Rapid Radios...The Truth About These Radios

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[@marshred]

These radios Require Outside Infrastructure That You Have NO Control Over. Traditional VHF/UFH radios can Simplex, radio to radio, no third party involved. Or you can talk through repeaters. I feel that people thinking of these for "prepping" have no idea how these work OR Would Not Work.... Rapid Radios are PTT Cell Phones, in a very basic sense.

[@simonwills6176]

Yeah I. The end of times these are useless but for now these are great

[@tfeltmat2903]

If you point out that these radios do not offer free usage, the company will block you from their page so you cannot comment. The truth is that when you buy a set, you prepaid for a SIM card that runs for one year. If you want the units to function after that, you must buy another prepaid SIM card for $50 per radio per year - 2 radios $100, 3 radios $150, etc. So their practices are shady. Add to that fact that if a cell tower goes down, or you’re out of cell phone range your “radio” is useless.

[@kenofken9458]

Kinda silly they would hide those charges. It's not like $50 a year would be a deal breaker.

[@hectorm9739]

yes that's what they do. lets stop this company ready for a class action suit

[@fireslayer26]

Ahhhh... so no monthly fees cause you prepay for a whole year.... very shady advertising.

[@mwahlert]

Their website also says nonsense like “With the on-going crisis in the Middle East & Europe, the threat of Cyberattacks on the USA, and the uncertainty of WW3 you simply CAN NOT RELY on Cell Phones and Internet for Communications in the Future!”. This is complete BS because these radios rely on the same cellular networks lol.

[@elsuperpollo2273]

Agree just easier to get your amateur radio license or gmrs license.

[@RazorBacksFan1980]

some of these comments kill me (most of them). As a licensed amateur radio operator, GMRS, and tech enthusiast, I still know these have a purpose. And Eddie clearly shows that in the video. These are NOT SHTF devices. These are for every day use communication, same as your cell phone. We all know cell phones will not work if SHTF. But we all still have one. These aren't designed to replace a ham radio or a cell phone. They are simply for quick easy convenient communications, good for businesses or quick chats with people you frequently talk to. They serve a purpose, but doesn't cover all scenarios. If that's what you are expecting, get a satphone.

[@busterhoodstar6598]

Nextel used to offer the PTT style phones on the Sprint network years ago

[@Beth-El]

I miss the nextels

[@d7dun1010]

A lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@josephmirigliano8728]

I used to love Nextel. I miss Nextel so much.

[@spfadden082711]

I loved them for work.

[@parexc07]

...Nextels... Great, I would call up my wife while working in Honolulu and she was at the house in Oregon

[@jaybdvm]

This was not designed as a SHTF device. It is primarily for businesses or families that like the PTT feature.

[@abitofeverything1234]

Thumbs up!

[@godfreydebouillon8807]

I used to love these when I had a Nextel. Theres also apps that do similar things with your phone. So long as everyone understands this is cell phone infrastructure and technology. Its true that if your cellphone can't connect, this may, just as when your cell phone doesn't connect, but someone elses can. These may even have roaming network agreements so can work on one service if the other is down. However, if theres no cell tower in range, or that tower doesn't have power, these are incapable of working.

[@ScottConner-ns2di]

Great video, great explanation of what one would/should expect. I order mine tonight and look forward to getting them.

[@14jrloco]

If you tell the truth on any of their advertisements they will delete it and block you ..that in it self says a lot of that company

[@sdrammm696969]

This works under cell tower, is like NEXTEL back in the days.

[@missdreadblack]

Thank you for the information! ❤

[@jasongardner1910]

Just a modern day Nextel that shift carrier towers

[@Grandpuba1069]

Yup, won’t replace a sat phone. Which is far far better. These aren’t shit

[@AppleiOSGenius]

Miss those days

[@KA9DSL]

It's a network cellular radio, like Zello is. Digatalk has this also. And yes, Nextel did this Years ago! Remember the BlackBerry?

[@thepunadude]

I KNOW ALL THE CORRUPT POLITICIANS KNOW BLACKBERRY .. JUST ASK 'BLEACH BIT KILLERY(WITH A HAMMER!)'

