Which is better?

[IEscanner]

Hi I looking in to buying a new scanner I have a Pro 2051 which is starting to act up. I entered my Information into the on line Police scanner web site and have narrowed it down to 2 different ones the
Uniden Bearcat BC346XT or RadioShack PRO-164. which one is the better of the two? I have read that the Riverside County Sheriff dept is going to switching to P-25 in the next few years.

 

[captclint]

I have read that the Riverside County Sheriff dept is going to switching to P-25 in the next few years.

You'll get lots of opinions, but I would offer this: It takes a LONG time for most users to switch to digital. By that time, digital scanners will have improved A LOT. Unless you never plan to buy another scanner, then don't worry about digital til it comes to town. As for the PRO-164, it is made by GRE. GRE is really good about firmware updates. Radio Shack is NOT. Buy the GRE version if you don't live in the city or near any cell or radio towers (it tends to over load). I happen to like the 346XT, which is not quite as sensitive, but is much less likely to overload.

 

[IEscanner]

Clint,
Thank you for your reply I will probably get a lot of opions thanks for your honest answer.
Lou

 

[rvictor]

The question of whether to buy digital now or to buy analog and possibly have to buy again when the sheriff goes digital is mostly personal preference and economics.

If you decide on analog, both scanners will do well. I've got a BC346XT and am very pleased with it. You should note, however, that the 346 doesn't cover the frequencies used by military aircraft while the PRO-164 does. This hasn't been a problem for me because I also have a BCD396XT, but it could be a factor that you will want to consider if milair is of interest to you.

Dick

 

[mciupa]

Better...? the BC346XT, because of memory capacity and variations of EDACS flavors.

 

[IEscanner]

Thanks guys for your help I will be going with the BC346XT.
Lou