Gajm (VIC) replied:

What models are you looking at? I have the Uniden UH-50 and the UH-52 which is the splash proof model, they aren't bad radios, switchable from 1 or 5 watts.

A shooting mag did a test on handhelds a week after I bought mine and rated these fairly well, but the range wasn't as good as the GME TX6000, which I also have, and can't say I have seen any difference in performance.

I have had problems with the battery indicator on the Unidens, every now and then it will show up as half full when I know it is fully charged, and if I turn the radio off then back on it will show full again. I asked a bloke who sells nothing but communication gear about it, and he said he had heard of it happening on a few, but other than that there's no drama.

I often leave the Uniden with the wife if I went off for a drive somewhere and she stayed back at camp, and could usualy talk to her up to a couple of kilometers with the car UHF, in a fairly wooded area.

They aren't as solid as the GME Tx6000, but if I remember right they are a hell of a lot cheaper.

Utemad replied:

We have 2 of the water proof (resistant?) Unidens and have had no issues. I personally haven't used them yet except for a quick play but around our worksites if anything electronic lasts more than a couple of months then it is built well. Ours have been left out in the rain so we know that the water resistant claim is true.

As said previously, the Uniden ones are a hell of a lot cheaper than the GME. I am sure we would have killed the GME by now if nothing else than from leaving it out in the rain. Not bagging GME at all though, all our vehicle mounted radios are GME and they are very good product.

Member - Jeff M (WA) replied:

I've got one of the older larger Uniden 5 watt radios, yeah it's a good handheld but for what we use handhelds for we tend to break out the $30 toy ones, work just as good and doesn't matter if they get wet, dropped, lost etc.

Truckster (Vic) replied:

You are talking about the Uniden UH075 ??Normal Price: $419.00 Special Price: $370.00 (Including GST) from Prestige Comms.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a UH-056 5w, its great, wouldnt bother with one of the 1w toys.
Have a look at the 5w GME unit, TX6200 PRICE: $395.00 (Including GST and freight in Australia)

TX6200 (Free Shipping)
A fully featured and rugged 40 channel UHF CB handheld. Incorporates a wide band receiver.
Capable of storing 20 extra channels between 403 and 520 MHz.
Features:

Free Express Courier Delivery
Australian made
5 Watt output power
Open & Group scan
Priority channel
Easy operation
Compact size
Digital Squelch
5 Digit Selcall
20 User Programmable Receive Channels
CTCSS with Silent Mode
Other accessories are listed under (Transceiver Accessories.
PRICE: $395.00 (Including GST)

Cheapest place 99% of time is http://www.prestigecom.net.au/

Pembo replied:

hi Norves1,
i have owned a UH050 and found it to be very good for my needs,i can acess the repeater whis is about 30 Kms from my home and can get about 5-7Km comms on the road etc,if you want extra range then you can buy an aftermarket aerial for them,from memory i think that mobileone sell them for around $30.
cheers
rob

Member - Melissa replied:

We've had a Uniden handheld for about 2 yrs now and have found it a very handy bit of gear. Works fine from/to the vehicle with a range of up to 3-4km depending on terrain etc. If one of us leaves camp for any reason (eg. wood collecting) we always take it, handy if travelling with someone who doesn't have a UHF in their vehicle as you can just loan them the handheld, excellent for communication between one of us "spotting" and the driver if in a recovery situation or just on a tricky bit of track. Also, we tow a camper trailer and sometimes when looking for a picnic or camping spot we've faced some very difficult turn around or reversing manouvres. We learned quickly that it pays for one of us to scout on foot first so the handheld is great for this as we are able to call back to the car to stay put or come on ahead. For the small investment, they are a great convenience.

:o) Melissa

outback ted replied:

How come I have read all these replies and haven't heard the name ICOM yet ?

Anyway I prefer to buy my communications equipment from my local guy, that way he is still there when I need him.
The bit more I may have paid over the years is more than offset by his help and advise.
He has saved me from buying an inferior or unsuitable product on several occasions.
He has all the major brands and sells me the best suited product for my budget.

I'll get off my box now !

Cheers
ted