[@user-ru4xb3tn5i]

Both have terrible reviews

[@Adam_Newman]

If y’all would watch the whole video, he tells you that they use cell towers and won’t work when they’re down and you’d have to use something different they work great for what they’re intended for

[@tpoole177]

They actually worked during recent att outage

[@godfreydebouillon8807]

So did most cell phones

[@Deerector]

Just ordered 4. Will be a pleasure to use them at work.

[@tntzimmerman9552]

You need to research ham radios. So versatile and reliable. You can track, text, email with them. Distance is as far as you need.

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

thay operate on a tower as G M R S does

[@tntzimmerman9552]

@@donalderickson-si8wwham and gmrs don’t work on “towers.” They run on frequencies and repeaters.

[@godfreydebouillon8807]

​@@donalderickson-si8wwThat's not accurate. You're thinking of vhf/uhf ham radios, which do in fact use repeater towers (like gmrs). However, ham radios have so many more capabilities and bands, from ssb, digital, am, and when using HF can go hundreds and thousands of miles with no tower, no infrastructure of any kind.

[@ko4otv43]

Well There are several modes in ham radio. Yes you can use a repeater for VHF or UHF and Even on HF bands. They also have digital modes like DMR, Dstar, C4FM etc.. to many to list. Once you get in the world of ham radio you won't give these radios a second look.

[@absolutecrypto95]

Learning what if it's across country

[@dierkrieger]

This is a cool review. I live out in East County and have been looking at these radios. Now I know they work great in my area.

[@paulmitchell4421]

it's a cellular ptt device NOT a radio.

[@rapidradios]

It uses radio waves. It’s a radio.

[@KA9DSL]

@@rapidradios It's still a radio, it transmit and receives.

[@benmann1901]

Technically a cell phone is a radio signal.

[@raymondfournier4104]

What happens if the cellular services were to no longer exist for whatever reason? Do these still work …I have to assume they wouldn’t work meaning it’s not useful in a catastrophic situation.

[@meatballssos182]

Exactly they dont. ​@raymondfournier4104

[@ivanm.7370]

Eddie thanks for the great information. This is not a SHTF radio which what I expected. But it did bring up my awareness that I need to get a satellite phone

[@tkcompman]

After the first year, it will cost you $50 per radio to renew the cellular data plan. The manufacturer does not tell you that in its ads.

[@PropertyInsuranceClaims]

Big Deal - $50 a year ... A whole $4.16 a month. Bunch o haters man

[@OregonNightCrawlerNews]

Yes they do its clear as day it tells you when your buying it

[@RazorBacksFan1980]

it says it on the website... in multiple places

[@mikewilliams7019]

Coming in for a second comment. Great job on the video. You have experienced some of the same pros and cons that I have. Like you said, mostly pros. I was unaware of what the CMCT meant. Thank you for that. Again, I love them. With the battery life, as I’m sure you know, transmitting will deplete the battery faster but it still lasts a long time. It seems that there is also no problem with using the radio while plugged in and charging.

[@cameroncameronh5098]

Have you renewed your sim cards yet? I want to make sure after the first year and I pay the $100 it's still going to work

[@mikewilliams7019]

@@cameroncameronh5098 I have not yet. They are only about three or four months old.

[@jasonkubitz9410]

I'm curious, do you have the Napa County Motor Parts in Lakeside? I've been going there ever since that took over the RV place and my friends shop M&M Off-Road.

[@christopherwyldeck1992]

Hi Eddie Great video. Can you tell me the price of 1 handset and where you purchased it, please?

[@trickhayproductions]

I had this on my Nextel cell phone back when they merged with Sprint years ago. It is basically a cell phone and works over cell towers. You most likely need to pay for cell service to use these.

[@daverozic]

I saw an ad on facebook for these and tried asking about the no fees or contracts saying but after 1 year you have to pay 50 bucks a year per radio forever. Within 30 seconds my comment was deleted. So, I will not order from them if they do business like that. They should show every question and answer them accordingly to be fair. Felt like bad business to me.

