Solid radio
"Love this radio so far I haven’t used it too much but with the detachable antenna you know it’s pretty eh good quality for the price point just a novice in the craft so don’t mock the beginner setup please"
Made for going beyond the beaten path.
Discounts for Military, First Responders, Teachers and Students through
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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.
Designed to enchance all your adventures with better connectivity, clear audio, and long range, the TrailBlazer 450 features an improved ruggedized build and large screen for better ease-of-use. Be prepared with 24/7 access to NOAA weather channels.
Go farther with over 2 watts of power, removable antenna options, and repeater capability.
IP54 dust & water resistant for all your adventures.
16-hour Li-Ion battery with USB-C charging and optional dock.
Oversized 1.3” LCD display for easy viewing.
4 customizable channel banks ensure compatibility with all FRS/GMRS radios.
Frequency scan & match for quick connectivity with other radio systems.
Included with every new TrailBlazer 450:
With 7 parts & accessories available for TrailBlazer 450, 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 and support documents in the support knowledgebase.
Item # 0190005-1
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: 4.121951 / 5 from 41 reviews.
The TrailBlazer 450 is praised for its great quality and durability, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. Its range is also highly regarded for being solid and reliable. However, customer service feedback is mixed, with some issues noted regarding missing parts and policies.
Review topics: [quality, service, display, problem, battery life, setup, features, works, communication, sound, feel, price, use, radio, range, function, button, antenna, cobra, channels, clarity, audio, equipment].
"Love this radio so far I haven’t used it too much but with the detachable antenna you know it’s pretty eh good quality for the price point just a novice in the craft so don’t mock the beginner setup please"
"Would have been more stars if they actually included a charging station for you so you can charge both units at the same time instead of just one charging cord so you can only charge one at a time"
"Great item for safety and peace of mind"
"These were purchased just in case I reside in an area of potential catastrophe, and Us may need to communicate some short distances."
"We still haven't used them yet! They are for use backstage during community theater productions and we don't have one for another two months."
"Picked them up for work. They are fine for what I needed"
"These radios are great. What drew me to the Trailblazer 250 was the size and the awesome life and range. The ability to use rechargeable or disposable batteries. These worked great with my young niece and nephew. I have used them for camping and snowshoeing. They were also great for going on cruises in my car with my buddies. The instructions for setup were straight forward and I had them setup instantly. The audio quality and volume were great."
"We picked up these radios mainly for skiing, and they’ve been awesome on the slopes. We were worried about cell service on the mountain, so having a reliable way to stay in touch with our group is a must. The sound is clear and easy to hear, even when we’re spread out or dealing with wind and other noise. We had no trouble communicating between runs or coordinating meetups. The buttons are simple and easy to use, even with gloves on, which is a huge plus in cold weather. They also feel sturdy and well built. No worries tossing them in a jacket pocket or backpack. Battery life easily lasted a full day of skiing without any issues. Overall, these radios have been perfect for skiing with a group, and I’m excited to use them in the summer for camping and hiking!"
"The 450 works great"
"I've spent some time using this handheld and I've been really enjoying it. The range and battery life are great, and the Type C connection makes it easy to charge."
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 |