Compare Pro-97 versus Pro-164

[revboggs]

Hey everyone,

I have a friend that is looking to upgrade his RS Pro-24 - 16 channel handheld scanner. While many agencies are transitioning to the digital, this guy cannot afford the Pro-96 or Pro-106 or their base models.I am very familiar with the Pro-97 and think it will serve him well, but I see some Pro-164 units on ebay and the price is much lower.

Will anybody share their experiences with these units so I can help make a good choice? I'd like to have some "hands-on" opposed to a graph or chart.

Thanks,
revboggs - Wheeling / Ohio Valley.

 

[N8IAA]

Hey everyone,

I have a friend that is looking to upgrade his RS Pro-24 - 16 channel handheld scanner. While many agencies are transitioning to the digital, this guy cannot afford the Pro-96 or Pro-106 or their base models.I am very familiar with the Pro-97 and think it will serve him well, but I see some Pro-164 units on ebay and the price is much lower.

Will anybody share their experiences with these units so I can help make a good choice? I'd like to have some "hands-on" opposed to a graph or chart.

Thanks,
revboggs - Wheeling / Ohio Valley.

My suggestion is to look at the RR database for the WV/OH area you monitor. If it is conventional and analog trunking, the 164 will be a good scanner. The Shack has the 164 on sale now thru the 31st. The 97 is older and doesn't handle re-banding. The 164 does. Win97 by Don Starr will program both radios. I personally wouldn't trust Ebay for scanners. Lots of refurbs and returned units there.
HTH,
Larry

 

[lehigh4me]

Good Morning,

I have had the Pro 97 and still have the Pro 164. I really like the Pro 164. Although it won't do digital. It is a great scanner.
If you have any questions, I will be glad to try to help you out.

Bob

 

[revboggs]

Thanks Larry,

Some agencies have gone digital (OH State agencies and OH county, WV) while others are still using conventional or analog. I just sold my Pro-97 to allow for the new Pro-96. The good info you provided will lean me toward the Pro-164, as it is newer - same software.

As with all auctions, it is "buyer beware". I have had good success on ebay. I am looking to stay around $50 for this guy, so options are very limited. (I may be charitable and go $100, but that is far more than he can afford.)

 

[revboggs]

Thanks Bob and Larry,

Let's throw in another variable: Who can help compare these to the GRE-300?

 

[DonS]

Let's throw in another variable: Who can help compare these to the GRE-300?

The PSR-300 and PRO-164 are the same scanner, just differently branded.

 

[gmclam]

The only reason to purchase a PRO-97 over the newer models (PRO-164/PSR-300) is if you get it dirt cheap. I love all of these models and run them constantly, but there are subtle differences as well. I also feel that scanners from eBay is not a good idea.