Product Review :Top 5 Best Handheld Ham Radio

Five Best handheld Radio 

Ham radios are an excellent choice for getting on the air and contacting other hobbyists.
Also, in the event of any emergency, the device could serve a significant role in creating a line of communication with other individuals to aid or contribute toward the rescue efforts. Most people use these ham radios mainly as a hobby for some short-range transmissions, to connect with other operators in their immediate neighborhood.
I have considered customer reviews on the top best handheld ham radio and here’s what i found;

1. Baofeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio

The UV5RA is the most versatile of the Baofeng brand, and it has 2.5 KHz steps, lots of accessories and a small size. It is also FCC part 90 certified, and this implies that it can be used with an FCC license on Business Bands.
Features
The UV5RA provides a 4 Watts VHF / 4 Watts UHF within the frequencies of 136-174 MHz and 400-480 MHz and 128 alphanumeric Memories. It also has a dual-band display and a DTMF Keypad along with an FM Broadcast Band Receive and a dual-band watch. It has a function menu and a voice unit as well. Some accessories include an SMA-J flexible antenna, belt clip, Li-ion Battery (7.4V 1800 mAh), wrist strap, drop-in charging tray, and AC adapter (8.4V 600 mA).
Size/Dimensions
Length: 102 mm
Width: 51 mm
Consumer Reviews and Ratings
There are over a thousand online reviews and ratings on the Baofeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio, and a large majority of these reviews are positive.
I took some time to read through many of the reviews to get the overall feeling for this ham radio model and why some people liked it or did not like it. People who were most satisfied with the radio’s performance got it for a single purpose –enjoying their hobby. And a few got it for emergency purposes as well, to this extent, this ham radio does a good job.
Most people who didn’t like the ham radio mentioned at least of the following;
a)    The inability to upgrade the software of the ham radio, except a new one with a new firmware is purchased.
B)    The Baofeng battery accessories for UV-5RA does not work for the other Baofeng units.
C)    The desktop stand has to be used to recharge the batteries.
Pros
•    The Li-Ion battery runs longer than most ham radios of its capacity.
•    The desktop charging stand charges the battery with or without the radio being attached.
•    The accessories which come with it work very well, both mechanically and electrically.
•    Reception outside the ham bands is quite convenient.
•    The SMA antenna connector removes moisture and is relatively sturdy.
•    The design of the battery pack and the belt clip are great.
Cons
•    The desktop stand is required to charge the batteries, and it cannot be plugged into a wall socket like other devices.
•    The battery pack of the ham radio has exposed electrical contacts at the back.
Baofeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio price
The price is under $50 in most online stores, but it can be gotten on Amazon for about $24.18dollars, and its shipping is free with Amazon prime.
My review
After I had examined the UV5RA, I loved the durability of the device and its prices is just perfect, and it may succeed in getting manufacturers of the ham radios to produce high-end devices at a lower price.

2.    Yaesu FT-2900R
The Yaesu FT-2900R is reticent and powerful and this ruggedly- built transceiver boasts of 75 watts of output. Despite his high output, no fan is required due to the FT-2900R’s heat-sink design. Its ergonomics are excellent for safe mobile operation.
Features
The Yaesu FT-2900R is a 2M VHF mobile Amateur Radio, which Transmits 144-148 MHz and Receives 136-174 MHz. It also has about 200 alphanumeric memory channels. It has scan and search functions and four power levels which are 75, 30, 10 and 5. It also has a lighted keypad microphone, and it comes with accessories such as a 13.8Vdc power cord, mounting bracket, and a microphone. The device also requires a suitable 2 meter Antenna, and a power requirement of 13.8Vdc at 14 Amps.
Size/ Dimensions
Weight: 4.2 lb. (1.9kg)
Height: 6.3
Width: 7.3
Consumer ratings and reviews
This device has well over a hundred ratings, and this is great for a new product, and a majority of this number loved the product. I discovered that a majority of the people who didn't like it gave a simple reason;
a)    The slow scan rate.
B)    It becomes locked-up when a scan is still running, and even when it is stopped on memory, its menu remains inaccessible.
Pros
•    Ruggedly built
•    Simple to program, and uses only the rig's controls.
•     Large easily read display.
•     Essential controls are all on the front panel.
•    Lots of available memory.
•    It's a monobander and is easier to operate.
•    Genuine 75watts

Cons
•    It is a monobander and potentially less useful than its Dual Band set contemporaries. However, this makes it easier to operate.
•    Scan rate is strangely sluggish.
Yaesu FT-2900R price
This device goes for $162.00 on Amazon with free shipping.
My review
After I considered the Yaesu FT-2900R, I especially liked the fact that it is ruggedly built and sturdy. It is also easy to program regardless of the reviews which claim otherwise. It also has a beautiful, large, easily read display along with alpha tags too, and all these make it very easy to read at one glance.

3.Baofeng Pofung UV-82L
Features
The frequency range of this device is 136-174 and 400-520MHz, it has a dual band and dual display and an A/B band independent operation. It also has a VFO and Memory channels scan, tri-color background light selectable, emergency alarm, battery saver, channel monitor and a keypad lock
Size/dimensions
Length: 8 in
Width: 6.9
Height: 2.9 in

Consumer reviews
It has a great review, and most customers loved it for its low price and capabilities.
Pros
•    It is very cheap
•    The mic is relatively clear.
•    The software works smoothly.
•    It is easier to use.
Cons
•    The model may require a better filtering system.
Price
It can be gotten for $49.99 on Amazon.
My review
The device has some lovely features and is quite easy to use. Some customers complained that it was difficult, but that is not entirely accurate.

4. Yaesu Original VX-8DR
This device includes not only rock-solid features and specifications but, new and bigger APRS capabilities which meet the need of lovers of the device. The transceiver transmits approximately 140-174MHz to 420-470 MH.
Features
The device has different unique features which include, GPS, DIGI-PATH route indicators, Bluetooth capabilities, wide band receiver, dual band, smart beaconing, integrated. It also has an emergency automatic ID system and an emergency Beep.
Size/dimensions
Length: 2.36 inches
Width: 0.95 inches
Height 3.74 inches
Weight: 8.48 ounces
Consumer reviews
This new device is already making waves and has all positive reviews and the people who bought it, gave all positive reviews. The only complaint which was found was the price.
Pros
•    Fits perfectly in the hand.
•    Easy to read.
•    Backlit keypad.
•    Receives and transmits on various frequencies.
•    It has more useful functions.

Cons
•    The standard battery is 1100 mAh, and this is quite low considering the capacity of the ham radio, although, this battery capacity might be perfect for some individuals.

Price
On Amazon, it costs $385.99
My review
The device is quite pricey, but it does quite a lot considering this price. I especially liked the great AM/FM broadcast and air band along with the fact that it is compact and pocket-friendly.

5. Retevis RT-5R
Features
The device has a relatively large battery capacity of 1800mAh and a wider frequency coverage which allows the U band to extend to 520MHz. It also has a built-in high brightness LED, which can be converted into a flashlight.
Size/dimension
Length: 4.3
Width: 2.3
Height: 1.3 inches
Consumer reviews
The reviews on this Retevis product are all positive so far, and most customers bought it for their hobby and attested that it worked just fine.
Pros
•    Large capacity battery.
•    Convertible Led which doubles as a flashlight.
•    It is cheap.
•    It is easy to use
Cons
•    The accessories are not very durable.
Price
It goes for $48.99 on Amazon.
My review
The device is reasonably priced for a two-way radio, and I liked the large capacity battery which can last for at least eight hours.