Which Radio Should I Get?

[22BlackDiamondGreen]

I have been looking for a radio (GMRS or CB) to add to my rig. It is like looking for wallpaper -- It has been 20yrs since I had a CB so I have no idea the pros and cons -- Would like to use on road and on trail -- Any help would be appreciated

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[SubmarineNuke]

Jeep buddy of mine recommended the MXT115 to me. It seems cheap enough for how often I’m likely to use it. He couldn’t tell me the difference between the $150 and $200 versions tho

But I’m likely to go this route when I finally pull that trigger. I’m also a newb, so have no clue about install and powering it.

Midland - MXT115, 15 Watt GMRS MicroMobile Two-Way Radio - 8 Repeater Channels, 142 Privacy Codes, NOAA Weather Scan + Alert & External Magnetic Mount Antenna (Single Pack) (Black) https://a.co/bYnZPGc

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

I'd recommend the Midland MXT-275. GMRS is better than CB by every metric. The only reason to get a CB is if you know others that use them. In the off-road world, it's been largely replaced by GMRS.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

I'd recommend the Midland MXT-275. GMRS is better than CB by every metric. The only reason to get a CB is if you know others that use them. In the off-road world, it's been largely replaced by GMRS.

That 275 looks so cool with everything built-in to the mic. I already have a Yaesu 400 HAM, but that Midland radio is small enough that I'm considering adding one to my rig so I have hard mounted GMRS as well.

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

That 275 looks so cool with everything built-in to the mic. I already have a Yaesu 400 HAM, but that Midland radio is small enough that I'm considering adding one to my rig so I have hard mounted GMRS as well.

I have the MXT575 and am still not sure where to put it. It's so much bigger than the 275. Eventually adding a Yaesu 400 as well.

 

[Firefight911]

One word forum search.....

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/search/14621469/?q=gmrs&o=date

 

[JediMcMuffin]

I have the MXT575 and am still not sure where to put it. It's so much bigger than the 275. Eventually adding a Yaesu 400 as well.

Yep! Having both so no matter who I roll with I'm ready to go sounds pretty good to me. Normally I leave the Yaesu running Band A in Scan mode, with Band B APRS beaconing. I leave my Baofeng UV-5R scanning the GMRS frequencies for activity. I also have a Wouxon GMRS-only HT so between those three I can enable a second vehicle if needs be.

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

Yep! Having both so no matter who I roll with I'm ready to go sounds pretty good to me. Normally I leave the Yaesu running Band A in Scan mode, with Band B APRS beaconing. I leave my Baofeng UV-5R scanning the GMRS frequencies for activity. I also have a Wouxon GMRS-only HT so between those three I can enable a second vehicle if needs be.

Oh man I only have ham HTs so leaving a band in scan mode without worrying about battery life will be so great

 

[Natai]

I'd recommend the Midland MXT-275. GMRS is better than CB by every metric. The only reason to get a CB is if you know others that use them. In the off-road world, it's been largely replaced by GMRS.

Ordered mine last week. The ability to hide the unit inside the console under the gear shift (others have even fit the larger 575 there) and only connect the mic with controls when you want is awesome. Since I plan to run topless part of the year, having a radio that's completely hidden is perfect.
Midland offers a kit MXT275VP4 that includes the 275 unit, the low-profile Ghost antenna, and the upgraded antenna cable. (The Capitol One shopping app knocked close to 20% off too.)

 

[NewBroncoOwner]

Go with the MTX 275. They are really straight forward how to install and power.

https://midlandusa.com/products/mxt275-micromobile-two-way-radio

Also use the Coupon Code : OFFER15 to get $24 off

 

[Dusty]

I'd suggest getting a 2-way VHF race radio or ham style radio rather than a dedicated GMRS. The race radios cover a wide range of frequencies including the GMRS channels. If you're in the southwest, many of your friends and people you will wheel with will already be invested in these types of radios and will already be accustomed to using dedicated race channels such as Weatherman, BFG Pits, and all the channels used by the desert racing teams and organizations. There will be ham radio aficionados who will tell you you need to take the test and get a license and spew a mouthful of alphabet soup every time you make a transmission, which is legally correct, but I won't tell on you if you don't.

 

[Felix808]

Unless you are running with others that have CB's, I would opt for the GMRS. You can also use FRS frequencies with GMRS so if you keep a couple of hand held FRS radios on hand you can usually communicate to all in the groups; as there is always someone without a radio.
YMMV

I'd suggest getting a 2-way VHF race radio or ham style radio rather than a dedicated GMRS. The race radios cover a wide range of frequencies including the GMRS channels.

Didn't know VHF cover GMRS freqs. Thanks for the info.

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

I'd suggest getting a 2-way VHF race radio or ham style radio rather than a dedicated GMRS. The race radios cover a wide range of frequencies including the GMRS channels. If you're in the southwest, many of your friends and people you will wheel with will already be invested in these types of radios and will already be accustomed to using dedicated race channels such as Weatherman, BFG Pits, and all the channels used by the desert racing teams and organizations. There will be ham radio aficionados who will tell you you need to take the test and get a license and spew a mouthful of alphabet soup every time you make a transmission, which is legally correct, but I won't tell on you if you don't.

I don't think you can get race radios that operate on ham or GMRS bands anymore since they're illegal.

Although I think you can get ham or GMRS radios that operate on the race frequencies. They require licenses, of course.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

Unless you are running with others that have CB's, I would opt for the GMRS. You can also use FRS frequencies with GMRS so if you keep a couple of hand held FRS radios on hand you can usually communicate to all in the groups; as there is always someone without a radio.
YMMV


Didn't know VHF cover GMRS freqs. Thanks for the info.

More clearly:

VHF (very high frequency) means all frequencies between 30Mhz and 300Mhz
UHF (ultra high frequency) means all frequencies between 300Mhz and 3000Mhz

Amateur radio (HAM) uses frequencies from a lot of bands. For what we do 144-146Mhz (VHF) and 420-450Mhz (UHF) on both handhelds and mobiles. GMRS operates at a UHF frequency between 450-470Mhz.

I believe what he's suggesting is that if you grab a VHF race radio, those ALSO cover the UHF frequencies. Heck, they might even have access to some VHF frequencies other radios can't access. I'd bet they also transmit with more power than GMRS is specced for. I wonder if you need some kind of license or business license to order them?

 

[NewBroncoOwner]

The Baofeng UV-5R is a great multi frequency radio that my spotter uses when outside the truck. It also is a great scanner as well. Large frequency range to use too. Rugged Radios use the same radio just packaged in a different casing.

The AN PRC-152 is a radio I used for many years and the frequency range is quite large as well. Great distance too

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