Review on 📻 BAOFENG UV-9G GMRS Radio: Waterproof IP67, Long Range, Rechargeable, Dual Band, Handheld NOAA Scanner - Ideal for Outdoor Use, GMRS Repeater Capable, Programming Cable Included by Matt Kucrud

The battery does not attach properly right out of the box. So it crashes straight out of the gate. Also, all GMRS channels are pre-programmed to CTCSS 67 by default. So you can't hear anything from other radios you already have until you plug them in. Computer and replace them all and/or program other radios to use CTCSS Tone 67, or discard all other radios and purchase only those. Again, out-of-the-box compatibility with other radios is not possible. It's pretty hard to appreciate the radio's other features when you have to struggle to even turn it on because the battery is constantly draining. I'm not sure what the problem is, but it seems that either the tolerances on the bottom of the battery and the case are mismatched and/or the locking spring is too weak. I managed to keep it attached but any "handling" of the radio and battery will fall off again. This is put back in the box to be replaced by another. Let's move on to the rest of the radio. As you know, it is IP67 certified. That's great. There is a video showing the radio dropping out for 30 minutes etc. You know where to look for it. I'm not sure why they called the radio UV-9G which is almost identical to the competitor's radio other than to intentionally mislead the buyer (most likely explanation). The radio has the ubiquitous Baofeng flashlight and a red panic button. In this case, a short press turns on the FM receiver and a long press turns on the alarm. A nice feature is that the volume knob has a short shroud on the outer edge to prevent accidental volume changes while in a holster or on a belt. Nice gesture. A small screwdriver is required to access the accessory port. The screw is countersunk and does not have an accessible knurled edge like most other radios with this style of side port. So you need to use a small screwdriver to remove the connector cover. And the accessory connector differs from the normal 2-pin Kenwood connector by being IP67 rated. So new headsets, microphones, etc. are needed. It is positive that the radio comes with a programming cable. So I have to give props for that. The software is the typical out-of-the-box horrible software we all associate with Baofeng radios. Radio is not currently supported in CHIRP. In terms of actual operation as a GMRS radio, the output power was measured at 4W and the antenna showed an SWR of around 3:1, which was actually better than the Wouxun KG-905G that I also tested. The battery capacity seems small - 1800 mAh. The speaker sound is clear and loud. I was able to contact local relays with no problem. When asked "What did you expect for $40?" Baofeng fans - I was expecting not to have to put tape on the battery as this is a whole new experience. The rest of the problems are typical for Baofeng and shouldn't surprise anyone.