I bought the AR-5RM cuz I want access to as MANY channels as possible and GMSR, for less than $35.
I originally got the UV-5R as it can be unlocked, but the AR is automatically unlocked and had bigger/better screen and other cool bells n whistles, so I get the AR instead. USB charging is very handy, auto channel copy is nice, cool images on screen another nice plus. However if there is another radio that can get MORE channels Ill switch to that one. Basically I want to be able to hear NORAD, Santa, the Klingons, ISS, everything!