BAOFENG Radio UV-5R 8W Ham Radio Long Range UV5R Dual Band Handheld High Power 3800mAh Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Handheld Two Way Radio with Programming Cable and Earpiece for Survival Gear,2Pack

I bought this to add to my growing collection of things I have always wanted and may also come in handy.So, I didn't buy this to go completely crazy and geek out on all of it's features. I just wanted a ham radio that would receive and maybe provide some entertainment value. Also, to have it on hand in case of a major emergency.And here I am now geeking out by all of it's features.Seriously, this is a very fun piece of hardware. After receiving it, I downloaded the CHIRP software and spent a short time searching for frequencies in my area. I then programmed all of the channels (making sure to turn the transmit off, because I do not have a ham license) and I could have it scan through all of the 40 odd channels in my area.Then I programmed in the local weather station.Then I programmed in all the GMRS channels.Then I got my GMRS license.Then I ordered GMRS radios for the family.Guys, this stuff is crack. I think I now have a new hobby to suck all the cash out of my wallet.Ok, but let's talk about these radios. This kit came with everything I needed. All the way down to earbuds I won't use. The programming cable worked with no issues whatsoever.It's a sturdy radio with a LOOOOOOONG battery life. I listen in to all the traffic stops in my area, including the naked streakers (why?) on the police band.The radio is capable of listening to 2 channels at once. This is great, because that means with my 2 radios, I can monitor 4 channels simultaneously. There are many many FCC rules around transmitting with these, so please be sure to do your research. You WILL need a ham license to transmit, but do not not one for receiving.Transmitting on GMRS channels is a grey area here, because of the power of these devices. I would suggest a lot of research and do not suggest you use these for such a thing....nope....wouldn't suggest that at all. Heaven forfend.You will also need a GMRS license to use GMRS channels. Get a proper GMRS radio for that though...not these. Seriously.I absolutely LOVE this purchase. If you decide to get these, you will be surprised how quickly they will become as entertaining as they are. I highly recommend these.

Works great so far! Nice clear sound, good distance range, seems pretty durable but that we'll know better with more time, same on the battery life, I don't know yet.

These are great radios with excellent range and lots of features. They’re far more advanced than a typical “walkie talkie” and they DO require a license to operate. I mainly use the GMRS frequencies and have no problem hitting repeaters. These are not typical grab and go walkie talkies, there is a learning curve but it’s not hard. If you aren’t familiar with programming these radios and how repeaters work, there are lots of YouTube videos. CHIRP also helps a lot and you can easily download channels and repeaters into the radio.They’re great for hiking and outdoor activities as they have a long range. The range is great, but the audio quality could be better. Also, the long antennas sometimes reduce audio clarity. For the price, these radios can’t be beat and they’re a great introduction into GMRS and HAM radio.

What I like:- Simple to use and operate- Good battery life- Good range/ distance. Used within a mile of each other without issue.- Comes with a nice spread of accessories.What's OK:- The software for programming the radio's is outdated and clunky. The software could be easier to use and navigate. As a major supplier of equipment, I would like to see them put some elbow grease into a proper software for programing their radios.What I don't like: They take a good while to charge from 0 to 100. This is the case with all Baofeng radios. In today's day and age, they should step it up and upgrade their charging abilities.

First;There was a hiccup with my first order of this package, but the seller of this package - Abbree - DID reply to me very quickly & I have no doubt would have made it right.I bought 2 of these 2-pack kits, for a total of 4 radios + a ton of accessories. (Parts list at bottom)When I got the first 2 boxes, they were missing fully HALF of the promised parts.Normally I don't react, but in this case, I saw what seemed to be quite a few negative reviews / poor seller feedback & kind of freaked out, thinking I just bought from a cruddy seller & was in for a hassle. I thought I'd be forced to return the whole thing & start all over again.It wasn't encouraging when I went to contact Amazon support & they told me to contact the seller, but the seller's contact bot directed me back to amazon cust. svc. in a nice little loop.That said; amazon suggested they re-ship the order. I wasn't confident it would work, but not only did it arrive about 5+ days earlier than promised, this time the BaoFeng kits DID include ALL the promised parts!>>>So; ABBREE; I apologize! <<<As promised, I'm revising my review to 5 Stars, and I do also note that you did reply to my seller feedback posting here on your amazon profile, the same day I posted it.Can't ask for much more than that!Apparently the 1st order that was shipped, the shipper (amazon, I believe....) simply picked the wrong box & ABBREE was NOT to blame.ANYWAY.....the kit is awesome. Great value for the money. I started pricing out what It would cost to manually piece together all the parts & trust me; it's much easier & cheaper to get this kit.Everything seems in order; all promised parts are there, so far everything seems to work perfectly, etc..Now I just have to learn how to use these things!Included in this kit I bought are:1) Portable Radio,2) 3800mAh Extended Battery,3) US Base Charger,4) USB Charger Cable,5) Programming Cable,6) Belt clip,7) The sling ( Lanyard?)8) Earpiece,9) Stubby antennas (Abbree Brand)10) AND 15.6" Whip antennas (I believe also ABBREE Brand)FWIW: I've seen very mixed reviews on the stubby, 6CM tiny antennas (Bullet? Stub? Shortie?). All the ABBREE-Branded antennas seem of exceptional quality. They even came with a little rubber gasket in case there is any gap between the radio + antenna base! There was zero gap for me, but I installed it anyway, as it seems prudent. If I'm wrong; it's brain-dead easy to remove.Again; Abbree showed themselves to be responsive to the initial mix-up, the kit is IMO a phenomenal value, and I'm happy.Thank You!