Suggestions for handheld GMRS radio

[Scooter M'Gee]

Right now I'm considering the midland GXT67Pro. What else would you suggest for a GMRS handheld?

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[crzyhawk]

What are your needs? That GXT67 Pro looks awfully expensive for a handheld with fixed antenna. I have some older GXT1000, much cheaper, but lower power output. I'm not certain how much I believe the extra wattage is going to help that form factor and antenna.

 

[Scooter M'Gee]

This would be for group trail rides.

 

[crzyhawk]

GXT1000 should be good for that, particularly if you are buying multiple radios and sharing with your buddies. This weekend I did a test with a friend using the FRS transceiver (ancient cobra microtalk) I keep in my center console and the vehicle mount GMRS in my bronco. We were able to get useful communications out to about a half mile (2w output) on Interstate 95. My GXT1000 has a max of 2.8w output so should theoretically be a bit better, but realistically I doubt the performance will be much different given the fixed antenna and being held inside the vehicle. The biggest increase in performance will be getting an antenna mounted outside the vehicle. I wish we'd have tested the GXT1000, but I didn't have it on me.

 

[Scooter M'Gee]

I'll check out the GXT1000. Thank you for the real use feedback.

 

[Brian_B]

I'll check out the GXT1000. Thank you for the real use feedback.

I’ve had decent luck with these radios as well. Not bad for a cheap handheld

 

[timhood]

A saw a great YouTube review of various radios, and in the end, he recommended I grab a pair of TIDdies, that I wouldn't be disappointed. I don't have sophisticated needs--just want solid range at an affordable price. These have been great for that.

 

[popo_patty]

I agree on GXT1000. Simple, reliable and fool proof. Just don’t be the guy that sits on their radio during the ride so everyone can hear ya hot micing

If you ever want to nerd out with programming, grab the Baofeng UV-5R mini and download chirp on your laptop. Grab a Baofeng programming cable and have fun

 

[swooshdave]

This would be for group trail rides.

Depending on the length of the rides you might consider the non-handheld models, unless you can find one that charges while using (not all do).

 

[Scooter M'Gee]

Depending on the length of the rides you might consider the non-handheld models, unless you can find one that charges while using (not all do).

They would only be day trips.

 

[crenca]

My current handheld's are Baofeng GM-15 Pro GMRS (the package that comes with the large batteries), a pair on Amazon going for $50 right now. The out of the box programming works fine, which is good because I wouldn’t want to program them. I keep a copy of the manual in the glove box as well, given that the iconography on the screen is indecipherable usually.

I just did not want to pay the Midland $tax$ for cheap electronics that all come out of the same factory in Asia…

 

[Scooter M'Gee]

These things have to be programmed?

 

[Smocaine]

Cobra has started making GMRS radios. I don't know if they're any good yet - not many reviews out yet and even fewer that aren't obviously paid.

 

[crzyhawk]

These things have to be programmed?

Baofengs generally do need to be programmed; they are not a GMRS radio but can be programmed to use GMRS frequencies. Technically, they are illegal as they are not part 95 compliant. The Midlands do not need to be programmed.

 

[crenca]

Cobra has started making GMRS radios. I don't know if they're any good yet

Ive used them. At least the ones I’ve had (purchased at Walmart) the plastic was even cheaper and thinner than “normal”, so for one the casing just cracked, and on the other the USB connector broke from the casing and fell back into the unit such that you could no longer charge it. Both with little use…

Baofengs generally do need to be programmed; they are not a GMRS radio but can be programmed to use GMRS frequencies

The ones I mentioned above come pre-programmed with all GMRS and FRS frequencies, so out of the box they work like a Midland, et al…

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