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Just to give you some background, I have been an Amateur radio enthusiast for about 3 decades now. I collect radios and I am a member of a Disaster volunteer radio group. I have 2 Base Stations and dozens of professional and consumer radios of all brands spanning 3 decades.
I really wanted to give you a very detailed comparison of these 2 radios. Prior to buying these radios I called up Motorola and Giant and got information from them about these MT352R handhelds. They told me that it is generally the same as the MR350 except that it is more forgiving to bad weather and has a much better battery. I ordered them and when they arrived I did a side by side comparison with my favorite consumer radio, the Motorola MR350. I have 4 of MR350s and I have had them for about 4 years now, and they are still working great. So when I did my field test I was expecting the same performance out of both radios in terms of distance and clarity.
Here is my side by side comparison between them:
1. Menu Features - They have very similar features. Not much to write about there. The menus are the same as well. You can read about their features from Amazon. I will not waste time on this.
2. Battery - The MT352 has a superior battery. Specs say it has 15 hours of battery life as compared to the MR350 which has 9 hours. But in the field, I have never been out longer than 9 hours, so I do not think this really matters as much.
3. Size - The MR350 is hands down the better radio for carry. The MT532R is long and wide, whereas the MR350 is svelte and sleek. The MR350 design is excellent if you intend to put the radio in your pocket. You will not even know it is there.
4. Weather resistant - The MT352R says that it is Weather resistant. It has an IP-54 rating. The "5" is the dust resistance and the "4" is the Water resistance. This just says it can withstand a dusty or rainy environment. Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment; complete protection against contact. Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect.
WARNING: It is only Weather Resistant. DO NOT IMMERSE IN WATER!!!
5. Distance - see test below
******Range Comparison: MR350 vs MT352R********
Scenario: I had my daughter stand in the front of my house and she had an MR350 and a MT352R. I walked away from the house and would radio in every .1 miles. I also had an MR350 and a MT352R. I would transmit first on the MR350 which she will only use her MR350 to receive and transmit. Then we would try to transmit with the MT352R. I live in an LA neighborhood so there are many houses and trees. I believe this would be a typical scenario for most. We were also transmitting on a GMRS Channel pressing the High Power PTT button. I do have a GMRS license.
Test: 0.1 Mile
1. MR350 - Crystal clear on send and receive on both ends.
2. MT352R - Crystal clear on send and receive on both ends.
Test: 0.2 Miles
1. MR350 - Crystal clear on send and receive on both ends.
2. MT352R - Crystal clear on send and receive on both ends.
Test: 0.3 Miles
1. MR350 - Crystal clear on send and receive on both ends.
2. MT352R - Crystal clear on send and receive on both ends.
Test: 0.4 Miles
1. MR350 - There was a little static. We could hear each other clearly.
2. MT352R - Crystal clear on send and receive on both ends.
Test: 0.5 Miles
1. MR350 - There was a little more static. We could hear each other. I had to ask her to repeat what she said. She heard me but asked me to repeat as well. Sporadic noise, but we could still communicate.
2. MT352R - Crystal clear on send and receive on both ends.
Test: 0.6 Miles
1. MR350 - Her transmission was getting a little choppy. It was choppy on both sides. We both had to repeat ourselves in order to understand.
2. MT352R - There was a little noise in the background but it was still very clear on send and receive on both ends.
Test: 0.7 Miles
1. MR350 - Our transmission was choppy. It was very choppy on both sides. We both had to repeat ourselves in order to understand. It was very difficult to understand what she was saying.
2. MT352R - There was a little noise in the background but it was still very clear on send and receive on both ends.
Test: 0.8 Miles
1. MR350 - We could barely understand each other. It was extremely choppy on both sides. I could hear her trying to transmit but could not understand anything she said. She said she heard me but it was very, very choppy.
2. MT352R - There was a little noise in the background but it was still very clear on send and receive on both ends. I actually used the MT352R to check if she was having problems hearing me with the MR350.
Test: 0.9 Miles
1. MR350 - The radio channel would open once in a while, but I could not hear anything anymore. It was the same for her.
2. MT352R - There was a little noise in the background but it was still very clear on send and receive on both ends.
Test: 1 Mile
1. MR350 - Cannot send or receive anymore.
2. MT352R - There was more noise in the background but we can still communicate.
Test: 1.2 Miles
1. MR350 - Cannot send or receive anymore.
2. MT352R - Her transmission was choppy. The transmission was very noisy. It was choppy on both sides. We both had to repeat ourselves several times in order to understand.
Summary:
As far as features are concerned, there is not much difference between them. And if you are like me that prefer to use Alkaline, then there is no benefit to the better battery of the MT352R.
The MT352R had about a 30%-40% range improvement over the MR350. But considering that the MT352R costs about 40% to 50% more than the MR350, the MR350 is still a better bargain.
If you are going to use this around the neighborhood, camping or having in the car, then get the MT352R.
If you are going to use this for pocket carry in the mall or department store, or where size is important, and you want to carry something sleek that has enough power, get the MR350.
If you intend to use a radio for a cruise ship, then I would prefer the MR350 because it is not bulky to carry around.
I will not replace my MR350. Depending on the need, I will use the appropriate radio.
Don't get me wrong, I do like the MT352R very much. It is a full sized, weather resistant, more powerful version of the MR350R. Consider the MR350R the more portable version of the MT352R. It is like comparing the IPAD Mini and the IPOD Touch. I value portability over power because what use is the power if I cannot bring it with me everywhere I go(like the mall). And that is why I like the MR350R over any other radio, professional or consumer.
