FRS / GMRS Radios

 

$72 for 6 FRS Baofengs

By the new definitions, anything that does not exceed 2 W is FRS. These can be channels 1 to 22.

Anything over 2 W is GMRS.

FRS Radios

RadioChannels 1-7, 15-22Channels 8-14Website
Midland LXT 2101 watt?½ watthttps://www.cnet.com/products/midland-x-tra-talk-lxt210vp-two-way-radio-frs-gmrs-lxt210vp/
Motorola Talkabout 50001 watt½ watthttps://www.cnet.com/reviews/motorola-talkabout-t5420-review/
Motorola Talkabout 64001 watt½ watthttps://www.cnet.com/products/motorola-talkabout-t6400-two-way-radio-frs-gmrs/
Uniden GMRS 540½ watt½ watthttps://www.cnet.com/products/uniden-gmrs-540-two-way-radio-frs-gmrs/

GMRS Radios

RadioWebsiteApproximate
Cost
Wouxun
KG-
UV9G PRO
https://bettersaferadio.com/wouxun-kg-uv9g-pro-gmrs-two-way-radio-shtf-scanner/$169Handheld
Baofeng / BTech
GMRS V-1
https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-v1/$55Handheld
Baofeng UV-5Rhttps://baofengtech.com/product/uv-5r/Shows as discontinued
Retivs RT76Phttps://www.retevis.com/Retevis-RT76P-GMRS-Radio-Portable-Walkie-Talkies/$40Handheld
Wouxun KG-805Ghttps://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-50×1/$80Handheld
Baofeng GMRS-50X1https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-50×1/$200Mobile
Midland MXT-400https://mid.factoryoutletstore.com/details/457351/midland-mxt400.html?category_id=79531&catalogitemid=421430$250Mobile

 

 

 

 

Midland MXT- 400

Antennas

Antennas are more important than transmit power. Many GMRS handhelds ship with poor performing antennas.Nagoya 701C seems to be the most popular replacement: 

The Nagoya 701-C works but it is center tuned for 455MHz which makes it a bit sub-optimal for GMRS. It’s weirdly advertised as high gain but is 2.15dBi, which is fine if that is what you want, but that’s unity gain. The Nagoya NA-701G Handheld GMRS Antenna (5.5 Inch) is specifically tuned for 462MHz frequencies on the GMRS and costs $16.99 

Damian Boune KN6PPF writes that the SMILEY 5/8 SLIM DUCK 465 MHZ @ $24.50 is still the best antenna I’ve used on a handheld for GMRS. Nagoya and others fail where this antenna succeeds. 

https://www.smileyantenna.com/product-p/46520.htm

 
Mag mount antennas provide a substantial performance upgrade. The ground plane provides a far better counterpoise than your hand!  Mag mounts require a steel roof; aluminum roofs need some other way to attach an antenna.  If it’s raining or too hot or you want to sit, this kind of set-up is far more comfortable: 

 

For a base station GMRS antenna we recommend the Laird FG4603 antenna (3dBd/5.15dBi). FG4603: 460-470 MHz, 3 dBd/ 5.15 dBi Outdoor Fiberglass Omni base Station Antenna with N-Female Connector $133. This is the antenna on top of the 25’ mast above:

At GMRS frequencies there is more signal loss, so better cable is needed for high antennnas.