BigCountry

Yeah, I knew about the 1/2 watt deal with FRS and guess I mis spoke when adding it in my original post. What make and model handheld radios are most recommended that will work (and licensed to work) with both HAM and GMRS? Additionally are there any handheld models that will work with DSTAR repeaters and GMRS frequencies? I have also been looking at some of the icom radios but I don't think they will do both.

So I am new to the GMRS and HAM world of communications. I recently got my GMRS license and am studying to get my HAM license. A friend suggested for me to buy a Baofeng UV-5R. When I visited Amazon to purchase it I found that the Baofeng BF-F9 V2+ had tri-power capability over the dual-power of the UV-5R for not much more costs. Also for $15 more Amazon suggested to purchase the Nagoya NA-771 15.6-inch whip VHF/UHF (144/430mhz) antenna. What would you recommend for the new guy who wants an all purpose handheld radio that will work with FRS/GMRS, HAM, Weather and etc? I would like to keep it under $200 but can spend more if needed. Is the aforementioned antenna any good? Is the radio world like most other things where you usually get what you pay for? Thanks much,