FRS and GMRS Radios
Popular but frequences are crowded

The powered paragliding community mostly uses FRS and GMRS radios which operate on the UHF band. Most are inexpensive, though cheap is a better description. Because they require no licensing, they can be crowded near populated areas or parks. Sub frequencies may have less traffic, but may pick up more ignition noise.

Purchasing a cheap FRS radio could mean throwing money away. There are exceptions including the Garmin Rhino series and the higher end Midland radios which are our current favorites in this category.

2 Meter Radios
No crowds, but requires a ham license

More paramotor pilots are switching away from FRS and GMRS to the 2 meter VHF Amateur Band Ham radios. Most free flight pilots already use the 2 meter band. And because these radios require a ham license in the United States, the frequencies have far less traffic. 2 meter radios also seem to be less effected by ignition noise, but stay away from digital versions. The expensive complicated digital radios tend to be more effected by ignition noise. The down side of 2 meter is greater cost and inability to communicate with paramotor pilots using FRS and GMRS. However, that problem goes away with multi band radios that have both 2 meter and FRS and GMRS frequencies.

The Yaesu VX-270 and slightly smaller VX-250 are the work horses of the paragliding and powered paragliding communities. The VX-270 is waterproof and one of the most rugged radios in its class.

Multi-Band Radios
The best of both worlds

Multi-band radios offer the best of both UHF and VHF. These radios are more expensive, but if you buy a good one, it will be the last radio you will buy. Before purchasing the radio, check the specifications carefully. Some radios may appear to be multi-band but do not transmit on all frequencies. The Yaesu VX-6 is the best buy in this category. The VX-8R is a digital radio and for that reason is not a good choice for powered paragliding. The super small Yaesu VX-3R works well even though it has less power. The Yaesu FT-60, not shown, is an inexpensive multiband, which we have not found to be as reliable.

Aviation Radios
Expense, and limited use

Many new pilots believe they need an aviation radio. While some countries require them, in the United States, aviation radios are rarely used by powered paraglider or paraglider pilots because ultralights generally do not fly in controlled airspace associated with airports: Class B, Class C, and Class D. If you are outside these areas, air traffic control (ATC) would prefer not to hear from you. If you do want to fly in these areas, you will need prior premission from ATC and usually an aviation radio. Because aviation radios are AM instead of FM, they require a microphone amp. The Deluxe Com PPG Helmets has this mic amp feature. The Standard Coms do not and will not work with aviation radios.

Brands: Icom and Yaesu

The two major brands in hand held radios we prefer are Icom and Yaesu. Choose a model that is simple, easy to use and not too expensive. Many have multiple bands. Lithium batteries are light, charge quickly, and have the least memory, but they are more expensive. Radios sold in the United States have a smaller range of frequencies. Additional range of frequncies can be unlocked by removing a small jumper inside the radio. This operation is called a "mod." Ask your retailer about modding your radio.

Connectors

Radios use various connector styles. Make sure your helmet is compatible. Yaesu uses a proprietary single pin connector. Icom uses a more common 2 pin connector that works with some FRS radios like the midland. There is also an adaptor that converts from the Yaesu radios to a two pin connector, CT-44 for the VX-3R and CT-91 for the VX-VX-270. The our helmets are compatible with the Yaesu's, Icom's and most other radios. Check out connector types at the bottom of the Helmet page.

Check out Universal Radio or
Ham Radio Outlet for pricing.

Range is not the issue

Don't get sucked in by claims of amazing range capability. Range requirements are usually minimal for paramotor pilots. They mostly fly within a mile of each other, and often within one wing span. Carry a cell phone in case you land out and need a retreive. However, if you are being chased by a retreive vehicle, range can be critical.

Quality is the issue

A poor quality radio might receive well but trasmit so poorly that others can't understand you. Even if other pilots sound good to you, ask your flying buddies how you sound to them before judging the quality of your radio. The major cause of poor trasmission is ignition noise, usually the cheap FRS radios, especially on sub frequencies. However, some of the expensive digial multi-band radios can also pick up ignition noise.

VHF versus UHF Performance

Comparing performance of VHF and UHF is tricky. UHF has a better line of sight range but VHF works better with mountains or buildings in the way. A short antenna is convenient. UHF performs well will a short antenna, but not VHF. However, if you could have a long antenna running up the one of the glider lines, VHF would be probably be far superior.