Miikkaa,

No, they are not FRS and you're right about talking to yourself if no one in the/your group have the same radio.

It's an option... I see a use if a group go wheeling and you have a 'base' camp. Let say the better half don't want to go and stay at the base camp, using this, more wattage, can make it when FRS can not...(You need one in the camp)

I use one channel for business(5watt) and the other for home(1watt)... It does come with the stubby rubber antenna and need to be connected to the battery or wire it for lighter plug...It also have the 38 sub-codes... Simplex only.

I use it around the city to call home... It's clean and clear using the stubby rubber antenna externally!

Cheers!