Rapid Radios EXPOSED: What You Need to Know

[@HamRadio2]

I made a follow up to this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpyZhId3mbeJnqM

[@tylerdurden9748]

The website model is your doppelgänger lol

[@jessicaturner6972]

@hamradio2 I almost bought these radios until I seen this video. I also asked a question on a FB post that was deleted and my question was would it work if all cell towers were out? Can someone please give me some advice. I am not knowledgeable with radios but am willing to learn. I am in search for 4-6 hand held devices that would work over 60 miles or so that I could communicate with family should the grid be down. Please point me in the right direction or just the best device for this and if I could listen for emergency alerts that would be great too but primarily need to be in contact with family should the time come that no cell phones or internet work

[@GeeWilly]

​​@@jessicaturner6972 @hamradio2 this is my question as well. I just need to know which radios to buy for my entire family that do not rely on cell towers. We have had two instances of cell phone outages in our area just in the last few months, one due to a storm and one due to technology failure.

[@kooldude1964]

Thanks for info

[@Carroll-j9u]

@HamRadio2 what radios would you suggest? I was looking at purchasing these until watching this

[@n2malinois]

Dude! You saved me $400 just now. I had these things in my cart and just about to purchase and something told me to wait and research real quick. I'm glad your video popped up first. Thank you. I'll just order another dual band radio and call it a day.

[@outbackeddie]

The $100/yr. charge (for 2 radios) and the fact they deleted your FaceBook posts when you pointed out the annual fee is a deal breaker for me. I won't do business with a company that does that kind of thing.

[@HamRadio2]

Right

[@EricTonnemacher]

The company points out they charge 50.00 per radio per year in the first paragraph.

[@triple777kodiak]

No different than using personal cell phone, right...

[@SohrabKafshhayam-pr7pk]

​@@triple777kodiakExactly. You just push one button instead of dialing a number

[@ricky4673]

Can you use it as a cell phone? Ot is it only allowed to be used on the radio network? Can you recieve phone calls? Only way I would do this. 50 dollars a year for only call service.

[@kchaney56]

You bought these radios on your own dime so I joined you channel because I appreciate you doing that to help me learn without spending my own money. $400 for a pair is crazy.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks.

[@LIFE-pg5kz]

Considering people spend $1500 for a cell phone..not really.

[@HamRadio2]

@@LIFE-pg5kz Considering you can download Zello for free which basically does the same thing... yes... really

[@awesome12q]

Good idea, I just did the same.

[@LIFE-pg5kz]

@HamRadio2 Lets put our thinking cap on for a second. Would you rather put your trust in an app or the entire cellular spectrum? Also what does Zello require? Hint: it's a cell phone.

[@CrawldaBeast]

Thank you for exposing this scam. As a 30 year radio tech, I see this as a bait & switch sales tactic. I tell people to avoid crap like this.

[@wilcoxtactical3716]

It's not really a scam. They do work. Just a bit deceptive marketing. No different than Baofengs stating they have 12000 watts.

[@ThePullnfool]

This is not a scam.. These radios work and work flawlessly..

[@CrawldaBeast]

@@ThePullnfool No, they are cellular devices that won't work 5 feet apart. Take them out of cell coverage and you have fancy paperweights. True 2 way radios don't have that problem.

[@HamRadio2]

@@ThePullnfool they don't work flawlessly because cell networks are incredibly flawed and unreliable. Watch this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpyZhId3mbeJnqM

[@rbbarnby108]

@@HamRadio2 I have used these radios all over and have one in California with a friend and a friend in Maryland.. I am in Michigan.. We have ALWAYS had crystal clear reception..

[@MichaelJantzen42]

Glad you are doing a video about them :). I've been asked about these as well - they look like push to talk cell phones. I think their deceptive marketing is really abhorrent - they make it sound like the walkie talkie is doing all the work of connecting you, and they advertise that it's never billed. I'd like to know the FCC id as well of the handset to dig into who made them.

[@ItsEverythingElse]

You should be able to search the FCC's database for it.

[@stonemtnrubicon]

@@ItsEverythingElse well search it

[@MadCloudDisease]

Not true, the first year of service is included, after that they charge $50 ANNUALLY per radio for service, IF you want to continue using them. You won't receive a bill, you'll have to renew your service. Maybe not so clear on the front page, but this is CLEARLY stated in the FAQ section, so not deceptive. And it's they're probably designed by China and operated by the NSA, who cares 🤣 Edit: added bill info.

[@MichaelJantzen42]

@@MadCloudDisease they only recently added some of this info though. I would add I wasn't even taking about billing but also look at their videos - they really do make it seem like it's some kind of miracle walkie talky with unlimited range.

