Boafeng GM-15 PRO

[WSJE500]

Anyone use a Boafeng GMRS GM-15 PRO?  I'm thinking of picking up a couple before deer season.  

[RogerSpendlove]

UPDATE: on a lark, I downloaded the newest CHIRP for MacOS last night and discovered that the Radiodity GM-30 is indeed available in the software now! I was able to use it to program my BTech GM-15s without any trouble at all!  Hooray!

I have a pair of them, and like them really well. They're my first and only radios ever purchased (I'm rather a newbie). The only downside is that programming them on CHIRP requires using the Radiodity GM-30 settings -- and those settings aren't available on the MacOS version of Chirp. So for me, now that I've ditched the only Windows computer I had, no programming at all. 

Oh, another somewhat small issue:  the belt clips are very thin and weak, plus the spring is also weak. I lost one, and ended up replacing both clips and screws with parts I found on Amazon, and they are much more secure.

Edited November 4, 2025 by RogerSpendlove
updated information.

[WSJW650]

I think they are a great option for many. 

*copying and pasting what I posted elsewhere regarding the GM-15pro and the Radioditty GM-30 (they are clones)

Of course; it took me a two week deep dive to find a better solution to get the most function/ability out of a low cost hand held……essentially the reverse process (starting with a $20-$24 GMRS model that can be firmware flashed to add HAM, NOAA, and Marine frequencies)

Why is it better?

1. These units have a very desirable SYNC function which simplifies the display (channel name on top and that channel’s frequency displayed below)
2. Easier to learn and use; more intuitive than the AR5RM….my wife and children could learn how to use one of these two options (below) in channel mode within 5 minutes
3. More colorways….especially with the Baofeng GM-15 pro model….it’s a clone of the Radioddity GM30
4. Bigger, easier to read display
5. The speaker is better
6. Same price as the AR5RM (the AR5RM is more powerful….more WATTS….but that won’t matter most of the time)

*If you don’t care for orange or green; the black Radioddity GM-30 is slightly better regarding transmission purity (negligibly better)

I’ll post pics of the two units that work with the firmware flash modification….and the video that explains the process.

 

[WSJW650]

[WSJW650]

Keep in mind; the antenna is important….and the low cost Baofeng GM15 pro two package deal typically comes with two of the nicer, longer whippier antennas. 
 

If you want to explore firmware flashing these to receive only other frequencies (or transmit in an emergency on these other frequencies) you will need a programming cable and the information in this video. 
 

 

[WSJW650]

I use the AR5RM more often when it’s just me. 
 

But; when I go hiking/kayaking/off roading with friends or family, I hand out the Baofeng GM15 pro….much more intuitive and simpler when in SYNC mode (AR5RM does not have SYNC mode)….and the GM15pro is more legible in full sunlight (positive display)

[WRYS709]

l use the GM-30 clone, the Pofung UV-15 that I purchased at the time from Amazon.

When it first came out, I purchased the Baofeng UV-13Pro from AliExpress for $20, since I did not have an HT that would "sniff out" repeater tones for me.  Also, I then retired my long used TYT-88UV Ham Radio, which was not a clone of these radios.

Since I already have the 13, no point in my doing this firmware hack to open my Pofung and I just keep it on the FCC-Certified Part 95E shelf, with my newly acquired Baofeng 2-pack GM-5RH (Amazon for less than $20) and some FRS HTs, primarily the Pofung BF-T11s.

[Bkwdsman]

Our circle of family and friends are using about 20 of these now. Easy to use, and program!

[WSKY567]

I picked up a couple on a lark.  Cheaper than going out for dinner or gassing up the car.  Haven't done anything too rigorous with them yet but I haven't found any problems with them yet either.  Got a few extra batteries for them.  Only thing I can't find is belt clips for the extra batteries.  Don't have a dummy load yet so I haven't put them on a scope to look at the output, may never if they simply do what they need to do.  Not really sure what I think about unfiltered harmonics. 

[WSKQ690]

I have one I bought to start out on and I use it for skiing. With a good antenna It's a great radio. I would absolutely suggest it for experienced operators and beginners great for handling to a friend with little experience in radio.