports here: https://rockytalkie.com/pages/radioco...