Midland GXT1000VP4 Review & Specs

Do you value excellent range and outstanding audio quality in a walkie-talkie? Are you looking for one that is not only packed with additional features but also ensures that these additional features are fully functional and reliable?

I think that the Midland X-Tra Talk GXT1000VP4 might be just what you are looking for. Below is my review of this model.

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Specs

Brand: Midland
Range: 36 miles
Power output: 5 watts
Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 4 AA Alkaline batteries
Size: 7.9 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 0.3 lb
Waterproof: yes (JIS4)
License needed: yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)

Scope of Delivery

The Midland X-Tra Talk GXT1000VP4 comes with two, four, six, eight, or ten radio handsets per package, depending on the seller. The package includes belt clips for each handset; headsets with microphone functions; a charging dock with an AC adapter and a DC adapter; rechargeable batteries for each handset; a user manual; and a three-year warranty card.

Setup

Installing the batteries in the Midland GXT1000VP4 handsets is easy as well as charging it. The challenge is in the initial setup and in navigating through the additional features of the model. It does not help that the “quick reference chart” in the user manual that you need to use as your guide looks a bit confusing and complicated.

Waterproof

The Midland GXT1000VP4 is splashproof, with a JIS-4 rating according to the Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) scale. This means this handset will still work even if they are splashed by water from any direction. However, jetting water at it or submerging it in water might have negative effects.

Power Source

The Midland GXT1000VP4 has two power options. This means that you can use either rechargeable batteries or alkaline batteries to power it. The package includes NiMH rechargeable batteries, and operating the handsets on these batteries will make it last up to 9 hours.

The package also includes a charging dock that you can use to recharge the NiMH batteries. Another battery option is to use AA alkaline batteries to make handset use last up to 23 hours but are not included in the package.

Range

According to the manufacturer, the maximum range for the Midland GXT1000VP4 can reach up to 36 miles. This is if the handsets are used in ideal conditions. Ideal conditions include several factors, such as the handsets being used within a clear line of sight or with the least amount of obstructions, and in the best weather conditions.

As reasonably expected, the Midland GXT1000VP4 also fell short of the range declared by the manufacturer, especially when tested with huge buildings in between communicating radios. However, compared to other similar radios in the market, it still covered a considerable distance.

Frequencies

The Midland GXT1000VP4 can be used within the 462 to 467 MHz frequency range covering both Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) channels. It can transmit over 50 channels: 22 of these are primary channels, and the other 28 are privacy code channels. It also boasts over 142 privacy codes for enhanced privacy in transmissions.

Operation of these walkie-talkies is license-free if you transmit only over FRS-exclusive channels in the US. Take note that FRS-exclusive channels are from channel 8 to 14. If you would like to transmit over other channels that are shared with the GMRS system, you have to get a license that is required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). To know more about the process and rules that cover licensing, read more here.

Features

One of the main pulls of the Midland GXT1000VP4 is that it is excellent for group communication. It has a group call feature that lets you create a group out of all the connected walkie-talkie units. Once you are done setting this up, you can communicate directly with the units under that group.

Aside from the outstanding range of the Midland GXT1000VP4, the quality of its audio is excellently clear compared to many radios in the market. It has a “whisper function” that lets you speak quietly into the handset and a vibrate mode that silently alerts you for incoming calls rather than using a call tone. It also has an eVOX (Easy Voice) hands-free feature that allows you to transmit your messages through voice activation rather than pressing buttons using your hands.

It also has emergency features like the SOS siren. Using this feature will transmit a distress signal that will not only alert others that you need help but will also send them your location. You can also access to 10 NOAA weather channels so you can keep track of weather-related updates and alerts. Unlike with some radios that also boast of having this feature, the weather scanning feature of this model works flawlessly. This further makes it a good choice for a radio that you can add to your emergency preparedness kit.

Other essential features include channel scanning and communication monitoring features, keypad lock, and auto-squelch. The keypad lock is to ensure that you do not accidentally press anything that might change your settings. The auto-squelch decreases the presence of background noise emitted by the handset when no one is transmitting. The backlit LCD makes it convenient for you to use, even in dark or dimly-lit areas. However, some of the details displayed on the backlit LCD of the handsets are in the form of abbreviations that are quite hard to figure out at first look.

It is also effortless to change the batteries on the handsets. You will not need extra tools like screwdrivers to pry open the battery panel. The charging stand for the units is also easy to use and securely holds the unit in place, preventing it from accidentally falling over. You will also have to check the battery level monitor if the batteries are already full. This is because the LED indicator does not change color to tell you this. Because it is loaded with features, the battery life of the Midland GXT1000VP4 is average at best.

The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a bit clunky, so it gets uncomfortable in the hands when you have held these units for extended periods. This will not be a big problem since its belt clips work well enough, plus you can use the eVOX hands-free feature so you will not have to hold them too often.

Price

The Midland GXT1000VP4 is quite pricey compared to other two-way radios in the market. However, this model is packed with additional features that are not only useful but also highly reliable. Even its basic functions like range and audio are of excellent quality. If you value range and audio quality and you can find a use for all of its additional features, this walkie-talkie may be worth purchasing.

Pros

excellent range
crisp audio quality
has an SOS siren feature that sends out a location
has access to NOAA weather channels and reports
has silent features like the whisper function and vibrate mode
has eVOX hands-free
reasonably durable

Cons

not user-friendly
average battery life
not waterproof
expensive compared to other similar or more simple radios

Conclusion – Midland GXT1000VP4 Review

If you are looking for a walkie-talkie with group call features, the Midland X-Tra Talk GXT1000VP4 is an excellent choice to answer this need. It has a group call function that works well once you have successfully set it up. Its range is superb, and its audio quality is outstanding compared to other similar two-way radios.

Unlike many radios in the market that boasts similar additional features, the extra features of Midland GXT1000VP4 work perfectly. These features include its NOAA weather updates and alerts, its eVOX hands-free function, and its silent features like the whisper function and vibrate mode. A plus is one of its emergency features. The SOS siren is that not only does it send out a distress signal to alert others that you in trouble, it also sends out your location so you can be easily found.

One of the significant disadvantages of this radio is that it is not very user-friendly. Configuring it the first time around and even changing settings well into using it is not intuitive. This means you will have to give a lot of time studying the user manual to figure out how to finish configuring it. Another slight disadvantage is that it is not waterproof, only splashproof, and weatherproof. Its battery life is not very long. Finally, it is quite expensive.

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FAQ

Where can I get a copy of the manual for the Midland GXT1000VP4?

You can find a copy of the user’s manual for the Motorola Talkabout T605 online in this link: https://midlandusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/GXT1000-Owners-Manual1.pdf.

Is it allowed to use the Midland GXT1000VP4 in the UK?

It is illegal to use the Midland GXT1000VP4 in the UK and Europe since it transmits within the 462 – 467 MHz frequency range. The legal frequency for transmission in the UK and Europe is at 446 MHz.