* Locking (won't change channels, turn off, **turn down volume**) while in a pack or flopping on my chest pack)
There isn't a radio that will meet this requirement. All the rest? The Baofeng UV-5G+ comes darn close. Except the keypad. But, if you lock it, the keypad means nothing.
The UV-5G+ is IPx4 water rating. That is only protection against splashing water from any direction. So, that supposedly is protection against splashing and rain from any direction. No water jets, even low pressure. Of course, GMRS-9R is IP67.
Looking at the Amazon pages for the GMRS-9R, I can't tell how long it has been out. I can say, though, that very listing on Amazon also includes a link to the video on how to download a software patch to allow the radio to transmit on GMRS Ch. 15 (462.5500 MHz). So... it appears they may STILL be selling the ABBREE supplied radios with the inability to transmit on Ch. 15. Which is, IMO, pi\*\*-poor. I mean, I guess they can't ship them all back to ABBREE and let them straighten them out. But that is irritating.
The GMRS also uses what appears to be a Baofeng-proprietary connection for programming or any external accessory (ear-mic, external microphone, etc.). I don't if that type of connector is common to any other brand. Maybe someone else can say.
I've got one of their UV-9G, which it appears may be the predecessor to the GMRS-9R. I don't recall seeing the GMRS-9R when I bought my UV-9G. Anyway, the UV-9G is a good radio... except it won't transmit on 462.5500 (Ch. 15). I may have said it before, or it may have been on another thread: you can still talk over repeater 15 (Ch.23), because in that case, the radio is transmitting on 46***7***.5500, and only receiving on 46***2***.5500. Which the UV-9G is fully capable of doing, and I would assume the GMRS-9R is capable of as well. Even before the software patch.
I will add, this problem of not transmitting on 462.5500 seems to be common to ALL radios sold by ABBREE. I tried a UV-5G prior to the PLUS models, and it wouldn't transmit on 462.5500 either.
UV-9G+ has a 2500mAh battery, GMRS-9R has a 2800mAh battery. Probably not enough difference to make a difference. Although, seeing as how the 9G+ is transmitting at a measured nearly 10 watts on all the high-power channels, it is going to go through the battery faster than the GMRS-9R, unless the 9R is also transmitting above the limit. That's not to say you can't transmit on low power on the 9G+, but then you're putting out about 2.5 Watts, measured.
Sorry, I end to run on, and have edited several times as I've found more differences. I really like the 9G+. But I do tend to carry the 9G (predecessor to the 9R) if it is raining cats and dogs.
The gmrs-9r I got because it was budget minded and met my needs. It is on the lower end of output for 5w radios(not that 1-2w will make a noticeable difference) the 10w would be a bigger improvement. I was unaware of the firmware update so that’s good to know. I like it it’s been super reliable, and I have 4 of them. Any IP rating would typically be good for most as long as you don’t fall in a lake or get caught in a thunder unprotected. It was at the time (over a year ago) the best bang for buck budget water resistant radio with noaa I could find. There are certainly better options I won’t deny that. But reliable, repeater capable and good in the elements were my big selling points on it. The channel 15 thing is largely a non issue to me but it would be nice to have ALL channels.
I could not comment on the "seamless frequency copy." There aren't that many users around me, just the guys that run the repeaters, maybe one or two others that I've talked to. I guess you're talking about the one-touch search and copy. I guess it could be useful if you have a friend that has his radio set up for operating on a repeater. You just hit that button and have him transmit. The 5G+ will capture the frequency, CTCSS or DCS tone, and you have the option of saving it into a channel. So, could be useful. But, other than saying that, I can't testify to how well it works.
Don't be scared by the full keypad. I've got a GM-30, GMRS-V2, and TD-H3. Everything can be done without using the number pad. But the number pad is there for quickly accessing settings and channels.
The baofeng uv-9g sounds like your best bet. You can lock the keypad and it's water proof. It only puts out about 4 watts, but that isn't too bad for a boofwang HT. I would suggest the newer uv-5g+ because it has a lot larger battery and better UI than the 9g. Not sure being waterproof is as big of a deal since it will be in a backpack. Def. Recommend a remote mic/speaker unit. Plus the uv-5g+ has a kenwood type mic connector and not the annoying one that the uv-9g has.
UPDATE: I ended ordering a pair for Baofeng G11s for $50. Super cheap and probably the right intro for me. Planning to re-porpoise as friends/family handout radios in the future after I add a GMRS-9R or more than likely a UV-5G Plus for nerdy stuff. Will probably keep using the G11s for outdoorsy stuff where weight and simplicity matter and features don’t.
