Hi there,
We have been using radios for about 10 years. The ones that have always lasted the best are the name brand ones in the $250 range. The only problem is that one drop in a puddle, or one dishonest person and they your $250 investment is history. We purchase the good ones for core staff and Radio Shacks little walk abouts (two for $90) for the counselors. We find they make it about three years at the most. Just a both kinds say the work for miles and at the most we can get just to the front of our property about 1800 feet! Pine trees, buildings, and hills are their worst enemies! And don't believe the ones that say waterproof, we called the company and they defined waterproof as splash able from three sides! We always purchase extra batteries for every one and put the chargers in the counselors rooms because most need to be charged every night, especially as they get older. We get the service agreements with them just because they cover a new battery every year! They don't tell you that... you just have to go in at the end of your year and tell them they all are weak and they can trade them in for you. The batteries only last a year or two at the most.
PS Many have a little sound that goes after each person talks, we call it the "dwidle diep" sound! It can drive you crazy and there is a way to turn it off if you check your manual or go online to their site.
Hope this helps!
Jill Laidlaw, YWCA Camp Cavell
