Rapid Radios EXPOSED: What You Need to Know

A while back I made a video about My Emergency Radio and showed how they are overcharging for a pair of HT radios that don't perform as well as they claim. Today we get to take a look at Rapid Radios, which are from the same company, and are POC Radios. How well do these work and are they worth the cost? Let's find out....
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Thanks for watching!
#Hamradio #myemergencyradio #rapidradios

[@jf6822]

Yea these are awesome. kind of feels like you got them just to crap on them for a video.

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah I kinda did - since their advertising is false and misleading.

[@jf6822]

@@HamRadio2 everything you complained about, the sim card, tracking, how they work, is all addressed on their FB page. They answer everyone's questions in the comments. After about a minute of scrolling all of that was clearly answered. This video is way more misleading than anything they say. But hey, got you some views I guess

[@HamRadio2]

@@jf6822 Yeah, great to hear your opinion. Try reading all the comments on THIS video, because I don't delete comments like they do. If they were honest about their advertising, why would they delete so many peoples' comments and questions about their false claims on their website? I scrolled their FB Page for way longer than 1 minute. I replied to a few posts, asked 1 question myself, and all were deleted. Why? At first I thought maybe it was just a mistake or it was due to the fact that FB kinda sucks - but reading all the comments on this video about how that same exact thing happened to so many people, it is obvious that this company has something to hide. But hey... if they work for you, then use them.

[@jf6822]

@@HamRadio2 thanks, I have been and will continue to use them. All I seen mostly on your comments are people who have said your video made them change their mind. They are missing out now. So I felt I needed to speak on how much my family had enjoyed and benefited from them. I've stated my piece

[@HamRadio2]

@@jf6822 There are lots of those comments also. Comments from the My Emergency Radio video on this channel (same company) is where someone told me about these Rapid Radios, and they asked me to review them because that commenter claimed they were false advertising. After doing a bit of research, and commenting on their FB page, only to have those comments deleted, I decided to purchased these radios myself and try them. Yes... they do work well, but they are not "off grid" as the company claims that they are. Also there are other options out there for far less money, if that is important to you. I never said these didn't work - in fact, I am somewhat impressed that they work off of all 3 carriers, but I can't get passed their unethical advertising. I have a follow-up video that I already recorded and will post soon, talking more about this.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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! :)

[@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.

[@timsans1170]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@CzechDog2022]

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?

[@CzechDog2022]

@@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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”.

[@gregsmith1116]

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

[@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.

[@spsjason2]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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 and 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

[@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

[@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

[@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. \

[@shae4474]

Wow!! Thank you so much for doing this video!!! I was just about to finally break down and order them and the fact that they are cellular is exactly what I don't want. I want something that works when the cellular goes down!! Thank you!!

[@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. 🤣

[@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

[@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!

[@rollinghillstables]

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

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah

[@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.

[@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

[@anthonycicc]

I bought 6 of these paper weights, CORRECT... 1 yr of service free, but $300/year for my group of 6 radios... here is my issue I took Radio1 and Radio6 on a camping trip to the Redwoods this past weekend and had multiple issues and non-connection/working issues. Radio1 constantly would not connect to the group and kept displaying a "No Sim" error. I checked/cleaned/moved the sim card to try and diagnose this issue, where I currently have folded paper being used to hold the sim firmly in the Sim 1 slot. These radios would not connect/work in this area and even in the Portland city area. By not connecting or working, I am including line of sight use. I brought some cheap, Retevis RT19 radios on this trip and they worked exponentially better than these Rapid Radios in these 2 test areas. Grant it, they are not "nation wide" radios, but they worked where the Rapid Radios didn't work.

[@HamRadio2]

Yep, sounds like a likely scenario. Thanks for sharing.

[@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.

[@LorenTedford]

Interesting.. I have seen these but I never wanted one of these in particularly.. I have a Sonim Xp8 and use to use Zello for Work it was full of all types of features and was amazing for a POC PTT radio system. However as you stated you must be with in Cellular network this is why most commercial or public safety use two way radio repeaters with Zello ptt attached. So it's a combination of mixed mode.

