Good communication is the key to Dirk Collins’s job. As an action-sports filmmaker for Teton Gravity Research, he relies on handheld two-way radios (a fancy way to say walkie-talkies) to coordinate shots between, say, a snowboarder atop a mountain and filmers on the snow and in the air on helicopters.

“Without clear communication the shot will be missed,” he says, “and unlike Hollywood shoots, there is no second take.”

Whether you’re communicating with your troop at a jamboree or keeping in touch with Mom and Dad in your neighborhood, two-way radios are among the most useful pieces of gear you can carry. But not all radios are created equal, so we asked Collins to give us some smart buying tips.

THE LOWDOWN

Most two-way radios operate on two special radio bands: Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). You need a license to use GMRS, so that’s why you might hear most of the two-way radios you’d buy referred to as “FRS radios.” All have 22 channels. Dial in one channel and, with just a push of a button, you can instantly talk with your friend on the same channel—even if he’s miles away.

PRICE: These days, you can find two-way radios for as low as $20 and up to $250. Usually the list price is for a pair of radios, but always check to be sure. In general, the more you spend on a radio, the more features, durability and greater talking range you’ll get. Just $50 should get you a radio that’s plenty good for most Scouts’ uses.

RANGE: Basically, range is the maximum distance you can have between two radios and still be able to communicate. You’ll see range claims plastered all over the packaging, saying things like, “Up to 20 Miles.”

“Be aware of the range that each radio claims,” Collins says. “They list the optimal range, but this does not apply when there are mountains or lots of tall buildings in the way. The range will be significantly smaller when you have these obstructions.”

Manufacturers make their range claims based on line of sight. So for radios with a five-mile range, you’ll only get that sort of distance when you and a buddy are standing in the middle of a wide-open field five miles apart. Throw in trees or valleys and you’ll be lucky to get a mile-and-a-half of range.

FEATURES: Most two-way radios let you communicate between your radio and everyone else in the group with radios on the same channel. But more expensive units include features like direct call, which — like a cell phone — lets you dial a number and communicate privately with just one other person in your group. Radios in the $80 to $100 range often come with a weather radio feature that alerts you automatically if bad weather or other hazards are headed your way. Privacy codes are also an important feature to consider. They scramble your communication to help prevent other people from listening in on your conversations. The more privacy codes, the greater protection you’ll have.

BATTERIES: Some two-way radios are powered by regular alkaline batteries. Others come with rechargeable batteries and charging stands that you can plug in. If you plan to use your radio in the field for more than a couple of days, look for units that let you use both kinds of batteries. “After you’ve had them awhile, rechargeable batteries don’t seem to hold a charge very long—especially in cold weather,” Collins says. “We always carry extra AA batteries just in case.”

WHAT’S HOT

Our very own Gear Guy brings you 10 can’t-miss picks. Listed are manufacturers’ suggested retail prices; you can often find better deals in local stores and online.

The Uniden GMR 1438 ($50) is a great mid-level unit with a 14-mile range, 99 privacy codes, vibrate and silent modes and rechargeable NiMH batteries.

If you need more power, step up to the Uniden GMR 2089 ($80) with its 20-mile range, 142 privacy codes and emergency and NOAA weather/hazards alert radio. (www.boyslife.org/links/UnidenDirect or 1-800-297-1023)

Weighing less than three ounces, the pocketsize Motorola FV200R ($30) has a five-mile range and is water-resistant.

On the other end of the spectrum is the 25-mile range Motorola T9500 ($79). It has 121 privacy codes, plus NOAA weather/hazards alert radio. (www.boyslife.org/links/motorola or 1-800-353-2729)

The Brunton Roger 10 ($59) is a water-resistant GMRS radio with a 10-mile range.

Its bigger and badder brother, Brunton Roger 18 ($149) boasts an 18-mile range, 121 privacy codes, vibrate alert and silent mode, NOAA weather/hazards alert radio and two handsfree headsets. (www.boyslife.org/links/brunton or 1-800-443-4871)

Another tiny, entry-level radio, the Cobra PR 170-2 VP ($44) gives you a range of 8 miles with 38 privacy codes.

Another 50 bucks gets you a full-featured radio like the Cobra LI 7000-2 WX VP ($99) with a 25-mile range, 121 privacy codes, NOAA weather/hazards alert radio and vibrate alert. (www.boyslife.org/links/cobra or 773-889-3087)

The water-resistant Midland LXT330 ($35) is one of the best GMRS values here with a 16-mile range, call alert and silent operation.

Though not a handheld radio, the MidlandXT511 ($90) hand-crank radio is the perfect thing for base camp. Like other two-way radios it has 22 channels, plus NOAA weather/hazards alert radio, AM/FM channels, an alarm clock, LED flashlight, and, best of all, you’ll never run out of juice with the emergency power hand crank. (www.boyslife.org/links/midlandradio or 816-241-8500)

The Garmin Rino 530 ($535) is great because it combines GPS and a two-way radio in one. This allows us to keep track of our entire crew that could be scattered throughout the Alaskan peaks and would serve as a great tool if a rescue was needed. (www.boyslife.org/links/garmin or 1-800-800-1010)