I was trying to figure out which one I should get for our up coming trip. Either those 2-way FM radios with encryption or a couple portable CB radios. What do you guys think?

I think the portables can get up to 9 miles with a good antenna and the 2-ways get up to 5 miles. Other than the security & extra channels I am not sure which one would be best.

 

You WILL NOT get a nine mile range with ANY low power portable to portable.
Line of sight, no obstructions, NOT inside a vehicle you MIGHT get 4 miles with a 2 watt GMRS radio. Check this informational website

www.thetravelinsider.info/2003/0718.htm

 

I'm a fan of both, and use both. If I'm driving on a trip with one vehicle, the CB is the answer. If your driving in a group of vehicles, both CB and FM work great. My thing comes witht he destination. If you're going to use the radios on foot for your group.....the FM's are the way to go. They're handy and small, as to where CB's are usualy bigger and more awkward. I'm not really found of hand held CB's. They really wont get you a good five mile range while sitting in your car, the external antenna radios do a far better job. But thats another story. I guess what I'm saying is the application makes the difference.

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpag...earch=cb+radio
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question490.htm

Rdam, I see we posted the same time........I just finished reading the link you threw out there, very imformative. Kinda makes mine worth deleting.

 

Security is pretty much non-existent on the FRS/GMRS radios. If you are using encryption anyone listening on a similar radio just has to scan through the codes until it's unscrambled. As for which one to choose, what are you planning to use them for? It might make it easier to suggest the best type for you.

 

I like the C.B. Dependable. The best thing is you can listen and talk to the truckers. They can tell you anything you need to know as long as you dont tick them off.

 

I keep the CB in the truck and use the FRS radios out and about. I have an excelent set from audiovox that has a 7 mile range. I'm pretty impressed by them. Of course they work great outdoors, but even in the city I had awesome range with them.