Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Backstory: I decided to purchase this set of radios specifically for communication between the bridal for a wedding in the US while in a household, chase vehicle to limo on the highway, and indoor reception venue to the bridal house (separate structure approx. 500 ft away). There was about 3 days of research and searching before deciding on this set of radios. I initially was considering an extremely cheaper and sophisticated radio similar to the $500+ radios I use for work made by our best friends overseas or "BaoFeng 888s". However the clones made by our friends are NOT LEGAL for what I wanted. Plain and simple "out of the box" they are NOT currently approved by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) for GMRS, CB or FRS but reprogramming them "could" be used for GMRS, FRS, CB or HAM but still in a gray area of FCC approval. Far too messy and complicated process for an event that is already messy and complicated enough. In this case simple is best. Review: Right "out of the box" this radio is ready and legal to use (after 12 hours to full charge) without a license on FRS only channels 8-14 and has 121 privacy codes (38 CTCSS, 83 DCS). All channels other than 8-14 of the 36 total require a GMRS license. - Solid build: Extremely lightweight. Decent belt clip. Nonadjustable orangeish back-lit screen (Push To Talk, PTT does not activate back light). Good ergonomics, rubberized PTT and headset cover. PTT button does not extrude from housing much thus low risk of bumping PTT button. -Usage life: comes with rechargeable battery and base. Also accepts 3 AAA. I had the radio on from 1400-2200 and on PTT FRS (low power only), medium radio traffic and they didn't die. I can't give an accurate rechargeable battery life usage, but backup AAAs are there, so not worried. - Mic and Speaker: at optimal conditions this little radio can be crystal clear. Squelch works, no issues. VOX (just talk, no push button) feature is nice and adjustable. Didn't need for event, but handy when desired. -Headset option: I did purchase the Midland APVH-3 headset, worked without issue. Decent cord length, solid PPT and VOX speaker box. Can charge from MIC port. CAUTION: speaker/mic pin set differ from other main brands, insure compatibility when purchasing. -Range: Meets maximum standards, FRS .5 miles - 2 miles, conditions dependent. After enough research to get a doctorate on walkie talkies, these radios just work. FRS is limited to .5 watt (1/2 watt or 500 milliwatt) by the FCC, potentially the MAX range is approx 2 miles conditions dependent. More stuff in between the radios = less range. GMRS has further ranges operating at 5 watt but requires a license (good for 5 years and immediate family members). Overall: Nothing about the radios are dissatisfying or disappointing, unfortunately they are 3x the price of the clones, but worry free. Working with .5 watt is limiting but they just simply work and do what I needed. I may upgrade to using GMRS one day and is nice to have that option. I wanted something LEGAL and just works. The main brand headset also unfortunately are pricier than generic brands and other radio brands. I like them, they work.