The Midland GXT1050 sturdy FRS/GMRS hybrid is the perfect two way radio for the hunter or outdoors man, and is basically a Midland GXT1000VP4 with added extras specifically geared toward those needing a two way radio for hunting.
What makes the Midland GXT1050 VP4 a Good Two Way Radio for Hunting?
The GXT1050VP4 is a compact and well constructed 2 way radio which is a very light 5 ounces in weight making it the ideal size and weight for stomping around in the undergrowth or traversing a mountain side when tracking game.
The GXT1050VP4 also sports the extremely effective Mossy Oak camouflage pattern, which again is another big prerequisite for those looking for the best long range two way radio for hunters!
The radio also features an additional 5 call alerts on top of the 10 that the GXT1000VP4 has as standard, these 5 additional call alerts have been added with the hunter in mind as they are all animal calls; duck, turkey, crow, cougar, and wolf.
Whisper mode is the perfect transmission setting when hunting especially when utilized with a headset. The audio quality on the receiving end of a call sent by a set turned to whisper mode is incredibly accurate and clear and is also amplified, perfect when stalking. There is also a silent mode and vibrate setting which will come in handy too!
The Midland GXT1050VP4, contrary to what the manufacturers have stated on their marketing material, is NOT waterproof, so please don’t go immersing it in water to test it out, I can guarantee that it will not work afterwards! The radio does however have an industry tested grade of JIS4 which means it is weatherproof against light rain and will put up with water splashes, even though it is always advisable to keep use to a minimum if you can during inclement conditions.
Most experienced hunters know that two way radios work best when set to the highest power settings and used in line of site. This means that having a license to use the GMRS frequencies available above 2 watts would seem like a sensible move, although it should be noted that when hunting in woodland or in mountain valleys advertised range will be seriously reduced, even when the radio is set to its highest setting.
If you are a novice to two way radio usage, you just need to remember that the more powerful your two way radio the greater the range will be. However, the range of consumer 2 way radios is impacted on dramatically when obstacles are between the transmitting set and the receiving set. Two way radios are primarily a line of site communication method meaning, if there is any obstacle between transmitter and receiver their range will come down massively.
The maximum range of the GXT1050VP4 is 36 miles which can be achieved if the radio is set to its maximum power and used from the top of a mountain to an unobstructed recipient below! To be honest, in dense woodland you should expect the range of any two way radio to go down to a mile or less, irrespective of power output!
You can read more about FRS and GMRS frequencies here and you can apply for a GMRS license here.
Note: Midland have confirmed on their site that an FCC license is required for the GXT1050VP4 even if you only intend to use the radio on the permissible GMRS frequencies on the medium and low power settings, this is because the radio has the power setting available, if selected, to use the frequencies that require a license!
Other Features
- 50 Channels FRS/GMRS
- 142 Privacy Codes
- VOX – 9 levels of hands free operation with built in mic
- NOAA Alert and Scanner
- Low, Medium and High power settings
- Monitor function
- 10 Call Alerts
- SOS Siren
- Battery life extender
- Keypad lock
- 3 Year Warranty
- Roger Beep
- Back-lit LCD display
- Battery life
- Keystroke tones
The Midland GXT1050VP4 has the same issue that so many other consumer two way radios have. It is designed to be used as a GMRS radio up to 5 watt power output and that is the problem.
Although the extra power of the high setting effectively increases range it also draws the greatest amount of power from the battery massively shortening battery life.
When set to low power and used moderately there is no reason why the radio couldn’t last for at least 8 hours. Unfortunately there are no hard and fast test results to refer to regarding battery life so our advice, especially if you are going out for a few days is to pack a few fully charged replacement battery packs, or you could even use 4 AA batteries if you want.
What You Get With the Midland GXT1050
When you purchase the Midland GXT1050VP4 pack you will receive the following:
- Pair of Mossy Oak Camouflaged Two Way Radio Handsets
- Belt Clips
- 2 Rechargeable battery packs (buy some more, you’ll need them!)
- Pair of headsets
- AC Adapter
- DC Adapter
- Desktop charger
- And an Owners Manual
As we’ve already mentioned we would definitely advise people to buy extra battery packs for this radio.
You will also be grateful for the manual because, although small, the GXT1050VP4 is a pretty technical radio. The number of functions it offers requires a menu type system which is like a labyrinth when you’re not used to it.
Note: Do not go on any trip without first acquainting yourself with your radio, especially when it is has the level of functionality that the Midland GXT1050VP4 has.
Dimensions
- Height: 7.91 inches
- Width: 2.44 inches
- Thickness: 1.52 inches
Our View
If you are looking for a sturdy cammed up two way radio for you and your buddies to use on your next hunting trip then you wouldn’t go far wrong choosing the Midland GXT1050VP4. Plus you have the peace of mind that the Midland 3 year warranty gives and it is a no brainer!
But don’t forget to spend time learning how to use it properly before taking it on a trip and make sure you buy spare battery packs!
Midland GXT1050 VP4 Review Pin