[@psconetwork]

Thanks for making this video, Glad you are doing a video about them !! You just saved my ministry $1,497.00, was about to buy 2 Rapid Radios Nationwide PTT Walkie-Talkie Base/Car Units and Rapid Radios Nationwide PTT Walkie-Talkie 6-Pack was just about to pay for them and wanted to do more research on how it works and found you ( So you also just saved me $400 a year as well no way we could afford that as well!!!) Thank you! :)

[@ThePullnfool]

All that information is in their adds and on their web site.. These are great radios and deliver flawless communications..

[@poiu477]

@@ThePullnfool they aren't "radios" they are crappy cell phones, and significantly overcharge for their LTE only IOT SIM cards. Not only that but they are just more rebranded cheap garbage, and I would never accept having a device that some company can remotely program without needing my consent. They also can track you, no thanks. Just use the cell phone you already have and get your HAM license so you can use real radios instead.

[@carlossantini3605]

Just use Zello, you will save lots of money.

[@OpenCarryUSMC]

Wow. I charge students $50 for both Tech and General license training manuals. Teach a 13 week Tech/General licensing class. Then Test them for the $15 ARRL test session fee. Then they pay $35 to the FCC for a 10 year license. And then they’ve got actual radio capability locally or around the world!!!!! These radios you just showed are FRAUD due to their marketing practices.

[@kayb5]

​@@OpenCarryUSMC How can someone use a normal radio to reach someone around the world? I thought it was a local tool. Rapid Radio interests me so I can reach my family members from NY to TX, MI, NM, and UT. They said they have a 5,000 mi radius, and in most disasters I think all the cell towers in a 5,000 mile radius won't go down. But if a normal ham can somehow reach all of these places without cellphone towers, that would be great, I would please like to know more.

[@stevenmackenzie59]

I got my GMRS license I am now working on my HAM radio license. The advertising on these radios is way off, No cellular service no radio.

[@TheRealRenn]

I got my GMRS ‘license’ the other day. Hardly a license, more of a give us $35 and we’ll give you a call sign. No test or knowledge required.

[@HamRadio2]

It is still a license that gives you access to specific frequencies.

[@Keiserto25]

Anyway you can explain how to go about that?

[@TheRealRenn]

@@HamRadio2 to be honest here, anyone with a radio has ‘access’ to those channels/frequencies, right? They are not secret like knowing the real number to 911 is 912…lol

[@melfromthemidwest7820]

So this is like the Nextel walk-in talkie cell phones of years ago.

[@frankm2385]

Thank you! Your video just saved me $400. 4 of my friends were going to buy a pair as well. NOT ANYMORE!

[@HamRadio2]

Glad I could help!

[@TOTTY12]

I have 12 of them and love them. Not sure why this guy hates them so much. lol

[@HamRadio2]

@TOTTY12 - try watching the video and I explain my stance very well. It isn't hate, it is truth.

[@NatsumeKonno]

There just a clone of the $50 anysecu poc. They use zello though.

[@HamRadio2]

@@NatsumeKonno they're not Zello clones

[@freddie3159]

You cannot beat the good ole CB/SSB/Ham radios. You can use them nationwide and even make overseas connections. Don’t get hung on these gimmicks with LTE and other non-sense. During the last hurricane in FLorida, we were out of cellular service for days. My CB radio was a life savior because you are not relying on anyone to provide you service. Lot of people make fun of CB’s, but they are an excellent communication tool. You want reliable off grid communication, CB and Ham is your solution. In case of an emergency, CB/Ham radio will still work. Great video by the way. My 2 cents.

[@billybassman21]

Glad its working for you. CB is dead here most of the time and when people are out there they tend to be very cliquish and you're not talking to them unless you are running an amp or close by. CB is a crappy band for interference. These modern radios don't have good filter crystals like the old school Cobras had. Also much of the band is full of people running massive power.

[@johnh9748]

Technically, HAM radio still requires an infrastructure, but it can be as simple as a single repeater within range.

[@MichaelCook1981]

Ham, CB and other radio frequencies are only really helpful, if someone is able to help you. It’s great that with HAM you can reach someone on the other side of the planet, but unless they can bring you the help or supplies you need it doesn’t really matter.

[@cjune21]

Yeah if you want to hear everybody on their asking for a blowjob on Channel 9 CBS would be awesome do you have to have an Antron 99 play The Screaming Eagle booster which would be illegal by the FCC to be able to get out anywhere

[@Pimporly]

Right on Buddy. That is Why I still have by CB and also on GMRS to. Radios is Radios NO Internet Anything over the Internet or Cellular It is a Bullshit so call Radios

[@johncheyney3515]

I feel like the ‘I NEED A RADIO FOR OFF-GRID COMMS WHEN SHTF’ crowd has gotten big enough that marketers see a target. Thanks for the knowledge drop.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes

[@aqdrobert]

Too often, we hear unlicensed operators ask on our LICENSED amateur radio repeater, "Radio Check! AUDIO!!!" I want to keep my license, so I don't answer.

