How does Wouxun compare to Motorola, Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, Alinco, or Anytone, Powerwerx and TYT?

[CyborgAlienWRYG738]

Licensing aside, how does Wouxun compare to Motorola, Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, Alinco, or Anytone? Where do they rank as far as QUALITY goes as a company overall? I know supposedly Motorola makes the best, followed by the Japanese 3, then Alinco but, how do they come in, Anytone as well. I can't find anything anywhere on this. What about PowerWerx and TYT?

[WRYZ926]

I have two TYT TH-7800 dual band mobiles and two Wouxun KG-1000G Plus GMRS mobiles. I run one of each as my base radios and the other two in my vehicle and I haven't had any issues with any of them. The TYT mobiles radios are good and definitely better than most other CCR brands but I would say the Wouxun mobiles are a step above the TYT in my experience. One of the Wouxun KG-1000G mobiles replaced a Midland MXT500 as my GMRS base station.

When it comes to HT's (hand held radios) I definitely would go with Wouxun over any other CCR HT I have used or owned. I have three Baofeng HT's, one Explorer QRZ-1 (rebranded TYT UV88), one Icom IC-T10 HT and one Wouxun KG-935G. Two of the Baofeng and the Wouxun are GMRS while the others are dual band 2m/70cm. Out of them all the Icon and Wouxun are real close to each other as far as build quality and sound quality on RX and TX. The Wouxun is definitely easier to program from the radio. Granted the IC-t10 is Icom's entry level dual band and the KG935G is one of top of the line models from Wouxun.

I know there are a lot of people that like Yaesu product but I have not been impressed with them. I hear too many complaints from fellow club members about the brand. Alinco has a solid reputation though I don't have any personal experience with the brand. Alinco was recommended to me.

I would not hesitate to go with a TYT or Wouxun product for amateur radio or GMRS.

[mrknight3]

13 years ago I purchased my first Wouxun HT, the KG-UVD1P.  Easy to program with a computer and worked well in the ham bands and other Part 90 frequencies.  Meets its published specifications on Part 95 frequencies also.  After three weeks I dropped it exiting the attic from 10 feet onto the concrete garage floor with only a scuff to a corner of the case.  Have had two for 11 years and only replaced the Li batteries.  Accessories (AA battery packs, remote speaker/mic are very reasonably priced. I bought the KG-UV920P mobile when it became available 11 years ago and have never regretted it.  Again, meets all published specifications across the whole frequency range.  It, too, is easy to program via computer.

[gortex2]

Its hard to compare commercial LMR radios to CCR/Hobby Radios. I've had every flavor LMR radio (Motorola, ICOM, Kenwood, Vertex, RCA, GE, MayComm, Harris) and its night and day. If your looking at Ham gear I've always bought and used gear from the large manufacturers (Kenwood, ICOM, Yaseu). I currently run a Kenwood TMD700 thats 20 years old. Never had an issue with it. In my new JT I run the Yaseu FTM400 and other than a issue on my end Ive not had an issue. I just grabbed another for another Jeep. Ive run the ICOM 2M stuff alot but mostly switch all my stuff to LMR gear. All digi's run ICOM or Motorola LMR radios and all repeaters are Motorola or Kenwood LMR.

 

 

[marcspaz]

Man, Moto is not even close to the same category as any of those radios.  You are comparing radios that were $3,000 to $5,000 new, to radios that are $150 to $500 new.  That is like comparing a an economy Honda to Bugatti. 

 

I am very fond of Wouxun, especially the KG-1000G.  The brand stacks up very well when compared to Yaesu, but I think Yeasu makes a better radio with many more available features.  I would put Wouxun on par with Icom, Kenwood, Alinco. 

 

I don't consider Anytone, Powerwerx or TYT in the same category of any of the aforementioned brands.  They are really budget brand radios.  I don't look down on them, but they just won't have the same longevity, features, durability, stability or performance as the higher tier brands.

 

Also, I a assuming you are either asking for use an amateur bands or just general speaking.  Moto is the only brand mentioned that has models that have the ability to be legally used in GMRS.  All the other brands are good for amateur bands, and some will have LMR/business options, too.

