Hand held UHF radio

i have a uniden XR42 hand held it is only $130 at bleep smith, it has about a 3 Km range duplex function and vox function it is great when helping people navigate a track.

Simon, We use the Uniden X42s in our 4wd club. They are great for recoveries etc. However, they do have limited range if the group is strung out (between 1 - 3 kms depending on terain).

As value for money they are great...and you can buy one for $79 if you don't want the VOX and scanning.

Simon, checkout the Icom Ic-40 or what ever its latest version is. They're not cheap but you get what you pay for. I don't think you'll be disapointed.

Simon. I have an Icom 40s which I think is an excellent unit. 5 watts of power and has very good range. Price $400+. Wanting a second unit (so I can have someody to play with) I am about to buy a Uniden XR42 based on the many recommendations I have read on this and other forums. 500mw of power for about $140. If it were me I'd probably buy 3 Unidens for the club for the price of an Icom. The range of any UHF is basically line of sight so extra power in hilly country doesn't help much. I don't think you would go wrong with either of these units. Cheers MikeyS

I can attest to the durability and range of the IC40 , my two cents worth, don't bother with 500mw units. Look at the units being worn by the v8 supercar guys in the pits, they don't need range but they do need reliability, they ALL have IC40s. $400 well spent, (and you can wack an external aerial onto them with the optional adaptor.)

Simon,
If it it is reasonably close range usage you want then the Uniden 040xr is the go. It has all the functions you would need and is only (here) $99 from Smiths. I have had one for a while for use outside the car and find it excellent, up to about 3k range in good conditions but only .5 watt power. It suits my use. The Uniden 37 (which we use at work) is about $78, similar to the 40 but does not have a scan funtion or the capability to attach a speaker mike or a headset

Uniden UHFs lack the quality of design (clarity/selectivity/audio) that the Icom's and GME's but they still work and tend to be reliable and work.

If you go uniden then avoid the models with the stubby antennas. The ones with at least 5cm of antenna will be better.

I often lend my 300mW Kenwood to visitors on club trips and it works ok for convoys, but without an external antenna, range is limited.