[@Who_datt_]

Right I thought of that same comment when this guy mentioned that they are on cellular network. Haha looks like they won’t be talking to their kids at college when shit hits the fan haha smh

[@zantharzello2999]

Yes. No poc or internet radio should ever be a primary radio for shtf. When the internet goes down. They are dead always have a rf radio for a backup

[@zantharzello2999]

Yes I have my phone but when I'm out even in the mountains I have my Motorola xpr7550e. And my anyone 878 Then I can scan I have GPS. Aprs analog and digital field programming is a must pre program the radio for the area your going to be in and have GPS and aprs set to go when you need it

[@HamRadioPrep]

Thanks for making this video!! They are misleading people about emergency communications and possibly preventing people from actually taking the right steps to achieve their communications goals.

[@METVWETV]

EXACTLY!!

[@zantharzello2999]

Lies sell very well to the unknowing. Then they learn to late.

[@rustyshackelford2349]

No they arent

[@POCVoxer]

Hello, I think you are more expert than me, but I think that multimedia, all those sensors that are cellular, such as Bluetooth, which give a twist, serve as positioning, NFC, which serves as task control, GPS, gyroscope, man down , accelerometer and of course multimedia live videos, photos etc. They give an operational advantage in the world of work. This will not replace conventional radios, but it is a contribution. Will join him. I'll tell you what I see in the future of PoC, each time children -35 years old do not call each other on the phone, they use WhatsApp, spam emails, they open a door to the most advanced PoC services for work, and less like Samsung with The Xcover Hytera line launched a product in Thailand the P30 with Rtos operating system, faster without communication delay. But with a Free license, with 1 annual sim card, the commercial is extraordinary, people camping, granny talking to granddaughter. I see a super good future in the PoC world and I think that the more popular PTT is, the better the world will be, faster, more efficient and much more fun. Greetings and I subscribed to your channel

[@stevenjenny8521]

And, because of that, exposed by videos like this, I am $400 ahead of my near impulse buy.

[@spsjason2]

Yep, I asked about that fee and they blocked me too.

[@AmericanBoy-si9zg]

I was really close to buying a set of their radios but I did a lot of digging into the comments & found someone posted the $50/year per radio. That made me changed my mind.

[@DarkShadowCustoms]

When you started talking about these radios at the beginning I wondered if it was from My Emergency Radio. When you mentioned they were from Michigan I knew it could not be a coincidence. Then you mentioned their contact info listed on their Facebook page. If I would have read the video description I would have known without watching the video though. It is sad that they are using fear of uncertainty and misleading claims about their fees to market these POC radios. The average person will see the "no monthly fee" and think it is free, then get fired up when they get a bill from the company. I find the timing of this upload to be quite interesting due to the recent AT&T outage. I know I would not spend $200 on something that is essentially a push to talk cell phone when I can spend the same for a smart phone that will work with my carrier's infrastructure. If I am going to spend $200 on a push to talk device it will be an actual radio that doesn't need infrastructure to work.

[@kb7pts]

Good stuff Jason as usual. Excellent job on calling them out on false advertising and no yearly/monthly fees. Definitely not geared for a SHTF “radio”.

[@ve3cwq47]

This is a clear case of misleading advertising. At the price you paid, I wouldn't be surprised to hear about a class action case against them in the future.

[@wadevoss_8828]

So i found this page because i turned on my Rapid Radios after 3 months of them sitting powered off. All 3 of them reset and are completely useless without contacting them and waiting to get them re-registered. I am learning now what a scam it is. Thank you

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for sharing this information. I was looking at their website and noticed the same thing about no monthly fees ever, then saw the $50 per radio, per year after the first year. Like you said, that is a monthly fee, just billed annually. I was looking into these radios because our cell phones do not work where we hunt for a week during buck season. Now my son and I, he goes with me, use various different brands of FMRS radios. We could use Amateur radios, but I am licensed and he is not. Just this year I applied for my GMRS license and now we can use GMRS radios. But I thought this radio would be great to have at camp to check in with my wife who would be at home 100 miles away. I don't even know if these radios would work there, they may, but I know we are close to the Green Bank, WV where the Green Bank Observatory is located. The Green Bank Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in the National Radio Quiet Zone in Green Bank, West Virginia. Even Amateur Radio operators have to run minimum to low power if they live within a certain distance of the observatory. Again, thanks for sharing. Juddie

[@bubonicpandora9747]

So happy i found this channel! You're the guy i needed to 'talk' to about those radios. I am decently prepared, and live alone in a rural area about 3 hours from Dallas. My family lives near Galveston. I have been looking for a way to check on them if we have an EMP, or what have you. I give up! I was hoping this radio would be the solution. Nope! Thank you for the info!!!