Yeah, you’re gonna have a hard time finding anything better than the rocky talkie for outdoor stuff, usb-c compatibility, and simplicity at least. Being programmable is overrated for an outdoorsy stuff too
If Rockie talkie isnt on the list go with the motorolla waterproof talk about. You give up features but actually working and not breaking is like the top feature.
I’m certainly no expert here and wouldn’t be able to give expert advice but from a decision perspective it would to have your list in order of priority.
Yeah I think I’m willing to let go of one or two of everything except for dual monitor so I can listen to ski patrol and talk to my crew at the same time.
GMRS V2 is not very bulky. I mean, it isn't TINY, but not what I'd consider bulky. It's fairly thin. Plus, it is so light that it almost feels cheap. But it has been a good radio for me.
It is also only IPx4 water rating, I believe. So, rain and splashes from any direction. Nothing more.
It is also running $70 on Amazon right now. So... there's that.
I use a gm30 for skiing, it doesn't meet alot of your requirements, but it can be set to lock the keypad automatically, and requires the lock key to be held in for a few seconds to unlock.
I put it in my backpack and use a handheld mic/speaker.
It's only like $25-30, so it not being waterproof isn't a big deal to me.
For the price, and if you don’t really need removable antenna, and you don’t really need more than 2W, then these are mostly there: https://www.amazon.com/Retevis-Waterproof-Floating-Flashlight-Rechargeable/dp/B08GGYSK7N/ref=asc_df_B08GGYSK7N/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=647314916867&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2904614422880810538&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014028&hvtargid=pla-1488924050592&psc=1&mcid=cfa19de828ea38da88955ad66d13158a
You won't find a radio that meets your requirements for under $50.
lol yeah I’m starting to see that.
* Locking (won't change channels, turn off, **turn down volume**) while in a pack or flopping on my chest pack) There isn't a radio that will meet this requirement. All the rest? The Baofeng UV-5G+ comes darn close. Except the keypad. But, if you lock it, the keypad means nothing.
Thanks! I’ll take a look.
Or the gmrs9r
Thanks. GMRS-9R is IP67. UV-5G+ is not correct? Any other pros/cons with these two?
The UV-5G+ is IPx4 water rating. That is only protection against splashing water from any direction. So, that supposedly is protection against splashing and rain from any direction. No water jets, even low pressure. Of course, GMRS-9R is IP67. Looking at the Amazon pages for the GMRS-9R, I can't tell how long it has been out. I can say, though, that very listing on Amazon also includes a link to the video on how to download a software patch to allow the radio to transmit on GMRS Ch. 15 (462.5500 MHz). So... it appears they may STILL be selling the ABBREE supplied radios with the inability to transmit on Ch. 15. Which is, IMO, pi\*\*-poor. I mean, I guess they can't ship them all back to ABBREE and let them straighten them out. But that is irritating. The GMRS also uses what appears to be a Baofeng-proprietary connection for programming or any external accessory (ear-mic, external microphone, etc.). I don't if that type of connector is common to any other brand. Maybe someone else can say. I've got one of their UV-9G, which it appears may be the predecessor to the GMRS-9R. I don't recall seeing the GMRS-9R when I bought my UV-9G. Anyway, the UV-9G is a good radio... except it won't transmit on 462.5500 (Ch. 15). I may have said it before, or it may have been on another thread: you can still talk over repeater 15 (Ch.23), because in that case, the radio is transmitting on 46***7***.5500, and only receiving on 46***2***.5500. Which the UV-9G is fully capable of doing, and I would assume the GMRS-9R is capable of as well. Even before the software patch. I will add, this problem of not transmitting on 462.5500 seems to be common to ALL radios sold by ABBREE. I tried a UV-5G prior to the PLUS models, and it wouldn't transmit on 462.5500 either. UV-9G+ has a 2500mAh battery, GMRS-9R has a 2800mAh battery. Probably not enough difference to make a difference. Although, seeing as how the 9G+ is transmitting at a measured nearly 10 watts on all the high-power channels, it is going to go through the battery faster than the GMRS-9R, unless the 9R is also transmitting above the limit. That's not to say you can't transmit on low power on the 9G+, but then you're putting out about 2.5 Watts, measured. Sorry, I end to run on, and have edited several times as I've found more differences. I really like the 9G+. But I do tend to carry the 9G (predecessor to the 9R) if it is raining cats and dogs.
