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Rugged GMR5 Series Handheld Radios

Motortopia Staff . June 24, 2026 . Press Release
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ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. — The Rugged GMR5 Series combines maximum GMRS handheld power with race-proven durability, delivering clear, reliable communication for off-road enthusiasts, overlanders, campers, hunters, and outdoor adventurers.

Built from the same proven platform as Rugged’s top-selling R1 business band radio, the GMR5 Series was designed for users who need dependable communication when cell service disappears and reliable equipment matters most.

Engineered for race and built for adventure, the GMR5 Series brings communication technology trusted in some of the harshest off-road environments in the world to a new generation of GMRS users.

 

“We build products that we’d want to use, in the environments we’d use them in,” said Dustin Ensign, Director of Marketing at Rugged Radios. “The GMR5 Series is built from the same platform as our top-selling R1 radio, a platform that’s been proven in racing and some of the toughest environments on earth. We took that proven foundation and created our most capable GMRS handhelds yet.”

Prior to release, the GMR5 Series debuted as the official handheld radio of Red Rock 4-Wheelers during Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Used by trail leaders, volunteers, and event staff throughout the week-long event, the radios helped coordinate communications across hundreds of miles of trails while providing valuable real-world validation before release.

Built for Adventure. Proven by Racing

For decades, Rugged Radios communication equipment has been trusted by racers, teams, and outdoor enthusiasts operating in demanding environments where reliable communication is critical.

The GMR5 Series brings that same race-proven durability and performance to users looking for dependable communication on the trail, at camp, overlanding, hunting, working, or preparing for emergencies.

GMR5

The GMR5 delivers maximum GMRS handheld power in a simple, dependable package built for real-world adventure.

Key Features

  • 5 watts of GMRS power
  • USB-C charging
  • 2000mAh lithium-ion battery
  • Dedicated weather alert button
  • Programmable P1 and P2 buttons
  • FM radio
  • Integrated flashlight
  • Rugged 2-pin accessory compatibility
  • Available in Grey and Orange

Learn more: GMR5 Product Page [LINK]

GMR5-X

The GMR5-X builds on the GMR5 platform with additional capability for users who demand more from their communication equipment.

Key Features

  • 5 watts of GMRS power
  • IP67 waterproof rating
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • XL battery with nearly double the runtime of the standard GMR5
  • USB-C charging
  • VOX hands-free operation
  • TX Filter noise reduction technology
  • Rugged 2-pin accessory compatibility
  • Available in Grey and Orange

Learn more: GMR5 Product Page [LINK]

Maximum GMRS Power

Both the GMR5 and GMR5-X feature 5 watts of GMRS power, the maximum allowed for a GMRS handheld radio. Combined with Rugged’s race-proven design philosophy, the GMR5 Series delivers dependable communication when groups spread out beyond the reach of cell service.

No Cell Service Required

Whether coordinating a convoy, spotting obstacles, managing a work site, or staying connected around camp, the GMR5 Series provides direct radio-to-radio communication without subscriptions, service plans, or cellular coverage.

Availability

The Rugged GMR5 and GMR5-X are available through Rugged Radios and authorized dealers nationwide.

For more information, visit www.ruggedradios.com.

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