We prefer to use the Midland GXT series of GMRS Bubble-Pack radios for our group’s GMRS comms. Not because they are better than other brands but because we’ve used Midland GXTs since they came out and we have a pile of parts for them. I know several individuals that use both Cobra and Motorola with excellent results but since we’re set-up with Midland we stick with the brand. We can interchange speaker/mics, some repair parts will interchange and we’ve had success with some modifications. The GXT’s performance has always been satisfactory for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. The handheld-to-handheld range can sometimes be surprising, we’ve stayed in contact over a mile in hilly wooded areas.
Midland makes the GXT and the LXT series of handheld radios. Both models have most of the same features. The main difference is the size, the LXT is more compact and uses AAA batteries while the GXT is larger and uses AA batteries. This makes our battery storage simpler since we already store AAs for our ham and scanner radios. We currently don’t have any equipment that uses AAAs.
Midland GXTs have had several cosmetic and feature changes thru the years. The different versions are numerically identified as a series. The photo below shows some of the more noticeable changes and the corresponding series number. At this time, Midland’s newest is the 1000 series.
The most obvious change over the years is the antenna length. IMO, this is the number one factor in a radio’s performance and Midland is making improvements where it counts the most.
They’ve also added other features like Weather Radio, additional privacy tones and rechargeable battery packs. Some versions of the 900 series also offered voice scrambling. Scrambling is frowned upon by the FCC and I’m pretty sure the feature isn’t available on all 900 series radios.
Accessories for the GXT consist of speaker/mics and drop in chargers. The factory usually supplies an ear- mount speaker/mic and a drop in charger with each pair of radios. The drop-in chargers are model specific since Midland has changed the cosmetics of each model, they move the location of the charging tabs slightly. (All GXTs can use the rechargable battery or 4 AA batteries).
Aftermarket lapel-mounted speaker/mics are my preference. I also prefer to use a MOLLE pouch instead of the factory belt clip. My GXT900 is shown below. The speaker/mics can be found on ebay.
Ebay and the other auction sites usually have an abundance of these radios, both new and used. Used models can be found at very low prices.
Click here to read the “2010 Bubble-Pack GMRS Radio Guide”
Justus
