Radio Selection

 Warning: 
There are numerous counterfieits sold at lower prices on Amazon, eBay, Wish and other webstores. They look the same but are made with inferior parts and workmanhip. They have high failure rates.

Handheld Transciever

What we Like

What we DON'T Like

 

Baofeng UV-21R

6 Watt Transmit Power

VHF/UHF Dual Band
999 Channels
10 oz
2.4"W x 1.5"D x 4.5"H w/o antenna

Single Radio $25 on Amazon

 

Full function radio at a great price.

New. Design released in 2023

Includes a charging cradle and a USB C to A cable for charging with a standard USB 5v adapter which makes it ideal for using in a car.

The large color dispaly is unique and beautiful.

Good Rx and TX while charging in the care with the USB cable provided the battery is charged to one bar or more.

 

This is the largest size radio probably due to the larger screen.

It is also the heaviest; however. solidly built radio.

Baofeng UV-S9 Plus

8 Watt Transmit PowerUV S9P PLUS

VHF/UHF Dual Band
128 Channels
7.2 oz
2.2"W x 1.25"D x 4.5"H w/o antenna

$39 on Amazon

This is the lightest and smallest radio on our list. It fits nicely in your pocket.

This radio has a charging cradle and can also be charged with the included custom USB  A cable for charging with a standard USB 5V adapter.  

This 7 watt radio gives you a little boost over the 6 watt radio; however, that is not usually important.

The custom USB cable is made wtih a solid state chip that converts 5V to 7.5V and generates RF noise. This RF noise interferres with the radio's audio and transmisson.

For best RX and TX unplug the USB charging cable when the radio is turned on.

Baofeng UV-82HPUV82HP

7 Watt Transmit Power (Note 1)
(my test 6.4 Watts)

VHF/UHF Dual Band
128 Channels
7.9 oz
2.4"W x 1.3"D x 5.0"H w/o antenna

Chose from 4 colors

$65 on Amazon

7 Watt transmit power is sufficient to reach the repeater from anywhere in 95120 including inside most houses.

Dual band means you can listen to two frequencies at the same time or scan multiple frequencies while monitoring AVPSN.

Available in multiple colors.

There are many accessories available for this radio:
Extra snap-in batteries
Dual Push To Talk Speaker Mic
Battery Eliminator with DC Adapter for automobile
Cup holder for automobile
Covert Air Acoustic Tube Earpiece

Because of the many features in this radio, it is more complicated to learn and operate.

The higher power isn't really required in most locations.

No USB charging.

Baofeng BF-F8HP  (Note 1)bf f8hp 188

7 Watt Transmit Power
(my test 6.3 Watts)

VHF/UHF Dual Band
128 Channels
7.4 oz
2.4"W x 1.3"D x 4.3"H w/o antenna

$63 on Amazon

 Same as UV-82HP except:

Smaller size ( about 1" shorter)
Keypad buttons significantly smaller
Single Push To Talk buttonm, must use A/B button to select transmit channel
Smaller Speaker 700mW (UV-82HP is 1,000mW)

 

Same as UV-82HP

Note 1:  Transmit power doesn't always increase com range. The antenna match and unobstructed line of sight to the repeater are a much bigger factor toward increasing com range.