2-way radio product update

Thought I would share our experience with a few radios we tested out in the mountains this season. I have another use specifically to my farm, and need something with a solid 18 mile line of site range. But for hunting purposes, we found a few things out this year.
#1 radio we used = Baofeng Pofung GT-3TP Mark-III
Tri-Power 8/4/1W Two-Way Radio Transceiver, Dual Band 136-174/400-520 MHz True 8W High Power Two-Way Radio, with 23CM High Gain Antenna, Upgraded Chip

A prepper recommended these to me and we were blown away at the clarity and range. Unless we had 1000 feet of mountain separating us, we consistently had up to 12 miles of coverage. We could either use the enclosed ear piece or just have the volume turned down. We were just whispering into the mic and the reception was crystal clear. These are completely programmable units and the frequency mode enabled us to select a frequency compatible with multiple radios/channels.

ONLY 1 complaint amongst all of us. Wish these radios had the ability to lock out the buttons. Most of us just clip our radios on our back pack while hiking. Between a gun on my shoulder, GPS unit, trama kit,…. the buttons would get pressed and change the frequency. Not a problem to re-enter, just a very large inconvenience for those that are technology challenged. If we could have just set the frequency and locked the keys, it would have been simpler.

HESENATE HT-UV8R Two Way Radio 8-Watt High Power Dual Band – Hated them. Too much static and clarity sucked.

Midland GXT1050VP4 – Decent radios for short distance use. We got 2-3 miles with great clarity, even in dark woods. Not much flexibility with any mountain peaks or ridges separating us. If i was looking for simple radios for “flatland” use in a short distance of up to 3.5 miles, i wouldn’t hesitate to use these again.

Motorola MS350R – Pretty stout radios. We got up to about 4 miles of good reception. Just like the Midland, no “over the mountain” use. We did notice that clarity/reception was best between the Motorola to Motorola and the Baofeng. The motorola to other brands just didn’t seem to sync right – as if the frequency was off just a bit.

We also had a couple other brands like Cobra and others. Nothing good to say about any of them.

Please note for potential buyers that the first two radios listed require an FCC amateur radio license. The last 2 do not, but if using GMR frequencies on them you need an FCC GMR license which is east to obtain versus the amateur radio license.

luckydave wrote:

Please note for potential buyers that the first two radios listed require an FCC amateur radio license. The last 2 do not, but if using GMR frequencies on them you need an FCC GMR license which is east to obtain versus the amateur radio license.

It was explained to me the fcc requirements were pending the selection of frequency. Some channels are open and require nothing while others are regulated. We used all open channels.

Thanks for the review our group purchased a five pack to use on next weeks trip to Montana. Have Cobra’s and they only work a couple of miles unless you are on top of a hill in line of sight.
Price is very good compared to others we have looked at. Our group used a mix of brands and they didn’t all work good together. Now with all having the same radio we should be able to hear each other.

I’ve heard that a cheap antenna upgrade makes a huge difference.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-AL-800-144-430MHz-SMA-F-Telescopic-Antenna-for-PRYME-Kenwood-HYT-BAOFENG-Blk/201073660130?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649