I highly recommend the Baofeng UV5R V2+ for anyone who doesn't need a 50 mile range but something to keep in contact with family when out shopping, at the fair, around town, or at work, depending on what you do, it can and basically will pay for itself with the usefulness it provides

This particular Baofeng seems more robust/durable than the UV 5R I've owned AND with a better speaker for audio

I purchased this radio to replace a Baofeng BF-F8HP which failed in less than 1 year

In the 8 watt range this is the best Baofeng radio I have found but see warning below.

I would also recommend the Baofeng AA battery pack since this is a rechargeable battery product.

Don't bother with the manufacturer's software, even the Baofeng US website recommends CHIRP

My husband is enjoying his Baofeng.

Good job Baofeng!

This Baofeng and similar models were not compatible with an existing radio system and repeater despite what the specifications say

Love my Baofeng

The FCC Enforcement Advisory, issued on September 24, follows an August 1 Citation and Order (Citation) to Amcrest Industries, LLC (formerly Foscam Digital Technologies, LLC), an importer and marketer of popular and inexpensive BaoFeng handheld transceivers, alleging that the company violated FCC rules and the Communications Act by illegally marketing unauthorized RF devices.

One issue I've noticed recently is that a significant number of Baofeng-compatible li-ion battery packs appear to be faulty, unable to accept a full charger (you'll notice at some point in the charging process, the charger starts alternating back & forth rapidly between green & red leds, as it would if you had removed the battery completely)

i strong recommend baofeng

Love the Baofeng Blue thank you so much!Perfect size and easy to use.

Excellent Baofeng model for the price

Could not get the Baofeng programming software to work with the unit however

Baofeng will not provide phone support

The baofeng works great the only problem is that the software doesn't pair with a mac computer

My first such radio, which I still have, is a Yaesu VX6, which is a more durable radio if you go out in the rain or back country, but for around the city, the VX6 is no more useful in than the much cheaper Baofeng UV5, at least for the simple repeater or simplex

works as it should and no issues, love the flashlight and built in radio, good audio as well.

and it dies completely within 3 weeks and will not power up or make a peep no matter what I do - swapped batteries from my other radios, tried different chargers, cleaned contacts, you name it I tried it and still dead as a

Recommend additional silicone case as it has saved mine from a couple low level drops that would normally have killed it

I use it for general communications on 2M and 70cm as well as for activities with my local CERT organization.

Works as it should.