 

 

[WRYZ926]

If my two TYT dual band radios have issues, I will most likely replace them with either Icom or Wouxun mobiles. And as I mentioned the KG-1000g Plus replaced the Midland MXT500 for my GMRS base radio.

[WRUE951]

2 hours ago, marcspaz said:

Man, Moto is not even close to the same category as any of those radios.  You are comparing radios that were $3,000 to $5,000 new, to radios that are $150 to $500 new.  That is like comparing a an economy Honda to Bugatti. 

 

 

 

 

Dont count out Hytera  in this mix, these radios are as good as Motorola in many if not in all ways... And don't count out the Maxon's, they are pretty darn decent and compare equally to Motorola in many ways as well especially if using to build a repeater.   Personally,,   and for the HAM side, i have grown fond to the Hytera 600 and 700 Series radios.. These can also be set up as Repeaters but a little tricky, Maxon's are pretty easy.   These radios mentioned also tune well into the GMRS band if you want..  

[Lscott]

13 hours ago, marcspaz said:

Moto is the only brand mentioned that has models that have the ability to be legally used in GMRS.

Might be true of new models. However I own a bunch of older Kenwood radios the have Part 95 certification, and some of those are digital voice capable. My carry radio for GMRS and Ham UHF is the Kenwood TK-3170. A few others here use it as well.

https://forums.mygmrs.com/gallery/image/263-tk-3170jpg/

 

TK-3170 Grant.pdf

[WRHS218]

I have owned a couple of Kenwood THG71A handhelds, Yaesu VX6r and VX7r handhelds and at least two Kenwood mobiles (can't remember the models). I also carried Motorola radios for over 30 years in several different professions. All the radios with the exception of the Motorolas were amateur band radios. Motorola commercial radios are a different animal all together, and are designed and built to suffer the abuse of cops and firemen. I have owned 5 different models of Wouxun handhelds (four GMRS and one Amateur band) and one mobile. I prefer the Wouxuns over the Kenwoods and the Yaesus. I like the ease of use of the Wouxun and so far they have stood up to several severe drops. I dropped on of my Kenwoods three feet and it was toast. The cost of repair was more than I have spent on my Wouxuns. The Yaesus are good and sturdy but the two models I have are very small, which can be good if you don't have larger hands, and they have a steep learning and remembering curve. The Wouxun HAM radio I have transmits as well as the Yaesus and seems to be better at receiving. Of course this is all anecdotal and subjective and just my opinion. I have recommended Wouxun to several non-radio nerd type people and they have been happy with them as well.

[CyborgAlienWRYG738]

As an update to this, I am currently a GMRS licensee and looking to get my Ham eventually. In the interim, while I'm deciding upon my actually getting my Tech, I'm looking for a radio that's capable of the full 70cm band as well as at least 2m. I have CB's and GMRS so I'm already familiar with the 10/11m bands. I already own a Wouxun KG-UV9GX which I'm growing more upset with the more I use it. (Power fluctuations, not taking programming, etc.) 

My interest is in how these brands are all comparable. I know all about the rules and laws governing them, I'm not at all interested in hearing about it. My intent is to learn about the radio manufacturers themselves and their products especially. Being currently in the market, I'm having difficulty finding any real information on them. Which is wherein my interest lies. I know how much they all cost, I know what they're generally marketed towards, I'm not interested in all that. I just need to know which radios are good, and which are utter junk, (Tidradio and Baofeng comes to mind.)

Thanks and many kudos to those who've already informed me of their opinions, I hope to receive many more. This is totally why I'm asking here. I want to learn from those of you who've owned different brands over the years, especially if you use/sell/work on them them in your field of employment. 1st hand experience speaks more volumes than some sales chart or reviews.

I'm not saying reviews don't have their place but, you have to take them with a grain of salt these days with people getting paid to say one or another thing about products these days. This isn't a warring page, this brand is best and this brand sucks, it's more about how the companies back their products and how well they hold up and if their specs hold a candle to one another.

