The GPX FRS100 is an incredibly cheap FRS radio for people who don't need a lot of features but don't believe the rugged sports design tagline for a second. The worst thing about this radio is its construction quality, which is a far cry from the truly (and more expensive) rugged FRS devices we've tested.
This radio can transmit and receive on only the first two of FRS's 14 available channels, so it is practically worthless at the amusement park or in a similarly crowded environment where FRS usage is heavy. The radio works best when you are communicating with companions while doing things like camping or driving in a convoy. In these situations, the FRS100 shines, delivering decent sound quality at a range of up to (and sometimes beyond) one mile.
Since the radio supports so few features, it is extremely easy to use. Holding down the channel button switches between the two available channels, which are indicated by LEDs on the front of the radio. Volume can be adjusted using a pair of up/down buttons in the center, and a button on the side is pressed to transmit. It doesn't get much simpler. We were surprised to discover that there are headphone and microphone jacks on top of the radio, and that's the best way to use it while driving if you're willing to spring for a compatible headset unit.
Our only gripe is that GPX is advertising this radio as a rugged design when it's anything but. It uses a plastic housing that has rubber nubs down each side that give the appearance of protecting the case if the radio is dropped. In reality, the rubber doesn't extend past the plastic it presumably exists to protect. If this radio hits the ground, the plastic is going to hit first, and the results likely won't be pretty.
This isn't the radio for your next ascent up K2, but it is a cheap alternative for road trips, neighborhood communication, and hikes. --T. Byrl Baker
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Only supports two FRS channels
- Design less shock-absorbent than advertised
Amazon.com Product Description
The GPX FRS100 Rugged Sports Family Radio Service has two channels, and is designed for outdoor use at a value price. The rubber grips ensure both comfort and a firm grip. Powered by three AA batteries, the Rugged Sports Family Radio Service has a range of 2 miles. The automatic squelch control helps eliminate noise between transmissions. It also features electronic volume control, a low-battery indicator, a monitor switch, and a removable belt clip. The input jacks make it easy for you to connect the radio to an earphone or microphone.
Average customer rating: 
|
GPX FRS100 2-Way Radio
Manufacturer: GPX, Inc. ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics  All Two-Way Radios
| Two-Way Radios & Accessories
| Audio & Video
| Categories
| Electronics
FRS Two-Way Radios
| Two-Way Radios & Accessories
| Audio & Video
| Categories
| Electronics
Audio & Video
| Refurbished & Used
| Special Features
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
GPX
| Brands
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
Electronics Available for International Shipping
| Specialty Stores
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
Two-Way Radios
| Radios & Communication
| Emergency Preparedness
| Custom Stores
| Specialty Stores
| Home Improvement
| Home & Garden
Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B00004TKL9 |
Amazon.com Review
The GPX FRS100 is an incredibly cheap FRS radio for people who don't need a lot of features but don't believe the rugged sports design tagline for a second. The worst thing about this radio is its construction quality, which is a far cry from the truly (and more expensive) rugged FRS devices we've tested.This radio can transmit and receive on only the first two of FRS's 14 available channels, so it is practically worthless at the amusement park or in a similarly crowded environment where FRS usage is heavy. The radio works best when you are communicating with companions while doing things like camping or driving in a convoy. In these situations, the FRS100 shines, delivering decent sound quality at a range of up to (and sometimes beyond) one mile.
Since the radio supports so few features, it is extremely easy to use. Holding down the channel button switches between the two available channels, which are indicated by LEDs on the front of the radio. Volume can be adjusted using a pair of up/down buttons in the center, and a button on the side is pressed to transmit. It doesn't get much simpler. We were surprised to discover that there are headphone and microphone jacks on top of the radio, and that's the best way to use it while driving if you're willing to spring for a compatible headset unit.
Our only gripe is that GPX is advertising this radio as a rugged design when it's anything but. It uses a plastic housing that has rubber nubs down each side that give the appearance of protecting the case if the radio is dropped. In reality, the rubber doesn't extend past the plastic it presumably exists to protect. If this radio hits the ground, the plastic is going to hit first, and the results likely won't be pretty.
This isn't the radio for your next ascent up K2, but it is a cheap alternative for road trips, neighborhood communication, and hikes. --T. Byrl Baker
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Only supports two FRS channels
- Design less shock-absorbent than advertised
Amazon.com Product Description
The GPX FRS100 Rugged Sports Family Radio Service has two channels, and is designed for outdoor use at a value price. The rubber grips ensure both comfort and a firm grip. Powered by three AA batteries, the Rugged Sports Family Radio Service has a range of 2 miles. The automatic squelch control helps eliminate noise between transmissions. It also features electronic volume control, a low-battery indicator, a monitor switch, and a removable belt clip. The input jacks make it easy for you to connect the radio to an earphone or microphone.Customer Reviews:
WOW!.......2001-06-08
Very convenient for vacations. It is good rule of thumb to have a radio anyway.
The batteries last up to 30 hours (I actually got about 35 out of them.)
If you are concerned that these are not made well they are so cheap, I tell you that I had the same concern. However with other radios costing up to $50 each, I had no choice. Now I realise this was the correct way to go!
Not bad for the price.......2001-06-07
Piece of S--t!.......2000-09-06
Roger Roger.......2000-08-23
Electronics:
- GPX FRS200 2-Way Radio
- Kenwood TK-3100 2-Way Radio
- Kenwood TK-3101 2-Way Radio
- Maxon GMRS21X 2-Way Radio w/ Charger
- Midland 75-507 FRS 2-Way Radio
- Midland 75-509W 2-Way Radios w/ Chargers (Pair)
- Midland 75-511 FRS 2-Way Radio
- Midland 75-515XLBPR 2-Way Radios w/ Charger (Pair)
- Midland 77-115 Mobile CB Radio
- Midland 77-160 XLT 40 Channel ''Road Max'' CB Radio
Electronics
HP LaserJet 4200 Printer (Refurbished)
Viking CF256M-P 256 MB Compact Flash
Lexar Media 256MB 12X CompactFlash Card (CF25612360)
Lexar JDX512-231 JumpDrive Expression 512 MB
Belkin Handsfree Earbuds (HF25MMNOK)
Multi-Tech Systems Multifrad 200-Series Enet Router 2Port With Router