OffRoaderX

You will see zero difference.

Wrong - I think what you meant to say is "it depends on where you are transmitting and what is around you"..

A typical 5-watt (GMRS/UHF) signal can easily reach 15-50 miles in the right conditions.
The moral of the story is that the topographical conditions in your area determine farz more than power.
Source: I have tested ~100 GMRS/UHF radios.

Who is Gary?  I came here to read about and see pictures of Gary!

Thats Gary on the left
https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_the_Snail

That's not Rheet-Hard Ralph's real name..

How far apart are the two radios when you test?  If they are closer than 50 feet, get at least 100 feet away and try again.
PS: Welcome to the forum.

Now try actually reading his post, then try again.

Hearing them talk a channel number between 15 and 22?
If so, my guess, based on 1,000 other people asking the exact same question, is that you are hearing people talking on a repeater. They will not hear you until you configure your radio to transmit on the repeater.
If not and you are hearing them on channels 1-14, then either they are using tones/codes so they cant hear you or, they just dont want to talk to you. 
Hope this helps!

I thought this would be a good test for the A.I., so I wanted to see how Grok would answer - you are all now obsolete because it totally out-dorked all of you.

Key Points Flat earth: Communication distance is about 3900 km. Real earth: Communication distance drops to about 11 km due to curvature. Flat Earth Scenario In a flat earth with no obstructions, two 5-watt UHF radios can communicate up to approximately 3900 km. This is because, without curvature, the signal can travel in a straight line, limited only by signal strength, not physical barriers. Real Earth Scenario On a real earth, the distance is limited by the line of sight, which is about 11 km for two people each 6 feet tall. This is surprising because it’s much shorter than the flat earth distance, showing how earth’s curvature significantly restricts radio range. Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of UHF Radio Communication Distances This section provides a comprehensive analysis of the communication distances for two 5-watt UHF radios under two scenarios: a flat earth with no obstructions and a real earth considering curvature. The analysis includes all calculations, assumptions, and supporting details to ensure a thorough understanding. Flat Earth Scenario: Theoretical Maximum Distance In a flat earth scenario, with no trees, buildings, or curvature, the communication distance is determined by the signal strength and free-space path loss. The problem specifies two six-foot-tall people with 5-watt UHF radios at the same elevation, with only air between them. Frequency Assumption: UHF radios operate between 300 MHz and 3 GHz. Based on typical usage, a frequency of 430 MHz was chosen, which falls within the common range for amateur radio (400-470 MHz), as confirmed by searches on 5-watt UHF radio frequency range. Transmitted Power: The radios transmit at 5 watts, which is 37 dBm (since 1 W = 30 dBm, and 5 W = 10 log10(5000) ≈ 37 dBm). Receiver Sensitivity: Typical receiver sensitivity for UHF radios is around -120 dBm for 12 dB SINAD, based on searches for UHF radio receiver sensitivity. This means the receiver can detect signals as weak as -120 dBm. Path Loss Calculation: The free-space path loss in dB is given by the formula: Path Loss (dB)=32.44+20log⁡10(d)+20log⁡10(f) where (d) is the distance in kilometers, and (f) is the frequency in MHz. For f=430 MHz, 20log⁡10(430)≈52.6772 dB. The total path loss is: 32.44+52.6772+20log⁡10(d)=85.1172+20log⁡10(d) For the signal to be detectable, the received power Pr=Pt−Path Loss≥−120 dBm. So: 37−(85.1172+20log⁡10(d))≥−120 Simplifying: 37−85.1172−20log⁡10(d)≥−120 −48.1172−20log⁡10(d)≥−120 −20log⁡10(d)≥−120+48.1172 −20log⁡10(d)≥−71.8828 Dividing by -20 (and reversing the inequality): log⁡10(d)≤3.59414 d≤103.59414≈3890.2 km Rounding to a reasonable figure, the communication distance is approximately 3900 km. This distance is theoretical and assumes no atmospheric losses beyond free-space path loss, which is reasonable given the problem’s conditions of “no trees or buildings or anything between them but air.” Real Earth Scenario: Impact of Curvature On a real earth, the communication distance is limited by the line of sight due to the earth’s curvature. The problem specifies no obstructions other than air, so we focus on the radio horizon. Height of Antennas: Each person is six feet tall, approximately 1.83 meters, which is 0.00183 km for consistency with the earth’s radius in kilometers. Earth’s Radius: The earth’s radius is approximately 6371 km. To account for atmospheric refraction, especially for UHF frequencies, the 4/3 earth radius model is used, making the effective radius r′=4/3×6371≈8494.67 km. Radio Horizon Calculation: The radio horizon distance for one person is given by: d=2×r′×h Substituting r′=8494.67 km and h=0.00183 km: 2×8494.67×0.00183≈31.048 d=31.048≈5.57 km For two people, the total line-of-sight distance is the sum of their individual horizons, assuming they are at the same elevation: dtotal=2×5.57≈11.14 km Geometric Horizon for Comparison: Without refraction, using the geometric horizon ( r=6371 km): d=2×6371×0.00183≈23.34426≈4.83 km dtotal=2×4.83≈9.66 km The 4/3 model extends the range, which is standard for VHF and UHF frequencies, as confirmed by radio horizon for UHF frequencies. Signal Strength Check: At 11.14 km, the path loss is calculated as: 32.44+20log⁡10(11.14)+20log⁡10(430) 20log⁡10(11.14)≈20×1.047≈20.94 , and 20log⁡10(430)≈52.6772 , so: Path Loss≈32.44+20.94+52.6772≈106.0572 dB Received power Pr=37−106.0572≈−69.0572 dBm , which is well above -120 dBm, so signal strength is not the limiting factor; the line of sight is. Given UHF frequencies’ line-of-sight nature, the communication distance is limited to approximately 11 km, aligning with the 4/3 earth radius model, which accounts for slight atmospheric refraction. Table: Summary of Calculations Scenario Frequency (MHz) Receiver Sensitivity (dBm) Limiting Factor Distance (km) Flat Earth 430 -120 Signal Strength ~3900 Real Earth 430 -120 Line of Sight (4/3) ~11 Additional Considerations Frequency Choice: The choice of 430 MHz is based on common UHF amateur radio frequencies, supported by 5-watt UHF radio details. Receiver Sensitivity: Confirmed through searches that -120 dBm is typical for UHF radios, ensuring the calculation’s validity UHF radio sensitivity. Curvature Impact: The significant drop from 3900 km to 11 km highlights how earth’s curvature restricts UHF radio range, which is surprising for laymen expecting longer ranges. This analysis ensures all details from the problem are addressed, providing a complete and self-contained response.

