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Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025
Baofeng has produced a set of solid radios for a multiple range of communication applications. As a holder of both an amateur and GMRS license, as well as being a volunteer firefighter/EMT for 25 years, these radios can provide plenty of different applications depending on your need.As for me, these will be used primarily for communications during ATV and side by side rides with groups of people. It will be connected to a headset and speakers in my helmet. The radios are robust enough to handle the challenges of the trails. Additionally, with the higher power (realizing you likely will never get a full 10 watts), it allows for a longer range of communication while in the woods. Further, the extended range antenna is a bonus for both reception and transmitting. However, I will note that the longer antenna will flop around way more than the shorter antenna.The battery life will be great with a robust 2500 mAh battery. This will last the entire day with power to spare when the day is over. When it is time to recharge, with USB-C, you have a multitude of options. This is also great if you just happen to need a recharge while out in the wilderness.While most anyone tangentially connected to the radio community likely has at least one UV5r somewhere in their repertoire, this radio takes it to the next level. As noted above, a higher power is a plus. Additionally, I like the bigger screen for ease of use and sight. This is especially helpful if you need to change channels on the trail.With a radio with this many features, I am unsure why they did not go ahead and include Bluetooth connectivity for even more applications. Having this to program on the go would have been most helpful as well as being able to wirelessly connect to speakers, PTT buttons, and mics. Perhaps the next version will include these.All in all, a good set of radios that are built to provide a multiple range of communications. At this price point you cannot go wrong in getting a set and adding them to your collection. You likely will be surprised at how often you use them.
Stevie
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025
I’m not a radio buff, survivalist, or seasoned “breaker-breaker-1-9” kind of person. I picked up this set because, frankly, I like the idea of having one more way to reach the outside world if the power’s out, the phones are down, or the universe decides to throw a curveball.This newly upgraded multi-band version has a lot packed into a handheld size — and while I don’t speak “radio” yet, I can already appreciate some of the beginner-friendly perks. The screen is big and colorful (which is great for folks like me who don’t want to squint or guess), the weather alerts add peace of mind, and the larger 2500 mAh battery plus USB-C charging means I can juice these up practically anywhere — wall, car, laptop, power bank — you name it.It even comes with everything you need to get started, minus the know-how — which, let’s be honest, is part of the fun (and the challenge). There’s something oddly satisfying about owning a “one key frequency copy” feature, even if I haven’t quite cracked the manual yet.Side note for the fellow curious minds out there:If you’re like me and grew up thinking “radio” meant CB chatter with the truckers — here’s the quick difference. CB radios are basically walkie-talkies on steroids: no license needed, short-range, and great for local road talk. Ham radios, like this BAOFENG, are the grown-up Swiss Army knife of communication. They reach farther, do more, and require a license to legally transmit (though listening is fair game). The ham community takes the rules pretty seriously, so it’s worth brushing up before you hit that push-to-talk.So for now, I’ll leave the long-range chatter to the pros and keep these tuned for “amateur hour” while I learn the ropes. One thing’s for sure — when the day comes that I need them, I’ll be glad I’ve got them.BAOFENG - UV-5RM Plus 10W Dual Band Ham Radio Handheld (2-pack)
KB5BEK
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2025
It seems that every month Baofeng announces the upgraded replacement for the UV-5R. This radio is described that way and in fact meets that description. Anyone familar with the Baofgeng operating system will be instantly familar with it but will be pleasantly surprised by the uprgraded features. But, like all Baofengs you have to remember that you are dealing with a entry price radio and comparing it with units that costs three times as much or more is not fair.The radio feels sturdy and has the standard Baofeng tough plastic construction. It is larger than a UV-5R but still fits comfortably in an adult hand. The controls are straightforward and easy to manipulate.Again this is a tri-band radio sort of. Performance on the "middle" 223 mhz band is a major compromise at best and not the radio's strong suit by any stretch of the imagination. Having said that, it is respectable on this band and will likely hit nearby repeaters on that band.Into a 50 ohm non reactive load the transmitter produced 8.9 watts at 146 mhz, 6.4 watts at 223 mhz and 9.2 watts on 446 mhz. Into the standard antenna it recorded 8.6 watts at 2.4 swr at 146 mhz, 4.9 watts at 8.3 swr at 223 mhz and 9.9 watts at 1.9 swr on 446 mhz. However, into the long antenna it produced a surprising 13.8 watts at 1.4 swr on 146 mhz, 6.8 at 2.1 swr on 223 and 8.0 at 1.0 swr on 446. Very respectable numbers.Transmitter harmonics were unmeasurable on 223 and 446 but a disappointing -25 db on 146.Receiver sensitivity was -130 db on all bands.This radio is the updated version of the UV-5R offering most of the standard features now expected in a handheld like frequency search and cloning, NOAA reception, broadcast FM reception, etc . It's bigger, has more battery capacity and surprisingly good audio for a cheap radio. Bottom line, this radio offers good value for the money and will probably become another throwaway workhorse in many ham's kit.
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