When it comes to outdoor adventures, especially when you’re venturing off-grid, staying connected can be a challenge. Whether you’re out hiking, camping, or on a family road trip in areas with little to no cell service, you need reliable communication.
That’s where the Motorola T800 Talkabout two-way radio comes in. From its intuitive design to the ability to communicate off-grid using the Motorola Talkabout app, this product is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to stay connected beyond the reach of cell towers.
Trust me, if you’re planning an adventure, the T800 is a must-have addition to your gear.
My Experience With The Motorola T800
As someone who frequently goes off the grid, I found the Motorola T800 to be a game-changer.
My family and I often head out for long camping trips, and we’ve always relied on two-way radios to stay in touch when cell service is spotty.
The T800 quickly proved itself to be the best choice for staying connected during these trips.
Bluetooth Connectivity is one of the standout features.
It allows the radio to pair with your smartphone and use the Motorola Talkabout app to send messages, share locations, and even track your group. This isn’t just a radio—it’s a full-fledged communication hub.
You can go beyond the typical push-to-talk functionality and have access to a suite of features that you’d typically need a cell signal for. While on a camping trip, I was able to share my location with my family, which was invaluable when we got separated on a hike.
Another plus?
The range. While the advertised range is up to 35 miles for voice and 20 miles for data, in real-world use, the actual range will depend on the terrain. For me, the T800 worked well even in dense forests and mountainous areas, keeping us connected over distances that other radios just couldn’t handle.
Pros of the Motorola T800
- Versatile Communication Options The ability to use Bluetooth and pair the radio with your smartphone takes communication to a new level. Whether you’re broadcasting a message or sharing your GPS location, this radio does much more than just talk.
- Weather Channels and Alerts The T800 comes with 11 weather channels, including 7 NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) channels, to help you stay updated on real-time weather conditions. This is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts like me, where knowing when a storm is coming can be the difference between a great adventure and a potentially dangerous situation.
- Great Build Quality The radio feels solid in hand, and the IPX4 rating means it can withstand splashes of water—perfect for rainy weather or outdoor environments. The buttons are well-placed and easy to use even when wearing gloves, which came in handy during our winter trips.
- Rechargeable and Replaceable Battery Options The fact that the T800 can use both rechargeable NiMH batteries and AA batteries is a huge plus. I used the rechargeable batteries when I had easy access to power but kept some AA batteries as a backup, ensuring I was never left without communication.
- Easy-to-Use App The Motorola Talkabout app was easy to navigate, and I didn’t experience any issues after connecting it to the radio via Bluetooth. Sending messages and sharing my location was seamless, even when off-grid.
Cons of the Motorola T800
- Inconsistent App Performance (Initially) At first, I ran into some trouble with the app, especially after updates. However, Motorola’s customer service was responsive and pushed out an update within a couple of weeks that resolved all my issues. This was reassuring, but I can see how it could be frustrating if you’re relying on the app while out in the wilderness.
- Limited Accessories Compatibility One downside I encountered was that my older Motorola accessories, like a microphone extension, didn’t work with the T800. It would’ve been great to have that compatibility, especially when I’m snowmobiling and need hands-free operation.
- Flimsy Belt Clip The belt clip was a bit of a letdown. It’s not as sturdy as I would have liked, especially when you’re relying on it during more physically demanding activities. I found myself having to stuff the radio in a pocket when the clip didn’t feel secure enough.
Comparison With Other Brands
In the world of two-way radios, there are several notable competitors that offer a range of features. However, after using the Motorola T800, I’ve found some clear distinctions when comparing it with other popular models like the Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band, Cobra RX680, and Rapid Radio Walkie Talkie. Let’s break down how the T800 stacks up against these alternatives.
- Compared To Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band Two-Way Radio
The Baofeng UV-5R is often the go-to for users who need more advanced features, such as dual-band operation and programmable channels, making it popular with ham radio enthusiasts.
However, the Baofeng requires a license to operate on many of its frequencies, which can be a barrier for casual users.
