How to: Choosing The Best 2-way handset for Your Communications Systems
Whether you want to keep in touch with your ski-ing pals on the piste, or keep tabs on hikers who are walking at different speeds, wireless walkie talkies are light and robust and so ideal for that sort of task. But it's important that you select the devices that are right for you and what you need. Here are some tips to help you with your choices and options:
Choosing the Right Equipment is Critical!
Essentially, there are a few basic communications configurations that are critical from which to make your selection about transmission types, they are widely used in a number of different settings, and need careful consideration when thinking how to choose what's best for your application, for example:
1.) UHF (Ultra High Frequency) – has a shorter wavelength so the signal can more easily find its way across rough terrain or inside a building. It's good for using inside buildings and more channels to talk with are available. In more densely populated areas, there may be less likelihood of interference from other systems.
2.) VHF (Very High Frequency) – this has a longer wavelength meaning a VHF handset can transmit across greater distances where conditions are good. Unless the area is especially rugged or wooded, VHF is great for use outdoors too.
But currently (2026) there is much more to consider that will affect your choice of system! There is a whole new technology based on digital signals. The main advantages of those type of devices is that the communications is crystal clear. But unfortunately, compared to the older 'analogue' systems the digital solutions are incompatible unless you opt for a 'hybrid' type of walkie talkie that can communicate to either type of product - analogue and digital. Today, hybrid wireless handsets are now very common because business needs a way to 'migrate' from analogue to digital platforms.
One of the newest technology examples is called Push-to-Talk over Cellular or PoC LTE technology has also stepped in. With the arrival of PoC handsets the main advantage of this technology is range and clarity.
Coverage and Range
You will often see claims by many makers of various radio-handsets ranges achievable, generally expressed in miles or Kilometers, displayed on packaging and clearly advertised by manufacturers. These specified ranges tend to be based on transmissions in the best possible conditions, with an uninterrupted line of sight between you and the other wireless walkie talkies you are communicating with, and at a good height in good weather. The reality could be very different, so expect less than what those optimal conditions could produce, and for the overall range to frequently be less than the maximum claimed. So the right choice is critical depending on the use.
While many makers will claim up to 8Km range, in the great majority of situations, you can realistically expect a range of a good couple of 2 to 3 Kilometers, less if you are inside a vehicle. Performance can be affected greatly by:
- Poor weather, such as heavy cloud
- Canyons, hills and other topographical factors
- Obstructions, such as thick woodland or even individual trees
However, even if these obstacles are near, you will still be
able to benefit from a strong short-range signal.
And, of
course, if you choose a model with greater output power, perhaps with one
or two watts, you will achieve a longer range. But do remember that if you're
staying within a relatively compact area, a unit with lower power
should be perfectly adequate for your needs.
What if you need further range than the 8Km maximum that is often quoted by makers? There is equipment called a repeater that can extend the range, but that also carries with it initial higher costs and other limitations such as where to locate it.
There is fortunately, those PoC or Push-to-Talk over Cellular LTE equipment that we mentioned earlier in this article. PoC systems use a 'sim' card and are similar (but not the same) as a mobile or cell phones. The units communicate via servers usually operated by manufacturers of the handset, but the range is virtually unlimited. It's common for users to operate the length and breadth of the United Kingdom for example. These types of radio-handset are excellent choices if you have lone workers, truck drivers or any other situation where ultra long range is concerned. They can be particularly useful even at shorter range and achieve often much better results than older RF technology.
Lone Worker Man Down Use
While there are brand after brand of wireless 2-way handsets on the market that all claim to be perfect for lone worker use and/or man down, in reality some equipment offers less ability than other alternatives. How to choose the right solution remains critical. The lone worker man down ability is catered for, the optional GPS can greatly enhance the lone worker man down effectiveness in any emergency. So choosing a handset that has GPS tracking and a number of other things like geofencing might be exactly what you need, but only a customer can really determine that because customers KNOW the exact usage of the equipment that will be best suited for features/use match.
There are so many companies writing about this general subject on the internet today and how accurate they are can be questionable, and so can AI output currently, but factually, it is ALWAYS best speaking to real experts within a company that you can trust to be unbiased and who offer a good warranty all a fair price. The subject of communications can be a very technical subject, involving radio networks and other technologies and if safety is involved my recommendations are that you speak to professionals that have a proven track record. LRS UK have been in business for 37 years and counting!
This article was written and updated in 2026 by A B McKenzie, Managing Director of Long Range Systems UK and independent reviewer of vertical technology products from a number of sectors.
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