Suggestions for handheld GMRS radio

[popo_patty]

Well shoot, just checked out those Baofeng GM-15’s. That would be my recommendation then since they are preprogrammed but can be built on as your knowledge grows. Didn’t know Baofeng still had preprogrammed radios.
I’ve purchased a ton of the UV-5R’s over the years and it has been my go to. It usually requires programming but I remember one time, an order came in already programmed to GMRS haha. Threw me for a loop

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[coadr]

I've got a Rocky Talkie 5 watt Expedition Radio (which I bought for skiing but it also supports GMRS and can be attached to an external antenna if needed).

It's worked well so far!

 

[Scooter M'Gee]

A lot of good info shared here. Gives some options.

 

[Ramble_Offroad]

I've got a Rocky Talkie 5 watt Expedition Radio (which I bought for skiing but it also supports GMRS and can be attached to an external antenna if needed).

It's worked well so far!

I’ve also had great luck with the Rocky Talkie 5W. They are very easy to use, durable and the battery last for several days. Recommended.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

I’ve also had great luck with the Rocky Talkie 5W. They are very easy to use, durable and the battery last for several days. Recommended.

I will third that Rocky Talkie, but its a pretty nice investment.

A cheaper alternative: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9LSQVJJ

If you want a swiss army knife radio of sorts you can program the GMRS channels into this: https://www.amazon.com/BAOFENG-BF-F8HP-PRO-UV-5R-Two-Way/dp/B0DHSS2NNF

 

[Oilbrnr]

Get a MARS/CAP'd Yaesu FT-60

 

[swooshdave]

The other advice is that while the radios like the Baofeng have a lot of features and options and are relatively inexpensive if you just want something that is easy to use then keep that in mind. If the group needs to change the channel are you breaking out the manual or just pressing one button?

 

[lindertw]

I picked up a couple of these to keep in the glovebox for trail rides:
Radioddity GA-5E Radio

https://www.radioddity.com/products/radioddity-ga-5e?_pos=6&_fid=5b5b47f18&_ss=c

 

[mmbretts]

I second the Boafengs. Programming is about as easy as making a forum post. A group I run with racing/trail riding all use them without issue.

Current rig is a Baofeng UV-17 Pro GPS. Added GMRS, Rugged, MURS, FRS, & weather band frequencies.

Would reccomend.

 

[SoDak1623]

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.

Can confirm, my buddy and I ran TD-H8s on our last trip and they worked great. The price for two of them each in a kit with spare battery, longer antenna, and handset, and charger was ~$140. They worked well between our vehicles and picked up from a decent distance, provided we were in line of sight, but that is how all other GMRS radios function as well.

 

[timhood]

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

I should have included the YouTube review so you can see why I think (and he thinks) you should put a TIDdy in your hand. You'll either enjoy his dry delivery and humor or hate it. Bonus that I didn't mention: if you ever get into HAM, this radio will be all you will need. Of less use for some, but maybe handy for others: you can receive OTA AM/FM signals as well.

TID Radio H3 Review

 

[vrtical]

I have a pair of BAOFENG MP31s never any issues for being 5w, I use them mostly when out of the vehicle for spotting etc. I have an on board Midland that is my main one.

 

[Beggsie]

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.

Here's what I did. Open the REI credit card. Make 1 purchase outside of REI, I bought a candy bar. Then they send you a $100 REI gift card. I used that to purchase my GMRS handhelds from REI. Then cancel card. Basically got them free. I believe they're Midlands. They work great. Then go online and get your license. I think it's $10 for the family and lasts 10 years?

 

[crenca]

I have a pair of BAOFENG MP31s never any issues for being 5w, I use them mostly when out of the vehicle for spotting etc. I have an on board Midland that is my main one.

Those are as simple as you can get, priced right, and I assume have the usual BAOFENG case quality.

I do wonder about the watt rating(s), as the GM-15 Pro GMRS I use have an "8w" rating (on high power) but don't seem to offer any more range (in my real world use) then the 2w handhelds I have used in the past. I suspect watt ratings on these things are as reliable as "peak" ratings on most consumer grade stereo electronics...

 

[crzyhawk]

The output is how much power you are transmitting with. At best, it will extend how far away your signal will be readable. It won’t help you receive anyone else’s weaker transmission. In practice, they are all Line-of-Sight (LOS) radios. Pumping more power won’t overcome that.

These things are all hand helds with fixed antennas. The antenna will limit things more than the power output will.

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