Midland GXT1050VP4 Review & Specs

If you value high-end products that live up to expectations, Midland GXT1050VP4 might be right for you if you’re looking for a two-way radio that’s not only packed with a decent communication range but also loaded with unique features.

Throughout time, manufacturers worldwide have been endlessly producing models after models of walkie-talkies, which is, no doubt, giving us a hard time with which to purchase. Each with its own hallmark and different price range, you surely wish it’s easy.

Here is my review of Midland GXT1050VP4 and why you should consider buying it.

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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 1.8 inches
Weight: 0.3 lb
Waterproof: yes (JIS4)
License needed: yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)

Scope of Delivery

You can find in the package are the following: Midland radios (x2), rechargeable battery packs (x2), belt clips (x2), boom mic headsets (x2), 120V dual desktop charger, DC adapter, AC adapter, and a user manual.

Setup

Setting up the device is very easy. After inserting the batteries, turn the knob clockwise to power it and/or increase the volume. Turn counter-clockwise to turn the power off and/or decrease the volume. You can delve more into the user manual if you wish to try other actions.

Waterproof

Midland GXT1050VP4 got to level 4 on Japan Industrial Standards (JIS), which simply means splashing water from any direction shall have no negative impact on the device. However, directly jetting or submerging it into water will nonetheless affect its functionality. If you don’t use it around or near wet environments, you may be fine. Overall, it is only splash resistant, it does not mean it’s jet resistant, nor it’s watertight. So be careful not to drop it in a pool or a puddle.

Power Source

Most midland models, especially the GXT1000/1050 series, utilize either 4 AA Alkaline batteries or NiMH rechargeable batteries. The initial charge time is about 24 hours, with a charge time of 12 hours thereafter. For optimal battery life, charge the battery right away when it prompts on the screen, especially when the status bar says ‘Lo bt’ (tangible at the topmost corner), and remove as usual if charge time is up. The battery that comes along with it may only give you 4 hours of usage or so.

To recharge using a desktop charger, be sure to place the batteries in the radios, connect the AC adapter plug (or DC adapter when charging in a vehicle) into the desktop jack, and finally place the devices into the slot provided. A LED indicator (in the color red) will light up when it’s charging. To ensure a fully-charged battery, it should be connected to power for about 12 hours without turning it on.

Range

This model offers you a 36-mile communication range; however, this can change owing to any physical obstructions present in your location. The more open an area is with little to no obstructions, the longer range you will get.

Frequencies

The Midland GXT1000/1050 series primarily operates on General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies, which means you need to acquire an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) license as it is designed to comply with certain national and international standards provided by certain authorities including therein is the United States Federal Communications Commission, etc. Moreover, GXT1050 offers 50 channels and 258 privacy codes, which allow for 6270 combinations to aid in blocking other conversations.

Features

This model has an array of features you need not to miss out on. There are 22 primary channels added with extra 28, and alongside the radios’ amazing specs and built, it will let you have an incredible experience.

The radio has a NOAA weather scan and alert functionality that automatically locks on your local weather channel, which in turn gives you a real-time forecast of that severe weather coming or fine, clear day.

If you’re caught in the middle of an emergency, you can send out distress signals using the SOS siren.

If you want to speak quietly, you can use the device with a lowered voice and still be heard by others on the other end loud and clear. You may also want to use the “direct call” feature wherein a group. You can directly talk to one person without alerting the others.

You can choose 10 different ring tones to alert you of the incoming calls, including five animal call alerts (crow, cougar, duck, turkey, and wolf).

The eVOX functionality allows you for a hand-free operation of the device with effortless voice activation.

The auto-squelch feature is also available for automatic background noise cancellation when there’s no signal present.

You will also have the ability to monitor two different channels at the same time.

Midland GXT1050 uses a backlit display (LCD) for easy reading at any time of the day.

Additionally, this incorporates a battery life extender for longer usage if you’re embarking on a faraway journey.

Price

It is available in 3, 2, and 1 pack. The regular 2 pack Mossy Oak® Break-Up Country Camouflage costs $99.99 in the official Midland online store, while it’s $74.99 on Amazon (it is currently available as of October 8, 2023).

It might be a little expensive, but for its useful number of features, your money is definitely worth it.

Pros

Waterproof/Splash resistant (JIS-4)
High quality
Plenty of channels available
Plenty of unique features
Considerable communication range

Cons

Physical obstructions may disrupt communication range
Not submersible
Charging takes too long

Conclusion – Midland GXT1050VP4 Review

If there’s one thing I’d like to say about Midland GXT1050VP4, it’s absolutely worth it. A two-way radio is packed with a list of useful and convenient; it’s something that you might need to make communication fast and undemanding. Other brands lacked certain features that I found helpful in this model.

The sound is clear and crisp, which makes up for greater experience all in all. You will not need to speak loudly, thanks to its ‘whisper’ attribute. Also, with 50 channels available, that’s a big deal, where you can learn about real-time updates around you with ease. Although the range might change according to location and other physical factors, a maximum of 36 miles is undoubtedly substantial.

When it comes to price, it can be a little expensive, but the features and built you’ll get is justified enough.

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