A definite step up from legacy UV-5R radios (which I also own a couple of), because this has more memories, color display and AM receive for the aviation band. The USB-C connections are also appreciated so you can use standard cables and chargers. The price was as low as what is often still being asked for the old models that lack the new features. You can program from the keyboard, but it gets tedious. I was able to use the latest CHIRP app to speed up adding and editing frequencies and settings for repeaters and add more frequencies to monitor. You can improve the antenna, which is recommended for several uses.

It's a Baofeng so keep that in mind. I've got other radios for general use, but I give these away to people who seem interested in learning about ham radio.I like this new style, the quality is also greatly improved from older models. USB-C charging is great, and the addition of TX the 1.25 meter band is nice. This radio came completely unlocked which I would have done anyway. The reception is much clearer than I would have expected. It sounds as nice as any of my Icom VHF radios I'm not sure about how it sounds as I have not transmitted on it, but it exceeds my expectations and is an unbelievable value at the price.

Here is the skinny on this new radioIt is basically an Upgraded Version of the UV-5R. Where it is different is in that it brings you expanded receiving frequency covering the aviation band, a larger battery 2500mAh compared to the UV-5R which comes with a 1800mAh battery. One of the best upgrades is it has USB-C charging(car, solar bank and more). BaoFeng has added their new one-key copy frequency function, making it easier to add new frequencies and for the Hams DTMF manual dial function. This new radio version boasts a larger 1.77’’ color display.The Good and The BadThere are several models being sold on Amazon this is a AR-5RM modelI really liked the Type-C Rechargeable port it is designed on the back of the battery and has a dust cover over it, making it convenient for you to charge anytime and anywhere. When you go out, you can charge in the car, power bank, laptop, or any USB interface device, no longer worrying about low battery issues.Easy to program using Chirp programming software: UV-17Pro.I really like when the weather starts to look rough that this radio has the ten NOAA weather channels preprogrammed. . This function allows you to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and alerts, helping you make informed decisions. No more trying to remember the frequencies.The ONLY UV-5 accessories that will work on the AR-5RM are the antennas and speaker microphones and programing cable! This means the UV-5R batteries WILL NOT work on the 5RM series radios!The Belt clip is made of thicker material than the UV-5 style however one flaw I dislike is they no longer have the inner lip to help hold it tight. RED MENU HARD TO SEE IN SUNLIGHT!The AR-5RM has the ability to monitor the aircraft band: (108.0000 - 135.99875MHz) I've listened to air band with this radio. When you set it into the air band it automatically switches to AM, and will not transmit.Lastly it has Voice inversion scrambling an analog method of obscuring the content of a transmission. It is sometimes used in public service radio Without a descrambler, the transmission makes the speaker sound like Charlie Brown’s teacher. So you want 2 radios to use it.So I tested two radios and here are the findings.Battery life testing:On scanning mode, power saver off, TDR (dual scan) on, squelch set at 6 and High power with some transmitting it lasted 28 hours.Turning the TDR off, not scanning, some transmitting, squelch at 6, Transmit set to high and the power saver set at 1.4 it lasted 36 hours.Power output: High Medium Low2 meter VHF144Mhz-148Mhz 7.1 5.1 1.6 watts1.25 meter 220Mhz-225Mhz 4.0 1.7 1.6 watts70 meter 420Mhz-450Mhz 7.9 5.3 2.2 wattsCombined testing of two radios in the GMRS frequencies 462Mhz-467Mhz gave an averaged of 7.5 high power 4.8 medium power 2.07 low power.On the 2 meter band VHF144Mhz-148Mhz 9 high; 5.7 med; 2 low power.My two cents is yes it is worth the upgrade. My SHTF supply is being upgrade!

I’m no expert so this functions perfectly for me. Hefty radio at an amazing price. In my area I can listen to the fire/emEMS dispatch. This is a HAM radio so I can’t wear only listen on those channels as I don’t have an amateur radio license. I did pay the FCC for a GMRS license so I could communicate on those channels and use GMRS repeaters. This is a great entry radio without breaking the bank. Works great as a hunting form of communication. I don’t have to worry about dialing numbers or losing a 1200.00 phone, with a 250.00 insurance deductible to replace it. The battery hasn’t ran out on me yet so it’s suitable for my needs. The sound quality is superb even with the supplied earpiece. I also found it’s easy to program and find upgraded/replacement parts if needed. These things are literally everywhere. WSGQ757

For the price, you can’t beat it. Very good starter radios. Don’t get me wrong it is very hard to use and to learn a whole new language of radioing and coding is a pain but these are nice. Quality is very nice and is not made of cheap brittle plastic. Only downside is learning how to use it and GMRS and all that fancy codes. Know your local law and etc before buying. Dont be joining ur local emergency channels and talking on it and getting in trouble which is illegal. Only use it for friends and family and I suggest buying a GMRS license. DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING.