Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As a radio enthusiast, I would have gladly bought my 6 y/o nephew a pair of "real" FRS radios for about the same cost, but I was concerned he might accidentally switch channels or have other trouble, and that wouldn't be much fun. This radio is a good mix of features for a kid: - small size, looks cool/real - flashlight (not super functional, but fun) - doesn't stay on, just on while you hold the button - can change channels, but not too many confusing options, and not complicated to change them - has privacy code - pre-set, not configurable - fun little "roger beep" when you stop transmitting - compatible with full featured FRS radios - for mom and dad. If you want to use them with a real FRS radio, the channels are numbered oddly: Little Pretenders 1 = FRS 1, privacy code 4 (77hz) Little Pretenders 2 = FRS 3, privacy code 4 (77hz) Little Pretenders 3 = FRS 6, privacy code 4 (77hz) It's nice that there's a privacy code set on these radios - so they won't pick up random chatter from other people on the same channel. BUT it's not truly private - other people can still hear you - so make sure to tell your kids: - not to talk to strangers - not to use their full name - not to use their address, phone number, etc Forget 2 miles - they should have a real world range of about 0.5 mile. Since a lot of FRS users will be on the default channel 1, using channel 3 on these radios may be a bit better.