Should You Get a Baofeng HAM Radio? - TheSmokinApe

Just a quick video where I discuss one of the questions that I get asked the most from viewers, this video is more of a VLOG format than a review or how to video. Let me know what you think about Baofengs below...

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Thanks,
TheSmokinApe

[floppinfish]

I just passed my technician exam today. Thanks for the videos. You helped me a lot!

[HighFidelityFox]

You started my RF interested by reviewing a baofeng. I now have a base station and a HackRF. Thank so much for introducing me to this hobby.


As far as the baofeng goes, it's awesome! Battery lasts weeks, I've dropped my countless times some even in to water and it works fine

[Piperliam]

I've owned my baofeng bf-f8hp for over a year now and I still love it. It’s great for the price- especially for a young ham who is still in high school. I personally have alway recomended these radios because they at the very least are a great backup. I enjoyed the video!

[TheTechPianoPlayerKid]

I’m thinking of getting my ham radio license after I’m done with this school semester. I’m obviously going to start with the technician license, and I’m getting a try band antenna for the upgrade antenna, and a tri-band ham radio which is the Baofeng UV-5X3

[longrider]

I have the BF F8-HP, for 62 dollars on Amazon. It actually came with a decent antenna. As a bicycle rider having 8 watts and yes it does output 8 watts on certain frequencies, and that on to a good antenna, gives me some good range.

[youngengineer]

Nice, short and to the point video, thanks.

[kyfisher]

The uvb2 plus seams to be the most advertised one online at the moment, what's your opinion on it?

[Ron_C]

"Gateway drug"...lol! Guilty...I bought the BF-F9 V2+ as my first HT. I even used it to assist a local Radio Club with comms at the Marine Corps 1/2 Marathon last year and it worked great on the local repeater. I've got a UV-5r too....finally bought a "proper" ht, a Yaesu FT-70D. The Baofeng radios work....but..durability and duty cycle..who knows. Good info....Baofeng fanboy...lol!

[nathanbailey]

Is there a good option that’s the next step up from a Baofeng? I see a lot of cheap Baofeng which I understand aren’t the best but ok for the price but it seems the next option is well over $100. If I’m looking to spend something in the $50 - $100 range what might you suggest that’s a bit better quality then a Baofeng?

[Mr_Meowingtons]

I have 4 of them and they WORK good!!!
I have a few commercial mobile Kenwood UHF radios in the car and home programmed to GMRS and 70Cm ham i can talk to my wife with the UV5R+ when she is in her car with in 2.5 miles! that is Fine. If i am getting 2.5 miles from point to point what more do you want? i all so get 70cm ham repeaters just fine.. i am saving up for a nice yaesu but this will work good till then..

[gunner]

Great video!
What antenna do you recommend for a Baofeng UV-5R Plus for scanning?
Thanks in advance... am subscribed!

[rangerat]

Hey dude, I need these for high altitude and the other end will be lower. I bought the 8W ONE. Is that enough

[spike]

i have a uvr5r+plus but dont know what the +plus bit has added anyone know

[sergiop]

Just staring to learn about Ham. Can this radios be used as regular frs handy/talky with out a license?

[crossone]

Which antenna do you recommend for this radio?

[lambdog]

Have had my UV-5R for two months now, I would agree that it makes a nice entry level radio as who can't spring for 25 bucks? I say yes, if you are considering it, get one a get your License.

That being said, the programming and antenna learning curve is high, a Baofeng Elmer the likes of Hoshnasi on here is a must. I never would have known about the good programming cable, the better whip antenna, and a mag mount for the truck if it wasn't for YouTuber hams like Speaking of programming, Google, your local ham club website, and Repeater book are your friend, get those local repeater and simplex frequencies in there are run the scanner function to find traffic. Like Hoshnasi says, we practice ham during the feast to be ready for the famine, ham is too complex to think you can figure it out last minute in an emergency, reason I point that out is I have seen more than a couple vids where people talk about the license being unnecessary because of FCC disaster provisions, to not license because if that would be a mistake in my opinion. Operational programming, net protocol, and even general communication practices are not something to be figured out during a crisis as there will be too much going on already.

I've noticed the frequency bleed you talk about when I'm near air traffic, and my Baofeng brand hand mic does Tx my voice as clear as the radio itself (going to try taking it apart to see if I can open the mic hole, again another tip picked up on air by a fellow Ham. Overall, yes, a good buy, but be ready to do your homework.

[joeshmoe]

Receiver overloads in rf noisy areas. It's deaf to weak signals, and bigger antennas make it worse, especially yagi.
Great for nearby repeaters and simplex.

[TheGrayManOG]

I need a ham. Been looking them for a while

[TomokosEnterprize]

Hey bud, good to see ya. As far as I am concerned if they work well keep it eh. My FM radio costs a bunch more than that eh.

[AvoidingChores]

with each ham video you do, I'm slowly want to get one of those and see how it works with my antennas. was thinking about the programming aspect. hmmmm