FF Medic
I will say that for the money you're spending on a Moto, EF J, Kenwood or Harris, you are buying tried and true tested gear that will meet or exceed the expected results. A Baofeng will do most of that except it isn't tried and true, yet.
When I started out in the Fire Service, I was issued a Kenwood. I bought my own Vertex ( Off of a recommendation from a guy I took Auto Extrication class with - and he was not wrong ) and it litterly took a beating sometimes. Now I carry Motorola ( issued - Mototrbo in analog mode ). Off all the radios I have used and carried, I like Vertex.
I had a ham radio at one time I got off of one of my supervisors. I set on the counch in my livingroom..... about two or two and a half years ago, and I programmed it to one of my work frequencys. One radio check later it worked GREAT, a crystal clear signal. The audio was perfect. I had the transmit frequency, Receive Frequency, and the Transmit and Receive PL's all correct.
I use a small fleet of them in the business world.......
Business radios you say?
Here ya go - some general radio pricing information ( VHF and UHF models )
Vertex VX-231 radio = $159.00
Vertex VX231 UHF Two Way Radio [VX231-G7UN] | Two Way Direct
Vertex VX-451 radio = $259.00
Vertex VX-451-G7 Two Way Radio (UHF)
Vertex VX-351 radio = $194.00
Vertex VX-351-AG Two Way Radio (UHF)
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Vertex Standard offers total system solutions to the world's public safety markets and our broad lineup of products, ranging from base repeaters to utility and mobile transceivers, all meet the strictest of national or regional standards. Our products have cleared the U.S. Department of Defense MIL810 standard, the IS (Intrinsically Safe) standard for use in emergency situations, and the ETIS standard in Europe.
Can't beat this =
Our sales and R&D departments work closely together to suggest appropriate systems for each region and if so desired, will do the actual installation and support as well.
Vertex VX-231 radio = $191.00
http://www.psicompany.com/vertex-vx-231-ad0-5-pkg2-vhf-portable-radio/
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Vertex radios are good, solid and dependable radios. I believe they are the best radios on the market, with Kenwood a close second. They are the standard that others radios wish to be.
FF - Medic !!!