Seeking User Comments on 25W to 50W GMRS Mobile Radios

[hill]

can give you a side by side comparison between the Midland MXT500, MXT575, and the Wouxun KG-1000G Plus. I have used and/or owned all three

Going forward it's really hard to justify any of the radios listed above by KF0NYL with them costing over $300 and many close to $400.

The Kenwood Tk-8180 is better radio that will run circles around any of them. Plus TK-8180s are going for less money many around $150, but they can be found for much less. I just purchased the TK-8180 digital cousin NX-800 at a local hamfest in working order for $30.

 

[KF0NYL]

Going forward it's really hard to justify any of the radios listed above by KF0NYL with them costing over $300 and many close to $400.

The Kenwood Tk-8180 is better radio that will run circles around any of them. Plus TK-8180s are going for less money many around $150, but they can be found for much less. I just purchased the TK-8180 digital cousin NX-800 at a local hamfest in working order for $30.

To each their own. The OP asked for reviews and personal experiences which is what I gave. And I also did not bad mouth anyone else choices in the process.

 

[prcguy]

Is the OP shopping for a radio or just looking at specs? Anything stand out as the one to get?

 

[K4EET]

Is the OP shopping for a radio or just looking at specs? Anything stand out as the one to get?

The OP is shopping for a mobile radio. I am liking the Kenwood but I’m hesitant to buy a used radio. There are too many things that can go wrong with the sale or the radio. Generally, I prefer new-in-box purchases. This predicament is giving me a headache. 😂

 

[prcguy]

The OP is shopping for a mobile radio. I am liking the Kenwood but I’m hesitant to buy a used radio. There are too many things that can go wrong with the sale or the radio. Generally, I prefer new-in-box purchases. This predicament is giving me a headache. 😂

A 30yr old used Motorola/Harris/BK radio will work better and probably last much longer than the brand new GMRS only radios mentioned here. None are really commercial quality and most are made in China. If you had settled on a BK EMV4990A I would just send you one. The programming cables are under $30 and the software is free.

 

[KF0NYL]

All of the consumer grade Part 95 certified radios are made in China, there is no getting around that. We have had this discussion plenty of times in the past.

So if made in America or even Japan is more important, then go with a commercial grade radio like the Kenwood or Motorola.

And yes one always takes a chance when buying used. You can minimize the risk by purchasing from reputable sellers that inspect every used radio but the chance of something wrong is always there.

I think we have given @K4EET enough information to make a good decision on what he wants to get.

PS: There is no reason to bash other's choices to make yourself and your personal choices seem better. Go with what works for you and don't bash others choices.

 

[prcguy]

All of the consumer grade Part 95 certified radios are made in China, there is no getting around that. We have had this discussion plenty of times in the past.

So if made in America or even Japan is more important, then go with a commercial grade radio like the Kenwood or Motorola.

And yes one always takes a chance when buying used. You can minimize the risk by purchasing from reputable sellers that inspect every used radio but the chance of something wrong is always there.

I think we have given @K4EET enough information to make a good decision on what he wants to get.

PS: There is no reason to bash other's choices to make yourself and your personal choices seem better. Go with what works for you and don't bash others choices.

Uhh, was I bashing?

 

[KF0NYL]

Uhh, was I bashing?

I didn't call anyone out for bashing but some have done so.

 

[K4EET]

A 30yr old used Motorola/Harris/BK radio will work better and probably last much longer than the brand new GMRS only radios mentioned here. None are really commercial quality and most are made in China. If you had settled on a BK EMV4990A I would just send you one. The programming cables are under $30 and the software is free.

All valid arguments and unless I buy a radio to test and take it apart to see how it is built, I shy away from Chinese equipment. Midland is the alternative right now but probably assembled in China. Being an ex-Motorola engineer, I do respect commercial build quality of the major manufacturers. I appreciate what you said about the BK EMV4990A. That is a radio that I didn’t know about. You are so kind to offer just sending me one but that will not be necessary even though it does appear to be well designed and built like a tank. I’m getting myself wrapped around the axle here. 😂 I need a high power mobile unit because 4 watts on a cheap portable I bought to test the coverage area of several local GMRS repeaters just isn’t cutting it even with an outside base antenna. I can bring the repeater up but I’m not getting any audio through. The repeaters’ talk-out coverage is excellent. I’ll get this project done soon (I hope). My brain just can’t handle the data anymore. 😂

 

[KF0NYL]

Midland radios have been made in China for quite some time now. Even companies like Yaesu have some mobile radios made in China.

It's all too easy to go into analysis paralysis when researching things.

 

[K9KLC]

The OP asked for "opinions" and many good choices were given in this thread. When you ask for opinions they often differ. I saw no one bash anyone here, only state "opinions".

