While cell phones have advantages, such as making calls outside the immediate group, accessing the internet, or using apps, two-way radios remain popular for effective and reliable communication in most event management scenarios. So, let’s talk about the best radios for your events.
Why Are Event Radios the Best Choice?
Two-way radios are traditionally preferred over cell phones for managing events. Below are some reasons event managers and meeting planners prefer two-way radios:
- Instant Communication: Two-way radios provide instant communication at the push of a button. You don’t need to dial a number, wait for the call to connect, or deal with potential network delays.
- Group Communication: Event radios allow for group communication, enabling multiple individuals or teams to hear and respond simultaneously.
- Dedicated Communication Channels: The best radios for your events operate on dedicated frequencies or channels, reducing the likelihood of network congestion, interference, or dropped calls.
- Durability and Reliability: Two-way radios are built to withstand rough handling and environmental conditions, more so than cell phones. They are designed to operate in challenging environments such as rain, dust, heat, or cold. This makes them reliable tools for event planners and managers.
- Long Battery Life: Radios typically have longer battery life than cell phones, which can be crucial at events where participants may not have easy access to charging stations. Also, batteries on event radios can be quickly and easily “swapped” out.
- Simple Operation: Two-way radios are simple to use with push-to-talk functionality. This simplicity comes in handy when users may be focused on other tasks and need a quick and easy way to communicate.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Event radios are more cost-effective, especially for larger events. With event radios, there are no monthly service fees or per-minute charges. Once purchased, there are minimal ongoing costs associated with their use.
- More Accessories Available: Event radios have a greater variety of accessories than cell phones. Everything from throat and ear microphones to event communication headsets is readily available. Almost anything you can think of to make managing your event easier is available at a reasonable price.
So, What Are Some of the Best Radios for Events?
Choosing the best radios for events depends on several factors, including the size of the staff, communication range, features required, and budget constraints.
Before purchasing or renting radios for your event, it’s best to consider factors such as range, battery life, durability, ease of use, and any specific features you may need. Additionally, you should check radio frequencies to ensure you are not operating illegally or talking over someone else in your area.
Your friends at RCS Communications will be happy to help you ensure the frequencies you are operating on are okay to use in the area of your event.
Below is a list of some of the best two-way radios for events. But, we’ve listed some of our favorite choices along with some pros and cons for each one:
Motorola MOTOTRBO R7 Portable Two-Way Radio
MOTOTRBO™ R7 offers game-changing audio capabilities in a rugged, future-ready device.
PROS
Here’s what you get with these top-of-the-line event radios:
- UHF/VHF 4-5-watt output
- Intelligent Audio delivers audio beyond comparison
- Wi-Fi capable 2.4/5.0 GHz
- WPA3 Wi-Fi compliant
Available Bluetooth 5.2 - 2.4” 320 x 240 QVGA graphic display
- Intuitive user experience
- A full complement of accessories
- Sleek and ergonomic form
- Automatic Feedback Suppression
- Dual-Mic Noise Suppression
- IMPRES™ Battery and Charging Technology
- Program volume up to 107 Phons
- Wideband speakers and mics
- Intuitive audio configuration
- Up to 28-hour battery life
- IP68 rating – radio is waterproof to 2 meters for 2 hours
- IP66 rating – radio withstands concentrated water jet pressure
- Intrinsically Safe(UL TIA-4950) option available
- Housing resistant to Disinfectants and Decontamination
- Tough and corrosion-proof side connector
- MIL-STD 810 rated for ruggedness
- 5 years of technical support and hardware repair
CONS
- 4 to 5-watt power output requires an FCC license to operate
- Higher price point
- XPR Series is feature-rich, and users might not need all the features
Motorola MOTOTRBO™ XPR 7580e Portable Radio
The XPR™ 7000e Series is designed for the skilled event professional who refuses to compromise.
PROS
- MIL Spec 810 rated for ruggedness
- Optional Man Down Alert
- Available with Texting capability
- On-board Bluetooth® 4.0
- Available with Indoor Location Tracking
- On-board Wi-Fi
Make Software Updates Over-the-Air - Improved audio quality
Battery life up to 29 hours - Greater range
IP68 rating – radio is waterproof to 2 meters for 2 hours
CONS
- 4 to 5-watt power output requires an FCC license to operate
- Higher price point
- XPR Series is also feature-rich, and users might not need all the features
Motorola MOTOTRBO™ SL300 Portable Radio
The MOTOTRBO™ SL300 supports analog and digital modes and is complemented by various innovative event accessories.
PROS
- Innovative Shatterproof Active-View Display (optional)
- Operates in either Analog or Digital mode
- A full complement of accessories is available
- Dual-Capacity Direct-Mode operation
- IP54 Rated – radio is water resistant
- Connectivity for Micro USB
- Range Max Receiver Delivering Enhanced Range
- Simple, Intuitive Operation
- Transmit-Interrupt capability available
- Ultra-Slim, Ergonomic Form
- Voice-Announcement alert
- A lower price point than higher-tiered choices
CONS
- Fewer features than higher-tiered products
- Less durable than higher-tiered products
- 4-5-watt power requires a license to operate (1-watt does not)
- Water resistant, not waterproof
Motorola BPR 40d Portable Two-Way Radio
The BPR 40d radio supports analog communications for simple push-to-talk voice and the Digital Mobile Radio (DMR II) communications standard for clear, static-free voice connections.
PROS
- 8 or 16 Channels available
- Power Levels are Adjustable
- Adjustable Squelch Levels
- Tri-color LED Display indicates radio status and battery levels
- Large Push-to-Talk Button is easy to locate
- Priority Scan to frequently check high-priority channels
- Large, easy-to-operate Channel Knob
- A lower price point than higher-tiered choices
- Program All Call / Group Call / Private Call functions
- 128-Entry On-board Contact List
- Voice Announcement alert
- Remote Monitor and Radio Enable/ Disable
CONS
- Fewer features than higher-tiered products
- Less durable than higher-tiered products
- 4-5-watt power requires a license to operate (1-watt does not)
- Water resistant, not waterproof
RCS Communications, When the Show Must Go On!
When The Show Must Go On, call RCS Communications. RCS Communications can help you with either rentals or purchases for your next big event. RCS will ensure that you have the best walkie-talkies for event planners and staff alike, as well as the proper frequencies and accessories to make your event the highlight of the season.
RCS Communications is the leading provider of wireless two-way radio solutions for events in Kentucky and Indiana. At RCS Communications, we pride ourselves on high-performance, robust wireless communications solutions from our leading industry partners. Our customers need dependable and sometimes innovative systems that support their events while improving efficiency, safety, and coordination among staff and volunteers across the event’s entire footprint.
Let RCS Communications partner with you to make your next event a spectacular success.