How To Buy A GMRS Radio - What To Look For When Shopping For A GMRS HT, GMRS Features Explained 

FARS? With 40+ years doing radios, there is not such thing as 'FARS'.

I dont know what I enjoy more.... the sad ham references... the sarcasm... the great content or the actual sad hams that end up getting stickied! Keep up the good work, im a fan for life now.

bruhhhh. I literally became a fan of your videos your sarcasm cured my depression

Maybe somebody else can verify this, but I do believe that one of the radios over his left shoulder is signaling in Morse code "Help, I'm being held captive in a Chinese radio factory" ... It's either that or "Let's Go Brandon" 🤔

Just pre ordered a pair of the Rocky Talkies 5 watt radios. I’ve had their 2 watt FRS radios for a while and have been very happy with them. Long story short, your videos have been very helpful. From getting my license to having confidence in my purchase all while letting me know I really don’t have to take this too seriously. Thanks!

I just started watching this man. I like him because he is obnoxiously precise and honest. This is his wheelhouse and you can hear the frustration he feels at manufacturers and poseurs who prey upon the ignorance of people who are just getting interested. He goes out of his way to clearly explain the misinformation and correct our understanding. Moisture proof. I wont. Forget this.

Hey Randy..!, I visited your channel originally for the off-road content...but I stayed for the sarcasm..! Keep being you...!

First thing I do when randy posts a new video is pause it and check for any pinned posts! Favorite part of this channel.

Nice job explaining superhet vs SOC radios. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were a wise ham radio 'Elmer.' 🤣Thoroughly enjoyable and informational.

I appreciate your public declaration that there is nothing private in GMRS.

I love the video! You have a great sense of humor, which makes it entertaining as well as informative.

Excellent video! So packed full of information. And, as always, your delivery is spot on! So moist!

Thank you for making this video, this cleared up a lot of questions I had and your recommendations on different radios was very helpful as well sir

Loved the plug for CH19 GMRS....eventually people will catch on...love your videos.

I like to keep my radios moist. Thank you Randy!!! ☺️

Another great video - good explanations for a few terms about which I did not fully understand. This video confirms my wise decision to buy the TidRadio Pair Pack (TD-H5) you reviewed a few months ago. It's a good 'starter' radio as my first GMRS radio.

Thanks for the clarity on your videos, Randolpho! Helpful for us noobs - and a big thumbs up on the T-shirts!

Just opened a pair of UV9-Gs that came in the mail. You da MAN and my favorite source of GMRS information Randy.👌

THANK YOU!! Another finely balanced video of info and we'll welcomed humor

I’ve always appreciated how you’ve cut through the b/s you see spewed elsewhere. I’ve had my general license for amateur for a few years but am getting my GMRS license so my family can talk around the neighborhood, and your videos have proven informative and reassuring that I’m making the right decisions. Thanks!

Fantastic information, great audio and video quality but most of all, very entertaining

Thank you for this info. You were way more informative than the ... shall we say 'lackluster ham radio store clerk once I asked for the difference between FRS, GMRS, HAM and said GMRS sounded more like what I needed. (Kept staring at me like he thought I was a cretin. Yes, I'm new to radios, I said so. Apparently he was new to salesmanship? Not going back.)

Randy… This is one of your best videos! It packs so much important and very useful information for a new person getting into GMRS. If you don’t already have one, may I suggest a “GMRS 101’s” playlist? Adding this outstanding video to such a playlist may make it easier for people to find, as time goes on. Thank you for your common sense approach to help educate the masses looking to get into GMRS.

Thank you for education about GMRS. God bless.

This is a great information. I just bought my first more advanced GRMS radio and am using it as a SHTF radio. Yes still learning my radio.

Randy great video. Because of your video's I just got my GMRS license. Please keep these videos coming. And on a side note, should I start signing ALL my emails and important documents with my call sign like the Sad Hams ??????

Thanks for the video I was/ am interested in gmrs radios. I’ve watched a lot of your videos and I’ve learned a thing or to from them. I’m ending up buying a pair of radios that you recommended. Unfortunately they didn’t have the reach I was hoping for. And yes I understand the range idea. ( I was hoping they would have enough) but thanks for all the information you post. I’m planning on buying a base type radio next

Thank YOU. Well done

These videos, man, you always make my day. ❤

Another great overview for the newer GMRS user. (I wonder what it must be like to live with the sad hams and grumpy GMRS-ers that can't chuckle at "FARS." Like, "How FAR can I get away from that person?" Great advice to refer the prospective buyer to online reviews, using the same caution you give for the "internet experts" that "don't get out of the basement very often." Keep up the sense of perspective and humor. Thank you.

