Mine works fine. Seems to receive okay with the antenna out the box. Tested it with my other BF that I am scared to push the button on. No problemo. I really like that I have the USB charger thing so I can charge it in the truck.
I plan on using them for "work actually" , I install a lot of Security cameras and its nice to talk to helper in areas with poor cell or when I just don't want to drop a $800 phone from the top of a lift or ladder.
I actually hit my first repeater today on it I was driving in the vicinity. (new to GMRS so I only really ever listened in on the repeater)