Radios
It should be mentioned that Motorola was the inventor of CTCSS and they trademarked their version the with the PL title. Other commercial vendors refer to it as Channel guard, coded squelch, code guard etc , etc.
As to bandplit, heres how one radio is described. " The xxx is capable of operation in the VHF 138-174MHz. There are 4 bandplits within this range which are 138-150, 150-162, 157-174 and a broadband version of 148-174. Don't get all gooey on the terms, , you will also see Marine Band, Air Band, T-Band etc. Newer radios usually cover larger segments of the operating portion.
As to the radio question. Make sure you have someone who can program and tune what you are using, it makes life easier. Also check if any changes such as moving to another band or going narrowband are coming up...
More importantly since it sounds like you are FD related, will you be using this in what kind of environment ? factor such as heat, water and what a radio can take are important.
How many channels do you need. If paging or pageouts occur, how are they done and does the radio you want do this, if you need it. Are you responding in your own vehicle or working out of a station. Do you live in an area where when outside of work a mobile vehicle adpater , also known as converta-com, MVA, etc would allow for charging and external antenna. Look into what you need and feel free to ask questions....