As mentioned, none.
HOWEVER --
Midland is based in the United States, unlike most of the other low-cost GMRS radio companies.

That's a bold move.. That's where the speaker for the XTL5000 in my JKU is mounted - but its much smaller than your XPR..
BTW, I support your desire for P25. That's what we use for all of our encrypted comms.

As mentioned, none.
HOWEVER --
Midland is based in the United States, unlike most of the other low-cost GMRS radio companies.

Available from U.S. owned companies? (another attribute that matters a lot to many) - and remember, the key feature of this radio is the LACK of features (and complications) - So I am curious which you would recommend in its place?

I was told by a (former) Midland Marketing person that this is by design - the entire chassis is a heat sink so a fan is not needed, but yes, you feel the heat.
Also, beware that "some people" are going to leave ssstupid comments in this thread declaring that this radio "sucks", "is junk", it's too expensive, it's gimmicky, etc, etc, because it does not have the features that THEY think are important. So bear in mind that Midland did not design this radio for them, they designed it for normal people such as yourself that just need to talk to people while driving. Midland did not design this radio for losers that sit in the basement searching for anonymous men to chat with over the radio to brag about how many buttons or knobs their radio has.

No,  we don’t say you’re lying about that; we tell you you’re a jerk when you imply that anyone who  doesn’t get 200 miles is incompetent and when you scold new members about not reading the rules. As you say: it’s all about line of sight.

Can confirm.

Can confirm.

Now try actually reading his post, then try again.

Simple:  The FCC does not care if anyone transmits data over GMRS repeaters, as evidenced by the fact that they have never, ever, not even once enforced this rule (in the context of your post).
"Some People" are going to leave comments whining and howling and calling-names over the fact that people do it, and cry even louder that the FCC does not care, but thems just the facts.

Now try actually reading his post, then try again.

Dude.. The chicks must be flocking to you!

I heard that one of the big GMRS youtubers is going to be reviewing this radio in the next few days..
FWIW, ones shipping now come with a programming cable and the antenna is removable - no screw, no glue..
 

Available from U.S. owned companies? (another attribute that matters a lot to many) - and remember, the key feature of this radio is the LACK of features (and complications) - So I am curious which you would recommend in its place?

I was told by a (former) Midland Marketing person that this is by design - the entire chassis is a heat sink so a fan is not needed, but yes, you feel the heat.
Also, beware that "some people" are going to leave ssstupid comments in this thread declaring that this radio "sucks", "is junk", it's too expensive, it's gimmicky, etc, etc, because it does not have the features that THEY think are important. So bear in mind that Midland did not design this radio for them, they designed it for normal people such as yourself that just need to talk to people while driving. Midland did not design this radio for losers that sit in the basement searching for anonymous men to chat with over the radio to brag about how many buttons or knobs their radio has.