Traveling the Logging Roads of Washington State in my rig, It can be easy to lose your way. That’s why I’ve now made the GMRS walkie-talkie a standard part of the kit, and most recently, I’ve been using the Cobra Trailblazer 450 to keep in touch with trail partners on my off-road overnights.
Just last week, I was up on the Skagit River watching the water flow, and keying the 450, I was able to relay information to the end of our convoy so a solution could begin to be found. Bubblepack FRS radios will struggle to span dense second-growth and switchbacks, but at a full 2.5 W, the Trailblazer pushed my signal through the tangle.
As I discovered, it’s not a perfect GMRS radio, but it offers a number of attractive features for those looking for a more professional handheld. Here’s what I learned about it during my testing with the Trailblazer 450.
Are you looking for a new FRS or GMRS radio? Check out GearJunkie’s Best Walkie-Talkies Buyer’s Guide for more details.
channel
22+8 repeater
frequency range
462 to 467 mhz
battery capacity
2,000 mAh
DIMENSIONS
8.7″ x 2.4″ x 1.5″
Pros
- Ability to swap GMRS antennas and access repeaters
- USB-C charging capability
- Loud and clear speaker with vibration function
- solid battery life
Shortcoming
- Power output is limited to 2.5 W
- The screen gets scratched easily
- Volume knob turns very smoothly
Cobra Trailblazer 450 Walkie-Talkie Review
The Cobra Trailblazer 450 GMRS walkie-talkie is a step up from the brand’s consumer FRS radios and a step down from its business two-way handhelds and CB radios. The ideal user is simple: those who want a little more oomph in their off-grid communications and a little more utility for a variety of use cases.
My use of walkie-talkies is quite extensive, and while I’m looking for a good walkie-talkie, I need a radio to cover multiple tasks, such as communication between vehicles on a trail ride or communication between climbers on a multi-pitch route. To see what it’s made of, I used the Trailblazer 450 for over a year.
gmrs benefits
GMRS radios, compared to the more common FRS radios, are a notch up in terms of power and functionality. The most notable difference is in transmission power, which can be up to 5 W in handheld radios. This means there are more legs to get your signal out, and while you do need an FCC license to operate it (a simple fee and application, no testing required), the upgrade in clarity and power is worth it.
The important thing to know about the Cobra Trailblazer 450 (and the entire series) is that the output is capped at 2.5 watts, meaning it only delivers half of what the radio genre allows. It reduces functionality a bit, but that’s not the whole story. GMRS radios are also allowed to host removable antennas, meaning you can swap in a higher-gain (i.e., better performing) antenna and do more with whatever output power you have.
To test this, I conducted a range test locally using both the stock antenna the 450 ships with and an aftermarket whip antenna. Unexpectedly, the whip antenna was able to extend the signal by an additional mile during the challenge.
Another advantage of GMRS radios over FRS handhelds is the ability to key into remote repeaters (stations that amplify your signal too much). My tests here also showed solid performance, with the radio able to connect to a station up to 5 miles away.
Field Test: Overlanding and Backpacking
To fully test the Trailblazer 450, I used it for over a year for commuting in a variety of activities, including overlanding, backpacking, and multipitch climbing. Of the activities I used the radio for, I found offroading to be the best use case.
The Trailblazer 450 excels here as a GMRS radio, where you often need a little more power to get a signal from the cab of your rig, and the ability to use a remote-mount antenna is important.
The 450 also performs well when used for activities like backpacking. Part of my testing for walkie-talkies always includes a range test in both simple (unobstructed) and complex terrain, and here the 450 performed better than most FRS radios I’ve tested (3.5 miles in the clear and 2 miles in the woods), but not as good as the higher-powered GMRS radios.
The rest of the Trailblazer range
The Trailblazer 450 is the middle child in a series of three GMRS radios, and honestly, possibly the pick of the litter. trailblazer 250 ($100 for two radios) There is a smaller form factor, with the biggest difference being the use of rechargeable AA batteries (and the accompanying shorter run-time of 12 hours). This may be a better choice for outdoorsmen who use other outdoor electronics with similar batteries, or want a handheld that can be stored for long periods of time.
is the other side of the border trailblazer 500 ($150 for two radios), which is designed for hands-free use (especially useful when mounted on the dash of your rig). The 500 removes the screen and instead hosts voice prompts to guide you through menus, and relies on twin knobs and three front-facing buttons on the top of the handheld.
It is important to note that all three radios in the series are similar in terms of power output, so your choice in radio will likely depend on the peripheral’s features and functions.
Other GMRS Radios to Consider
Moving from an FRS handheld to a GMRS radio may give you greater range and ease of use, but there is a lot to consider in the market. Here are a few things to consider before going with the Cobra Trailblazers.
The Rocky Talkie Expedition ($180 for one radio) is one of the better GMRS radios available today, and will hit a full 5W output, is IP67 waterproof, and can be used with a handheld speaker/mic that can also adjust volume and channel. However, the simpler display is a bit more difficult to use than the Trailblazer, and menu navigation was faster in the Cobra radio.
The Midland GXT67 Pro (which I also reviewed) is the bells-and-whistles option, and it’s pricey ($220 for one radio). The GXT67’s screen is brighter and more legible than the Trailblazer 450’s, and the user interface is much more variable to dial in your preferences. Like the Rockie Talkie, the Midland radio will also allow full 5W, meaning it will receive signals where the Cobra will not.
The real reason to go with the Trailblazer 450? Price. At $130 per couple In terms of radio, you get a lot further than the Expedition or GXT67 Pro, and if you want to delve into the world of GMRS radio without getting fully involved, the Cobra radio will be a good fit.
Who is the Cobra Trailblazer 450 Walkie-Talkie for?
cobra trailblazer 450 is a solid GMRS walkie-talkie, with a simple user interface, sturdy construction, and enough power to get your signal across most locations.
My biggest problem with the Trailblazer 450 was that the 2.5W maximum output was reduced, which significantly reduces the potential of a GMRS handheld radio. If you want maximum power, consider the Rockie Talkie Expedition or Midland GXT67 Pro as better choices.
However, you have to pay the price for those radios, and there’s more to GMRS radios than just pure power. The ability to swap antennas is a huge boon for overlanders who want to remote-mount an antenna, and being able to plug in your favorite local repeater will make your signal reach much farther than 5W alone. Are you looking to upgrade your walkie-talkie experience (without spending big bucks)? The Trailblazer 450 is a solid choice.
