Hi all-

My company is looking to purchase some two-way radios (the "new" word for walkie-talkies, apparently) for usage during our shows to allow for communication between stage manager back stage, the light board operator in the booth, the music director in the pit, and the director wherever I might be at any given moment.

What does everyone else use?  I'm looking at this to be a bit of an investment (looks like around $100 if not more) for the four that we're going to need, and I'd like it to be something that's going to last and work.  Does anyone have tips on what to look for as I shop around?

I know I'll want headsets, if they don't come with them already.

I'm more likely to get sets that use replacable batteries - I used the rechargeable ones in a prior job and the rechargeable batteries died out pretty quickly and didn't last.  I'd rather they use AA or AAA's that I can just replace each season or show.


Any other suggestions of things I need to look out for or be aware of?

I tried to use those Radio Shack units on our last show--and btw, don't count on them being kept in stock at any given Radio Shack---and they were kind of a nuisance. Seemed to be some volume differences and I had a real hard time hearing. Maybe with a better head set/mic combo or maybe I'm just going deaf:)

We've used the Motorola Talk-Abouts family radios for our shows, and we picked up the headsets and/or earbuds.  They work OK for us to communicate with tech booth and backstage.