A FRS radio and headset or earbud are REQUIRED for play. Being the only one without comms sucks!

Any FRS radio with subcodes will work, but of course you get what you pay for--a $10 cheapie from Dollar General will probably not serve you very well. We recommend you research your choices before purchasing one.

FRS radios can be found at pretty much any local store and are the standard radio required at Gower. Some FRS radios have excellent performance, but few accessories available; others may have only mediocre performance but plenty of headsets, battery packs, etc. available.

What kind of headsets are there?
Like everything else, this depends mainly on your interest in the sport and the depth of your pockets

A headset or earbud with PTT (Push To Talk) is required at Gower. VOX is a feature of some headsets that allows transmission when you speak, so you don't have to use the PTT button; however, its use is discouraged because it tends to activate based on the noise of your breathing, wespons fire, running, etc.

Different things to consider:
-Earbud headsets: Very common, cheap, and solid performance. May make your ear sore after a long day
-Over-ear headsets: More comfortable than earbud-style since the speaker rests over your ear, not in it. Tends to block your ambient hearing slightly.
-Bone-conduction headsets: Sends vibrations through the facial bones which are picked up by the inner ear
-Boom mics: A small mic near your mouth that picks up your voice for transmission
-Throat mics: A transducer on the neck picks up vibration from the voicebox to transmit
-Bone-conduction mic: Picks up vibrations through facial bones to transmit

There are other technologies as well, but those can be further researched once you determine your usage model and desire.

Note that both FRS and GMRS radios are commonly available all over--even Wal-Mart and similar stores. Be advised that the FCC requires a license to use GMRS radios, to the tune of about $80/year.

FRS radios use 14 frequencies from 462.5625 to 467.7125 MHz. They are limited to 1/2W transmit power, and a very short antenna--both of which reduce range. This is for a reason--you don't need a license to operate it, because you are unlikely to interfere with anyone else's transmissions.

Here are some good resources for information about FRS and other radios:

http://www.geocities.com/horseshoe7/repeat.html
http://www.pjwebgraphics.com/paul/public.html

RADIO SHACK FRS RADIOS - read this to find out why you can't communicate with everyone else!