Baofeng UV-25x2 Opinions

[meplat]

BTECH UV-25X2 (Second Generation) Dual Band 25W Mobile Radio ‣ BaoFeng Tech & BTECH Radios

BTECH UV-25X2 (Second Gen.) Mini Mobile 25 Watt Dual Band Base, Mobile Radio: VHF, UHF Amateur (Ham) ‣ $124.89 ‣ Purchase, Software, and Support for BaoFeng and BTECH Radios

baofengtech.com

I was given one of these NIB. I have done the standard Interwebs searches, but wanted to know if anybody is using one, and if so, what are your impressions?

They are made in China for a company, Baofeng Tech, in Arlington, South Dakota. On their website they state,

Our BaoFeng Radios are shipped directly from the USA. We not only sell BaoFeng radios, but we KNOW BaoFeng radios. We offer after-sales and warranty support on any radio or accessory bought from us. Here's what makes our support different: you will find that we are reachable, we won't charge fees, and we will never 'outsource' our support.

That's nice, but how do they work? Any ideas?

 

[PCTEK]

This sounds more like a sales advertisement than finding out what our impressions are.

For me, the use of the word "Interwebs" is like fingernails screeching on a chalk board. It's Internet.

 

[jaspence]

Looks similar to other CCRs on ebay.

 

[meplat]

Looks similar to other CCRs on ebay.

I have seen youtube videos and some reviews, but haven't actually chatted with anyone who owns one. I guess this company must be new, or the radio maybe.

 

[jaspence]

Baofeng Tech is not new. Their 6x2 DMR HT radio has been around for a couple of years and comes out of the same factory as the Anytone DMR HT. Even though "Baofeng" is a stand alone brand, Baofeng Tech radios (in my experience) are definitely a class or two above the other Baofeng and are considerably more expensive. I had a CCR that looked very similar, and it was ok, but nowhere the quality of my 20 year old Yaesu FT-90R, and it died in a couple of years of use.

 

[meplat]

Thanks for the response. I have only ever used Icom and Yaesu equipment, and haven't paid any attention to the Chinese imports. 'Free' means if it burns out after the first use, there was no harm. I am going to get a programming cable for it though.

Cheers.

 

[jaspence]

The naming follows the Baofeng Tech form with the "x" in the middle of two numbers. Review BTech 25X2 X4 Mobile - Miklor is a review from a trusted site. It was released in 2016.

 

[meplat]

There you go. A mod moved this post from the amateur radio area to a commercial area. It seems that this radio is marketed in the US as a dual band amateur transceiver.

Thanks again.

 

[jaspence]

The only quality/professional Chinese brand I have had any experience with is the Hytera DMR radios. They are well above any of the amateur makes in quality and price. The audio, especially receive, is excellent, and with the latest firmware have limited FPP.

 

[Hit_Factor]

That's nice, but how do they work? Any ideas?

Not very well. Weak audio, difficulty hitting repeaters, less range. They are the bottom of the barrel quality. Everyone I know with one upgraded as soon as funds were available. Think about that for a minute, how much do you think you can sell a bottom of the barrel used radio for? Not much is the answer, so all funds spent on one are wasted.

 

[ScubaJungle]

Not very well. Weak audio, difficulty hitting repeaters, less range. They are the bottom of the barrel quality. Everyone I know with one upgraded as soon as funds were available. Think about that for a minute, how much do you think you can sell a bottom of the barrel used radio for? Not much is the answer, so all funds spent on one are wasted.

Well considering I just saw two Baofeng UV5Rs sell for $150 on Offerup.. I wouldnt say you cant make your money back (or double it) - but - you may not morally want to.

 

[jaspence]

It's so easy to check prices, you wonder about both the seller and the buyer.

 

[meplat]

I am not speaking to its quality, but apparently, the US FCC gave this radio an official FCC no. and the files are on the FCC website. So says KE0OG, Dave Kasler. He speaks to this toward the end of the video.