[@evosolutionsllc.910]

Idk why this is so confusing to people….. it’s a portable radio. Just like any other. Instead of using 100-800mhz frequencies in an analog or digital fashion it uses digital cellular frequencies. Instead of using radio to radio (simplex) for short range and 100-800mhz repeaters for long range. It just only uses cellular repeaters (cell towers) to talk that’s it….. it’s just a radio that rx and tx on a cell frequency rather than a traditional lower frequency……. The upside is nationwide connectivity. You don’t need a permit you don’t have to set up your own repeaters or talk to man children ham operators and ask for permission to talk on their repeaters you can just… talk. Even if the signal goes down it can still operate on a 1g level instead of 4g. Downside is that if you have a legit total blackout you can’t use it at all.

[@markbogen8970]

Just bought two, to test run. I understand what I bought. The price is very reasonable for what you are getting. I feel peoples expectations are unrealistic!

[@evosolutionsllc.910]

@@markbogen8970 let me know how you like them. Heard it’s only free for a certain amount of time then you gotta pay a subscription.

[@bertramwillins6459]

Requires annual sim card (cellular) annually.

[@memogutierrezjr6394]

We use the Motorola brand for our security company. Cellular ptt

[@ralphzavala8757]

Have you tried it in the desert iam curious how it’s going to work out in glamis, i ordered mine yesterday

[@damienseward5344]

what was the kenwood radio you spoke of

[@ShermanPics]

GREAT review EXCELLENT in my opinion. Because of your video I will be purchasing the Rapid radios👍🏾

[@BrandonMitchell84]

damn ,yah it seems cool until you realize how expensive it would cost a family to maintain 4-8 of these every year

[@70chgrdreams78]

Were we ride there are dead areas with the cell phone. Would the company be good about us returning it if this device gets the same dead spots? Because if this device also does not work in out areas it useless.

[@sladeoriginal]

I hope they fail. Their CEO signed off on marketing saying "No Monthly Fees-No Subscriptions" No Hidden Fees" but there are yearly fees. What a joke. Their business model is to put that in the fine print then after a year you go to use it, it doesnt work, you call em and have to pay $50 each for them to work again.

[@dam00k]

Reminds me of the station to station function of the early 90’s Motorola Startac.

[@patwieferich3541]

I was curious so I asked on their FB add if there were any fees ever. They blocked the question almost instantly. I took a screen shot but I was unable to paste it here.

[@calikid9197]

My dad got some called nxt radios and currently in Jalisco and I’m in Orange County and it’s clear as day and its over 1,000 miles away

[@CinoXL]

It’s just a Nextel …I remember being in class and a buddy would page over some obnoxious shit and would always catch me with it on. 😂

[@josephmirigliano8728]

I can’t wait to get mine

[@iwar4him]

How the heck do you add a name? I can't seem to be able to find it even with the instructions

[@elderjoshua]

This was some GOOD Information to know about these Radios. I think they're a GREAT TOOL to have.

[@johnmcneil1681]

So if the cell service gets knocked out, you won’t be able to use these?

[@bsjeepster]

Correct. Also, they will not work in areas with no cell coverage.

[@Jay-bk5sl]

At least you gave a honest review

[@somewhereinoklahoma5574]

There’s a catch. It’s a cell based device. When the cell network drops, no talky-talky…. These are trash

[@PropertyInsuranceClaims]

That's incorrect.They run on all carrier 4G-LTE networks, Verizon, ATT, T-Mobile, and others. They don't use the same frequency. Cell service could be down but these ride a carrier frequency from which all towers have battery backup in outages. Cellular outages have no effect. HAM radio is still the best but these for what they are can go way farther for way cheaper than HAM. PTT like Nextel was limited to their towers. These run on all towers so they do get service in mountains. There will be dead spots but pull up a 4G LTE map with the 3 big carriers. You can get out immediately across the nation. Again, these are not perfect but for any serious comms people this is a must have tech for your tool box for when the SHTF

[@somewhereinoklahoma5574]

@@PropertyInsuranceClaims nice sales pitch, the carrier frequency is the cell service. Power backup is pointless if the backbone is down. These rely on someone else, carriers, to move the traffic. That is the failure of this expensive device.