[CyborgAlienWRYG738]

19 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

I have two TYT TH-7800 dual band mobiles and two Wouxun KG-1000G Plus GMRS mobiles. I run one of each as my base radios and the other two in my vehicle and I haven't had any issues with any of them. The TYT mobiles radios are good and definitely better than most other CCR brands but I would say the Wouxun mobiles are a step above the TYT in my experience. One of the Wouxun KG-100G mobiles replaced a Midland MXT500 as my GMRS base station.

When it comes to HT's (hand held radios) I definitely would go with Wouxun over any other CCR HT I have used or owned. I have three Baofeng HT's, one Explorer QRZ-1 (rebranded TYT UV88), one Icom IC-T10 HT and one Wouxun KG-935G. Two of the Baofeng and the Wouxun are GMRS while the others are dual band 2m/70cm. Out of them all the Icon and Wouxun are real close to each other as far as build quality and sound quality on RX and TX. The Wouxun is definitely easier to program from the radio. Granted the IC-t10 is Icom's entry level dual band and the KG935G is one of top of the line models from Wouxun.

I know there are a lot of people that like Yaesu product but I have not been impressed with them. I hear too many complaints from fellow club members about the brand. Alinco has a solid reputation though I don't have any personal experience with the brand. Alinco was recommended to me.

I would not hesitate to go with a TYT or Wouxun product for amateur radio or GMRS.

My views on my Wouxun KG-UV9GX isn't a fair one, this far I have nothing to compare it to, as in I don't use handhelds for CBs and I'm not a Ham, (at least not yet,) so I can't really say how well they actually are. My Cobra GMRS HTs kinda melted due to power fluctuations in my RV overcharging them. (Between brownouts, and over voltages that the surge protector didn't stop.) Which is partly why I asked this question about the brands. I'm more interested in mobile quality but, I'm not limiting it to just that. If a brand makes better HTs then mobiles, it's great info, if a brand makes better bases then mobiles, that too is good for the brain matter.

I'm still in the learning phase, and I'm most likely not alone, with world events troubling people, and I, unlike a lot of people, don't have access to the resources others might, like transportation, (health issues, I have a vehicle that I can't drive,) and lack of ability to get to events to meet people and talk to them. I'm probably not alone in this arena as well. I hope that my inquiry will help others as well.

Before I throw down $400+ for junk, I want to know if that $200\< radio is just as capable or better or not. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying a $400+ radio will be junk, just that I've been duped before, all because of not knowing, all due to not being able to ask.

[CyborgAlienWRYG738]

18 hours ago, mrknight3 said:

13 years ago I purchased my first Wouxun HT, the KG-UVD1P.  Easy to program with a computer and worked well in the ham bands and other Part 90 frequencies.  Meets its published specifications on Part 95 frequencies also.  After three weeks I dropped it exiting the attic from 10 feet onto the concrete garage floor with only a scuff to a corner of the case.  Have had two for 11 years and only replaced the Li batteries.  Accessories (AA battery packs, remote speaker/mic are very reasonably priced. I bought the KG-UV920P mobile when it became available 11 years ago and have never regretted it.  Again, meets all published specifications across the whole frequency range.  It, too, is easy to program via computer.

Good to know, I've been eyeing the 920P myself, amongst many others, and I am aware of how easy it is to program the Wouxun equipment having a KG-UV9GX myself. I also know how things made a decade or so ago have better quality than things made today too. Though as long as their quality hasn't waivered but, maybe improved if need be, even at further expense, then there's no complaints from me. I'd rather pay 15% more for something that's all but bulletproof, then to pay less and find out just how crappy it really is. At the same token, I'm not into paying outrageous prices for something if I can find equivalent for a better price, even if I'm paying Asia for it. 

[WRYZ926]

I know the Wouxun KG-935G is a bit expensive for some people at $170 but it is one of the best hand held GMRS radios out there. I have one and it is way better than any Baofeng or Midland hand held radio. A few guys in the local club are using the Wouxun UV9D dual band 2m/70cm HT's and are very happy with them.

Wouxun is again the top choice when it comes to mobile GMRS radios. The KG-1000G is a popular choice for 50 watt mobiles and the KG-XS20G is a very good 20 watt mobile. Quite a few of the guys in my local club have switched from Midland mobile GMRS radios to the Wouxun mobile radios. 

