Good, workable radio and headset that won't cost me a fortune

[Crunchmeister]

After Operation Drug Bust last weekend, I realized the importance of having a good radio in the field. The cheap radios we had really weren't suitable for out purpose.

Since communications are pretty vital, and I now want to invest in a decent radio and headset that will have necessary features, but without having to spend a fortune on a radio with 47 603 features that aren't really necessary. I'm looking for a decent quality radio and compatible headset that will keep me in touch with the rest of my team and not fall apart, stop working, etc.

Basically, I'm looking for opinions and personal experience with particular gear. Any suggestions?

[Roughneck]

Linton radio from ebay and a Calvavy headset from redwolf

[Crunchmeister]

Any particular Linton radio you recommend?

[pugs144]

Currently a Devgru swimmer headset with an Icom F21BR that's been reliable for the past 4 years.

[Roughneck]

I use the Linton LT-5288, theres a dealer on Ebay.. costs about 80 bucks.

[Crunchmeister]

I notice that the headsets have different types of connectors for different brands of radios. Which does that Linton radio use?

[Roughneck]

Kenwood two pin

[Crunchmeister]

Cool Thanks. I'll keep listening to suggestions, but at the moment, it seems those are at the top of my list

[techobo]

I have a Motorola Saber 1E. It has 24 programmable channels and has enough range to suit any airsoft field. Nice thing about the Saber is that it's pretty easy to pick up parts on ebay. And there are a lot of different options for handsets/headsets and PTTs. I paid $150 for the radio, programming, antenna, battery and charger.

[Crunchmeister]

I finally ordered a Linton 6288, as I couldn't find any 5288 models anywhere. I'm assuming that will fit the bill. Should have it in time for Border War.

[Beowulfe]

Crunchmeister, the 6288 is a great choice of radio.

Just a heads up, you will have to manually programme the 6288, unless you can get a hold of a programming (serial) cable and radio config file to send to it.

[Crunchmeister]

The one I bought comes with the cable and software. Gonna have to figure out how to program this sucker when I receive it.

[Beowulfe]

I can send you the config file we use out West here if you like. Communicating with Motorola talk-abouts radio will not be a problem.

[Roughneck]

Crunchy, I have a list of all the channels and freq's at home. Will forward it to you tonight.

[Crunchmeister]

That would be awesome, actually. It would be nice to have a 'base' programming that I could later tweak as required. At least it would make the radio useable right out of the box.