TESTED: GME XRS-660 UHF radios

Photos: Jordan Riddle

When it comes to exploring the rugged and unpredictable terrain of the great outdoors, communication isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. As avid outdoor enthusiasts, we understand the role that reliable communication plays in ensuring a safe and fuss free adventure with the group, especially when there is no service. Australia’s own GME have recently launch their extremely robust flagship handheld UHF CB radio, packed with features while retaining ease of use when communicating on the trail. As Australia’s only UHF CB Radio and Emergency Beacon manufacturer GME proudly displays the Australian Made badge with pride

Features at a glance

The units are made in Australia and carry a 5 year warranty. You can select 5,1 or 0.1 transmission power to match your battery lift and range needs when on the trails. GME have made sure the unit has a robust design, including an IP67 water ingress protection rating – plus it has a military grade rating for durability!

The rugged radios have a 2 watt speaker, although you can use Bluetooth to connect to headphones for easier handsfree use. There's a colour LCD display, but also a smartphone app for even easier setup. GME even have a GPS receiver if you need to relay a specific location!

The XRS-660 exudes durability and ruggedness, traits that are essential for any outdoor companion that needs to be relied on. The robust construction instils confidence, reassuring you that it can withstand the harshest conditions Mother Nature throws your way. But beyond its tough exterior lies a sophisticated communication tool designed to keep you connected when venturing off the beaten path.

There are many new and exciting features on the latest model and some of our favourites on the XRS-660 consist of its Bluetooth connectivity, which seamlessly integrates with your smartphone via GME’s XRS Connect app. This neat application opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to effortlessly manage radio settings, access advanced features, and even update firmware—all from the palm of your hand. Gone are the days of fumbling with complex controls or struggling to navigate cumbersome menus. With the XRS Connect app, customisation is at your fingertips, empowering you to tailor the radio to suit your specific needs utilising numerous customisable XRS buttons.

In use on the trail

The real magic of the XRS-660 lies in its exceptional performance on the trail. Equipped with GME’s renowned XRS Connect technology, this handheld radio delivers crystal-clear audio quality and extended range, ensuring that your messages are heard loud and clear, no matter how remote your location. Whether you’re bombing your favourite singletrack, hiking through dense foliage, wading in deep gorges, or navigating alpine 4×4 tracks within the vehicle, the XRS-660 remains steadfast in its commitment to keeping you connected with your fellow adventurers.

I was lucky enough that GME sent out a pair of the XRS-660 handheld radios and so I tested them in a few scenarios. Firstly and most simply, four wheel driving into a more remote area to camp, fish or hike with a group makes for simple and reliable communication between the parties, additionally for savvy outdoors folk GPS coordinates can be easily viewed and shared without the need for looking at your phone or other locating device, all possible on the XRS-660 unit itself.

The XRS-660 sports an IP67 rating meaning dusts and solids are unable to get in and it can be submerged in 1 metre of water for  upto 30 minutes, making it a handy choice for all conditions. I tested this on a recent fishing trip, making communication between waterholes in a deep valley super easy without the stress of dropping your phone (if and when we had signal) into the drink. In contrast, when running a local mountain bike event, the day of setup and most of the event the team were in the windy and wet conditions, standing, radios clipped to belts and backpacks on all day in the appalling onslaught, dropped in the mud, you get the idea. Despite this, the robust units rinse off easily and have worked flawlessly amongst our test team. There are features that mean only other users on the network you setup can heard your communication as well – which really helps for clarity – and privacy.

I never though that a colour display would be important but it is actually quite a bit larger and brighter than other handheld radios I have used previously, easily seen even in bright and glary conditions – which we have a lot of in Australia.

Our take

I have used hand held radios may times guiding and coaching on the mountain bike, managing larger groups with easy communication between lead and sweep riders can keep the group aware of direction or upcoming trail conditions. One on one coaching scenarios could also benefit with the approach of upcoming features, gear selection, body position, there is really endless possibilities. The XRS-660 could be paired nicely with a GME TX677 or one of GME’s neat and all inclusive Family Packs which consist of a Larger and more powerful unit and pair of smaller handsets which can be easily clipped onto pack, belt of other group members. The XRS-660 is a big unit, and for my more localised 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, they really do come in handy very often.

RRP: $549ea
From: gme.net.au

Hits:
– Rugged, weatherproof build
– Australian made
– More features than our use cases needed!

Misses:
– A big, rugged unit to mount for riding