Rugged Radios Intercom & Radio Kit Buying Guide

Radio & Intercom Kits

Rugged Radios has been providing racers and recreational riders with high quality radio systems, intercoms, and other off-road communication equipment for over 20 years. They dedication to this industry is directly reflected by their amazing customer service. If you have any issues at all and give them a call, they will 100% get you taken care of.

Radios and intercoms can be a confusing subject. You might be asking yourself...What kit is right for me? Why do I need this kit over the other kit? What's the difference between an intercom kit and a radio kit? Hopefully we can address most of your questions in this article...

1. Intercom Kits

So let's start with the basics: intercom kits. Intercoms are driver to passenger(s) communication that will allow everyone inside your UTV to talk to one another.

When choosing an intercom, you need to be aware of the different features that each of the Rugged Radios models have to offer.

RRP362:

The RRP362 is the base model intercom. This has just the basic driver to passenger 2-way communication and a 3.5mm AUX jack port for music with no additional features. For most people, this intercom will do just fine!

Front Mounted Push-to-Talk Buttons
Front 3.5mm music port
Simple volume dial operation
Rear 5-pin ports for both driver & co-driver headsets or helmet kits
Universal 2-way radio connection

RRP660:

The RRP660 is a step up from the RRP362 in that you get some awesome additional features that make your life a little easier when driving.

Hands free voice activated in-vehicle communication
Set VOX volume threshold to activate your mic for in-car communication
Automatic music dimming when speaking
Ports for 4 headsets/helmet kits, expandable to 8
Inputs for music and cell (3.5mm music cord included)
High output amplifier provides outstanding music listening
Connect optional cable to rear AUX port to record intercom audio to GoPro or other device

RRP696:

The RRP696 is the top of the line intercom model. This intercom has all the newest features including bluetooth audio connection which allows you to listen to music and answer calls when you're out riding! Not only that, but this intercom has the capability to have 8 different channels!

Built-in Bluetooth for music streaming and cell phone conversation
Hands free voice activated in-vehicle communication
Set VOX volume threshold to activate your mic for in-car communication
Keep your phone tucked away safely and use faceplate controls to manage your music
Music play/pause/volume/skip/call answer/call end buttons
Double stacked knob for volume and VOX control
2-way radio ready
Connect optional cable to rear AUX port to record intercom audio to GoPro or other device
Ports for 4 headsets/helmet kits, expandable to 8

Ok great! So now you know what each intercom kit is capable of and why you should consider an intercom kit. Now let's take a look at the radio kits...

Rugged Radios RZR Turbo S System

2. Radio Kits

To put it simply, the radio kits give you the ability to talk to other cars, or other people with radios. These kits are ideal for people who ride in groups, or have people at their home base when riding. If you were to wipe out, and you had a radio kit, you would be able to tell your group where you are at and what happened. It could save your life! Rugged has two different radio options...

RM-45:

The RM-45 is the older radio model that provides 45 watts of power and is a great option for most people. It's a little more budget friendly and still offers quite a few options.

UHF frequency
Powerful 45 watts of power
20~30 mile range
DCS/CTCSS tone code capable
Channel scan
Adjustable squelch
Channel edit
Tone code scan
Adjustable power level
Vehicle voltage indicator
Time-out-timer
Busy channel lockout

RM-60:

The RM-60 is the newest radio model from Rugged Radios. It has all the newest features and is the radio of choice for people wanting the best of the best.

VHF frequency
Powerful 60 watts of power
20~30 mile range
DCS/CTCSS tone code capable
Channel scan
Adjustable squelch
Channel edit
Tone code scan
Adjustable power level
Hand Mic included
Vehicle voltage indicator
Time-out-timer
Busy channel lockout

3. Headsets & Helmet Kits

When it comes to the actual headsets, there are some things you need to keep in mind. In California and some other states, you are required to wear a helmet when you're riding, so you need to make sure you are getting a kit that has the Helmet Kit headsets that get wired into your riding helmet.

If you're lucky enough to live in a state that does not require you to wear a helmet, there are 3 different headset options that Rugged Radios offers.

The Over The Head standard headsets are the most popular option. Pretty straightforward, these are over the head and ear headsets that have good audio quality and are comfortable for most people.

Some people prefer the Behind The Head headsets. These are another great option and don't cost any more than the OTH headsets.

The last option is the Alpha Bass headsets. These are the top of the line headsets and are geared towards people that like to listen to good quality music when riding. These headsets are going to give you the best audio of any of the options.

All of the headset options are personal preference!

4. Complete Kits

Rugged Radios knows a lot of you guys want both the intercom and radio options for your UTV, so they've put together some awesome all-in-one kits for you with various different headset options!

2-Seat Kits:

4-Seat Kits:

5. Mounting Solutions

Rugged Radios has a ton of mounting options available for almost any application. Whether you have a brand new Can-Am Maverick X3, a RZR XP Turbo, or need a radio for base camp, Rugged has you covered!

For all mounting options, click here!

Final Thoughts

There are many configurations of radio and intercom kits that accommodate most any need you have. Make sure you check out all the features of each option carefully and find the kit that's perfect for your UTV.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

Aug 28, 2019 Matt Druey