Home > Consumer Reviews > Cobra LI 6500-2 WX VP 20-Mile GMRS/FRS 2-Way Radio (Twin Pack)

When looking at FRS/GMRS Radios radios ignore the marketing ploys that tell you the range of the radios (12 miles, 18 miles, 22 miles). All of the radios sold to the general public (except high end models- over $100 per individual radio) have the same power output rating- 1/2 a watt for FRS and 2 watts for GMRS. All other things being equal- every radio will have the excact same range. Why do you think that the more expensive the radio the farther a range the manufacturer says it has? Because they want you to THINK a more expensive radio has a farther range so you will buy the more expensive one. But they all have the same power output- meaning they will essentially have the same range. This is all a marketing PLOY to get you to buy a more expensive radio. A more expensive radio may have more features, but if the power output is the same the range will essentially be the same. You can look for the power output on the manufacturer's website, but I have researced this already- almost all models sold to the general public have 1/2 a watt for FRS and 2 watts for GMRS. With the power rating being the same the things that will affect range are antenna size, height of the transmitter, and terrain- usually things you will have little control over. So buy a radio that has the features and size you want and ignore the marketing ploys about the range.

I recently purchased the Cobra LI 6500-2 WX VP 20-Mile GMRS/FRS 2-Way Radio and so far, i think it is a fantastic radio. It is very small - fits into my hand easily and very light. It comes with a clip on the back to fasten it to a belt or the rim of your jeans. The radio has 10 weather channels.

I bought these because I live in a lake community and sometimes it is nice to be able to talk to someone in the house when we are out on the boat. Also, we travel frequently to Disney World in Orlando and our group always seems to be separating. These radios are a good way to keep in touch while we are scattered in one of the parks.

The radios are supposed to have a 20-mile range, which is hard to believe. I have tested them to 2 miles over trees and through houses and they work great. I talked to my wife who was inside the house at the lake and I was at a bank about 2 miles from the lake. Using the high power option, I had perfect communications. The low power setting was a little problematic, but I could communicate at this distance.

These radios have all kinds of options including a hands free setting where your voice activates the transmitter. It also has an alert feature to tell you that you have an incoming message when you are in a noisy environment. The 10-channel weather radio works great picking up weather broadcasts that are quite a few miles away. There is a base charger that charges both radios at once. All in all, these radios are very impressive and I am very happy with my purchase.

Don't believe the claimed 20 mile range unless you are taking this radio to Mt. Everest. This radio works fine, but its range in the suburbs of Chicago is just the same as any other average FRS/GMS radio - just under 1 mile. We own several pairs of radios like this made by Midland and Cobra and despite the mileage claims, they all work about the same. So, if you are thinking of buying another pair of these radios to obtain better mileage, don't bother. These are no better than the ones you have.

The weather radio function of this model is a nice addition to the functionality of these radios.

I am a 61 year old widow and live by myself near the Gulf coast. I purchased these radios (Mode LI6000, same battery packs) to use for communication with my "neighborhood watch group" in the event of a hurricane or severe weather. I never used the units, purchased 2 years ago, so I can't comment on their range or capability. However, I realized recently that the batteries needed replacing. It appears, from my research, that the batteries that come with these units are propriatary - only Cobra seems to stock them. It also appears that the batteries are generally "Out of Stock" with Cobra, and in stock, cost $19.95 each. So I am looking for a new set, but I will not repurchase the Cobra MicroTalk model, due to the replacement battery cost and the lack of availability.

Good build quality and excellent performance in heavily wooded parks. I am satisfied with the range (varies with terrain and structures). The rechargeable batteries and charging stand are very convenient. Privacy codes go a long way to ensure clear communication without interference from other users. Radios are light and rugged -- the only thing that would make these better is if they were waterproof. Excellent deal on Amazon!