cmcveay
Member
I'm an avid Ham radio guy and I have a ham radio in my Jeep and it is used quite often. I also have a GMRS license and quite a few local 4x4 and overlanding groups are using GMRS as well as many of the larger events in the area are going to GMRS. Using what is most commonly used in your area is the best bet. Since there are still some groups that us CB radio, I have a handheld CB collecting dust between infrequent uses.
Pro's/Con's of Ham? The test isn't easy and it requires study time and finding a place to test and the license is only good for the person it is issued to. That said, Ham radio has a giant "fan base" with a huge repeater network across the country and many of them are linked and give actual global access. There are quite a few very inexpensive ham radio options as well as some very expensive alternatives.
Pro's/Con's of GMRS? No test, same fee as Ham, it's all done online and you get the callsign in a day or two (usually). GMRS is also a "Family" license so your immediate family is covered by the license. There is also a growing network of GMRS repeaters that greatly extend the range of even the handhelds but, like Ham radios, you have to program them into the radio itself. Also like Ham radio, there are some inexpensive options for handheld and mobile GMRS radios out there. GMRS is much closer to being a "turn it on and use it" kind of radio as most are pre-programmed.
A good antenna, mounted properly is a critical element for any radio if you want any kind of extended range.
I will also echo other comments regarding emergency use. I carry a Bivvy stick when we are going into the backcountry just in case things get really bad. We are with a regional SAR team so we get to see too many instances of people not being prepared to help themselves.
Good luck with your research and making a decision!
Pro's/Con's of Ham? The test isn't easy and it requires study time and finding a place to test and the license is only good for the person it is issued to. That said, Ham radio has a giant "fan base" with a huge repeater network across the country and many of them are linked and give actual global access. There are quite a few very inexpensive ham radio options as well as some very expensive alternatives.
Pro's/Con's of GMRS? No test, same fee as Ham, it's all done online and you get the callsign in a day or two (usually). GMRS is also a "Family" license so your immediate family is covered by the license. There is also a growing network of GMRS repeaters that greatly extend the range of even the handhelds but, like Ham radios, you have to program them into the radio itself. Also like Ham radio, there are some inexpensive options for handheld and mobile GMRS radios out there. GMRS is much closer to being a "turn it on and use it" kind of radio as most are pre-programmed.
A good antenna, mounted properly is a critical element for any radio if you want any kind of extended range.
I will also echo other comments regarding emergency use. I carry a Bivvy stick when we are going into the backcountry just in case things get really bad. We are with a regional SAR team so we get to see too many instances of people not being prepared to help themselves.
Good luck with your research and making a decision!
Sponsored