[@tfeltmat2903]

Correct! If the towers go down, this “radio” is useless.

[@nickbrovia3947]

I think for what they are they work well. They work off a different carrier band so they worked when all cells went down last week. A well prepped individual would have both

[@jonstarnes7905]

If all cells are down, that's it. There's no other 'carrier band' for LTE. LTE is 4 or 5G. This PTT cell phone depends on whichever one it operates on.

[@aqdrobert]

When I needed help, I called 911 on my vintage Trac Fone. My location was tracked, then deputy arrived in minutes. Saved $400 over a Rapid Radio.

[@HamRadio2]

Yep

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

If it's 20+ years old, it's likely not on LTE and is on a network that was or is being phased out.

[@W4MBU]

​@@jeffkardosjr.3825yeah lte was released in 09

[@NukaVaultReadiness]

Appreciate you doing a video on these Jason! Had a family member send me a link to these and asked if they were any good, didn't take me long to tell them no, at least not for the application we need them for.

[@gregsmith1116]

Totally agree, Jason. Smoke and mirrors and poof! you have to pay for cell access! Ouch.

[@nyprinaz1]

The city of Maricopa, AZ had a power outage today effecting 33k people. The cell phones were not working either. As a group spread out among AZ, we purchased these radios for emergencies and this morning they worked from 3 miles away to 33miles away and 40miles away, I also traveled to Tucson yesterday 2hrs away from my home and the signal was strong and clear. I can’t complain at the moment about these radios, as a matter of fact, I’m impressed. I wanted to get into Ham or GMRS radios and my wife kept mentioning these Rapid radios, I’m glad we did get them.

[@rollinghillstables]

Glad I found this. I asked questions on their posts and they deleted them.

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah

[@PaperworkNinja]

Jason: "The only truly off-grid communications type today is radio" Smoke Signals: "Am I a joke to you"

[@thedoobie1]

Semaphore has entered the Chat.

[@rocketman221projects]

I'd rather use a heliograph.

[@phillipnelson6076]

Smoke signals

[@cyndiholland5704]

Bad guys will be looking for smoke in an shtf.

[@jasonharrison25]

Flashlights/torches, mirrors, mail, Morse code, two cans with a string, talking, banging rocks or sticks, and a 1000 other ways

[@Dr.GregNute]

THANK YOU! I was literally about to hit the buy button on a 4 pack of these for me and my family specifically if the grid went down. Right before I did I was like "Let me check reviews on this." Your video popped up and I am so glad. Thanks. Do you know of any good, relatively inexpensive, HAM/CB portable devices? I'm in Florida, and I have one daughter 2 hours away in college and the other in college in Alabama. I want to make sure I can communicate with them if the grid goes down. Thanks!

[@HamRadio2]

Yes this video should help you - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn2sqYWMlMaSiJI&ab_channel=HamRadio2.0

[@int4d]

Good day to do it with the cell outage today. Mine is still down here. Has been since 3AM. I'm very close to you. Just down the highway in A-town. Bet they wouldn't work today. 🤣

[@BYMlightbeing]

Thanks for making this video. I left you the comment connecting these two companies.

[@timniceswander5805]

Reminds me of back in the day when we had the NEXTEL I-1000 2-way/phone units, loved them, so sad they went away, did this replace the NEXTEL system??

[@patthesoundguy]

Here in Nova Scotia, our internet and cellular networks don't last all that long after the power is out... Those radios would be useless after a day or two without power to the local networks. They could have a use for a business that's in cell range, though. Part of the reason I'm currently in the Ham course is because the cell network drops with no power and local hams are the only way anyone has information on what's going on

[@PapajosTraders]

These have been heavily advertised on my local AM radio stations. I actually was thinking about purchasing so needed more info-and here you are! Thanks you so much for this vid. I will take yer recommendations to heart......

[@primitive6338]

Thank you, was fixin to buy them but watched your video first. Glad I did. Still on the search for a true off grid system.

[@DarkShadowCustoms]

Radios are basically the only off grid system. Depending on who you want to talk to and what kind of range you need there is CB, MURS, and FRS for license free radio services or GMRS and amateur (ham) radio licensed services. One advantage of GMRS over ham radio is that your immediate family can share your license. However with ham radio you can talk all over the world with the proper licensing and equipment. There are a few different ways to charge batteries for handheld radios and power base stations without being connected to the grid.