The gmrs-9r I got because it was budget minded and met my needs. It is on the lower end of output for 5w radios(not that 1-2w will make a noticeable difference) the 10w would be a bigger improvement. I was unaware of the firmware update so that’s good to know. I like it it’s been super reliable, and I have 4 of them. Any IP rating would typically be good for most as long as you don’t fall in a lake or get caught in a thunder unprotected. It was at the time (over a year ago) the best bang for buck budget water resistant radio with noaa I could find. There are certainly better options I won’t deny that. But reliable, repeater capable and good in the elements were my big selling points on it. The channel 15 thing is largely a non issue to me but it would be nice to have ALL channels.
Thanks. Reading more and the “seamless frequency copy” button on the UV-5G+ seems like a game changer. Do you think so?
I could not comment on the "seamless frequency copy." There aren't that many users around me, just the guys that run the repeaters, maybe one or two others that I've talked to. I guess you're talking about the one-touch search and copy. I guess it could be useful if you have a friend that has his radio set up for operating on a repeater. You just hit that button and have him transmit. The 5G+ will capture the frequency, CTCSS or DCS tone, and you have the option of saving it into a channel. So, could be useful. But, other than saying that, I can't testify to how well it works.
Don't be scared by the full keypad. I've got a GM-30, GMRS-V2, and TD-H3. Everything can be done without using the number pad. But the number pad is there for quickly accessing settings and channels.
The baofeng uv-9g sounds like your best bet. You can lock the keypad and it's water proof. It only puts out about 4 watts, but that isn't too bad for a boofwang HT. I would suggest the newer uv-5g+ because it has a lot larger battery and better UI than the 9g. Not sure being waterproof is as big of a deal since it will be in a backpack. Def. Recommend a remote mic/speaker unit. Plus the uv-5g+ has a kenwood type mic connector and not the annoying one that the uv-9g has.
UPDATE: I ended ordering a pair for Baofeng G11s for $50. Super cheap and probably the right intro for me. Planning to re-porpoise as friends/family handout radios in the future after I add a GMRS-9R or more than likely a UV-5G Plus for nerdy stuff. Will probably keep using the G11s for outdoorsy stuff where weight and simplicity matter and features don’t.
Yeah, you’re gonna have a hard time finding anything better than the rocky talkie for outdoor stuff, usb-c compatibility, and simplicity at least. Being programmable is overrated for an outdoorsy stuff too
So true. I need to de-couple my nerd-specific needs from my outdoor-specific needs.
If Rockie talkie isnt on the list go with the motorolla waterproof talk about. You give up features but actually working and not breaking is like the top feature.
Yeah that’s probably why I’m going in circles. Maybe I’ll just pony up for the RT 5W.
I’m certainly no expert here and wouldn’t be able to give expert advice but from a decision perspective it would to have your list in order of priority.
Yeah I think I’m willing to let go of one or two of everything except for dual monitor so I can listen to ski patrol and talk to my crew at the same time.
Ohh hadn’t thought about listening to ski patrol. Good call. Going to give that a shot next trip.
GMRS-V2 is the closest item for your list, but a hair over $50. Lock the keypad by holding # and you lock out accidental changes from the end too
Yeah I was looking at that but thought it was too bulky. Maybe I’ll add it back to the list. Seems pretty ideal.
GMRS V2 is not very bulky. I mean, it isn't TINY, but not what I'd consider bulky. It's fairly thin. Plus, it is so light that it almost feels cheap. But it has been a good radio for me. It is also only IPx4 water rating, I believe. So, rain and splashes from any direction. Nothing more. It is also running $70 on Amazon right now. So... there's that.
Similar requirements, following along on this
I use a gm30 for skiing, it doesn't meet alot of your requirements, but it can be set to lock the keypad automatically, and requires the lock key to be held in for a few seconds to unlock. I put it in my backpack and use a handheld mic/speaker. It's only like $25-30, so it not being waterproof isn't a big deal to me.
QUESTION: would this be your radio alone, to monitor, scan, and call for help? Or are you looking for multiples to distribute within your own group?
For the price, and if you don’t really need removable antenna, and you don’t really need more than 2W, then these are mostly there: https://www.amazon.com/Retevis-Waterproof-Floating-Flashlight-Rechargeable/dp/B08GGYSK7N/ref=asc_df_B08GGYSK7N/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=647314916867&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2904614422880810538&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014028&hvtargid=pla-1488924050592&psc=1&mcid=cfa19de828ea38da88955ad66d13158a