[@LorenTedford]

Oh by the way save on to your receipts and everything and turn them into the FTC for false Advertising.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@derbemobile]

I saw another revue here the person verified they worked where the cell phone didn’t. Guessing they have a better cellular radio than a smartphone. Still not Off the grid. Thanks for the video

[@alongley3825]

What do you recommend? I need to communicate with my family in another state if communications go out.

[@HamRadio2]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn2sqYWMlMaSiJI&ab_channel=HamRadio2.0

[@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.

[@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

[@sweetsuccesstrading5097]

Thank You for the information. I was just looking into them! I’m checking out your My Emergency Radio next 👍.

[@cdalton3169]

I saw these things. Totally misrepresented! Great video.

[@MrSpdjunky]

Thanks for making time to make this video!! What would be a good radio i could use at a race track with about a mile plus range, and has the ability to plug in an ear piece and mic into my helmet?

[@HamRadio2]

Nearly all of the models on bettersaferadio.com

[@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

[@floatordie]

Great video and very informative. Wish I would have found this before we bought them. Do your homework folks!

[@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.

[@brettcosta]

Thank you for doing this video. Was looking at purchasing these and I am no longer looking at purchasing these.

[@HamRadio2]

Glad I could help

[@aaronyoung6018]

Hey! Super cool channel! I live in Southlake and am a beginner. Would be awesome to link up some time. I want to do the HAM stuff and learn! Anyways, I wanted to note that all Rapid Radios worked when a large portion of the country all lost cell service last month. I think there’s more to the tech that we don’t know. I don’t work for them but I’ve been reading dozens of reviews. That was Rapid Radios claim and I did see maybe two dozen comments on their facebook that stated the same as well. Pretty wild. Mine just came in yesterday. They’re working awesome and my wife is 4 hours away.

[@HamRadio2]

They work, there is no question. The most recent outage was for AT&T and these aren't on that carrier, so yes they did work. But they still require a cell tower infrastructure to work, they aren't capable of direct simplex operation. This is what people don't seem to understand.

[@AndrewLockhart]

They really portray that it works all the time. Even with the AT&T outage they said they had no problems. Works for international with and “add-on” which would imply roaming fees!

[@HamRadio2]

These aren't on AT&T so there's no reason they'd have a problem during that time

[@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?

[@annettependergraft120]

Thank you for doing this video! Not functional for needs as advertised! Glad to know this!

[@RLTPhoto]

you get the same thing in the RFinder radios. The Rfinder is expensive but worth it.

[@KA4UPW]

I live in Fla. Hurricanes 🌀 happen ! Power goes down, cable and TV go down. And cell networks go down and if not they throddle data to the point of uslessness and calls are limited as priority is given to emergency responders.

[@HamRadio2]

Yep

[@timsans1170]

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!

[@tripled921]

Thank you sir. New subscriber to your channel. I’m looking for something that will work when it goes Hollywood here and I’m down range, and need to speak to my wife and or who’s with us.

[@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

[@Boreyn1]

What would you suggest if want to stay in touch with friends and family if loose cell service. State of florida .

[@HamRadio2]

That is a complicated question and answer. I am making a new video about it

[@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.

[@AriusSiberians]

You mentioned Wouxun KG V55 in your video but what others would you recommend that is an all in one radio?

[@HamRadio2]

The video I premiere today will talk about that

[@AriusSiberians]

@@HamRadio2 Thanks, looking forward to it.

[@georgespeck8761]

if the cell phone service stops does it still work ? and what frequency does it work on?

[@commontater652]

No, and 1.9 GHz probably.

[@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.

[@gearjunkie3402]

Zello is completely free, works the same way. And you only need a cellphone you already have.

[@HamRadio2]

Yep

[@thomasadam1579]

It’s not true ptt either tho. It’s more like listening to a voicemail. I miss nextel. That was the best.