The Motorola T800, by contrast, is much more user-friendly—no license needed—and provides features like Bluetooth connectivity and app integration that the Baofeng lacks.
If you’re not interested in the complexities of ham radios and prefer a device that’s plug-and-play for outdoor adventures, the T800 is a better option.
Plus, the Motorola Talkabout app expands your communication capabilities in ways the Baofeng doesn’t match.
- Compared To Cobra RX680 Walkie-Talkie
The Cobra RX680 is another great contender in the walkie-talkie space, offering a rugged build and up to 38 miles of range.
In real-world conditions, both the Cobra and Motorola T800 have comparable range performances, although actual distances will depend on terrain and obstacles.
The key difference here lies in the connectivity options.
While the Cobra RX680 is a straightforward push-to-talk device with reliable communication and weather alerts, it lacks the Bluetooth integration and smartphone app that makes the T800 stand out.
If you need advanced features like location sharing and off-grid messaging, the T800 is the clear winner.
However, if you just need a solid walkie-talkie for basic communication, the Cobra RX680 holds its own with its rugged design and simple user interface.
- Compared To Rapid Radio Walkie Talkie
The Rapid Radio Walkie Talkie is a budget-friendly option for those who need basic communication without breaking the bank.
It’s lightweight and easy to use, but it’s very limited in terms of features when compared to the Motorola T800.
The Rapid Radio’s range and clarity are decent for its price, but it doesn’t offer the app connectivity, off-grid messaging, or advanced weather alerts that the T800 provides.
If all you need is a simple, no-frills device for short-range communication, the Rapid Radio is fine.
However, for anyone needing more advanced features, such as GPS location sharing, longer battery life options (thanks to the dual rechargeable/AA battery system), and better range, the T800 offers significantly more value.
Maintenance Tips For Your Motorola T800
If you want your T800 to last for years like mine, there are a few maintenance tips I’d recommend:
- Keep It Dry (When Possible) Although the T800 is water-resistant with its IPX4 rating, it’s always good practice to keep it as dry as possible. If you’re caught in a heavy downpour, dry the radio off as soon as you can to prevent water damage.
- Charge It Regularly Always keep your batteries charged. Even though the T800 has rechargeable batteries, it’s a good idea to carry spare AA batteries with you when going off-grid. This gives you peace of mind that you won’t run out of power when you need it most.
- Regular Firmware and App Updates Make sure your app and firmware are always up to date. Motorola is good about releasing updates to improve functionality, so it’s important to stay current to avoid any potential bugs or issues.
- Clean the Ports If you’re using the radio in dusty or dirty environments, occasionally clean the charging ports to prevent dust buildup that could interfere with charging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Motorola Talkabout T800 has a voice range of up to 35 miles and a data range of 20 miles. However, keep in mind that the actual range may be less, depending on obstacles such as trees, buildings, and hills.
It typically takes about 8 hours to fully charge the T800 when using the included rechargeable NiMH batteries. However, you can also use AA batteries as a backup if you’re short on time or don’t have access to a charging source.
The Motorola T5000 offers a range of up to 5 miles, which is significantly less than the T800. This makes the T800 a superior option for anyone who needs extended range communication.
Motorola Talkabout radios typically offer a range between 5 to 35 miles, depending on the model and environmental conditions. The T800 sits at the higher end of that range, making it ideal for long-range communication in outdoor settings.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Buy The Motorola T800?
After using the Motorola T800 on several outdoor trips, I can confidently say it’s one of the best two-way radios on the market. It’s perfect for those who want more than just basic push-to-talk functionality, with its Bluetooth connectivity, app integration, and weather alerts.
Whether you’re going off-grid for a weekend or need a reliable way to communicate with your group during outdoor activities, the T800 is worth every penny. If you’re serious about staying connected and safe on your adventures, this is the tool to get.
So, if you’re planning your next big adventure, don’t hesitate—grab a Motorola T800 and ensure you’re never out of touch, no matter where your journey takes you.
