BAOFENGUV-9G GMRS Radio (2 Pack), IP67 Waterproof Outdoors Two Way Radios, Long Range Rechargeable with Programming Cable and RA-MD2 Antennas, GMRS Repeater Capable, Support Chirp

I’ve been using the Baofeng UV-9G radios for outdoor adventures and emergency prep, and they’ve been excellent so far. The build feels solid and durable, and the IP67 waterproof rating adds peace of mind when hiking, camping, or caught in unexpected rain.Out of the box, the radios come pre-programmed for GMRS channels and are repeater-capable, which is a huge plus. Range is very good in open areas and even better with line-of-sight or repeater access. The included RA-MD2 antennas give noticeably better performance compared to standard rubber duck antennas.Battery life is solid—easily lasts a full day of use. I also appreciate that they come with a programming cable and support CHIRP, making it easy to customize channels and settings. The interface is straightforward for anyone familiar with two-way radios, though beginners may want to watch a setup video first.Overall, this is a great 2-pack for both casual and serious GMRS users. Whether you’re on a trail, at an event, or just want a reliable backup communication tool, these radios deliver.

I wanted a couple of relatively inexpensive and rugged GMRS radios to use on Jeep trail rides. I chose the Baofeng UV-9G based on information I found from other sources on the internet. Baofeng is a Chinese company with a reputation for being cheap, but I figured these would get me started and I could upgrade later if necessary.I was surprised to find the UV-9G to be a well-built, sturdy feeling radio. It is IP67 rated, so it should survive anything I can expect to encounter "in the field". Speaker sound quality is good, at least to my ear, and it is loud enough to be heard over a rumbling Jeep on a trail. The belt clip is annoyingly large and makes the radio uncomfortable to hold in the hand when it is attached. But it has a quick-release mount on the radio, so you can leave the belt clip on your belt and slide the radio out as needed. It allows the radio to swing freely on your belt which I like.My kit included two radios and two antennas for each radio. The longer antenna is impractical for belt carry or inside a vehicle, but the performance is good. I was able to reach a repeater 53 miles away from my back yard with the longer antenna. The shorter antenna is more than adequate for short-range comms, Jeep to Jeep for example, and more convenient to carry and use.The UV-9G operates on all GMRS channels, including the ones that overlap FRS channels. It transmits at 5 watts (5W) on channels 1-7 and 15-22, and 0.5W on channels 8-14 which are the FRS channels. It also transmits at 5W on the repeater channels.The base GMRS channels and eight repeater channels are pre-programmed. You can add "DIY" channels above those. I have pre-programmed mine with all of the local repeaters, including any CTCSS tones needed to access them. I used the CHIRP software instead of Baofeng's software. There's a bit of a learning curve, but it's easier than trying to program memory slots from the radio buttons.Shortcomings: It would be nice if channel names could be longer, and a USB port for charging on the battery would be my top two changes. Neither of those is worth removing a star.If you want a low-cost and very functional GMRS handheld radio look no further. And if you get these radios (or any GMRS radio), get the GMRS license from the FCC as well.

I like the water tightness, and general ruggedness of the radio for the price point. Easy to use radio but the instructions are only okay. With the stock antennas on a high power GRS channel I could get about 4 miles of range from a house on a hillside to a river bottom where I was fishing. Not bad, but not spectacular either. In my suburban neighborhood I could get about a mile of range. The programmable aspect is interesting but probably more helpful for those using repeaters or a lot of TX/RX codes to filter out others on the same frequency. The FM receiver works fine, the flashlight is a joke but it is a radio. I bought some longer nyoga style antennas and will try them out soon to see how they help or hurt. Battery life is great and audio quality is good. Overall a good buy for the price to get into GRS band and listen on other frequencies.