dwest

I would agree with statements above each type has its place. The commercial grade radios are a better quality and I would not trade any of mine for a bubble pack type. But I find both are useful.

I am always amazed at the arrogance of Hams and Gummers. They cry foul when unlicensed users get on the air violating the FCC rules. Foul when FCC tries to change the rules and yet dont follow the rules themselves. Hams run around with bubble pack radios since they look at GMRS as a toy radio service anyway. Gummers look down on the bubble pack radios as toys in their real radio service. Fact is I have found little difference in how well commercial grade and the evil bubble pack radios transmit and receive in most circumstances. Quality is better in commercial grade radios which is why they cost more. But there is nothing wrong with the consumer grade radios. And they do meet the Part 95 unlike most of the radios I see Hams and Gummers suggesting people use. And yes I have both types.

I use Icom F21 and F21GM (GM is getting harder to find). The F21 is Part 95 accepted and you can program yourself. On the less expensive side Motorola has a couple consumer grade (bubble pack) that are repeater capable. you can get a pair for less than 100.00. Of the consumer grade, I prefer Uniden the receive is better than the other but the batteries dont hold a charge long so use recahargeble AAA's. They dont have a repeater funtion. Cobra's are probably the best all around consumer grade and battery life is excellent. But they dont use typical AA or AAA. But spare are not hard to find.

I have a pair of the MS350R . I was able to hit Verdugo & Harvard from Riverside with them. (provided your standing in the right spot) The sound is ok. You can split the PL's as well. Durability seems good, one of them has hit the pavement a couple times now and still works fine