These things are great. Compact, rugged, and above all - inexpensive. yeah, a PItA to program, but great after that.
15/10/2020
I have talked to many other baofeng customers and we all have the same feeling. THE MANUAl that comes with the radio stinks. Can't you do better? Have a list of menu items is one.
15/10/2020
Although a HAM radio I use it as a mainly as a scanner. Easy to program with accessory cable and CHIRP software. Can also transmit on Family channels without HAM license.
14/10/2020
This HT is a very capable radio for beginners or seasoned hams alike. I have this HT connected to a J-Pole and it does quite well. i have had no complaints about audio quality. With the high capacity battery I can easily go all day on high power. Like most, I did replace the rubber duck antenna with a Nagoya. I have found build quality to be acceptable, perhaps not on par with Japanese radios, but you don't get the impression the HT's doing to all apart in your hands.
12/10/2020
Great little HT tri-bander. Has all the features of a UV-5R plus 220. I also have a UV-82HP and I think the build quality on the UV-82HP is a little better. But I also like the small form factor of the UV-5R series in general. Reception on 220 was very acceptable. I don't think you'll be disappointed with this HT. You're not getting an Icom, but you are getting a solid radio that won't break the bank.
12/10/2020
Loved this radio. I've been playing with it for the past couple months now. I'm using it as a radio for tactical/prepper use. Great sound quality. Haven't got a chance to test range/power very much. Paired it with a BTECH mic and audio tube. I love it! I did notice when connected to a larger antenna on a vehicle it didn't seem to perform very well. It almost had less range. I am looking into this to see if others had the same issue. Overall it is a great radio. I usually use the stock antenna anyways!
11/10/2020
had to find radio person to install channels, hard to figure out how to do it. seems to be working ok.
08/10/2020