Audiovox Voxbox FR-214 Radio
By Jeff Porcaro

Audiovox has a long tradition of entering electronic markets with good quality products at relatively inexpensive prices. So when I learned (from a reader!) that Audiovox had entered the FRS radio market with the FR-214 radio, I immediately requested the radios from Audiovox for review.

The Audiovox FR-214 comes in a rugged case and includes a battery charger. This is a benefit when purchasing a radio because you don't have to worry about buying batteries when going on day trips. The FR-214 also gives you the option to use 3 "AA" batteries for longer trips or other times where you don't have access to the charger.

With 14 channels and 38 sub-channels (CTCSS) per channel, you're almost guaranteed to find a traffic free channel for semi-private communication. With the popularity of FRS radios, having the sub-channels is a necessity. On a recent family outing we had to change channels four times before finding a channel we had all to ourselves. As more and more outdoor enthusiasts outfit themselves with FRS radios, finding clear channels will become more challenging, especially for radios with fewer sub-channels.

The channel scan feature can help you find channels with traffic, for example, if you forget which channel your friends agreed to use, or in an emergency to find other radio users to communicate with. You can also use the channel scan to help you find clear channels by scanning for busy channels, then setting your radio to a channel without traffic.

Another feature we like is the channel lock. This keeps the buttons from being pressed inadvertently while this feature is activated, thus locking the radio on the current channel. We also like the low battery indicator and the signal strength meter. One feature we don't like is the placement of the push to talk button on the face of the radio. Our testers unanimously agree that the talk button is easiest to use when placed on the side of the radio.

The FR-214's features are simple to use and the instruction booklet provides enough instruction in an easy-to-follow format.

This radio could be difficult to use if wearing gloves because of the smaller talk button as well as its close proximity to the other buttons. The sound quality of the radio is good. The FR-214 performed as well as others we have tested. In most of our FRS radio tests the range is a mile to mile and a half for pretty flat unobstructed terrain. This holds true for the Audiovox radios, too.

Summary: The Audiovox is a good quality radio comparable to other high quality FRS models GearReview.com has tested. It has all of the necessary features like sub-channels, key lock, rechargeable batteries, channel scan, and low battery indicator. The sound quality is equal to other radios we've tested. The 214 is the least expensive radio that includes a battery charger. If a charger is a key feature for your intended use of an FRS radio, then this is a particularly good choice.

The suggested retail price of the Audiovox FR-214 is $150.00.

Jeff Porcaro is co-founder and contributing editor with GearReview.com. Jeff specializes in outdoor electronics, navigation, and mountaineering.

For more information, contact:
Audiovox
150 Marcus BLVD.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
800-645-4994