[@gearjunkie3402]

@thomasadam1579 I'm not sure what you mean. It is just just talking on nextel or a radio with full quieting and no delay at all? In fact, people are using old nextel phones for this purpose.

[@thomasadam1579]

I have Zello. Maybe it’s just my phone or whatever but I talk to a contact pushing a button on my screen and then I get a notification of a response then I have to click play like voicemail to listen to the response. It’s not instant ptt. Maybe because I have iPhone or something who knows.

[@jeffallen3382]

They are in my home town! Never heard of them before.

[@Dan-bj1cz]

Thanks for your help. To all that watch your videos stay away from Rapid Radios I’m trying to return mine and they don’t even respond to my emails.

[@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.

[@johnmoddeii1936]

Thanks for the info. Wife has been wanting a landline and I have been looking for an alternative, Not these though.

[@HamRadio2]

Glad to help

[@BlueFalc0n]

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

[@user-lo2ye2fc3s]

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.

[@leeleuciuc6502]

What are the best walkie talkies? Looking for a good set for camping and national parks.

[@stephengilstrap]

check out rocky talkie's

[@brianblanche5006]

I have 16 of these for my business they work flawless the customer service department went above and beyond when I had an issue in the beginning. So far so good I’m on the east coast.

[@HamRadio2]

That is great to hear, thanks for commenting

[@papawheeliedon]

You answered my question in the first 30 seconds. Thank you.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks!

[@MrBsizelove]

You are saying everything I thought would be the case. Thank you for doing the work!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching!

[@jtc1947]

Thanks for THE TRUTH! Not sure if there is EVER truth in advertising???

[@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

[@combatible]

Thank you for saving me money this review turned out to answer all my questions and this “radio” was not what I was looking for.

[@HamRadio2]

Awesome

[@Maratrac1]

I worked for Motorola and Nextel and was curious what kind of wizardry could make a $200 radio outperform every other radio I've ever seen. Answer is this is a cellular subscriber device, and not really in the class of service we really call radios. I enjoy LTE PTT+ and understand what to expect from it. It works well, with more features than normal Land Mobile Radios, but 100% relies on either a carrier's LTE or WiFi backhauled on an ISP. Nextel did offer a point-to-point off-net option, but their 900 Mhz sub 1-watt radios had a very limited range like far less than 1 mile depending on signal path/obstructions.

[@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!

[@JohnWallace74]

Good information Jason, thanks. One question I would have is, does the working of the Rapid Radio network depend on Rapid Radio servers or infrastructure? Or is Rapid Radio only dependent on the cellular provider after setup? The delay from one radio to another seems to me they were essentially a DMR or other digital mode radio connected to the cellular network for data only. That is why they are so cheap because they don’t use much data..

[@HamRadio2]

AFAIK they use the existing cell network and not anything proprietary

[@BMCTackle]

Good show! I figured it was either LTE, or someone managed to hook up a ton of linked repeaters that work from coast to coast, which would be very very cool. LOL Louis WW7GBA

[@Bringit29]

They will NOT work in shtf situation. I am in Law enforcement and I will tell you we had a tornado come through and took out the cell towers. Guess what NO CELL service in the area and we had to go back to point to point radios. These won’t work without cell service it is just that simple. They are AWESOME when everything is good, I would recommend them for that but not in a power outage, tower down situation.

[@jeffwright6685]

I am a ham I get on local 2meter repeater when they activate weatherwarn and its very effective.

[@aceyorba]

Thanks for the info. They lost me at "Made in China" and no monthly fees EVER😊

[@ERICtheLATE]

DTMW radio purchase causes SHTF drill, but the bug out bag was already dialed in. 🙅‍♀️🤷‍♂️

[@danielpeddie5532]

I asked about those radios before. You mentioned about wouxon type radios like ate put and Ham my wife has her lic and wants something like this. What can you Recommend

[@HamRadio2]

The KG-V55 but they have a new one coming too

[@davidlopez-xr2dv]

Thank you for this video I was looking @ these radios. If you say they are very cheap radios then they are probably charging you $ 50.00 echo radio up front. Thx

[@larryjohnson7934]

Hi Love the videos....Do these radios have a FCC ID???

