Review on 📻 BAOFENG BF-F8HP Dual Band Two-Way Radio: 8-Watt Power, VHF 136-174MHz & UHF 400-520MHz, Full Kit with Large Battery by Patrick Hamilton

I'm a new amateur radio operator. I wanted to get a radio that is barely good enough without spending too much money. After much research I gave up on the UVR5 despite the near perfect price. Too many signs of trouble. I didn't want to spend $150 on a radio only to find I didn't like this hobby, plus tons and tons of bells and whistles if I don't know what I'm doing is a waste of time. I finally got to this radio, very small and cheap like the UVR5 but with a little more power, a little more range, a little more features. Enough but not too much. Completely satisfied with my choice. I've used it from home and can reach many local repeaters including about 15 miles away. I made several contacts (and got a lecture about Baofeng being evil. Whatever). I've also used it on the go. I installed repeaters along the Autobahn and was able to establish contacts normally. So far I've only set up a simplex pin, but I'll keep trying. I found the radio very easy to learn and very easy to use. It was also easy to program. I used Chirp and Baofeng software. I prefer chirping. I bought a longer antenna for this, which radically changes the radio for the better, so you might want to do the same. As a first step into the world of amateur radio, this is an excellent choice. I'm waiting for my Yaesu 8900R to arrive so I can install it in my jeep while I study General.KC1KCE.