Uploaded May 2019 | Updated September 2026, 9 hours ago
Discover why PMR446 radios such as the Topcom Twintalker are so popular in Europe.
Part 1 - Topcom 9500 on Amazon* ➜ geni.us/lj7F
Part 2 - Unboxing ➜ (2:05min)
Part 3 - Range Test ➜ (7:41min)
Part 4 - Summary & Conclusion ➜ (11:14min)
*If you are located in the United States please use 22 channel FRS radios instead, such as:
Motorola Talkabout T460 ➜ geni.us/ApnlJDx
In this product review, we will have a closer look at a set of license-free airsoft walkie talkies from Topcom.
Currently, these radios are only available in Europe.
While we find a maximum range of 10 km (6.2 miles) listed on the package, in my opinion, such distances are only reached under optimal conditions (e.g. open line of sight).
More realistic is to assume a shorter range, because houses, trees, and other obstacles can reduce the signal quality significantly.
According to government regulation, PMR446 radios are not allowed to have a replaceable antenna, and can only transmit at a low output power of 0.5 watts.
Because of this, it is perfectly normal that these radios perform best in close range communication.
At first, a short range may seem like a disadvantage, but if you think about it, it also has advantages.
In a city with many users, simultaneous transmissions on the same channel, are less likely if the radios only have a short range.
The benefit, users are not constantly bothering each other on one of the 8-16 available PMR frequencies.
In addition, the low output power extends battery life, and you can use the radios longer while consuming less power.
Also, if your radio would transmit over longer distances, more people could listen in, which is also avoided by the weak transmission power. Because a potential eavesdropper would always have to be close enough to receive the signal.
In my test, the communication quality was good, personally, I think the Topcom 9500 Airsoft Edition is targeted at a special niche interest group.
If you plan to use radios in the US, please make sure to look at the FRS instead, because PMR446 is aimed at the European market.
Consumers in the US generally can benefit from a higher output power of up to 2 watts FRS, and 5 watts GMRS, please make sure to observe local laws and regulations in your country.
#ReviewTechTV
/ Affiliate Links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. /
// This video does not include product placement. I got the product myself. //
Discover why PMR446 radios such as the Topcom Twintalker are so popular in Europe.
Part 1 - Topcom 9500 on Amazon* ➜ geni.us/lj7F
Part 2 - Unboxing ➜ (2:05min)
Part 3 - Range Test ➜ (7:41min)
Part 4 - Summary & Conclusion ➜ (11:14min)
*If you are located in the United States please use 22 channel FRS radios instead, such as:
Motorola Talkabout T460 ➜ geni.us/ApnlJDx
In this product review, we will have a closer look at a set of license-free airsoft walkie talkies from Topcom.
Currently, these radios are only available in Europe.
While we find a maximum range of 10 km (6.2 miles) listed on the package, in my opinion, such distances are only reached under optimal conditions (e.g. open line of sight).
More realistic is to assume a shorter range, because houses, trees, and other obstacles can reduce the signal quality significantly.
According to government regulation, PMR446 radios are not allowed to have a replaceable antenna, and can only transmit at a low output power of 0.5 watts.
Because of this, it is perfectly normal that these radios perform best in close range communication.
At first, a short range may seem like a disadvantage, but if you think about it, it also has advantages.
In a city with many users, simultaneous transmissions on the same channel, are less likely if the radios only have a short range.
The benefit, users are not constantly bothering each other on one of the 8-16 available PMR frequencies.
In addition, the low output power extends battery life, and you can use the radios longer while consuming less power.
Also, if your radio would transmit over longer distances, more people could listen in, which is also avoided by the weak transmission power. Because a potential eavesdropper would always have to be close enough to receive the signal.
In my test, the communication quality was good, personally, I think the Topcom 9500 Airsoft Edition is targeted at a special niche interest group.
If you plan to use radios in the US, please make sure to look at the FRS instead, because PMR446 is aimed at the European market.
Consumers in the US generally can benefit from a higher output power of up to 2 watts FRS, and 5 watts GMRS, please make sure to observe local laws and regulations in your country.
#ReviewTechTV
/ Affiliate Links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. /
// This video does not include product placement. I got the product myself. //
