BAOFENGHam Radio AR-5RM 10W Long Range Handheld Rechargeable Tactical NOAA Weather Two Way Radio Copy Frequency Walkie Talkie for Adults with Programming Cable,Type-C Charging,2 Pack

Love this things. They are amazingly affordable for the amount of features included. Now, I am not a sadHAM so take what I say with a grain of sault if you are a sadHAM.I use these, basically, to just listen to some of the things that go on in my area. Now, a lot of the bigger organizations have moved to digital so there are a lot of things I cannot listen too. But I can listen to things like the air traffic control from the small airport that is about four miles away in a suburb with a lot of buildings and trees that get in the way of the signal. For the size, the range seems to be great for receiving. I can't speak to the range for transmitting.This set came with the cable to program the radio with CHIRP which is really easy. Just connect the cable to the radio and computer and it has no issues with connecting and uploading/downloading information to and from the radios.The build quality seems really good. I have had two other Baofeng models and this one seems better built than those did. I realize quality control with products like this can be hit or miss. But the specific radios I received feel well made and work fine.The radios aren't the most intuitive to use at first. But you get used to it. Just make sure you have a computer to program them because trying to program them with the buttons and menus on the radio is time consuming and not at all intuitive.

Pro: Lots of functionality; surprisingly simple operation; convenient accessories; cheap enough to give away.Con: Both units have a small chip at the top-left of the screen (doesn't affect function); accessories are entry-level quality; cheap enough to warrant redundancy.Overall: Assuming everything remains fully operational (see others' reviews), these are a must-buy for raw functionality. It is easy to assume traditional communications always will be available, but that is naïve (Hurricane Helene). Civilians and officials with additional radios - even cheap radios - would have saved lives and property. These are not daily drivers; they're best as an inexpensive entry for folks who might want to learn more or a "better than nothing" pre-programmed emergency option. Of course, the more knowledgeable the operator, the more powerful the tool. Will update.

These radios feel very well made and perfect on the go size. The battery lasts super long and it has tons of menu options . Unfortunately there is not very good instructions included, I was unable to get the radio to find any channels at all , this could have been user error but better instructions detailing the functions , and how to maximize range, would have been appreciated. I have since gave up and given these away .

For the price these are pretty damn decent radios. The speakers are tinny and muffled so you may want to use a headset. Both radios seem to cut out with the weather service at odd angles with more than one antenna so might be my residence. Have not broadcast with these yet as I'm not licensed, but I may test them on a seemingly vacant freq just to see range etc. Have not been out to try repeaters yet. Based on the antennas, chargers and items and what I've used them for so far I already find the cost totally worth it, your mileage may vary based on your specific needs. But they're sturdy, I've carried one in my bag for weeks now no issues and I am not ready on my gear, I did accidentally turn one on and drain the battery somehow. One complaint is that the broadcast button is VERY easy to accidentally push but the cap is easily taken off and put back on which helps. Just beware if you're on a critical service channel you may hot mic your environment. The batteries lasted longer than I expected and I got the better part of a day listening only and not scanning or broadcasting and as such I had the TX level set to the lower setting.

Got these as backup comms for an event where we didn't want to use our cell phones. Worked extremely well, even with the stubby antenna. Keep in mind that the folding antenna requires the little coil adapter to be connected first. The fact that the radios came with all these accesories sealed the deal for me.

The BAOFENG AR-5RM 10W Handheld Ham Radio is an outstanding choice for both beginners and experienced users. Right out of the box, it feels well-built and solid, with a rugged design that can handle everyday use.The 10W power output gives it great range and clear reception, even in challenging environments. It’s easy to program, and the dual-band functionality works flawlessly. The battery life is impressive, lasting hours on a single charge, making it a reliable option for emergency situations, outdoor adventures, or general communication needs.For the price, this radio delivers excellent performance that competes with higher-end models. Whether you're a prepper, hiker, or ham radio enthusiast, this is a fantastic handheld radio to have. Highly recommended!

Great deal!The radios have lots of features - they even work on 220.The only issue is that, in menu setup mode, the screen is really hard to read. But it works fine with Chirp, so you can easily set the parameters that way.One note - the folding tactical antennas require that the stubby "loading coil" is first attached to the radio, with the folding antenna attached to the top of the coil.

Total crap! First the holding pin to hold the battery was bent so I can not load battery! Second I was suppose to receive two tactical antennas, but only one. Third the tactical antenna I did get will not screw into the radio. Totally useless!!! DO NOT BUY