What's a good entry level radio GMRS/HAM?

I have friends with Bao-junk and I have a FT-65. You get what you pay for. The junk feels and works like junk. The Yaesu is much better.

 

I'm using Radioddity GM30 handheld GMRS radios for my communications right now. Best part for me is they are usb-c rechargable so you can charge in the car or via battery pack when walking around. It works perfectly fine for my needs right now. Antenna easily unscrews to fit in the center console when not in use as well. Plus as others mentioned ease of use especially when connecting to FRS walkie talkies as not all my friends have invested in comms. Also, I let the kids run around with their cheap FRS walkie talkies and I can easily connect to them which is good for hikes/bike rides when they want to run ahead a lil bit.

GMRS license was an easy application and within a day or two you get your info.

$25 Radioddity GM-30 GMRS Radio Handheld 5W Long Range Two Way Radio for Adults, GMRS Repeater Capable, with NOAA Scanning & Receiving, Display SYNC, for Off Road Overlanding Family Use, 1 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/Radioddity-GM-30-Handheld-Receiving-Overlanding/dp/B08SLR7W7F

 

Man that's cheap..going to have to get some

 

Awesome thank you

 

And where would someone look to unlock them

 

Agreed. Would also like to know

 

Awesome thank you

 

Thanks for the info

 

Lol that's what I was thinking too

 

So hand held would just be good as a backup

 

Thanks for the great feedback and information

 

Awesome thank you

 

I stand corrected, I guess there is a way to jail break a

$40 UV-5R 8Watt Ham Radio Handheld Long Range UHF/VHF Radio with 2 Rechargeable Battery, Portable Radio for Adults with Earpiece, GV-771 Antenna, Programming Cable (3rd Gen)

UV-5R. Might just have to re buy 2 more. I know they're cheap but for wheeling or camping they work great.

 

I agree. You get what you pay for

 

Worth a try

 

I kept hearing there was no way to jail break one, now there is.

$40 UV-5R 8Watt Ham Radio Handheld Long Range UHF/VHF Radio with 2 Rechargeable Battery, Portable Radio for Adults with Earpiece, GV-771 Antenna, Programming Cable (3rd Gen)

UV-5R's aren't a bad radios, so I'll probably give it another try.

 

KG-935G. I'm looking into this one myself. runs I think around $150.00.

https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-935g.html

 

And for that price it's a no Brainer

 

Hand-held is good for a second radio, or a field radio talking to a base. Their main problem is the lousy antenna. Rubber ducky antennas are good for bending and not breaking - but not so great at transmitting vs a regular quarter wave whip antenna.

 

What antennas would you recommend for a Reverse SMA connector type? (Yaesu FT-65R) Even if it's just a general brand recommendation? Durability is a plus. I bring my radio hiking.