That being said, I prefer the MT352R over my ICOM, Kenwood, or Motorola Professional radios. These MT352R are Emergency radios and they are very, very good for that purpose. The only advantage of a professional radio over these MT352R is that they are practically indestructible. But feature, function and usability, the MT352R is better.
I hope this review helped you. Hope to talk to you on the air.
*******UPDATE December 21, 2012******
The price dropped on these to almost the same price as the MR350R, in which case there is no price advantage to the MR350R anymore.
*******UPDATE May 13, 2013*******
I liked these so much that I have been giving them away as gifts to family and friends. The battery of these are better than the MR350R and the MS350R. About double the capacity. They do last longer but I still prefer to use Alkaline. I notice that with light everyday use, I have had the same Energizers on these for the past 2 months. So at least for my usage, I do not see the need for using rechargeable.
We were on a convoy and we had no problems with car to car communication on the freeways. My brother-in-law already excited the freeway and I was still 2 exits behind him and we had no problems talking. That was more than 2 miles based on the distance mentioned on the freeway exit signs. We only started having problems when he was driving in downtown LA and I was till on the freeway. But once I exited, we were back in contact. It was the tall buildings that was blocking our transmissions.
My wife refuses to use the MT352R because it does not fit her purse, unlike the svelte MR350R. So my MR350R is still in daily use by my family.
*********UPDATE March 24, 2015*********
It has been a couple of years since my last update so I decided to do another Test of the power of the Motorola MT352R.
TEST SCENARIO:
My daughter was in Hotel room on the 16th Floor. I went all the way to the ground floor Lobby to test if the MT352R can make it all the way to the lobby. Then I would get into the elevator and transmit my floor to her and she will reply. I would then get off every 4th floor until I get to the 16th floor.
TEST RESULTS:
1. The Motorola MT352R made it all the way to the lobby and it was very clear.
2. There was no dead spot on the elevators on any floor.
3. There was no dead spot anywhere until the 16th floor of the whole Hotel and Casino.
SUMMARY:
I was really surprised on how clear it was and that even if this hotel is made of concrete and steel and has granite floors, the radio was able to penetrate all of this 16 floors down. I am shocked and impressed.
After several years of using these radios, I still really love them and will keep using them for many years to come. Now to actually enjoy my Las Vegas Vacation. I hope this has been of help to you. I hope to talk to you on the air.
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From the manufacturer
Talkabout MT350R
The Motorola Talkabout MT350 series is equipped to secure functionality by guarding against extreme weather and harsh environments. With a range of up to 35 miles, it is perfect for your active outdoor excursions as well as life’s everyday adventures. Take a pair on your next hunting, camping or hiking trip and stay connected no matter what the season.
- 22 Channels, each with 121 Privacy Codes
- NOAA Weather Channels and Alerts
- Built-in Flashlight
- IP54 Weatherproof
- Dual Power
- PTT Power Boost
- iVOX/VOX Hands-free
22 Channels
Range up to 35 Miles
IP54 Weatherproof
Know The Weather In Advance
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| MT350R | MT352R | MT352TPR | |
| Range: Mountain to Valley/Open Water/Neighborhood | Up to 35 / 6 / 2 Miles | Up to 35 / 6 / 2 Miles | Up to 35 / 6 / 2 Miles |
| IP Rating | IP-54 Weatherproof | IP-54 Weatherproof | IP-54 Weatherproof |
| Channels | 22 Channels, each with 121 Privacy Code | 22 Channels, each with 121 Privacy Code | 22 Channels, each with 121 Privacy Code |
| 11 weather channels (7 NOAA) with alert feature | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| VibraCall Alert | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push-to-Talk (PTT) Power Boost | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery Life | 10 hr. alkaline ( 3 AA) or 10 hrs. NiMH (650 mAh) | 15 hr. alkaline ( 3 AA) or 10 hrs. NiMH (1300 mAh) | 15 hr. alkaline ( 3 AA) or 10 hrs. NiMH (1300 mAh) |
| Packaging Contents | 2 radios, 2 (AA) NiMH rechargeable battery packs, 2 belt clips, 1 Mini-USB Y charging adaptor, 1 emergency preparedness checklist, 1 Accessories brochure, 1 User Guide | 2 radios, 2 (AA) 1300 mAh high capacity NiMH rechargeable battery packs, 2 belt clips, 1 Y cable charging adaptor with dual mini-USB connectors, 1 emergency preparedness checklist, 1 Accessories brochure, 1 User Guide | 3 radios, 3 (AA) 1300 mAh high capacity NiMH rechargeable battery packs, 3 belt clips, 3 earbuds with PTT Microphone, 1 Y cable charging wall adaptor with dual mini-USB connectors, 1 car charger adaptor with a single mini-USB connector, 1 emergency preparedness checklist, 1 Accessories brochure, 1 User Guide |
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They seem to work great as long as you aren't being blocked by trees
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2018
They seem to work great as long as you aren't being blocked by trees, etc. like most of the walkie talkies. I didn't give it a '5' star because the clip is horrible!!!! Because of all the good reviews we kept them and put a key ring and our own clip on it using that open space provided and we can just attach them that way unto a belt, purse, etc. Like others say... UP TO 35 miles IF you are on the top of a mountain! I was going to apply for my GMRS license but decided not to for two factors; I did not want to use a call name for “every” brief conversation with my husband and it was $70 (10 yrs). This model only puts out 1.5 watts. According to the FCC we can use ALL stations without having to get a GMRS license. If the output on other two way radios is more than 2 watts you would need to be licensed.
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2018
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