Perfect presentation !

"Thank You", Sensei, for the thorough, detailed, and complete tutorial on GMRS HT information, in order to make the right choices, when purchasing a radio... "Especially", Your Reviews!👌

Great video. Thanks

I'm experimenting with using my GMRS radios to connect with others riding their motorcycle with me. Bluetooth headsets are more expensive than many good radios and a simple headset with PTT button seems to work well. The range is considerably longer as well. Yes, everyone has a GMRS license; since they are so easy to get!

Seems like a bunch of excellent information to someone like me who is just thinking about getting into this hobby.

Fars, 🤣, I'm new to this and I got it! Love it! Also love the P365 mat.

Love the videos keep up the good info

Interesting, thanks for this video. I didn't realize that split-tones capability (or lack of) was even an issue. I just *assumed* all radios could do split tones. A word of advice for anyone looking at HTs. All other things being equal, or even not equal, you probably want at least a splash-proof if not fully water-proof. Don't fall into the trap of "Oh, I take good care of my gear. It'll never see..." Yes, yes it will at the most inconvenient time.

I'm here for the gear review. I was a Navy Radioman for 11 years. I understand how it works. But our toys cost a lot more and are huge and built mostly for data. I loved doing radio stuff! I'm excited to get started.

Thanks Randy - You're a good Elmer

I have no interest in GMRS radios. BUT… your videos are always very entertaining. So even if it’s a topic I’m not interested in, I still watch. Thank you for the chuckles.

I like your shirt 👕 too. I like your way of instructions.

Man, I'm really glad that I'm your favorite viewer. I feel honored.

Another great video and thanks for the reminder to hoard my GMRS radios, or was that TP in case SHTF! Thanks again for the content and entertainment!

Nota Rubic your utube videos are awesome my friend

Very informative. These radios look very nice. That new retevis looks pretty cool. I am still partial to the “not a GMRS radio” that everybody isn’t supposed to use and everyone loves. It just looks right. I sent the affiliate link to the tshirt of that radio to my wife so she can get it for my birthday.

I was able to hit a repeater 90+ miles away with the Boefeng G11S (3w), but it was mountain peak to mountain peak.

Your intro's are great!

Thank you ..I am a new subscriber and I just got my GNRS license. I am trying to understand the gnrs world . I am trying to decide which gnrs radio should I buy for myself and my family..Its so hard to make a decision..

Love this guy

Love the shirt😂🤣😃

Good information.

Looking forward to the next video from “Randy and the Split-Tones”!

Enjoying the videos, the humor, and sarcasm. I realized that the BwownFang UV-5R that I purchased was NOT GMRS. On the box, the print reads "Dual-Band Transceiver" so not the correct version. D'oh! I'll have to work on that radio amateur license soon and become "Happy Ham. No time for Bullshit!" The new BwownFang UV-5R has a sticker in the interior of the battery case that reads "GMRS" and the box makes mention of neither GMRS nor "Dual-Band Transceiver."

Great video.

Thank You!

Back in high school I had to pick a "shop". So, my father having served in the army Signal Corp, I chose Radio. About the only thing I remember is the instructor, Mr P Jett, (2nd thing I remember!) stating that superheterodyne was the best circuit (?) around. Tech HS. Go Buffalos (3rd! and 4th!).

Great buyer's guide! I won't even mention that you neglected to mention the Roger Beep and the all important flashlight. Oops.

Another informative video, Randy.. I'm looking for a GMRS Radio for mainly outdoors (specifically hunting). What would be your recommendation? Thank you. Scribed!!

Good morning from Shropshire UK 🇬🇧

I love your shirt.

Thank you

It makes me proud to be your favorite viewer. In kind, you are my favorite content creator. really. Seriously though, I find you hilarious. I'm good on toilet paper as well.

I would love to hear your suggestions on a home base radio set for gmrs. I see options of mobile and handheld, but is there good options for something I can leave in the office? Thanks

Thanks!

I once keyed up a baofang uv5r on a FRS channel and it dispenced out a can of coke. It was barbie sized but it was legit. Pretty dope little radio if you ask me. You get all this + a soda machine for 25 bucks? nice!

My $28 BAOFENG GM-15 Pro GMRS Radio will be delivered today :)

I don't think I saw you monitoring 19 in this video, now everyone on my gmrs is gonna be talking about this

I am waiting for a GMRS HT that has a Farometer built into it so I can see how good the radio operates before I buy one.

Grate video Randy; very informative.