[@garthac]

These handheld radios won't be of any use in areas without cellular coverage.

[@elsuperpollo2273]

Ikr 😂🤣

[@mikewilliams7019]

I have 3. I love them and the company is great. You can add new people to your group by coordinating that with the company. They will make it happen for you.

[@Pipefitter310]

Many cell towers have generators as a backup in case of power outages so these MAY work in certain locations. But the local GMRS repeater in my area does not have a power backup. I guess it’s always good to have a couple of ways to communicate. Still on the fence on RAPID RADIO…

[@tinachavez8712]

Thats a good point..

[@kimpegues1713]

Have you tried out the KayoTom or the Wuri models

[@user-jl7wn5nn7p]

Please inform me as I am new to all this new stuff but. Want to get one or two for. Privacy

[@josephmirigliano8728]

I ordered a set of six. How long did it take you to receive your radios because I’m afraid that I won’t get them but they they took my money. How long did it take you to receive your radios?

[@EddieLife3500]

Couple days

[@adrock0113]

I have the same feeling, I reached out and they said my radios would tentatively sent out within the next few weeks

[@josephmirigliano8728]

@@adrock0113 I finally received mine they work great they work great

[@gbuilds2667]

Was thinking about getting some hey if I get eddies life I’ll hit you up 😂

[@Bluediesal1978]

I run. My gmrs. Ham. Cb. Vhf uhf no celltowers needed

[@jeffrooke8439]

nice thing about these, they are not on only one system, the sim card they have uses All the major systems, and these look for the next strongest system if one goes down, they told me strongest signal is what it seeks.

[@stevenmcpherson5146]

I can talk 50 miles with only 10 watts rms on the 10 meter band and the antenna 15 feet off the ground. If it wasn't for all the trees the distance would be grater.

[@thomasbowling6198]

Thanks for the review. I ordered a set last week, haven't received them yet but looking forward to trying them out.

[@jamescribb5139]

So if I have that and I want to just talk to my buddy only not on a group chat other people can still hear everything

[@emd6456]

If the cellular network (LTE) (5G) (3G) goes down they are a paperweight.

[@ofthewordd]

A cell phone without distractions. I’ll take it 🙌🏽

[@CryptoQuest1]

try Zello on your cell phone... same concept, more cellular bands and you get to control the contacts right on the app

[@eddierobles8932]

I have 11 radios we talked from nevada ,cal and idaho simultaneously, clearer than cell signal at this point , battery really strong ,we keep them in a Faraday bag just in case cellular phone gets attacked from EMP and no cell phones left after stores are empty , not perfect but cheap backup

[@eddierobles8932]

What I'm very disappointed with is There is no phone connection with the company themself. I've never been able to leave a message email. Is your only chance. Concerning

[@fuzzbuzz6581]

Found the exact unbranded ones on alibaba for cheaper.

[@drwheycooler8423]

Did they have the year of service?

[@fuzzbuzz6581]

@@drwheycooler8423 I don't think so. But they are over $200 cheaper.

[@why-be-normal7014]

I use a gmrs radios I prefer or a ham radio

[@antoniorodriguez3355]

I just got ordered 4 of them and less than 24 hrs one of them got deactivated won’t work no service at all

[@kedrickbettis7401]

People are complaining about a hidden $50 yearly fee but we pay much more than that for actual cellphones which may or may not work at times. There have been times where AT&T has gone down but Verizon and others worked in my area. Not saying that all towers won’t fail but certainly not wishing for it to happen.

[@rodneyashcraft4440]

Your statement is strong and true. I think what you’re missing is the fact that you can use your radio to talk to the other Radio. The only other Radio in the talk group. Yes it’s cheaper but you get what you pay for. You can talk to the other person. That’s it.

