More than just an adventure. More than just a radio.
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With true GMRS capabilities, durable design, long battery life, and easy customization options, TrailBlazer is purpose-built for your adventures with a focus on performance.
Cobra GMRS radios work right out of the box without programming. TrailBlazer also features easy-to-use Radio Programming Software when paired with the radio programming cable for simple customization and detailed memory bank selection.
Communicate trail conditions, coordinate group progress, and call for recovery assistance on challenging trails.
Stay connected in areas with no cell service, track group progress, and coordinate in the event of an emergency.
Communicate game locations, share waypoints, and coordinate complex group tracking strategies.
Communicate trail hazards, maintain group proximity, and enable quick safety coordination in winter conditions.
Built just like you—reliable, rugged, and hungry for adventure—Cobra’s TrailBlazer 250 is a no-frills handheld radio that is anything but basic. Designed and engineered in the U.S., the TrailBlazer 250’s high power and antenna flexibility provides you with clearer audio and longer range as you traverse the unknown.
Go farther with over 2 watts of power, removable antenna options, and repeater capability.
Built tough with IPX2 splash resistance for reliability in the field.
Included NiMH rechargeable AA batteries offer 12 hours of battery life and quick-change flexibility.
4 customizable channel banks ensure compatibility with all FRS/GMRS radios.
Frequency scan & match for quick connectivity with other radio systems.
Get 24/7 access to NOAA weather channels so you can always be prepared.
Included with every new TrailBlazer 250:
With 6 parts & accessories available for TrailBlazer 250, customize your setup and be ready for any journey.
Take your TrailBlazer radios to the next level. Get information and product support all in one convenient location.
Find product manuals, software, and support documents in the support knowledgebase.
Item # 0190006-1
Key Specs
Power
Unit Dimensions
Features
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a licensed radio service for short and medium ranged communication.
Family Radio Service (FRS) is an unlicensed radio service. FRS and GMRS radios share the same 22 channels for communication, but GMRS radios are distinct in that:
Because of the higher power capabilities and ability to connect with repeater systems for much longer ranges operating a GMRS radio requires a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
No. The Canadian regulations limit low power license free radios up to 2W. There is no equivalent to the US GMRS radios in Canada.
A GMRS license does not require a test. A license is obtained from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and costs $35 for a 10-year period. The licensor must be at least 18 years old, but the license itself covers all of their immediate family including spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
A repeater will take an incoming transmission and retransmit to a larger range
No. Because repeaters receive signals and retransmit them ‘immediately’ they are specialized devices with filtering to prevent interference and noise between the incoming signals and the outgoing transmissions.
To use a repeater, you will need to know the GMRS channel that is uses and the CTCSS or DSC tone that will allow you to connect and activate the repeater. In addition, repeaters owners will require permission to access the repeater.
Repeaters may be run by a local GMRS radio club or by individuals. myGMRS.com has a directory of repeaters and the ability to contact the owner for access.
GMRS radios are capable of sending wideband FM transmissions. The transmissions take up more bandwith in the transmission. This can improve the sound quality and provide a fuller sound.
Repeaters almost always operate on wideband.
This article from Cobra describes the difference between FRS and GMRS.
This article from Cobra describes CTCSS and DCS, features we refer to as "Privacy Codes."
Yes. The TrailBlazer radios work out of the box and are compatible with all FRS/GMRS radios
TrailBlazer radios group sets of channels into banks to provide easy operation and compatibility with Cobra FRS radios and other FRS/GMRS radios. The banks are preprogrammed as:
Bank 1: Channels 1-22 (+8 repeater channels if repeaters are turned on)
Bank 2: 60 channels. Compatible with Cobra RX series FRS radios and Midland 50 channel and 36 channel FRS and GMRS radios
Bank 3: Channels 1-22 with preset privacy tones. Compatible with Cobra PX series FRS radios
Bank 4 (select models): Blank by default. Bank 4 is used for the Frequency Find function. When channels are found with the Find function they will be stored into Bank 4.
TrailBlazer radios use a standard USB-C port for charging the radio.
Overall rating: 4.3333335 / 5 from 15 reviews.
Review topics: ["quality","design","communication","problem","features","setup","radio","range","signals","directions","addition","button","charge","clips","beep","set"].
"We took these radios on a group ski trip in Wisconsin and they worked great! They’re very portable and easily fit into our jacket pockets. They never went out of range and the battery lasted all day. We were able to clearly communicate with other members of the group. Would recommend for skiing, camping, and more!"
"I’ve been extremely impressed with the Cobra TrailBlazer 250 radios. They strike a great balance between simplicity, durability, and performance, making them an excellent choice for off-roading, camping, hiking, or staying connected on job sites. The audio quality is clear and loud, even in challenging environments."
"Great short range radios; excellent value for the price. Rugged design; has WX channels which is a bonus. Range is about one mile, but likely extendable if there are repeaters in the area."
"Love the range, and ease of using the many features. Directions for use were concise and easy to follow. Will be great for backcountry trips."
"Like the pair quite a bit. Has been too cold to give the set adequate testing. Will try to do so tomorrow."
"excellent radio"
"I am very pleased with these Radios"
"bought this product at overland expo to use on my WABDR trip. sound quality received is good but broadcasting is very bad other people can not hear me on both radios. Mabe I dont have the settings set right?"
"I recently used the Cobra Trailblazer 250 two-way radios on an RV trip to Sedona, and they were a great addition to our gear. We relied on them during hikes and around the campsite, especially in areas with limited to no cell service, and the clarity was consistently impressive. They were easy to use and dependable throughout the trip. The range was solid for all our needs, from winding trails and while being spread-out throughout camping areas/town. The backlit screen and built-in flashlight were especially handy at night around the campsite, making them even more versatile. Setup was quick and hassle-free, which made getting started a breeze. It was a bonus that they came with batteries to be able to use right out of the box. Highly recommend for outdoor adventures!"
"I am not a pro climber, just go hiking and camping with friends some times. We go to Rocky Mountains last month, and I bought the TrailBlazer 250 radios before my trip. Wow—very good choice! Radio is easy to use. Just charge, turn on, and talk. We're not expert people, but we figure out quick. Signal is strong, even when my friend far away, other side of big hill. Sound is clear, no scratch noise or drop signal. Weather got bad one day, wind and snow, but radio still work like normal. I drop mine one time on a rock, but no problem. Very strong build. Battery last long too—3 days no charge and still working! Make trip feel more safe. We talk easy, check where people are, no worry. I feel more like real hiker with this radio 😄 If you go hiking or camp far from people, I really think you should buy TrailBlazer 250. It's not a toy—this is a strong radio, works very well. I give it a 5 out of 5!"
TrailBlazer 250 |
TrailBlazer 450 |
TrailBlazer 500 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 2W Power | |||
| Channels Banks Privacy Codes |
30 (22 + 8 repeaters) |
30 (22 + 8 repeaters) |
30 (22 + 8 repeaters) |
| Repeater Capable | |||
| IP Rating | IPX2 |
IP54 |
IP54 |
| Antenna | Removable |
Removable |
Removable |
| LCD Screen | |||
| Charging Options | USB-C Cable Only |
USB-C Cable |
USB-C Cable |
| Battery | 3xAA (NiMH provided) |
Li-Ion |
Li-Ion |
| Programming Software | |||
| Find Function | |||
| Attachment Methods | Belt Clip |
Belt Clip |
180° Swivel Holster |
| NOAA Weather Alerts | |||
| Warranty | 1-year Warranty |
1-year Warranty |
1-year Warranty |
| 
