The Bottom Line
If you are considering buying a set of two-way radios or a handheld GPS you should consider these Garmin units first. The extra functionality is extremely practical and well worth the money.
Pros
- Can "beam" your location to another Rino radio
- Completely waterproof
- Virtually indestructable
Cons
- A bit heavier than other FRS radios
- More expensive than radio without GPS function
Description
- Two-way radio combined with WAAS enabled handheld GPS gives two useful techologies in one unit.
- Two-way radio communication up to 2 miles on the FRS channels and up to 5 miles on GMRS channels.
- The only truly waterproof two-way radios on the market.
- "Beam" your location to any other Rino user. See how far apart you are and in which direction.
- Download "Points Of Interest" into the GPS. Search for nearby restaurants, parks, museums and more.
- Supports 500 waypoints with name, graphic icon and note.
Guide Review - Garmin Rino GPS-enabled Two-Way Radio
In the circus atmosphere of a NASCAR race I found the Garmin Rino two-way radios with GPS to be invaluable in keeping track of everyone, myself included.
I marked a waypoint for camp and set off without bothering to pay attention to where we were parked. When my wife found exactly the souvenir that I was looking for she called me on the radio and I was able to track directly to her with the GPS function. Cool!
One small downside is that it is heaver than most other radios. The Garmin Rino weighs in at around half a pound with batteries. However clipped to the included belt clip you really don't notice it.
If you're considering buying a set of two-way radios or a handheld GPS unit you should seriously consider the Garmin Rino first.
