What Hand-held UHF Radio & Where to Purchase

[WHID]

Always in a rush and impulsive to 'the end'. *sigh*

I have in my hot little hand, my P4WDCV member's card and am 'hot to trot' about purchasing a couple of 5W UHF hand-held radios today. I'm reckoning that I'll need them this weekend.

Could wisened members, please, point me in the right (Melbourne) direction, as to where I might go for the the provision of a quality product along with an appropriate members' discount?

Thanks in anticipation,

A sometimes financially imprudent and often spendthrift WHID.

[nj swb]

Personally, I'd go for a long-established name brand, and avoid some of the newer & cheaper entrants. I'd start looking at GME and Icom.

Beyond this, I can't help too much. Jaycar sell GME hand helds (along with some cheaper brands), but I'm not sure how competitive they will be, or if you can obtain a discount with your card. How's this work as a reference point? https://www.jaycar.com.au/gme-5w-uhf...-pack/p/DC9053

Out of curiosity, why 5W? I don't disagree, as my next handheld will likely be 5W, but if you're buying a pair is this simply for in convoy use? 2W might suffice?

When I bought my current disappointing handheld I deliberately bought one that used replaceable batteries, because I was sick of trying to keep a rechargeable unit charged - it always seemed to be flat when I wanted it most. But I have no trouble keeping stock of AA & AAA batteries in my Pajero.

Having said this, it is made by one of Australia's higher regarded brands, but I've had a number of fellow travellers tell me the sound at the other end is crap. So I haven't mentioned that brand.

[paceman]

i've got a set of these, just for convoy use...

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/oricom-oricom-uhf-cb-radio---0.5w-2-pack-pmr780rd/319696.html#q=uhf&lang=en_AU&start=15

batteries last forever in them, replaceable...

can normally get a couple of k's out of them, despite the low wattage... depending on surroundings...

just keep them in the car all the time...

maybe these might be more suitable, depending on budget:

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/oricom-oricom-uhf-cb-radio---2w-2-pack-uhf2195/376723.html#q=uhf&lang=en_AU&start=13

[WHID]

Out of curiosity, why 5W?

Thanks nj. I get the 2W or 3W thing for convoys and short distances. 5W may be overkill (I'm unsure), but I anticipate that I may use these over longer distances - while communicating across largish water bodies (lakes/sea) and when separated from buddies while in winding river valleys etc.
Cheers . . .

[WHID]

i've got a set of these . . .

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...en_AU&start=15 . . . these might be more suitable . . .

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...en_AU&start=13

Thanks paceman. I'm a little concerned about the 0.5W aspect, but one can't complain about the $60.00 price tag, hey?

The 2W offer seems pretty much ok, doesn't it. Maybe I should reconsider my 'need' for 5W. It comes from my impulsiveness most likely. That and my failure to do the research myself. 😟

Opinions are much appreciated . . . thanks again.

[Jasonmc73]

These have been discussed on here before.

If I was in need I think I would give them a crack

https://www.auscb.net/

[2bad4u]

Agree with nj swb, stick with GME, Uniden, etc.

JB HiFi sell both brands (and others). I recently picked up a 5w GME from there for $200.

[WHID]

If I may, a further question.

The feedback has been very useful, thank you all. I overcame my impetuosity yesterday . . . but today's the day I need to purchase . . . I want/need one for tomorrow.

My thinking is that it is important to have a backlit screen. Is there a flaw in this thinking; do I think too much? Not all have this feature and I'm sure that some of those that do, have one which doesn't function too well. Opinions? Unfortunately, packaging and spec. lists don't assist much in this regard.

Thanks again . . .

[2bad4u]

Handy yes, but important? No. How often are you going to need it? Once setup and you're on your selected channel you never look at the screen again. So a backlit screen would be no deal breaker for me.

[WHID]

Thanks Warren. Clearly an experienced user.

It wasn't immediately obvious to a (previously) non-user, but it makes perfect sense.

Thanks again . . .

I'm lovin' this forum . . . so much good information and experience from which to learn.