Hey guys, here's my review of that potentially useful BOB item. Since it took longer than expected, you guys get a twofer. Both from Midland. On the right, their E+Ready Emergency Compact crank radio (ER210.) Next to that is one of their GXT1000 two-way radios. The radios come two to a pack, with all the accessories you'll need. They're not cheap, but you get some impressive technology inside of them.
Despite the bright red color of the E+Ready, I had hope that it would be a good emergency radio. But the overall lack of quality crushed that hope. The antenna is flimsy when you need to rotate it. It's so loose that it almost spins. The cover for the 18650 battery compartment is ridiculously thin, flimsy, and feels as though it would break very easily. The 18650 itself is a generic one sporting a Midland label around it. Due to the wires coming out of one end to plug into the radio itself, you can forget about swapping out the generic one with an AW or any of the better 18650s out there. The radio has no preset channels function. Which to me is important if you need to skip around to find a clear broadcast of any emergency info. being broadcast. I mean, what's the point of having an LCD display if you don't have a presets function.
Normally, an LCD display is not ideal because you can't actually turn off the radio. You can only put it into a (for lack of a better term) Sleep Mode. The batteries keep getting drained. Only at a slower rate. But if you're willing to use a radio with such a display, normally you get the benefit of a preset function. Not on this model. So you get the worst of both worlds. Three methods to charge up the radio. And if you're bugging out alone, forget the hand crank feature. With at least one other person, you can do other chores, while your partner cranks away. It takes a loooooooong time to get even a partial charge with the crank. Solar panel? When you're nearly constantly on the move, it might as well not even be there. So that means using a computer or tablet to recharge the battery. That's your best bet. And quite frankly, not a good one. If your laptop or tablet has a good charge, you don't need the radio feature. Obviously I'm expecting you guys to have tons of lights on you. so, no need for the flashlight feature. Accessing NOAA? okay, maybe.
I consider the biggest issue, other than the lack of quality, is the fact that you cannot simply toss in alkies when the rechargeable battery goes dead. And once again, recharging it is going to be an issue while bugging out. The technology itself inside the radio works flawlessly though. So does the flashlight. Problem is, it's housed in a cheap casing. Some parts of which, namely the battery door, antenna, and hand crank itself, are flimsy and feel like they might break off at any time. The radio itself though is not cheap. Yes, you can use the radio and the included cable to charge up your phone and other electronic devices. Just don't expect a full charge before the radio dies. Also, you should have a pre-charged device on you, in your BOB, for use on your mobile phone when it starts to die. It should be part of your "Communications" sub-category.
A 3-in-1 device sounds good. But the execution here is a bit poor. It's also bulky, though not heavy. One thing I learned early on putting together a BOB is that you want to give priority to thin items. If something is bulky, it better be a very important item before you toss it in your BOB. Overall, I'd say the E+Ready is best as a back-up radio already located at your BOL. Put it on your window sill and let the sun keep it charged up every morning. You'd honestly be better off with a small pre-charged device, a small hand-held radio, and be sure to toss one of your better headlamps into your BOB.
Speaking of bulky, I'm sure you guys noticed the bulk on the GXT1000 radio. Yes, it would be a bit less bulky without the clip in place. But this is one of those things I consider to be something I'm grabbing out of my bag first chance I get after I beat feet. Putting it on my belt. Mainly this, and my main BOB fixed-blade knife. Along with my large canister of bear pepper-spray in its belt pouch. (More for urban crowd control than bear attack.)
So the bulkiness isn't an issue here. The radio is a bit complicated. I'd say make a copy of the instruction booklet and keep it in your BOB. And that's even with having already read and practiced with the radio. Functionally, it's perfect. No issues. Just be aware that its range printed on the packaging is the same issue as the range every radio-maker prints on the packaging. Only realistic under the most ideal outdoor setting. In an urban setting with plenty of tall building getting in the way of radio signals, expect 1.5 or 2 miles of range, realistically speaking. Also, the excellent water-proofness of the radios is only good if you use the included rechargeable battery packs. That becomes clear when you realize there is no type of O-ring or rubberized seal of any kind on the battery cover.
Charge times are not impressive. 24 hours initially. Followed by 12 hours after full depletion after that. Though oddly, mine came both fully charged from the combination box/blister pack. Taking a close look, mine were both brand new. Definitely not refurbished. Unlike the E+Ready, you can toss in a handful of AA primary batteries into one of the radios to instantly get it working. Though you completely lose the water-proof function if you do that. Still, being able to use primaries is a big advantage that not every model of two-ways have. Not even some of the other better ones out there.
Unfortunately, you get the same issue of a housing for the excellent electronics being built to a clearly visible price-point. Though the plastic itself doesn't feel cheap. The latch for the battery cover/lower back portion of the radio's body definitely feels very cheap and flimsy. Oh so flimsy. Just odd that such an important part of the radio is built that way. If you can get a set for around $65.oo, it's a good buy. I paid a little more. Overall, I'm happy with it. The radios work well. The antenna is thick and definitely NOT flimsy.
Even if you're bugging out alone, it's a good idea to keep one with you in your BOB. You might need rescuing after you bug out. You might not get to your BOL, but manage to at least get far enough to be safe. Monitor the radio for transmissions. (Obviously don't respond to just any transmission you pick up.) And, if you hear transmissions from First Responders who are in the area; talk to them. Let them know you need help. Even one two-way radio can be very useful. If bugging out with a spouse, make sure they have a BOB; and each of you put one radio in your BOBs.
The two things I think are important in good two-way radios (other than quality) are water-proofness. Look for a rating of at least JIS4 somewhere on the packing of any two-way set you look at. And, the ability to use common primaries. Yes, the second one cancels out the first. But if it's not raining, and you need to communicate; you'll still have that option if the rechargeable battery pack is dead. There are variations of the GXT1000. If the flimsy latch breaks, screw it! Duct tape the battery cover in place. Once again, no issues with the technology inside the radios. But yeah, I'm personally done with buying Midland products.
Forget the E+Ready for your BOB. Before buying the Mildland GXT1000 take a serious look at the offerings from Uniden, and Motorola. (The better models in each of their line-ups.) I'm going to give the GXT1000 a conditional recommendation.
It's nice that the GXT1000 can pick up NOAA broadcasts. One thing though, if you go for the GXT1000, careful taking it and the accessories out of the
entire packaging. I found the car charger stuffed inside the upper portion of the box/blister pack. Would have been very easy to toss it out without realizing it was in the packaging at all.
