Home > Consumer Reviews > Cobra PR 1100VP GMRS 2-Way Radio w/ Wall Charger

I never thought Cobra would make a decent radio but they have with this one. A big advantage over Motorola is the superior voice clarity! A host of other goodies such as a compass and weather radio are useful extras. The selectable power settings on GMRS is good. The range is good, I don't think any of these radios give you 5 miles and the best radio in terms of range and clarity were the original Motorolas FRS Talkabouts of the late 90's. Unfortunately, they ate batteries. I recommend this model of Cobra.

I researched GMRS radios for several weeks before recently purchasing the COBRA 1100 WX. I wanted a radio that would be useful in town and in the woods on runs and while hunting.

I selected the 1100WX for its claim of a 5 mile range and the NOAA alerts. I also had been advised that Cobra produced a reliable product. I found the manual very easy to read and quickly had the radios programmed for my use.

For several days I tried the radios on the way to work and back on the opposite side of town. I didn't have much luck after approximately 1.5 miles from home but this area is very hilly and there are industrial sites in town. This limited the range.

I tried them away from town. First on a 4 mile country run. At the 1/2 way point of 2 miles reception was difficult in the lowland but once I cleared the hill the reception was fine.

Next, I tried the reception at 5 miles to the parking lot at the state game lands. This was over very hilly terrain. The radios picked up a very clear signal. I ran up the mountain on the access road which is approximately 2 miles up to the top of the mountain. The signal was even better.

I would strongly recommend these radios for distances in town of l - 2 miles and outside of town from 2.5 - 5 miles. The voice activation option takes some getting used to, however, once programmed, they are simple enough for a 5 year old to use.