I haven't tried any of the Wouxun 2m/70cm mobile radios yet so I can't say how they compare to the GMRS versions. The TYT TH-7800 mobile dual band radios are working great for me. You can get the TH-7800 for $200 from R and L Electronics. 

And I will be more than happy to answer any questions you or others might have. And if I don't have the answer, I'll try to direct you to those that do.

[CyborgAlienWRYG738]

18 hours ago, marcspaz said:

Man, Moto is not even close to the same category as any of those radios.  You are comparing radios that were $3,000 to $5,000 new, to radios that are $150 to $500 new.  That is like comparing a an economy Honda to Bugatti. 

 

I am very fond of Wouxun, especially the KG-1000G.  The brand stacks up very well when compared to Yaesu, but I think Yeasu makes a better radio with many more available features.  I would put Wouxun on par with Icom, Kenwood, Alinco. 

 

I don't consider Anytone, Powerwerx or TYT in the same category of any of the aforementioned brands.  They are really budget brand radios.  I don't look down on them, but they just won't have the same longevity, features, durability, stability or performance as the higher tier brands.

 

Also, I a assuming you are either asking for use an amateur bands or just general speaking.  Moto is the only brand mentioned that has models that have the ability to be legally used in GMRS.  All the other brands are good for amateur bands, and some will have LMR/business options, too.

 

 

I have to disagree with your opening comment. There's very good reason to compare a Honda Civic to a Bugatti Venron or whatever, yes, ones a luxury class vehicle, the other is a economy class, both are vehicles that get you to point b from point a and it's all in point of view as to which is the better vehicle. That being said, I knew this coming in, it wasn't my query.

I'm not looking for what category units are in, I want to know about their quality. Just because that Honda Civic is cheaper, than that Bugatti Venron, doesn't make it a bad car, it just makes it less expensive to own. 

[CyborgAlienWRYG738]

15 hours ago, WRUE951 said:

Dont count out Hytera  in this mix, these radios are as good as Motorola in many if not in all ways... And don't count out the Maxon's, they are pretty darn decent and compare equally to Motorola in many ways as well especially if using to build a repeater.   Personally,,   and for the HAM side, i have grown fond to the Hytera 600 and 700 Series radios.. These can also be set up as Repeaters but a little tricky, Maxon's are pretty easy.   These radios mentioned also tune well into the GMRS band if you want..  

Good to know, I hadn't even heard of those brands before.

[CyborgAlienWRYG738]

4 hours ago, Lscott said:

Might be true of new models. However I own a bunch of older Kenwood radios the have Part 95 certification, and some of those are digital voice capable. My carry radio for GMRS and Ham UHF is the Kenwood TK-3170. A few others here use it as well.

https://forums.mygmrs.com/gallery/image/263-tk-3170jpg/

 

TK-3170 Grant.pdf 54 kB · 1 download

Kenwood quit making radios when JVC purchased them in 2014. You'll only find used equipment now, not saying they're not still good but, I am more interested in equipment I can still get readily available on the shelves over the junk on eBay. That being said, it's good information to know.

[CyborgAlienWRYG738]

28 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

I know the Wouxun KG-935G is a bit expensive for some people at $170 but it is one of the best hand held GMRS radios out there. I have one and it is way better than any Baofeng or Midland hand held radio. A few guys in the local club are using the Wouxun UV9D dual band 2m/70cm HT's and are very happy with them.

Wouxun is again the top choice when it comes to mobile GMRS radios. The KG-1000G is a popular choice for 50 watt mobiles and the KG-XS20G is a very good 20 watt mobile. Quite a few of the guys in my local club have switched from Midland mobile GMRS radios to the Wouxun mobile radios. 

I haven't tried any of the Wouxun 2m/70cm mobile radios yet so I can't say how they compare to the GMRS versions. The TYT TH-7800 mobile dual band radios are working great for me. You can get the TH-7800 for $200 from R and L Electronics. 

And I will be more than happy to answer any questions you or others might have. And if I don't have the answer, I'll try to direct you to those that do.

