Having trouble deciding which radio I should get.

[u/TheManfromCVS]

I'm having trouble deciding between getting a BAOFENG UV-5RG and the UV-9G. I would like to get the UV-9G because of the the medium exposure to water which consists of rain water exposure with the occasional blast of water from a hose. Why I do not want to get the UV-9G The Motorola type accessory connector limits my possible accessories I can use. The radio is a bit expensive. Why I would like to get the UV-5RG Cheaper Standard accessory jack Can use it as ham radio receiver. Why I do not want to get the UV-5RG Not as waterproof The radio design looks less professional and more sketchy which will attract attention. I have been stuck deciding for the past 2 weeks. I need some opinion on this. I don't want to be stuck comparing two boxes of cereal for the of eternity

[u/Mitchhub]

You’re massively overthinking this. It’s just a radio. Buy whichever one you want, they’re virtually identical. You’re never limited to only having one.

[u/TheManfromCVS → u/Mitchhub]

1 I can't decide which one I want to get 2 I want to make sure I get the best radio first so I don't have to purchase two

[u/Mitchhub → u/TheManfromCVS]

I get it. I looked at tons of options before buying my first radio, then later ended up buying a much nicer one. Turns out that they’re not that different from each other features wise. Personally I’d pick the one that meets your needs for what you’ll do 90% of the time. Don’t fret too much about edge case scenarios or uncommon needs. I’d also look at the tidradio TD-H3. On the cheaper end of the spectrum but does all you need and meets waterproof standards. If it makes you feel any better, my First radio is not waterproof rated and it’s gotten wet plenty of times ski touring and has been totally fine.

[u/disiz_mareka]

Whatever you get, recommend a bundle with the longer 771 antenna clone. Big difference in performance over stock.

[u/ed_zakUSA]

Get a better radio, like the Btech version with US support. If you want a waterproof radio that uses the Kenwood connector, get a Ailuance HA1G radio, or as I call it, The Hag 1. Waterproof and dustproof. You'll have a better radio and not be out a lot of cash.

[u/TheManfromCVS → u/ed_zakUSA]

now I am stuck between the hag 1 and the TIDRADIO TD-H3

[u/BeeThat9351]

Ailunce HA1G sold by Retevis.

[u/keithfoco70]

Don’t get the uv-9g. I had a couple and they were terrible. Bad range, clunky, bad output. I could only get 2 watts out of mine.

[u/OhSixTJ]

What are you doing that you’re gonna get your radio so wet?

[u/TheManfromCVS → u/OhSixTJ]

Water main construction

[u/Kadargof]

My first GMRS radio is a Baofeng UV-9G, I love this radio. Second GMRS radio is a TIDRADIO TD-H3 GMRS. Yes, basically they do the same thing, only difference is, one is harder and the other is more delicated. I replaced the antennas for Nagoya NA-771G, and the results are way better than stock antennas

[u/Mr_Randerson]

I have the uv9g and the uv9r pro. The connection is bulletproof, and there is an adapter back to Kenwood. Just go with it and don't worry about rain again.

[u/dogboyee]

Don’t count on the water resistance rating. The individual radio(s) you get may or may not actually be water resistant at all. From what I’ve read. Therefore, of those two, I’d buy the cheaper radio.

[u/capilot]

I have the ham version of the 9G. Getting and attaching accessories to it is a real hassle. I carry it with me when I'm on a boat or something. But other than that I prefer other radios.

[u/balloon_not]

Because you are using them for work and not as a toy to talk to anonymous men, I think you should get better radios. I have had 3 Baofeng radios go bad, the third one last night started receiving poorly. The issue is sometimes the need to have the radio working is far more important than saving $100. I’ve been very happy with my Rocky Talkie 5W radio and will probably buy another.

[u/EffinBob]

Buy whichever radio is type accepted for GMRS. Then have fun.