[@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

[@craigjoe8691]

That's why I have a ulefone armor 26. Independent built in radio. All in one device

[@HamRadio2]

There are a few manufacturers who have a true radio with POC built-in.

[@adamweinberg4820]

Glad I viewed this! You just saved me $699 for four! 🙌

[@HamRadio2]

Glad I could help!

[@JW-dz6pj]

So I was looking at these also and they have them listed for $899 but offer now 60% off so $399 for two. But then when u go to checkout they then will off a third one for $199 w $50 off for $149 for 1! Sooo how much are these things actually!?! Is one $199 or $449.50?! I feel like they are screwinf w the price to make it seem like gettin a deal when your not!!! What y’all think?!

[@HamRadio2]

Yep. Typical marketing tactic, though.

[@hestermark]

I noticed their IG ad didn't have comments available LOL. It's not truly off-grid.

[@johntewell]

they never claimed they were "truly off-grid" nor will you find that wording anywhere on their website

[@cascadesouthernmodeltrains7547]

I was wondering about the cost. Not the cost of the radio, that’s posted online, but the overall cost once I discovered it was LTE based. Satellite based would be much better as in a SHTF situation the smart adversary would disable communications and internet first, because if you cannot communicate you can’t organize. This radio would be useless in that situation and even as is, it’s useless in the desert, or mountains.

[@ERICtheLATE]

The coolest part: Once you get one running, you can create a channel, or group. Bulletins, nets, use your YT channel as the name, and go from there. Start one now...and drop the name. You can be the first to max it out !

[@HamRadio2]

From what I found, you can't edit the groups or names yourself, you have to contact them to do it

[@ERICtheLATE]

@@HamRadio2 Yep, they keep it tamed. Great for reliable nation wide, live coms. I would be kinda lowkey devistated if I started a job where on-call was part of schedule, and this showed up with w2's 🙄😕😬👍✊🏁

[@nickbethea6805]

I carry a Motorola APX NEXT and also manage P25 systems. I can confirm rapid radios can be tracked with no problem.

[@chrispierce2942]

They say no fess or subscription but they charge 50 bucks a year to renew the sim card for your use.

[@walkertekk9]

I bought a 3 pack and they work decent with the limited testing I've done. I commute from AZ to CA a couple times a month and the radios drop service 3-4 times on my commute. Not sure how if they "use multiple carriers." Oh and they deleted my comments from their Facebook when commenting to people asking about the yearly fee. Shady!

[@Dan-bj1cz]

Thanks for the information. They just shipped them I’m going to return them. Great Video.

[@HamRadio2]

Glad I could help

[@Dan-bj1cz]

Just added you to my notifications. Any recommendations on GMRS radios if the grid goes down. I’m new to this stuff so I have to find my way. Thanks.

[@HamRadio2]

This list is still pretty accurate kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4CyZ52CZcmoec0

[@pawsNparachutes]

You should try taking him out on a boat. Two boats couple miles apart. That would be a good test. Then you could also use items to cover the phones pieces of wood, multi-pieces of fabric, hell, even brick and metal bring a microwave with you. Even that would be interesting. Just some thoughts. Great video man! Appreciate all the info

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@spsjason2]

They seem to work similar to Zello PTT radios, my only question is what are they using on the back end for software they are connecting to. Because they some how create talk groups and attach the radios to said talk groups. Anyway thanks for the review. 73's KE0ELP

[@Maratrac1]

There are several platforms that can create groups and manage subscribers. They likely built their own, but Zello, Kodiak(now Motorola Systems Inc,) and others make a good business in offering standalone groups for LTE users, as well as integrating with existing land mobile analog or digital actual radios to offer back-up, expanded range or extra features, or simply an inexpensive option to handheld radios which run $200-over $12,000 each.