GME Brings Its Premium XRS-660-U Handheld GMRS Radio To The U.S. Overland Market

GME’s expansion into the United States continues with the arrival of the XRS-660-U, an Australian-made handheld GMRS radio aimed squarely at overlanders and off-road enthusiasts who need reliable communications well beyond the reach of cellular service.

The XRS-660-U builds on GME’s XRS Connect platform while packing a surprising amount of technology into a portable package. Most notably, GME says it is the first handheld GMRS radio equipped with a full-color TFT LCD screen. The transflective display is designed to remain visible across changing environmental conditions, including direct sunlight.

More Than Just A Handheld Radio

Bluetooth wireless technology provides both audio and data connectivity, allowing users to pair the radio with a range of third-party wireless audio accessories. The XRS-660-U also incorporates a built-in GPS receiver, giving the radio its own location awareness without requiring GPS data from a connected smartphone.

Of course, a handheld radio designed for overlanding needs to survive more than a dusty cupholder. The XRS-660-U carries an IP67 ingress-protection rating along with a MIL-STD810G rating. GME designed the unit to contend with harsh weather, rough terrain, and the inevitable abuse that comes with outdoor use.

Under the skin, the XRS-660-U offers switchable 5-, 1-, and 0.5-watt transmit power and a class-leading 2-watt speaker. It also incorporates GME’s ScanSuite digital scanning technology, multiple power-saving modes, XRS Connect smartphone-app compatibility, and the aforementioned GPS and Bluetooth functionality. Power comes from an included 2,550mAh lithium-ion battery pack.

The package includes the XRS-660-U 5-watt handheld radio, BP030-U battery, BCD026-U rapid desktop charger, PS012 AC adapter, MB059 belt clip, and a quick-start guide. GME backs the radio with a five-year warranty.

GME Continues Its Push Into The U.S.

The launch is also another significant step in GME’s push into the American communications market. The Australian manufacturer has decades of experience developing radio and emergency-communications equipment, and its move into the U.S. has brought that background to the GMRS space. Rather than simply competing on maximum transmit power, GME has been leaning on rugged construction, integrated technology, and the company’s established XRS ecosystem to differentiate its products for American off-roaders and overlanders.

That strategy is particularly evident with the XRS-660-U. Features such as onboard GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, a color display, and smartphone integration move the handheld beyond the basic push-to-talk radios many enthusiasts carry as backups. GME sums up the philosophy behind the new model simply: “When you’re miles from cellular coverage, communication becomes more than just a convenience. It’s peace of mind.”

The Australian-made GME XRS-660-U goes on sale in the United States with an MSRP of $395.