[@teamja1088]

Thank you for putting this video out there because I was seriously thinking of picking a few of these up for my employees so we did not have to keep using our cell phones, which become a pain due to their lack of battery capacity throughout a work day and because I dislike covering my $1300 phone with shit - not just dirt, literally shit. We work underground in lift stations and in sewage pump stations to repair muffin monster effluent pumps which digest human feces. I knew something was wrong because these sounded too good to be true, and as you pointed out, they are too good to be true.

[@Chris_KI4WCO]

Glad you did this, hopefully it gets a ton of views. Side note what are you using for the flag you have in the background? Also 2:38 you mention cell service when it was down today...lol

[@tbatkins1]

What two-way radio do you recommend for off grid? When there is a total blackout

[@ItsEverythingElse]

The no monthly fee thing is scummy as hell. Wouldn't be surprised if that violates law in some places.

[@attilaplays]

it is scummy. And I'm not on their side, but legally, they're correct. it's not a monthly fee if it's billed yearly. lol the devil is always in the details and the fine print. So technically they didn't lie

[@dodge0224]

Why? there's literally no monthly fees? lol

[@rustyshackelford2349]

@@attilaplays listed right on there website under frequently asked questions about the annual fee

[@golf-n-guns]

Similar to the Nextel phones we used in the 90s-00s. We had locomotive service personnel all over the country and it was super handy to reach them instantly with PTT on our phones.

[@KageShi]

Blackview had a radio-phone back in the day. It included a 2m/70cm radio with ptt and Voip apps as well but now discontinued. They still had one with built in Flir though. \

[@METVWETV]

Wade works creative was on Fox n Friends this morning promoting these.... As soon as he said it works off the LTE network and that there is No monthly fee and they're good if the Power goes out..... My ears perked up!! What a waste of time! Thanks for the video!

[@allisonleap6983]

I watched a well.. Thank you, Jason! I just subscribed to your channel!

[@rlawson5440]

So what do you recommend for emergency communication?

[@bengarnett9022]

I would love to hear your his recommendation also. And do we need to pay or a plan and a sim card? I have basic radios that say they have a 28 mile range but only go less than one mile and are very disappointing. I need some help. Thank you

[@DarkShadowCustoms]

Considering the name of the channel I would venture to guess ham radio would be his recommendation. If you only need local communication all you need is a Technician license. If you need regional to global communication you would need at least a General class license. Keep in mind everyone you communicate with would also need an amateur radio license. If you just need local communication with your immediate family you might be able to get by with GMRS as the license covers you and your immediate family. However depending on the distance you need to cover you still might need a repeater.

[@DarkShadowCustoms]

@@bengarnett9022if those radios are blister pack FRS radios with a short fixed antenna the range is severely overstated. The ranges claimed are based on using them in a totally flat area with no obstructions such as trees, bushes, or buildings.

[@duramaxdriver03]

I was interested in these for farm use, tractor to tractor.. after watching your video I’m skeptical. is there a radio you would suggest for on the farm use?

[@RolanRister]

I've also made comments on their FB page only to have them deleted shortly after. Guess they don't want the truth to interfere with their misleading advertising or comments on their page.

[@tfeltmat2903]

They blocked me for pointing out that shady practice.

[@brr8888]

Block them first and they cant see your comments.

[@InMyOpinionG]

​@@brr8888does that work...didn't know that...can people do that to us lol

[@va7dgp]

Reminds me of the Sprint/Telus talk radio. As a trucker, I could talk to my Wife anywhere in the USA, MX and Canada as long as I had their Cellular.

[@Tommy-K4BWN]

Used to have a service here in Alabama that we used that was Southern Link it was a direct connect that it was a cell phone plus a direct connect between handheld phones.73

[@kd5you1]

That might be the service Sprint bought from Nextel. I used to have a Nextel phone, and I could talk to anyone that I had programmed into my phone. My phone also had a feature where I could change to mode to a direct mode and use the phone's walkie talkie direct to another Nextel phone.

[@Tommy-K4BWN]

@@kd5you1 I had a Nextel phone one time then when I was driving for a trucking company here in Haleyville Alabama they used the southern Link it was though the railroad and Alabama Power

[@TheTdub]

Looks like the old Nextel phones Sprint had many years ago minus the Cell phone feature. People would be walking all over the store and you'd hear their conversation along with the annoying beep every time they'd key up or let go of the PTT button.

[@jefffrazier2465]

People still do that when they Facetime people or watch videos in public. At least the old Nextel phones had a privacy setting that allowed you to have a conversation using the earpiece.

[@johntewell]

@@jefffrazier2465 they are very much like Nextel but better with many improvements. yes, you can use earpieces, headsets, etc. they use a standard Kenwood connection (dual port for mic/speaker). you can use your own or order one from their website.

