TESTED: GME XRS-660 UHF radios

Photos: Jordan Riddle

When it comes to exploring the unpredictable terrain of the great outdoors, communication isn't just an easy thing—it's a lifeline. As avid outdoor enthusiasts, we understand the role reliable communication plays in ensuring a safe and hassle-free trip with a group, especially when there is no service. Australia's GME has just introduced its rugged handheld UHF CB radio, which is packed with features while being easy to use when talking on the go. As Australia's UHF CB Radio and Emergency Beacon manufacturer GME proudly displays the Made in Australia badge

Features at a glance

The units are made in Australia and have a 5 year warranty. You can choose 5.1 or 0.1 transmission power to match your battery height and range needs on the go. GME has made sure the unit has a rugged design, including an IP67 waterproof rating – and a military-grade durability rating!

The main radio has a 2 watt speaker, although you can use Bluetooth to connect to headphones for easy hands-free use. There is a color LCD display, but also a smartphone app for easy setup. GME has a GPS receiver if you need to relay a specific location!

The XRS-660 exudes durability and solidity, features that are essential to any reliable outdoor companion. A strong structure instills confidence, ensuring that it can withstand the harshest conditions Mother Nature throws at it. But beyond its tough exterior lies a sophisticated communication tool designed to keep you connected when you're off the beaten path.

There are many new and exciting features in the latest model and some of our favorites on the XRS-660 include its Bluetooth connectivity, which pairs easily with your smartphone via GME's XRS Connect app. This clean application opens up many possibilities, allowing you to easily control radio settings, access advanced features, and update firmware—all from the palm of your hand. Gone are the days of fumbling with complicated controls or struggling to navigate complex menus. With the XRS Connect app, customization is at your fingertips, giving you the power to tailor the radio to your specific needs using multiple customizable XRS buttons.

It is used on the road

The real magic of the XRS-660 is in its exceptional performance on the track. Equipped with GME's popular XRS Connect technology, this handheld radio delivers crystal-clear sound quality and extended range, ensuring your messages are heard loud and clear, no matter how far away you are. Whether you're blasting your favorite song, climbing thick foliage, hiking deep canyons, or navigating alpine 4×4 tracks in a vehicle, the XRS-660 stays focused on your commitment to staying connected to your fellow travelers.

I was lucky enough to have GME send a pair of XRS-660 portable radios so I tested them out in a few situations. First and foremost, four-wheel driving in a remote area for camping, fishing or hiking with a group enables easy and reliable communication between groups, in addition, smart external GPS coordinates can be viewed and shared without the need to look. on your phone or other location-finding device, it's all possible on the XRS-660 unit itself.

The XRS-660 sports an IP67 rating which means it is dust and solid resistant and can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes, making it a useful choice for all situations. I tested this on a recent fishing trip, making communication between waterholes in a deep valley much easier without the stress of dropping your phone (if and when we have a signal) into the drink. In contrast, when running a local mountain bike event, the day of the set up and most of the event the team was in windy and wet conditions, standing, radios strapped to their belts and backpacks all day in a terrifying attack, falling into the mud. , you get the idea. Apart from this, the sturdy units are easy to clean and work flawlessly among our testing team. There are features that mean only other users on the network you set up can hear your communications too – which really helps transparency – and privacy.

I never thought the color display would matter but it's actually bigger and brighter than other handheld radios I've used before, easily visible even in bright and sunny conditions – which we have a lot in Australia.

Our take

I've used handheld radios for mountain bike coaching and training sessions, managing large groups with easy communication between lead riders and sweepers can keep the group aware of the direction or conditions of the road ahead. One-on-one training situations can also benefit from approaching future features, gear selection, body position, the possibilities are truly endless. The XRS-660 can be paired well with the GME TX677 or one of the GME Neat and for all Family packs that include a Bigger and more powerful unit and smaller handsets that can easily be tucked into the pocket, belt of other team members. The XRS-660 is a great unit, and for my extra space outings I would consider a smaller, less powerful unit like the TX677. A good radio setup won't be for everyone but for active families, mountain bike clubs, guides and coaches, it really comes in handy.

RRPPrice: $549
From: gme.net.au

Hits:
– Rugged, weather-resistant construction
– Made in Australia
– More features than our use cases require!

You miss it:
– A large, rugged unit to ride on