BCA Link BCA Radio Review

The BCA Link Radio is a two-way radio system that is a huge step-up from other such radio systems on the market.

I have tested the BCA Link Group Radio numerous times over the past year while touring the backcountry surrounding Mt. Baker and the expansive Tetons range in Wyoming.

NOAA Weather Radio

The BCA Link Radio was specifically designed to be used in the backcountry by skiers and snowboarders to help you keep your entire crew in communication. A few of the best features include NOAA weather radio, a simple user interface featuring buttons that are easy to use even with thick snowboard gloves on, and a Smart Mic remote speaker microphone.

BCA Link Radio Video

I found that the Backcountry Access Link Group Radio was easy to use. It took only a few minutes to set up and figure out after taking it out of the box. And this simplicity is a big plus when you’re out shredding. You don’t want to fuss with your technology. You want it to work smoothly and seamlessly without a hitch. We did have some troubles at first making sure we were all on the same channel, however, once the channel was locked into place via the Smart Mic that problem disappeared.

BCA Link Radio Smart Mic

My favorite feature of the Link Group Radio is its Smart Mic. This makes it super easy to change settings or call a buddy without digging the radio out of your pack. The rechargeable lithium ion battery gives this bad boy 140 hours of average battery life running time. Backcountry Access claims that the BCA Link Radio Range is a 2.5-mile line of sight range.

The farthest that we used it was likely never more than a mile. The radio signal strength stayed strong even while we dipped into valleys and left our trusted photographer sitting atop a peak.

The BCA Link Group Radio has 22 FRS frequencies and GMRS channels plus 121 sub-channels. This variety and range allow the radios to operate with minimal interference. The system includes options for pre-set channel selections and is compatible with all standard FRS radios /GMRS radios. It can be used with almost any backpack on the market.

The Smart Mic feature is particularly interesting. It combines a remote speaker microphone and a control pad (with on/off, push-to-talk, volume, channel selection, and battery indication all at your fingertips). Essentially you can turn the BCA Link Radio on and off, switch between 5 preset channels and listen to the NOAA weather radio all through the Smart Mic.

BCA Link BCA Radio Pros & Cons

Pros:

• NOAA Weather Radio
• Easy to set up
• Smart Mic for easy settings change

Cons:

• Initial channel setup may be confusing
• May have limited range in certain terrains
• Upgraded version available (BC Link 2.0)

Overall Impression

Ensure that your crew navigates the backcountry safely and easily find separated friends with this one-of-a-kind ski/snow-specific backcountry radio communications system with this innovative BCA walkie-talkie. Thanks to its ease of use of this group communication system and overall effectiveness, it is set to become a new standard piece of safety equipment for those venturing into the backcountry. The BCA Link Group Radio ($129.00) * per radio is seriously one of the best currently available and will be a valuable asset for you and your group of riding buddies to pick up to share observations in real time. Nail that next photo shoot or video clip. The options are endless with these backcountry radios from BCA.

There is now an upgraded version of this backcountry ski radio available called the BC Link 2.0

Related Radios

1. BCA Link 2.0 Review
2. Packtalk Ski Helmet Audio 2 Way Communicator Review