[@loverecordingsounds]

As precise like a swiss clock you see a bunch of comments comparing these devices to either a cellphone or a ham or gmrs radio. Oh, the wisdom ... They will not work if the grid goes down!!! In my entire life the grid never went down. So, what is the point. Besides these are for a different kind of use. Family, work, sport events. They are not meant for SHTF. If that is your sentiment, go get a ham license and prepare for that, if it is ever gonna happen. Anyway, the annual cost is a fraction of that of a cellphone plan. So for family or work they make a lot of sense. Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC) radios are like giving your classic walkie-talkie a major tech upgrade, propelling your communication capabilities into the 21st century. Unlike traditional Ham, CB, or GMRS radios, which are pretty great for a nostalgic trip or a short-range chat, PoC radios leverage cellular networks. This means you're not just talking across the street or to the next hill over; you're staying connected across states, or even continents, as long as there's cell service or Wi-Fi. Planning a get-together or coordinating work tasks becomes as easy as pie, regardless of where everyone is. Now, let's talk secrets. With PoC radios, your conversations aren't just between you and the intended ears; they're encrypted. That's a fancy way of saying what you chat about stays between you and your chat buddies. Unlike the open-air waves of Ham radio, where anyone with the right equipment and a bit of know-how can tune in, your PoC convos are locked down. You can share the juiciest of gossip, the most confidential work info, or even just rant about your day without worrying about eavesdroppers. Plus, PoC radios aren't just about talking. They let you send texts, images, and share your location, making keeping in touch with family, friends, or coworkers not just more secure, but also more fun and functional. So, for those who value their privacy, love the idea of limitless communication, and want a few extra goodies thrown into the mix, PoC radios offer a modern, secure, and versatile way to stay connected. If you are preparing for dooms day .. well ... keep a couple of ham, gmrs radio handy or ... you can get a POC radio that is also a regular analog radio UHF/VHF and you will have the best of both worlds. That is what I went for, and I am pretty happy about it. Namaste.

[@josephmirigliano8728]

I would definitely buy one

[@peterodriguez5713]

I have many radios, and I ended up ordering 6 of these Rapid Radios. Tested for almost a month. I returned them. Don't buy. Reception was bad, if you want to add contacts, you have to contact the company. The operating system is trash, and they are definitely not a "if all else fails" option. Don't waste your money on these. For claiming they use multiple towers, the reception is horrible! When you don't have reception, you can't even enter the menu. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME, OR MONEY!

[@calimann21]

Yep. Not a traditional short wave. If the cellular network goes down, so do these radios.

[@scum4299]

Informative video Eddie 👍. Thanks…

[@JoeyCuz]

These radios are basically upgraded version of the old Nextel phones

[@tennesseelife880]

Dose Eddie own Napa stores?

[@josephmirigliano8728]

How long did it take you to receive your order once you placed your order?

[@EddieLife3500]

Couple days

[@markross215]

5 weeks

[@Ka9radio_Mobile9]

Just always remember, you need to be a FCC licensed Ham Radio operator to operate a ham radio!

[@chantra1967]

So if you already have cell phone you do not need this radio. THANK YOU for explained

[@CrawldaBeast]

Getting excited about talking 10, 20 or 50 miles on one of these is like being amazed that you can talk across town on a cell phone. These "radios" are cellular devices that have "no monthly fee" but cost $50 each a year. That's right, if you have 3 that's $150 a year. Best part, try going somewhere like the back country where your cell phone is dead. No cell service, no talkie. Your $50 a year "radios" can't even talk 100 yards without cell service. These are only as reliable as the cellular network. I wonder if you let you subscription lapse... Is there an additional "reconnect" fee? What if Rapid Radio goes under, do you now have expensive paper weights?

[@bodyfatfocus]

Which Ham Radio would you recommend?

[@kentuckyhillbilly7240]

anytone 878, or new one this summer anytone 890

[@joshuamiller477]

CMCT does not stand for Comcast. It stands for Concurrent Multi-Channel Transmission. It never changes from CMCT because the SIM card the radio is using is programmed for multiple cell carriers.

[@EddieLife3500]

Well according to the company when I asked them they said it was comcast

[@mikewilkey9431]

Looks like you need to water your Christmas tree 🌲 😂

[@TheGamesforsale]

Cellular service only, they do not connect to raido or HAM repeaters.

[@mend]

this is Not going to work in an emergency if you lost cell service or if your in a no cell zone like up in the mountains... i went with Rocky Talkie

[@jrob8931]

10-4? Who are you, Burt Reynolds on his CB Radio? 😁 Roger that.

