Handheld radios

[Uncle Dave]

Looking to get some advice on good handheld radios for two people to stay in contact on the ground. .. any particular units/brands to look at or avoid? Obviously range will be limited by terrain, but looking for something that won't die out completely if people are separated by a ridge or two (if that's even possible ). Thanks in advance.

[Beebout-it]

I really like the Garmin rhino 650 it's a gps and radio. Pretty good range and the feature I like best is if you just key your mic it will show you on the GPS screen where your hunting buddies that also have one are.

[bearsnva]

Icom has proven itself for years. May be a little pricier at first but they last and are tough. My group has been using them for years with little trouble.

[Grzyadms4x4]

I've had Yaseau, Icom and the cheap chinese 2 meters. Pound for pound those cheap 2-meters work pretty well. I always carry my Yaseau 2 meter but my hunting buddy uses a chinese knock off and it has held up very well and those cheap chinese models are only 40 bucks. Biggest difference you can make for any handheld is to replace the antenna because the ones they sell with the radios sacrifice range for size. I swapped my antenna with a flexible cable 18" whip and it greatly increased the distance it works.

[Kyle D7]

I recommend the icom marine vhf with a shoulder mike. I have been using them at work and in the wood's for years. They are waterproof and have good battery life.

[NewMexHunter]

Baofeng gt 3 that's unlocked off eBay with a extended battery and a whip Antena. Can't beat them.

[Wrapwrench]

Two meter vhf or (marine band) with a good antenna will serve you well.

[Bear hounder]

Hi I've been wondering the same thing about what radio to buy and Im of the understanding that the. Vhf is the way to go but are there certain ones that reach farther I don't mind spending more money if you know the acual distances so I guess my question is how far are your radios reaching none of this they work pretty good for us. Because the 2 guys hunting 150 yards apart would get along fine with the 49 doller Tonka toy radio from wallmart but I'm looking for a handheld that will reach 4or 5 miles even if you have to get up on a ridge for it to reach out so any body hunting big country that has good success with hand held radio I like to hear about them thanks alott keep looking up

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[Grzyadms4x4]

Most of the radios mentioned above should fit your needs. The Baeofangs are great little radios but they, last time I bought one, don't have the ability to transmit at as high of a power(watts) as the Icoms, Yaesu, Kenwood, etc. Long whip antennas help though.

[Bear hounder]

Ok thanks for the info any guess on the range they get

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[Grzyadms4x4]

The cheap ones won't give you as much range but just like tracking collars range really varies due to terrain. With a good handheld radio with a whip antenna or a truck mounted rig you can get usually an easy 5-15 miles depending on terrain and weather. With my truck rig on a cloudy day, I was able to use a radio repeater station about 100 miles away. That's not likely in the mountains unless you are on a high ridge or peak.

[Bear hounder]

Ok thanks I'd be more than happy with a radio that can reach 5 miles what is the name and size or whatever thanks

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