GRMS handheld sufficient for trails

[johnparjr]

Any of the radios mentioned is more than what you will use it for guaranteed

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[Blade1668]

Baofeng isn't technically legal for GMRS frequencies but whether that matters to you is up to you.

Baofeng does have some that are "legal" GMRS radios FYI the 3 H.H. I have are just GMRS radios. item BAOFENG UV-5X GMRS Radio and UV-9
I'm definitely not anything but a beginner with GMRS.

 

[Beemer533]

Lots of good GMRS (and snark lol) info here:
https://youtube.com/c/NotaRubiconProductions

 

[Beemer533]

Here is the one I have.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MAULSOK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Sadly it went up in price by $30 since I bought it.
It has excellent range and does not need a hard mount or external antennae.
I literally have mine velcro'd to my roll cage.
I also have config files to program them in a few minutes, with all of the FRS and GMRS channels, weather and local repeaters. It makes for very easy communications.

I have a bunch of these I've picked up over the years and they work great. I didn't realize how much thay went up though.

Although I guess these are the latest version with better antennas and larger battery, but that's still a huge price increase...

 

[Elff]

Yea.

I paid $69.89 plus tax back in August.
They only jumped in price this month.

 

[LostWoods]

Baofeng does have some that are "legal" GMRS radios FYI the 3 H.H. I have are just GMRS radios. item BAOFENG UV-5X GMRS Radio and UV-9
I'm definitely not anything but a beginner with GMRS.

That's good they're actually trying to be legit. With all those scanner channels I'm guessing you can monitor 70cm as well which would be super useful. Their ham radios have been pretty solid so might need to give one of these a try.

 

[Elff]

I have one that is technically Illegal, due to its wattage.
But,
I have my channels programmed very specifically and respectfully.
Even though FRS and GMRS overlap in frequencies, I specifically have my FRS channels programed to only use low power and have the same frequencies programmed a second time for GMRS with a higher power level.
Furthermore, I have all of my repeater channels programmed to be listen only. I have transmit disabled.

 

[Blade1668]

The one's I got are only GMRS and monitors storm channels as far as I know but can be programmed some. I've got the cable for computer connection to do editing on them but no computer to do it with. I've quit with the need to replace every year crap, smart phone and tablet. The radios work as is for me. I've got a vehicle mounted dual band GMRS radio too that can retrans if and when I get around to it. I made my selections via recommendations from "Not a Rubicon" U-tube.
I'm still trying to find others in my area that are using GMRS radios so limited use for me.?

 

[Dakotaz]

I have the Midland MXT275 that I move from jeep to jeep. Just bought an extra holder for the second jeep. I also bought these and shared one with a jeep friend. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08T9BCXVB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Two on Amazon for $65 and programmed for GMRS already. The reason for the Midland is my wife and I wheel alone most of the time and I wanted the 15 watts in case of trouble. Only issue there is someone needs to be on the same channel I would be on...

 

[Art1]

I'd say depends on use:
Just need to talk to the few others in your group? it's perfect.
Need to talk to the base station across the park for an emergency? No (but really only one person in your group needs this ability if it's even a thing for the park you're at)

Over the last three years...
We started with cheap-o handhelds, then went to nicer GMRS handheld cause our cheap-o couldn't run the GMRS channels everyone else had, and then finally ended up with a hardwired Midland 275.

Biggest pain/reason we swapped from handhelds was keeping batteries for them. Either replacements or the charger in the car. Hard to use when I have to unplug, talk, plug in. Those hills and trees seemed to make them die frustratingly quick.

Another reason was if we wanted to talk on the convoy down or to our second half group a bit ways away we didn't have the range.

However, we do still carry the rechargable handhelds with us to hand out to those without a radio in our group or if we need to step out and spot.

Good feedback , helps with my decision.

 

[Radio Guy]

If you get a GMRS handheld with removable antenna you can always install a gain type antenna on your JT and plug the handheld into that. Many handhelds have an option for external mic and battery eliminator with cigarette lighter plug so you can run it forever without any batteries to charge or replace.

 

[MattK]

I use a Radioddity GM-30 with their remote speaker/mic so I don't have to keep picking up the handheld while driving. I bought this radio based on the YouTube channel "Notarubicon" who has done a ton of reviews on GMRS radios and the service.

Better than FRS with lots more real world range. You just purchase the license from FCC and go. If you have folks with FRS you can interact with them.

The only thing to look out for is some companies will default channels to "narrow band". If you are talking to other GMRS folks that are not using narrow band on their side you will sound very quiet to them. So, it's best to make sure all participants are using the same narrow or wide band config on the channel you chose.

Other than that I believe GMRS is perfect for the off-roader.

 

[ArmyMP]

I just swapped out a midland mxt275 for a mxt400.

275 Is a decent mobile unit.

 

[Dougstdig]

Planning on attending some events this year for off roading (trail rating 3-4), I realize that GRMS radios are needed and plan on purchasing one. The question I have is, are the handheld radios sufficient?
Im willing to buy and install a base unit and I’ve landed with Midwest Brand as they seem to be the leaders in this industry.

Any thoughts or advice from your experiences?

Thanks,
Art

Yes they’re “sufficient”, but not ideal. Sufficient for rigs in your group, but jumping to 40-50 watts is definitely mo-better. I just spent 4 hrs attempting to find the best way to run the wiring and coax for my CB and GMRS into the cab…came home again in-installed. I don’t want to short cut the install, and can’t find a way I’m happy with.

 

[Josh00333]

4hrs? You have a Manual?

Auto has a nice 1” hole pre drilled for ya to use.

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