Walkie talkies are a tried-and-true solution for on-site communication, offering instant messaging without the need for cell service or a wifi network. But with all the different options on the market, choosing the right walkie talkies for your distillery can seem daunting. This guide will break down the key considerations to make sure you select radios that perfectly fit your needs and keep your operation running smoothly.
Range: How Big is Your Barrel House?
The first question to ask yourself is: how much ground do you need to cover? Choosing the radio with the perfect amount of power will be crucial in determining the best two way radio for your distillery.
The Best Radios for Small Distilleries
If you are operating in a space that is up to 100,000 square feet - look into combining the power of the Motorola CLS1410 with the Motorola CLP1080e.
The CLS1410 is perfect for back-of-house associates that may need an external speaker to listen and communicate. This is also a durable option that can withstand drops now and again.
For front-of-house employees, the CLP1080e can be used to offer a discreet communications. All communication is done through an earpiece, keeping conversations out of the ear of customers.
If you are looking for a radio with a medium range coverage and is extremely durable - it is worth taking a look at the Motorola RMU2040 radio. This handheld radio can get up to 250,000 square feet.
The Best Radios for Large Distilleries
On the other hand, if your distillery has sprawling production facilities or offers tours that take visitors across a large property, you might consider a longer-range option.
The Motorola Curve offers impressive coverage of up to 300,000 square feet, making it suitable for even the most spacious of distilleries. Not only do you get great coverage, but you also get great features on this digital radio that are not offered on traditional analog radios - more to come on digital radio features later.
If your campus needs more than 300k sqft - take a look at the very durable Motorola CP100d-UA radio - which can get you up to 400k sqft.
If you are working with a large space, but a small budget - the Kenwood NX-P1300AUK may be the perfect radio for your operations. This affordable radio gets up to 450,000 sq ft.
Channel Surfing: How Many Conversations Do You Need to Have?
Think about how many different conversations might need to happen at your distillery at any one time. For instance, do you need a separate channel for your bottling line, another for tours, and a third for management? Channels on a radio are a great way to segment conversations by group.
If you anticipate needing several different conversations happening simultaneously, a walkie talkie with more channels, is a better option.
We will break down the number of channels and other features on each radio we have recommended throughout this article at the bottom of the page.
Analog vs. Digital: Keeping it Simple or Going High Tech?
Here's a question that divides even walkie talkie experts: analog or digital? Traditional analog radios, like the Motorola RMU2040, are familiar and generally more affordable. They're a great choice if you need a simple solution for clear communication within your distillery.
Digital radios, like the Motorola Curve, offer some advantages. They typically have superior sound quality, with less static or interference, and can pack more channels into a single radio. They also come with some cool features, like the ability to call all available radios at once or to have a private conversation within a group.
Built to Last: Radios that can Withstand a Spill (or Two)
Let's face it, distilleries can be messy places. Between the mash and the hops, your walkie talkies are bound to encounter some spills.
Look for radios that are built tough, with a durable exterior that can withstand an occasional splash. Many radios are rated for water resistance, so you can be sure they'll keep working even in a humid environment.
Battery Life: Powering Through the Day
How long will your staff need their walkie talkies to last on a single charge? Consider the typical length of a shift and how often your staff will be using the radios.
A distillery with long tours or multiple production shifts might benefit from walkie talkies with longer battery life.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
Walkie talkies come in a variety of price points to fit any budget. Consider the features that are most important to you and weigh those against the cost.
An analog radio, like the Motorola RMU2040, might be a perfect solution if you just need a basic communication tool.
If you're looking for more features and superior sound quality, a digital option, like the Motorola Curve, might be worth the extra investment.
Ultimately, the best walkie talkies for your distillery are the ones that meet your specific needs and budget. You can always contact us for our best possible prices. By considering the factors we've outlined above, you can make an informed decision and keep your distillery running smoothly, one perfectly coordinated batch at a time!
| Radio Model | Motorola CLS1410 | Motorola CLP1080e | Motorola RMU2040 | Motorola Curve | Kenwood NX-P1300AUK |
| Preview |  |
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| Channels | 4 | 8 | 4 | 10 | 64 |
| Range | 200k sqft | 100k sqft | 250k sqft | 300k sqft | 450k sqft |
| Battery Life | 14 hours | 16 hours | 12 hours | 11.5 hours | 12 hours |