Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony ICBU655 2-Way Radio (Gray) (Single)

As an electronics enthusiast I own quite a few Sony products, most of which I'm quite satisfied with. Unfortunately this is the worst representation of a Sony product that I've ever purchased! It doesn't seem like Sony put to much thought into the functionality of their family radio. The sound is extremely poor. The speaker sounded very muffled and I often found myself asking other individuals to repeat themselves. There are only a few keys on the unit (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) but they all serve multiple purposes. You may have to toggle through one function to get to another. The light for the LCD display doesn't do much justice in dimly lit conditions. Worst of all the call and search features are tied together. Every time I tried to call someone I would end up on a different channel! There are plenty other family radios that are far better than the Sony for the same or comparable price.

When I buy anything, I thoroughly research most products available. This I must say was the best radio out there! The sound quality is absolutely superior, and not only blew the others away (including Motorola talk about, Kenwood and a few others) it was the most convenient to use. With its keylock, it prevents from accidentally being turned off or the channel being changed. The range is excellent and its small compact size is very convenient. The only drawback is that the ringer is not that convenient to use (which I don't really use anyway.) I am in the process of buying another one and would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a 2-way radio! I never realized just how convenient these were for things like keeping together at parades, parks, shopping malls, camping, and a lot more activities we have done. Good luck and I wish you the best!

I have been a FRS radio user for a couple of years now. Our family uses them for skiing, climbing, camping and crowded public events. I am trying out the Sony because of its small size and the fact that it is water resistant. Of the 4 Motorola radios that I bought last year, 2 have failed due to damage from the elements. The Sonys work fine with the Motorola radios. The special features are set up oddly, but as I only use them for basic talk/listen that is not an issue. One feature I do use is the ability to lock the panel, which is good if kids are using them, so they don't end up on the wrong channel or code. The instructions are very confusing.

This is an amazing product. It is one of the best products out there. It is extremely good but I think that Kenwood was better. I would give it a 4 1/2, but that was not an option on the writing reviews. The capabilities that you can do on it is amazing, so perfect, almost as good as the Kenwood. The product is so durable and capable of committing all your business, sports and other activities for you. I think that the water resistant feature is a one you won't find often.

I am an electronics enthusiast, this radio just didn't cut it, it may have an attractive case but don't judge a book by it's cover. Poor sound quality, most people would have great difficulty reading the instructions, weird layout, I personally recommend the Motorola Talkabouts, as one of the previous reviews stated that he had two Motorola's that failed to the elements, he must have been dipping it in and out of a pool or something, actually I have done that, I jumped in a pool with the radio on me, with no case, bag, or any protection for a full minute(typical me!), let it dry, 2 hours later, good as new. The motorolas are your best pick.