Which is the better radio? Uniden 296/396 or the ICOM R20

[Trifit65]

Folks

The Unidem 296/396 are the UNIDEM top of the line handhelds, but the ICOM R20 is also the top of the line. If you had to choose between the two (which I am trying to do), what's everyones opinion of which one is the better scanner.

Unidem of course has the APCO 25 digital, but ICOM has wider frequency ranges.

I would appreciate any recommendations before I purchase. I've already read through just about all the reviews I could find.

Thanks

Tom C

 

[woody_461]

It's like comparing apples & oranges.BUT...I seldom listen to anything above 900MHZ.Not much up there I'm interested in.

It depends on the systems where you live,and what you're going to use the radio for.I would go with the Icom if you're not interested in trunked systems.It covers everything.I have an Icom R8500 with extended range to 2Ghz.It's poor as a scanner,but great as a receiver.

I need a Trunktracker here,as most systems are trunked in my area.So Icom for lstening,Optocom/Uniden for scanning/trunked systems.

So,I use both.

 

[rick521]

Trifit65 Did you ever think the best answer would be "BOTH". Hope you can afford them.

 

[K2KOH]

Trifit65 Did you ever think the best answer would be "BOTH". Hope you can afford them.

I own a BC250D, a Pro-96, an Icom R20 and an Icom R10...this hobby can get quite out of control... :lol:

 

[John_M]

First I would get the BCD396T, then the ICOM R20.

 

[Trifit65]

Thanks fellows. I very much appreciated your incites. I've decided on the Uniden BC396 verses the ICOM R20. In Los Angeles, the APCO police scans would be cool, and the R20 wouldn't provide that. Most of you seem to feel the higher frequency bands supported by the R20 may not be so interesting.

Thanks!

Tom C

 

[SCPD]

in the speed fept, the uniden would win.
is the icom more sensitive? i will leave that up to the people that own them.

as far as selectivity goes, you will be much happier with the uniden.

bill simpson
n1jbs

 

[Trifit65]

Thanks Bill. That had been my decision. Just waiting now for the arrival of the Uniden BC396T to the stores.

Thanks

Tom c