PROS:
1. Rich in features (GMRS repeater-capable, weather channels and alerts, quiet codes, etc.)
2. Reasonably easy to use (after studying the user guide)
3. Good voice quality (clear, loud)
4. Sturdy, reliable
5. Price--very affordable
CONS:
1. Rechargeable battery doesn't last as long as I'd like. I wouldn't risk going out in to the field without extra (alkaline) batteries. If left powered on, even with light use, the battery charge won't last many hours--based on my actual use. Solution: always carry extra batteries.
2. Range under realistic conditions is probably only a mile. You should understand that this is not a fault of the radio, but is a factor of (1) transmit power, and (2) terrain. For the price, 1.5 watt transmit power is about as good as you're going to find. Pay more, get more. On water or flat (unobstructed) terrain, the range can be much greater: thus the outrageous claim of "up to 35 mile range." My complaint is that they simply shouldn't make claims like this that are theoretically possible but practically impossible. Again, not a fault of the radio itself.
The abundance of features, and the fact that I don't use these radios every day, and I have a terrible memory, required me to make a "cheat sheet" (about the size of an index card) to remind me how to use many of the features. After studying the user guide and making the cheat sheet, I was impressed at how logically the features actually work. I loaned one of my radios to a buddy (a smart guy, former military), and he was kinda lost on how to use it until I gave him a quick overview. So, it pays to study the radio before you strike out into the field and need to depend on it.
I highly recommend these radios.
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People that have experience with 2 way radios know that they are good for 1/2 mile to 2 miles in good outdoor conditions, 2 ways will not reach their claims of 5,10,20+ miles. These are just a newer version of the MR355R. These are great radios, and have motorola's known clear clarity. For uses under 2 miles,closer to a mile, these are awesome, great for camping/hunting. If you can't make up your mind between Motorola or Midland, Midland gets a tad better range and Motorola's have a slightly better clearer clarity, those are the main differences between the 2 brands. I recommend the MR356R.
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I purchased these portables to replace an aging Motorola, which was the best technology of its time. This model just blows the older one out of the water. I used them for the 2010 Pennsylvania buck season in McKean county. According to my GPS, I was 2.7 miles away from camp, in a deep valley, with a big mountain in front of me. I could communicate (transmit and receive) very clearly with the 2 guys at camp, one who was using the same model radio, and the other was using a slightly older model. My hunting partner and I had no problems communcating either who was about 3 miles away from me in another mountain valley. I really didn't get a chance to test their limits, but these definitely suit my needs very well. The hands free iVOX feature is great as well. A full charge of the battery, with intermittent communication, lasted over 16 hours. All in all, these are the radios you want for hassle free outdoor communication. Kudos to Motorola for the ease of use and functionality of the product. Definitely 5 stars!
Honest reviews on Motorola MR356 2-Way CAMO FRS/GMRS Radio (Camo)
I've purchased and used many walkie-talkies over the years and seen the technology evolve and become better with each new generation. These are wonderful radios. The audio is clean and clear with good punch. They are speced at 35 mile range, however this is marketing-speak for 'under completely optimum conditions' -ie., mountain top to mountain top. In real world use with obstructions (houses, trees, cars, etc) the signal is quickly absorbed and range is limited to ~2 miles. Two power positions low and high on the PTT button. They are essentially a short range radio. So if you anticipate that use, you will be satisfied.
One of the things that I really like about this radio is that it will hit the GMRS repeater frequencies, where most will not. (License required -Our license is WQNR625) A repeater extends the useful range of communication for many miles. We have purchased a GMRS repeater for our church emergency preparedness use and will use these radios for our emergency preparedness communication.
Another handy feature of these radios is that they will receive the National Weather Station. You just push and hold the + sign button for 3 seconds and you have continuous weather coverage. Very handy when camping, etc.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Motorola MR356 2-Way CAMO FRS/GMRS Radio (Camo)
I did allot of research on these radios prior to my purchase, but didn't see any reviews on the ear bud jack. It turns out that the ear bud will not stay in the radios. I contacted Motorola and they indicated that all the MR 350s, MR 355s and MR 356s have this issue. They recommended that I "hold" the ear jack in place when using the headsets.
