Handheld Radio Comparison & Review
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There are a lot more options available than just what I discuss in this video. Your local ham radio operators and/or club are great sources of information.
 
Links to some of the radios mentioned:
 
Yaesu FT-65R:
Yaesu Original FT-65 FT-65R 144/440 Dual-Band Rugged & Compact Handheld Transceiver, 5W – 3 Year Warranty
 
The MURS radio:
BTECH MURS-V1 MURS Two-Way Radio, License Free Two-Way Radio for Manufacturing, Retail, Personal, and Business
 
Baofeng UV-5R – the prepper standard:
BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174Mhz VHF & 400-520Mhz UHF) Includes Full Kit
 
Radioddity GD-77 DMR radio:
Radioddity GD-77 Dual Band Dual Time Slot DMR Digital/Analog Two Way Radio VHF/UHF 1024 Channels Ham Amateur Radio w/Free Programming Cable and Charger
 
Hello from Miami, FL. Thank you for the explanation on the different types of radios. Stay safe and stay connected.
Great vid. I actually have the Pofung, so I really appreciated the comparison details of the others.
Thank you for this video
I guess most of the Baofeng radios have been declared illegal to use because the are not FCC type accepted and can transmit on frequencies outside what they should be able to transmit on.
I am an ignorant at radios. I will try to study and get a HAM license. Which radio would you recommend? Baofeng UV-5R or BTECH DMR-6×2? Thanks for the advice!
How do I get a ham radio license?
Many Yeasu models are now MADE in China. The others are ASSEMBLED in Japan using mostly Chinese components. Granted, the quality control is much better, but in the end, you are getting a Chinese radio. Pofung and Tytera are now the largest end terminal radio manufacturers in the world. Anytone, Tytera, and Pofung make good HT and mobile radios for the money. There are a few companies that make HF units, but I personally like Yeasu (I have the 840) and eventually plan to get an ICOM 7300. You mentioned one really important thing. An expensive radio with a poor antenna system is worth less than a cheap radio with a good antenna. I really like Comet and Diamond.
I have two Baofeng radios, the UV5R-V2+, a second gen UV5R and the BF F8-HP, the third gen UV5R, been using them for years. The local Ham radio club helped me get my license. As for transmitting and receiving I've had no problems. As for Yeasu radio's as some one else pointed out the parts are mostly made in China, then the parts are shipped too Japan where it is put together. And your wife should get licensed if she is going to use that UV5R radio. But tha'ts just my two cents worth. KI7BSL.
Very helpful
Art Bell Fan!?
Another great video APN!
Good job, good advice. Did some power testing on the 8 watt Baofeng and it is smack dead on 8 watt output. So just because it's Chinese, doesn't mean it's underpowered.
1…. To say a particular battery can last more than double , double what ? You didnt mention the controlled battery figures . How long do standard batteries last ? What usage can you get out of a standard charge ? ….2.. What radios are best used for what situations ? I.e , For seas , aviation , hand gliding , fixed wing , hiking , whats best ? 3…. what line of sight range do these radios have ( Excl Ariel range extenders ) …4… ease of use , which is easiest to format for the layman ? No offence mate , but this "review" is anything but . have you perhaps considered another hobby ?
I thought vertex was involved with motorola. I only have motorola products. They are amazing. Ive been a programmer for quite some time.
I believe the 65 r is a superhet recieve. The rest are likely dc direct conversion.
Apco is more popular in my area. We do have a dmr trunked system.
90% of the extended Baofeng BL5L batteries in Black for the UV5R are bad low capacity fakes
Buy BL5L extended batteries in camouflage, red, blue, or yellow colours, AFAIK only Black ones are faked
To add weight to the fake BL5L they put a steel wheel nut or steel plates in the bottom!