[@joelwatkins4377]

Thanks for this info! I was considering these, but think I’ll pass based on some comments as of now anyway.

[@sifilmaker]

All I know is if I need to use a radio vs cell phone its most likely cause I only need to speak within a few miles etc. If I need to speak to someone beyond that I use my cell phone. So it seems like a gimmick, and it depends on carriers. Which means at any time in the future a carrier or carriers can decide not to allow the service on their networks, this thing becomes a paper weight. At least a Nextel had both cell service and radio service combined.

[@stanleychamallas2331]

Eddie’s Life how come Rapid Radios doesn’t answer their phone or emails or texts snd deleted my confirmation email

[@MrKingtexas100]

You got a nice home set up my guy look like you in AZ

[@ke4gbe]

Won't this type of service have the same problems as mobile phones? As in when something happens, everybody jumps on the phone, and nobody can get through reliably. At least with ham radio and private repeaters, the system won't be overwhelmed or jammed.

[@billbrady3998]

Another question that must be asked, & answered.

[@cryptokev1759]

@@billbrady3998 I think they use a different band than regular cell phones. So even during congestion they should work. Yes you need a cell service but for example when AT&T went down, your AT&T phone also went down. These would jump to a different carrier. They are really a more robust cell phone but are badly marketed with some misrepresentation making people think they are like movie radios that work anywhere imo.

[@mikemcdonald5147]

yes its using the cellular network.

[@diliasimmons6553]

I purchased under false advertisement .. Im wanting a radio that I can communitcate w/ family when shit hits the fan for Emergencys .. No cell service or ways to contact loved ones . Does anyone know of a radio that will work like that ??

[@EddieLife3500]

I use kenwood radios out in the desert, and so far they have worked great

[@jprubicon4373]

You can buy a garmin inteach device that will allow you to communicate through satellite. Subscription is $10 a month.

[@usoslow757]

If you go somewhere where your cell phone will not work, chances are this will not either. That’s the plus with GMRS.

[@icebrakernh]

Great for if you have cell service but in the area I live in these are junk. GMRS Ham and CB still prevail.

[@user-xz5qr2ii1g]

Curious...What option is there if grid goes down? Is there a better option? I already have a cell phone.

[@hegefarms4260]

I'm wondering the same thing. I just bought a couple Baofeng ham radios to try

[@hardtarget2359]

Yes Ham or GMRS radios will work if cell service goes out. In worst case you can use them simplex style. Which is directly radio to radio

[@jonsmith9708]

If there is no cell service will they still work

[@billbrady3998]

A question that must be asked, & answered.

[@kenofken9458]

No, they will not. Since they work on a number of different carriers it's possible that they would still work if one network and not others are down.

[@PropertyInsuranceClaims]

yes

[@billbrady3998]

@@PropertyInsuranceClaims How, if they are wholly dependent on cell service to operate?

[@z3phyrdok]

Aha the catch!

[@inmyopinion_3672]

It does seem to be a useful tool for specific circumstances, but it's not a SHTF radio.

[@hamhouke]

Dude is range testing a cell phone? You can do with with a free app on your phone. It comes in Apple Watch. What a scam.

[@johnbridgeman758]

These radio are connected by the cell phone towers. As long as you have cell phone coverage the walkie talkies should work

[@jasonbailey2840]

It does not connect to anything but the Verizon network. There are no "repeater towers"

[@josephjames4027]

Can RAPID RADIO call 911/emergency help or can it dial specific numbers....or just other RAPID RADIOS?

[@MegaFranceschini]

I like the radio, what's the price on these radios? Thanks for the video, have a nice day

[@txgreek3512]

Great cellular walkie talkies but you’re on a cellular network so if shtf or grid goes down you’ll be screwed

[@sdbobbyt]

Hey, at least he lives in East County! W00t! EC FTW!

[@operationhotshotinc.6887]

I bought these and they did. Not work . They sent me new SIM cards and said they would reset them . And still didn’t work.. So I’m waiting to see if they’ll send me replacements like they promised . I also bought the emergency radios So I’m hoping to use these for work