[@Maratrac1]

For every guy annoyed, I hear 10 wishing Nextel was still around.

[@DFisk75]

I miss the Nextel beep beep. Greatest phone ever.

[@Jasmohan]

Thank you for exposing the scam. Even though the device is good, the marketing tactics are bad.

[@thesaltyham7144]

So I was thinking about the fees and came up with this. Maybe they don't personally charge fees and the monthly fees are charged by the LTE provider. Do you think that may be possible?

[@tfeltmat2903]

It’s a lie by omission. There is no monthly fee just like a prepaid phone has no monthly fee. If you want the dumb thing to work, you have to pay for another $50 SIM card per radio per year.

[@stonemtnrubicon]

If u read it says 50 a year or 100 for 2 year...learn to read

[@HamRadio2]

They claim that they pay the fees, but you are paying $400 for a pair of POC "radios" so who is really paying the fee?

[@wildcard3942]

What about rapid radio VHF and UHF radios are they any good?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes they are fine if you understand what they do. I have a video about those also.

[@Adam_Newman]

I understood what I was buying and they work great for what we use them for but thanks for your video

[@HamRadio2]

Good, as long as you do understand, have fun with it

[@0854julie]

& what do you use them for? Do you have licenses?

[@brr8888]

@@0854julie No license needed.

[@BlueFalc0n]

With the cellular carrier issues today, this video is even more on point.

[@artmcclusky7334]

I smelled a rat. Your video has confirmed my skepticism about this product, thanks.

[@blder56]

💯 agree

[@tktk8352]

Thank you for this video. I was going to purchase for camping where there is no cell coverage. These absolutely will not work.

[@HamRadio2]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rossrogers7058]

Just get original walkie talkies for camping they don't need a cell tower to work ##

[@josesnyder840]

It's just Zello with extra steps 🤣

[@themercman07]

I was thinking the same thing..... Get a Bluetooth speaker mic paired with zello and boom you have a cellular "radio"

[@gabrielsierra6890]

Yep, I have zello and it is active all the time. Whenever some of my buddies call, I receive it, even if I have the app closed, it runs in the background.

[@jeffrooke8439]

Not really, we were using free zello for family everyday comms, these are Much more simple,, even the younger grandkids have no problem with them. the zello work that you pay for is 8.00 a month per radio, plus whatever a data sim card monthly cost would be , and use a single carrier. these a re better in my opinion for everyday comms and small businesses where you do not need tracking or dispatch services

[@grosengr]

Yes, if you must use cellular Zello is the way. If you already have a phone why spend more money on severely overpriced devices. With Zello you set up your own groups and user names, no relying on a provider getting around to doing it for you. And no extra cost beyond what you pay for cellular service. If cellular service is down your out of luck. If you can not figure out Zello you should not be using a phone.

[@johndesade1787]

What do I need to buy to keep in touch with my family when power is out. Hurricane Beryl CRIPPLED HOUSTON and there was no cellular service! Are there sattelite walkie talkies that will work?

[@gearjunkie3402]

There's plenty of POC radio for way less money that do exactly the same thing. Our group of friends have at least 20 of them from fontool , Ulefone and others that are 70cm, uhf, and poc . Now fontool makes a dual band, poc, cellphone for our cost, 100 dollars. The cards are from global ptt and there's no fees. I have a Ulefone 20WT. It's 4G LTE cellphone with a tello simm for 10 dollars a month. That's only needed for talk and texting. The poc uses a global ptt free card. The phone also work UHF and DMR.

[@keithbowman8492]

Thanks for the video because now I will not buy one I was thinking about it now that you've explained more about it which the company would not explain it makes me not want to buy him so I will stick with my off-grid gmrs radio or my 2 meter or my 70 cm

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching

[@BossyGuyMike]

You kind of hit the nail on the head: this is a publicly accessible wide-area P25 equivalent system [piggybacking off of the existing cellular infrastructure] in which you purchase your radio and pay a $50.00 per year "affiliation" fee. The value *may* be in that you can "affiliate" via any nearby tower site. Also, if I recall correctly, Nextel phones [which these are supposed to be based off of, yes?] had the ability to speak *directly* to other phones without broadcasting over the network so long as you were within a certain range, which these "radios" don't appear to have the ability to do.

[@TheEnddays2009]

The first thing you said that made these radios a No sale for me is the fact that they are internet and cell tower-reliant. When SHTF the first thing that will go down is the grid and internet/cell service making them useless.

[@meganpahl3612]

we just bought three of these walkies to use and I am having a tough time getting them to work consistently. When I was reading the instructions, it mentioned the ping off the cell towers and My husband was pissed! That is NOT why we bought them. BUT, since we already have them and will put them to good use at least, can you tell me how to get them to actually transmit my voice to the other walkies? I put in the zone as requested but every other talk, it does not speak through the other sets!! You can't get a hold of them by phone, they ask you to email and wait ugh!

