BAOFENGUV-17R Ham Radio Upgrade of baofeng UV-5R Long Range Two Way Radio Dual Band Walkie Talkie for Adults 2 Way Radio with 999 Channels USB Charger Earpiece Flashlight Battery(2 Pack)

With the way, the world is going I suggest everybody get at least one pair of these. This is the radio… This is a military grade radio… Baofeng is a staple in the industry. As far as these types of radios go, this one is pretty easy to use.. if you are unfamiliar with using this type of communication, communications equipment, I would strongly suggest purchasing a copy of the Baofeng radio Bible just for safe measure… Considering it’s entirely possible that, when it’s time to use this product, you may not have access to the Internet.All that being said, I’ve only used this particular set a few times as I purchased it as a back up… But the battery life seems good, the range is decent. They don’t give you as many antenna options with this kit… However, you can buy additional antennas from all sorts of different manufacturers to suit your needs, so that’s not really that big of a deal. We have had no issues talking to each other on radio frequencies, we’ve been able to pick up the local weather, broadcasts, and other emergency type broadcast. I would say the radio functions exactly as it should. It’s also nice that they give you utility lights built-in.All in all, to get two of these with chargers and accessories all in the $50 range is simply a deal. You really can’t beat. Nobody can really afford to not have a pair of these laying around just in case… With talks about other countries developing anti-satellite weapons that would take out our entire communication system and send us back a couple decades, you would still be able to communicate with loved ones over short wave radio. If a citywide blackout happens, you can still communicate with people over short wave radio. The battery life on these lasts far longer than your cell phone ever will… also, for those who are pro to A… This radio is notorious for being compatible with almost every walkie-talkie headset attachment for hearing protection headsets. If your ear pro has a walkie-talkie attachment available for it, chances are that this radio can plug into that, and then you can silently communicate with your peers without other people hearing… that is all I will say about that. Great bang for your buck here.

Great range used then out in the dunes!

Good set of radios. Pretty noisy on the transmit though...

I own several Baofeng handheld models. These UV-17R are my favorite. This package came with 2 antennas for each radio. Mine came with 2 antennas as pictured in the add. There are 2 long tri-band antennas labeled "ABBREE 144/220/435" and 2 no-name short antennas that are clearly marked as "FM/136/400" (not 220). Reception is pretty good with both antennas. It doesn't come with the standard, rigid hard plastic antenna, which was fine with me.I like using 220, so that was more important than airband. I wanted to play around with airband, which this doesn't have, but I liked all the other features (and extra antennas) enough to keep them. These radios feel VERY solidly built.The USB-C charging is a major upgrade. I have not used the cradles because I have USB-C chargers laying around and it is just so convenient to just plug it in like any other USB-C device. The other thing I really like is the downward-facing LEDs. It makes total sense to be able to illuminate a map or document while you are holding and talking into your radio.I like the green color of the radios as well. The speaker behind the buttons sounds very good and doesn't take up a lot of space like the on on a typical UV5R. The upgraded, much larger screen is a good upgrade as well.FM Radio reception was very good. I picked up all of the expected local stations. The speaker is VERY loud. since it isn't stereo, the fidelity isn't incredible, but perfectly functional and clear for the intended purpose (which isn't music). NOAA channels worked well also. I didn't test the "waterproof" claim. They do have a gasket and screw-locking back cover. The cover on the USB port looks a little "iffy" water-wise. I don't plan on dropping it in a puddle to test it.SUMMARY:Great radios. Very asthetically pleasing (they look nice). Large, clear screen. They work well. USB-C charging is much better than the old way. Tri-band (if you're licensed for it) is a great option.ADVICE:if you want or NEED airband, look elsewhere. If you want solid, easy to read, loud, clear radios with multiple antennas, including one (at least labeled) tri-band, and USB-C charging right out of the box...this is a very good package.

As a long time licensed ham radio operator it has been a given that Baofeng radios are not highly rated or considered. With this model, however, things are different. Upgrades like the color screen, 999 memories instead of 128, chargers that plug directly into the wall outlet instead of using a "wall wart", and improved waterproofing with the batteries that screw on add to both the value and usability. I have used the radios not only for repeater contacts, but simplex contacts as well where is where it is easy to see the performance. Additionally, they feel good in the hand. The only negatives which are not serious enough to knock off a star are the screwdriver, thoughtfully included since the batteries are screw on for water protection, is really too small and the screw heads are more like coin slots, and the dual antennas. There is a short dual band antenna and a longer tri-band antenna. I wish they would develop a shorter tri-band antenna for the convenience. Yes, the longer antenna improves performance as any ham knows, but the tradeoff is extra care required to keep from hitting things, particularly if carried on the belt. Again, I still rated this as five stars.

If you're not careful you may end up a Ham Radio Enthusiast. That's what happened to me. Hundreds of dollars later I hardly ever use these radios anymore. But if you're looking for something to get you started, this is the way to go.