Last month Midland launched the GXT67 Pro to rave reviews and there’s plenty of reasons to see why. The GXT67 Pro is Midland’s first 5-watt handheld, repeater compatible radio and we’ve been luckily enough to get our hands on one. This is our first look and impressions after a couple of days on the trail.
Disclosure: TAP was provide the Midland GXT67 Pro free of charge, but we do not earn commissions on product sold as a result of this article.
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS):
Firstly, let’s refresh ourselves on what GMRS is. The GMRS system is a licensed radio service on FM UHF frequencies. It uses a higher maximum output up to 50 watts, has a total of 30 numbered channels as below:
- 1-7 ERP of 5 watts
- 8-14 1/2 watt ERP
- 15-22 Max of 50 watts
- 23-30 (repeater channels) Max of 50 watts.
Note, it requires a no-test license which costs $35 and is valid for 10 years. TAP’s call sign is WRPY684 and all GMRS users should follow the following conditions:
(a) The GMRS station call sign must be transmitted: (1) Following a single transmission or a series of transmissions; and, (2) After 15 minutes and at least once every 15 minutes thereafter during a series of transmissions lasting more than 15 minutes.
GXT67 Pro Specs:
- Repeater capable
- 5 watts (highest rating allowed on hand held devices)
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof
- 4 hr rapid charge
- Up to 99 GMRS/FRS channels
- 22 standard GMRS/FRS channels
- 8 GRMS repeater channels and split tones
- 28 preset privacy code channels
- 16 hr battery life
- High, medium and low power settings
- NOAA weather alert radio
- 3 year warranty
- Carrying case
TAP’s first use thoughts:
In full disclosure, TAP has been using an in-cab hard wired Midland MXT 575 Micromobile 2 way radio and Midland Heavy Duty Antenna for the past 12 months, so we were excited to try out and fit the GXT67 Pro into our comms ecosystem. Having an installed unit has obvious power advantages (50 watts), but the disadvantage is that they are hard wired and so obviously not portable. Many times we find ourselves on trail spotting duty or working on long range photo shoots directing rigs, where a handheld is necessary. Enter the GXT67 Pro.
Often while on the trail, the handheld sits on the passenger seat, so I particularly like that it’s easy to keep charged (through a 12V cigarette lighter application) while in use. It’s a small thing, but something that matters and indicates the GXT67 Pro was actually designed by someone who uses the product in the field. The device is powered by a 4-hr rapid charge internal 7.4V, 2,4000 mAH battery. When not being charged in use, via the vehicles 12V DC battery, it can be charged by wall adaptor or USB-C. One featured I particularly appreciate, is the ability to chose the power mode. At distance, use the high power mode, but if simply close to other rigs spotting, then the low power mode will suffice and save battery life.
The first thing you notice taking the unit out of its case, is its heft and how well built it feels. You’re immediately aware that this is a solid piece of equipment meant for the trail. Rain, dust and mud are just part of overlanding, so an IP67 rating and a 3 year warranty was great to see. IP ratings stands for Ingress Protection, with 6 meaning it is dust tight and 7 meaning it’s waterproof. Well done Midland!
The display is large and easy to see in bright sunlight. There are also variable display colors to choose from. The menu is intuitive and navigating to the features within the menu (repeater channels, Privacy codes etc) was easy. Often we find that tech companies provide fantastic features that never get used due to the difficulty of operation. This is not the case with the GXT67 Pro.
The GXT67 Pro is loaded with features. The main features of Repeater compatibility (a GMRS repeater channel enhances the range of communication), Privacy codes (to filter out other trailer users not in your group), and Group mode function (two way communications between radios with the same Group Mode) are well thought out and easy to operate.
Final thoughts:
On the trail the GXT67 Pro lived up to expectations and worked as an excellent addition to our comms kit. Communication to other units was easy and clarity was great. As mentioned, being able to charge it while in use was appreciated, as often we get to the end of the day with low or spent batteries. Connecting to the local repeater channels and using the privacy mode was also easy and intuitive. First thoughts are that this an excellent addition to the Midland range. It can obviously be used as a stand alone unit (this is a one unit package) or alongside already hard wired in-cab systems. As stated, we’ve obviously had limited trail time with it, so will be updating this review in 6 months with additional feedback.
MSRP: $199.99 BUY HERE
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