I don’t know about the 2 mi range - but the 23 mi range is in best possible conditions, line of sight from mountain top to valley. Those same walkie talkies advertise a 1 mi range in a "Neighborhood"
They are much farther then line of sight. I certainly get two miles in heavy forests and other side of hill. These work great for groups hiking and climbing.
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2006/07/the_truth_about_...
From your link:
> The range that a two-way radio advertises is the range that the radio should get in "ideal" conditions. Ideal conditions are line of sight, such as from a mountaintop to a valley below -- no interference at all.
> So what type of range can you expect from your radio? Usually half a mile up to two miles
As I said I get about 2 miles
Don't forget about the $65 licensing fee to operate the GMRS radios legally, which can only be used by the applicant and their immediate family:
https://www.fcc.gov/general/general-mobile-radio-service-gmr...
FRS = free the GMRS is not on by default and has to be programmed into the unit.
Sometimes improved technology isn't the right solution.