2025, what radio do I want

[tdyoung58]

So I've got a few Baofeng radios.
Uv5R and a couple of 8w (supposedly) versions
Few of the cheap 6 channel models
Looking for something better.
Haven't really looked at radios in 4-5 years
Cost isn't a real consideration
Maybe compatibility with current batteries.

What's the newest and best technology

 

[pmn357]

So I've got a few Baofeng radios.
Uv5R and a couple of 8w (supposedly) versions
Few of the cheap 6 channel models
Looking for something better.
Haven't really looked at radios in 4-5 years
Cost isn't a real consideration
Maybe compatibility with current batteries.

What's the newest and best technology

What do you want your radio to do? Are you a HAM?

 

[tdyoung58]

What do you want your radio to do? Are you a HAM?

I want to be able to talk on it to other people.
What else are they used for ?

 

[NYECOGunsmith]

What class of license do you have? GMRS? Technician? General? Extra? That info will help with answering your question.

 

[tdyoung58]

What class of license do you have? GMRS? Technician? General? Extra? That info will help with answering your question.

None, yet ....
Yes, I know I'm not suppose to use the ones I have.
Sometimes I'll listen to the local repeaters.

Could probably call in a few drug deals if I spoke Spanish. In scanning, there's a lot of that language happening.

 

[NYECOGunsmith]

You can listen to any frequency without a license, and in an emergency, under federal law, you may use any frequency at any power level in any mode (AM, FM, digital, etc. ) to summon aid, so long as no means to do so that does not require a license (such as cellphone or land line) also exists where you are.
The law defines an emergency as the potential for injury to, or loss of live of a human, or the potential for the loss of tangible property, or injury to animals. Pretty broad description of what they classify as an emergency that allows you to do this, surprisingly so for the goobermunt.

You can obtain a GMRS license, good starting point, with no exam, just fill out a couple of online forms for the FCC and give them $35 and the license shows up in your email in a day or two, AND., the single GMRS license covers you and you immediate family, wife, kids, grandkids, etc.

I can send you links on how to do that, and also the study materials to get an Amateur radio license if you are interested, as well as find you a place to take the exam near you.

 

[Zane]

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[pmn357]

If you just wanted to stay in GMRS there are some highly reviewed radios made by Wouxun. Several of them are superhet, if you want the bragging rights. You said cost is not a consideration so the flagship models are the KG1000G 50watt mobile and the KGQ10G handheld.
I see a lot of radios that do both HAM and GMRS. The options are bewildering. I will get the HAM cert before too long but for now I am content with GMRS.

 

[Hooligan]

You claim to want help, but it's like pulling-teeth to get info out of you that'd help anyone make some suggestions.

Do you want radios for general local area & regional communications with others (I hope you're more 'social' via voice than you are in this forum!), such as GMRS and/or amateur radio capability (once you find the motivation to get licensed), or are you looking for discrete communications with your immediate family and/or select friends with the same radios?

 

[Hooligan]

For a handheld one and done radio, I'd suggest getting a DMR 6X2 Pro from RadioMadeEasy, it'll come fully programmed for your location which is the most complex part of a digital radio. Highly capable radio, including encryption, gps positioning and sms. and of course it's still a dual band radio so it can talk on gmrs & ham freq's, in addition to the digital repeaters which there are several in the valley

Not exactly one & done, as DMR mode would require a Radio ID be registered for Amateur Radio & programmed into it.

 

[M9A1MAN]

https://www2.randl.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_360&products_id=76169

 

[Smokers10x]

Had a CB decades ago. Had a Cobra 29 with AM/SSB.

Just paid the $35 for a 10-year GMRS license. No test other than navigating the FCC site. GMRS is great for local comms. Joined a local club so I could access their repeaters. Had a couple of UV-5R's but returned them to Amazon. Picked up Tidradio TD-H3's. I like them much better than the Baofeng's. Look for units you can charge with a USB-C cable. Makes it easier to charge on the go. Charging cradles are a pain.

Just passed the Technician test. Paid the FCC and waiting for my callsign. There is a program for new hams to receive a radio at a discounted price. It's called the Jumpstart program.

https://www.qrz.com/jumpstart/account-required