[@davepetro5676]

I subscribe to your channel because you save me from buying 3 radio. Thanks. I was looking to buy some looking for reviews you pop up

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@ELWB209]

Thanks for video I was getting ready to order 6… the question is what would be a good radio to use with my off-roading crew we go riding everywhere and most of the time there’s no service

[@HamRadio2]

GMRS

[@Tommy-K4BWN]

I remember making a comment about the over the LTE network I didn't mean go and buy them Jason. But glad you are doing the video on them .73

[@joeylandry4933]

Thanks for the heads up, I was thinking that this sounds like a bad idea.

[@MoonlitMind]

Looks like it has screen functions similar to older cell phones, just packaged in a walkie talkie format with a push button to talk. Fees for $50/year however are not actually that expensive. The only problem is, if there are network outages they'll be about as useless as other phones.

[@jelv.4142]

If cell phone service is out due to an emergency, than these also will not work, correct?

[@HamRadio2]

Correct

[@Jason-tz8xn]

Thanks for the video. My family and I do a decent amount of camping trips and boating. I'm not looking for the prepping aspect. My use case is radio between my wife and I when backing in the camper/boat to tight areas, communicating between ourselves when she's on the boat and I'm at the storage unit getting the trailer, and potentially communicating between family members on the lake where cell service is non-existent. The lake is in TN so it's hilly terrain, and the lake is about 50 miles long I think. What's your suggestion for radios? What's the max range I can do without a license?

[@HamRadio2]

Your question about Max Range is a common one, but it isn't one that is easy to answer. It completely depends on what is between you and the other station you want to talk to. 50 miles is possible with a Ham or GMRS handheld radio, if you have a repeater in between you and the other station, but likely not possible without a repeater. Non-licensed handheld radios, such as FRS and MURS, do not have the capability to talk that far. CB radio might work for you, it is possible to talk that far, but can also depend on weather conditions.

[@JeremiahVeasey]

I saw their website as well. I won't pay 400 for 2 walkie talkies when they are connected to celluar networks. However they do have off grid ones for 69 I believe each. Does anyone know of a great walkie talkie company that has off grid communication in case power goes out in the U.S. and other countries with 100 mile range? Thanks

[@04JALD]

Your opinion: i am a truck driver and i drive in 6 western states and i am looking for communication to my home besides cell phone. Ham wouldnt work because my famiky wont have a ham license. I was looking at these as an option but is there something better. I also overland too. Thank you and great video.

[@Wickedstickyflowers]

The other radio you listed towards the end of the video that you challenged them about on Facebook do I need a ham license to do that and does it work without service also

[@HamRadio2]

The Wouxun? You'll need cell service and a Ham license to operate all those bands

[@user-jg3gr3cf4v]

Thanks for doing this video. You saved me money. Just a quick question. Is there a talk around group or setting?

[@HamRadio2]

No, since these aren't actually radios

[@dmai73]

Saw their ad on YT. Everything sounded soooo good. That's where the red flags come up. Searched and ran across the video. I HATE companies that twist the truth. Claiming it's "100% free of fees", but not mention it's free for 1st year only, is FALSE claim. Then deleting your question/comment... yeah, hiding much? Thanks for putting out FACTS!

[@HamRadio2]

You bet

[@landscapingservicesl3081]

I wouldn't like to know what Radio is the best for off grid for a real emergency

[@HamRadio2]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpKuYmWsotSUirM

[@henrybrown6089]

What radio do you recommend? I own an aviation business and would like to monitor the employee radio communications when I’m away from the airport.

[@HamRadio2]

Once you get a certain distance away, you won't be able to hear them anymore

[@cdalton3169]

I saw these things. Totally misrepresented! Great video.

[@CyberCowboy7777]

Great day to get this uploaded.. with AT&Ts issues this morning.

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah

[@daomingjin]

my anytone DMR radio on the other hand... still working fine.... @@HamRadio2

[@jcglock40]

Question...is there any true push to talk radios available like the old Nextel ?

[@HamRadio2]

Not that I know of

[@johntewell]

this is the closest you'll probably get to the old Nextel radios

[@robdailey]

Their ad popped up on my facebook feed. I asked about a monthly fee, and they said no monthly fee. I asked about an annual subscription fee... crickets.

[@travelvlog2022]

Thank you for the information. So what’s the best radio.?