Tidradio h8 GMSR allows you to save other band frequencies and transmit on them with out an unlock. Speaking of unlocking, yes you can! This radio has 3 unlock modes. GMSR only, Ham only and full unlock for all frequencies.

Yes!! I'm the favorite viewer!!

Randy, you are the man.

Thanks, but way more than I need. I’d like two radios - one to install on Jeep, one handheld. Power to transmit over distance is nice, but don’t require ultrawatts. Want to be able to do basic communication, and scanning over broad range of channels, but nothing specific. Budget is flexible but I’m not going to use a long list of customizable features. What do U reccomend?

i am just getting into this

Watched quite a few of your videos and trying to decipher your sarcasm but my question from a newbie is what would a good entry level gmrs radio be?

Thank you! Roger-Beep

Hello Randy, any word if Wouxun will be changing the KG-UV9G to the dark screen similar to KG-935G in near future?

What kind of antenna you using on your KG-935G? I just purchased my KG-935G and was looking for a good antenna upgrade ended up ordering a Nagoya 771g.

TOP 1 is the BTech GMRS Pro because i have all three and it is the best.

I am studying for a ham license but the more I learn, seems like GMRS is the way to go for my family and I. Not everyone will take the time for a license. Not sure which GMRS radio to purchase. Would like to also use them for comms with my son while we are doing drills at the range. Any suggestions would be great.

I appreciate this information. I’m going to label this video “Reference Material”.

What is your favorite GMRS radio with bluetooth connectivity? You're got me ready to buy the UV-9G, but I don't see anything on bluetooth. I am in a 2021 Defender, but my buddies are on motorcycles. They need handsfree and I would prefer hand free.

Should I make the 1000 G Plus Repeater set up Or should I go with one of the portable Repeater like the Midland?? I'm looking for The most watt out put And something to use alot That will hold up And last For years I'm trying to reach out about 35 + miles Or a little more .

Randy would you recommend finding a GRMS Club not seeing very many repeaters out here in East Texas.

Yo question got my GMRS license. Know I’m looking for a handheld radio what would be my best option would u recommend? And do to FARS should I get on repeater capable?

Do you have any experience in the Garmin Rino? I'm considering this purchase for the GPS and GMRS.

Does a wide band radio setting result in more fars you can achieve? What are the advantages of using narrow band? And why would anyone buy an expensive radio that doesn't have the features of a Baofeng? I can understand it it if both radios have basically the same features, but the only two that stand out is the VOX, which doesn't work at all on a Baofeng, and the squelch, which has worked fine on my Baofengs. I live in the Washington, D.C., area and I frequently hear micro-transmissions that are difficult to hear regardless of radio model and make. (I can hear the radio base calling in food orders and bus schedule issues and can tell what they are saying, except when they speak Spanish -- they are just _weak_ signals, and nothing on my end can help that because they're not using the local repeater.) I've tried using super-duper antennas, but those signals just don't have the ooomph (opposite of fars). Squelch just doesn't do enough on my end. One very nice radio I wish Randy would review is the Tidradio TD-H6 or the Radioddity GA-510 (same radio), or the Baofeng BF-H7. They're just _very nice_ radios regardless of who makes them. The H6 is just one of those radios I'm in love with. They don't have the stupid audio block feature that worked out fine on the 82/82HP, but were a nuisance on the 9G and others of the horrindiously-designed 9-series of radio. It just illustrates how differently these radios were on the drawing board!

I continue to learn at the knee of The Master.

I was thinking about getting a Ham license... BUT because I really only want to use comms, I'm opting for GMRS. 🤷‍♂️

Randy for President !!

do you have a video on the super GMRS RADIOS or some type of buying guide for people who hike with one another and shoot with ear pro on that like to use boom capable radios using a NATO 3.5 mm earphone jack to the ports on the radio itself.

Question , my son has been watching your videos. I’ve enjoyed watching your content. My son wants to get into GMRS. What would be a great beginner radio for his radio in his truck, Midland, MX, 275, or the retivis ra86 ?

Is there 2 or 3 radios you recommend with cost $200 or less and yes I have repeaters in my area West Ky.

Very good no nonsense content - but feel sad for the ham police attacks😏

I'm just happy that I'm still his favorite viewer. Sorry guys.

Are Many Truckers/Base Stations using these? or would CB better?

Hey my man I work as a lifeguard at a gym I wanna have my own walkie talkie because I wanna be cool but I want it to punch through the walls they use a awd advantage 4000 at work what should I get thats way better

Are you aware of any GMRS mobile (not handheld) radio that has the Kenwood 2 pin in/output so I can use a headset?

Damn it I need that shirt? Yea beatches!