@prcguy that BK is a great radio still even today.
All of the Kenwoods mentioned are good also.
@K4EET looks like you have your research cut out for you, let us know what you decide!!

 

[K9KLC]

It's all too easy to go into analysis paralysis when researching things.

I am guilty of this on many things I go to purchase. At some point it starts to run together. At least to me.

 

[K4EET]

<snip> It's all too easy to go into analysis paralysis when researching things.

You got that right!

 

[prcguy]

All valid arguments and unless I buy a radio to test and take it apart to see how it is built, I shy away from Chinese equipment. Midland is the alternative right now but probably assembled in China. Being an ex-Motorola engineer, I do respect commercial build quality of the major manufacturers. I appreciate what you said about the BK EMV4990A. That is a radio that I didn’t know about. You are so kind to offer just sending me one but that will not be necessary even though it does appear to be well designed and built like a tank. I’m getting myself wrapped around the axle here. 😂 I need a high power mobile unit because 4 watts on a cheap portable I bought to test the coverage area of several local GMRS repeaters just isn’t cutting it even with an outside base antenna. I can bring the repeater up but I’m not getting any audio through. The repeaters’ talk-out coverage is excellent. I’ll get this project done soon (I hope). My brain just can’t handle the data anymore. 😂

When seeking the bottom line on similar topics I've been known to buy or borrow one of everything to test. The offer still stands if that BK peaks your interest.

 

[K4EET]

When seeking the bottom line on similar topics I've been known to buy or borrow one of everything to test. The offer still stands if that BK peaks your interest.

Thanks! 😃

 

[nokones]

eBay has some excellent buys on the Kenwoods TK880 (250 Ch.) and the TK8180 (512 Ch.) some 25 watts and a couple 40 watts. The ones I have bought were very good units looking almost brand new. Once, I did buy a never used TK780H (High Power) for $150 that included the bracket and everything.

The CPS and cables, and other accessories are plentiful, so you won't have a problem getting what you need.

If you find something to your liking and not sure about the seller, just ask around. Read the listing carefully and check out the pictures, and know exactly what they are selling. The up front and honest and knowledgeable seller will list everything you need to know and see (Pictures) in the listing and most likely will state in the listing and will accept returns if there is something wrong with the radio. Of course, if you receive a radio that is not as advertised, eBay will guarantee it. Just be careful on what the listing says especially in the description.

 

[nokones]

Going forward it's really hard to justify any of the radios listed above by KF0NYL with them costing over $300 and many close to $400.

The Kenwood Tk-8180 is better radio that will run circles around any of them. Plus TK-8180s are going for less money many around $150, but they can be found for much less. I just purchased the TK-8180 digital cousin NX-800 at a local hamfest in working order for $30.

For buying radios in the $300-400 range, I would rather buy a complete Motorola XTL series radio setup on eBay than a new cheap POS Pandaland radio. Also, be very careful with buying anything at the Hamfests with the dirty/dusty old junk from the Hams cleaning out their garages that may or not even work with missing parts. If you can't plug it in or see it make noise and light up at a Hamfest, I would just move on.

Although, I wouldn't mind seeing a radio running around in circles, that might be interesting.

 

[hill]

The OP is shopping for a mobile radio. I am liking the Kenwood but I’m hesitant to buy a used radio. There are too many things that can go wrong with the sale or the radio. Generally, I prefer new-in-box purchases. This predicament is giving me a headache.

I have bought Kenwood radios used from various sources and never had any issues. Going forward I most likely have 10-15 Kenwood radios mostly HTs.
I have TK290/TK390s, TK5210/TK5310s, TK380. TK-7180, NX-800. In the past have had TK-780 and TK-280.

I think Kenwood radios are made in Malaysia.

 

[prcguy]

For buying radios in the $300-400 range, I would rather buy a complete Motorola XTL series radio setup on eBay than a new cheap POS Pandaland radio. Also, be very careful with buying anything at the Hamfests with the dirty/dusty old junk from the Hams cleaning out their garages that may or not even work with missing parts. If you can't plug it in or see it make noise and light up at a Hamfest, I would just move on.

Although, I wouldn't mind seeing a radio running around in circles, that might be interesting.

Nice used XTL1500s were about $125 not long ago and although they are the base model of the series, they have a built in speaker and can do 48ch and can have a multiple PL list you can change on the fly and other features. They are also 45w on UHF. Excellent radio for that price.

 

[K4EET]

Nice used XTL1500s were about $125 not long ago and although they are the base model of the series, they have a built in speaker and can do 48ch and can have a multiple PL list you can change on the fly and other features. They are also 45w on UHF. Excellent radio for that price.

Unless I’m mistaken, the Motorola XTL1500 is only Part 90 type accepted. I really want a Part 95 radio.