LI7200-2WXVP

Product Review: Check out these CES award winning 2 way radios, and our challenging field tests. 

By John R. Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

Speaking of CES, these latest Cobra 2 way radios, model number LI7200-2WXVP, captured last year’s CES design and performance award. This is amazing for devices that simply allow people to communicate, verbally, (remember that?) with a relatively low-tech push to talk button.  But, these devices are growing in popularity and it is perhaps a sign of the times. Every day, more people push out into the hinterlands of cellular coverage, while simulanteously seeking ways to escape the multiplication of high fixed monthly cellular fees and unpredictable roaming charges. With simple 2-way radio you can talk away without cell charges, just like the “good old days”, when the air waves were free. 

The author tested similar Cobra models while in Europe last year, comparing Midland, Kenwood, and other brands under very challenging conditions involving multi-car caravans and lots of clueless family members fumbling with equipment in decidedly urban environments.  Hands down, the Cobras came through, punching their signals through cars, around tall buildings and out Cathedral windows to amazing ranges, all while avoiding those hefty “one dollar per minute” overseas cellphone charges. 

Further, “push to talk” is simply way more fun than flipping open a cell phone while traveling with others. Pushing that button becomes your on-the-road chat room in sharing your travel or outdoors experience with others in your group, all while adding to safety and convenience by staying in touch. 

Some have faulted Cobra for using a Nimh battery pack, which must be recharged, rather than allowing the use of optional AA cells. However, I found that recharging was a breeze, even in Europe, and a easy habit to get into. With nominal usage, the charge lasted at least a couple of days of heavy touring in any case, likely due to the built-in battery saving features that Cobra includes.  The rechargable also keeps the design of the radio smaller and much sleeker than those which must accomodate bulky, disposable AA’s. 

Overall, these radio champs leave similar models in the dust, yet are priced affordably for the family, hunter, traveler or outdoors enthusist. 

As always, forget those published ranges of “27 miles”, however. Most of the time your radios will reach out for a couple of miles, at best, depending very much on the terrain around you, since they don’t bounce signals off of cell towers.  But the high power in this model will maximize whatever range could be expected, under whatever circumstances you find in your adventures.

John Ghysels, 11/15/2008

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