[@TubelabCom]

I spent 41 years working in engineering at Motorola including development of the Nextel walkie talkie phone. By FCC rules all "Cell Phones" must have a means of location for E911 type emergencies. A CDMA or LTE type phone can meet those requirements without an internal GPS device but eats considerable battery life to do so. For this reason, all "cell phones" usually have GPS receivers and can be tracked very accurately. This thing was probably designed for minimum cost as an IOT (Internet of Things) device and may not have a GPS receiver inside. I believe the word IOT was mentioned in one of their videos. If that's the case "big brother" will only know which cell site you are on and which antenna you are using on that site, with some signal strength info as well. This provides which direction and rough distance you are with respect to that tower. 73, from KB4LRE

[@dhal6271]

Thanks for the information. Which radio should I buy for myself and extended family? We all live within 300 miles. We want radios that will work during the worse national disaster when we all know cell towers, electric grid, everything s down. We do not not subscription fees etc. Just reliable radios to use ONLY during an emergency.

[@HansZarkovPhD]

was going to get a pair for hurricane coms with my wife, but i am not paying a yearly fee. I have some 5 mile cobra radios that work just fine. we just use them in times of storms when we are out of sight of each other, but the work well past the boundaries of my neighborhood so it is all good.

[@maggiesmith9987]

What do you reccomend for the small ‘hand held’ ham type radios that some of the folks use? I’m getting my ham license. Thank you in advance! Glad I found you before I bought these

[@spencercox]

Well then what is the best two way radio in your opinion?

[@MirceaBoise]

So these won't work like a walkie talkie in the woods/mountains, corrrect? since they rely on cellular service. Thank you for the video by the way!!! Much appreciated!!

[@frankbiz]

I’m glad I found your channel and just subscribed! These devices can be useful, but they are useless for camping in areas without cell service.

[@latham40]

What radios do you recommend that is not in need of a cell network?

[@HamRadio2]

This is my latest list - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIXKg2Srlr9-mMk

[@69trublu]

So since your not a big "fan" of My-EMR 1 / Rapid Radio, what is the better choice if you are trying to stay in touch with family in case of emergency and at a long distance ( 1000 miles +/-), also not really wanting to deal with the BS of FCC and HAM stuff, since its not for a new hobby, but in case cell is out, especially with current storm issues down south. Any help or suggestions is appreciated.

[@GaryP-we4on]

Did you ever check to see if the sim card from Rapid Radio would work in your Wouxon KG-V55??

[@OGreviews-opinions]

Great video!! I am glad I came across your video regarding these radios. I was going to pull the trigger on these today. What would you suggest in lieu of these? Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[@HamRadio2]

Check out my Best HT of 2024 video

[@fastlife711]

Whats the best one to get incase all cells&house phones dont work?

[@MarkSmith-xs4dz]

I called them to ask my questions, Rapid Radio is totally dependent on Terrestrial cell infrastructure, this includes the towers, data centers and electricity. These radios are not capable of talking to each other without this infrastructure, so grid goes down, you are stuck with two bricks. You may get a honeymoon period where they work as the required infrastructure is supported by diesel power but if a tower's diesel goes down, or the data center or the IP network between sites, you can't use these radios. you are dependent on a lot of contingent power plans for these babys to work in an emergency situation. I opted not to buy them. Thanks for confirming my assessment.

[@HamRadio2]

Yep, agreed

[@amandastill141]

Are there any radios to “talk” thru for when surf that you do you suggest???

[@douglascegelis190]

I was so close to buying these. My close friend and I were unable to reach each other right after Helene hit here in Asheville, so these seemed like a good solution. Not really since they're on cellular, but I'd seen people claiming these worked fine during that period. I'm out for the hidden annual fee alone. Like you said, if they were much cheaper then sure, hard maybe, but the lie about no fees just burns me up. I'm sure you'll be able to get most of your money back selling them online, though prices on the big auction site don't look great (for a seller)

[@ejays99]

What would you suggest as an alternative? Is it the Wouxun?

[@infoj1966]

Thanks for this video. I was wondering about the monthly/annual cost and I am glad you exposed them

[@dantehelfrich116]

Per their home page, and it was in your video: "These radios provide NATIONWIDE coverage, whereever you are located." The active word is 'Whereever' [sic] you are located! They are claiming, thru that statement, that a cellular connection is not needed. The 'no monthly fee' may be a gray area in advertising, but the 'wherever' (spelling corrected) statement I think is outright fraud. Thanks for the Vid.

[@derrickboatman1560]

It would be wiser for the company to just do a $5 charge per month. It's worth five bucks a month after the initial cost of the devices. And you are much more likely to have customers that last more than a year. I feel like the initial cost of the device could be cheaper, easily. And you would probably sell more of them. I'd like to see what's inside one of those

[@techmundane3890]

Thinking about POC radio (Trello) for when the grid is up and my ham radio when it's down.

[@helenjones568]

what would you recommend for a real radio to communicate off grid to family between states!?