Is the UNIDEN BC346XT the best deal out there for under $200?

[The-Analog-Kid]

Fellow scanners,

I decided that I want to move up in the scanner world and buy a new hand held. My budget goal is to spend LESS than $200. I currently own a Radio Shack Pro-94, and an ICom IC-R3. Neither scan hold a candle to today's scanner advances. After researching, I decided that I would get a UNIDEN BC346XT. My question to you all is, is this scanner the best deal I will find in that price range, or should I get another scanner that is similar to it, but better as far as features? Also, I'm willing to buy one used, so if anyone has a used one for sale, let me know. I just want to make sure that I'm buying one (within MY price range) that other scanner heads would say is a good choice for upgrading from what I currently have. And remember, if you know of an even BETTER one that is in a similar price range, please let me know!

 

[MarkWestin]

I have had my BC346XT for about two years. I was actually surprised to see that Scanner Master is now selling these for just under $200.00. When I bought mine, it was a bit more than that. My BC346XT has been running almost continuously since I received it with no problems yet. I have read of a few units on which the case cracked for no apparent reason but I don't think that is a widespread problem. If you don't need or want Digital, I don't see how you can go wrong with the BC346XT. Its competition is the GRE PSR300 (or the Radio Shack equivalent). There is a review on the Scanner Master Site which compares them. I like the way the Uniden Radios are set up and programming is easy once you understand how it works.

Best of luck with your decision.

Mark

 

[captncarp]

GRE PSR-700 is a great little scanner for under $200 ($179 at Scannermaster). You have to buy two AA's for it while the BC346XT comes with three.
I like the audio on the 700 better than the 346.....but that is a personal thing.

 

[scannersnstuff]

i had 2 of the 346's, while i liked them, they didn't do milair. i bought the psr-310. very happy with it so far.

 

[bigcam406]

friend has both a 346xt and the gre psr310.likes the gre alot better.

 

[NWI_Scanner_Guy]

My 346XT is my "go to" scanner. If I want to find out what's going on in my area, I always reach for it first. I even prefer it over my HP1 and PSR-310.

If you can find a 346 for under $200, I'd say definitely go for it. IMHO, you will not be disappointed.

 

[ka3jjz]

There's a caveat to be heard here, Analog Kid. You never said where you are; with so many areas going digital, you should be more aware of what is going on in your county/state before you plunk down any green stuff. While many areas that do move to digital keep some analog active, you'd be severely limited in what you can hear.

We have an extensive database of frequencies, state by state forums as well as the largest radio-related wiki on the planet. Take some time to do some homework; ask questions in your home state's forum - get informed. Then use our wiki to research the scanner(s) that fit your budget. Otherwise you're risking putting down money on a scanner with limited (or no) action that fits your interests.

Mike

 

[scannersnstuff]

i did a poll earlier in the month <general scanner forum>. it was the bc346xt vs. the gre psr-310. while the results were under enthusiastic, it had both radio's tied at 7 votes each. the audio on the psr-310 is outstanding. i enjoy the leds/alarm's. i like having the 4 batteries.the frequency coverage on both scanner's is just about neck and neck.