Thanks, great information here. I've heard that about the Wouxun KG-1000G/G+ that's the radio to get specifically for GMRS, I'm leaning towards it, I just want something more for future ventures. Good to know about the TYT, it seems like it may be a good brand too from what I'm hearing, looking at the MD-9600 myself and equivalents. 

[marcspaz]

23 hours ago, CyborgAlienWRYG738 said:

...how does Wouxun compare to Motorola, Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, Alinco, or Anytone? Where do they rank as far as QUALITY goes as a company overall?

 

2 hours ago, CyborgAlienWRYG738 said:

I have to disagree with your opening comment. There's very good reason to compare a Honda Civic to a Bugatti Venron or whatever, yes, ones a luxury class vehicle, the other is a economy class, both are vehicles that get you to point b from point a and it's all in point of view as to which is the better vehicle. That being said, I knew this coming in, it wasn't my query.

I'm not looking for what category units are in, I want to know about their quality. Just because that Honda Civic is cheaper, than that Bugatti Venron, doesn't make it a bad car, it just makes it less expensive to own. 

 

Look at the question you asked... you 100% asked for opinions about quality.  Based on the second post I quoted, if you really felt that way, you would just buy the BTech or whatever budget radio and not waste time asking the question. There is a reason 1 car cost thousands and the other cost millions, the same reason why some radios cost hundreds while others cost thousands.  You can call it category, class, quality, whatever. It's the same question. 

[CyborgAlienWRYG738]

1 hour ago, marcspaz said:

 

 

Look at the question you asked... you 100% asked for opinions about quality.  Based in the second post I quoted, if you really felt that way, you would just buy the BTech or whatever budget radio and not waste time asking the question. There is a reason 1 car cost thousands and the other cost millions, the same reason why some radios cost hundreds while others cost thousands.  You can call it category, class, quality, whatever. It's the same question. 

As I mentioned, I was asking about their quality. I wouldn't waste my money on a Bugatti due to the fact they're not reliable and are gas guzzlers. Sure they're nice to look at and have some features not found in many other cars, and can zoom around at ungodly speeds but, they aren't economical, can't be tweaked nearly as much to do whatever with, (mostly because it's already been done,) and aren't as durable. Tell me the last time you've seen a Bugatti with over 1 million miles on it? You won't, they're not driven long or much at all. That has nothing to do with what I'm talking about or wanting to know. I know what peoples perception of the brands are, what I'm wanting to know is how they compare in actual use, not perception.

 

Don't get me wrong, your point has merit, just not what I needed to know. We're not comparing one Vehicle manufacturer to another, we're comparing radios brands one to another. Just because the Baofeng isn't expensive, doesn't necessarily make it a bad unit, it's quality does. Will it too handle a drop from the waist of a 6' tall man in the rain and still work?!? How easy is it to program?!? How many hours will it run before it fails?!? Can it take everyday abuse by a farmer day in and day out and still work, for how long?!? These are the kinds of things I'm talking about. I don't see a Bugatti taking the abuse that is afforded Honda's and still work either.

Motorola is a supposedly good quality radio, depending upon which officer/EMT/Fire person you ask. I know many that would rather have a Kenwood, even more with other opinions. When I say quality, I mean will it get out as well, (no popcorn or bacon frying while transmitting,) does it make it down the road more than a few blocks, does it manage to perform well with all it's features. That's the quality I want to know, are they being sent back for repairs all the time like Ford's or broke down all the time like Chevy's beyond repair, just duct'd?

This is my point, just because you own a Maserati, BMW, or Bugatti doesn't mean they're quality vehicles, especially when they either stay parked in your driveway or the repairmans, if it's being used as a daily driver, it's worthless. If I want to pick it up and use it daily, and can't because it's in the shop or has issues, it's not QUALITY, it's just overpriced and over hyped.

 

For an example, Motorola makes great radios, most will do a lot well, they can't do it on multiple bands, and in some instances, can't do it at all, (maybe due to American restrictions,) that other radios can. Maybe they do it better but, only on one band.  I've personally not been impressed enough to fork out $3k on a Motorola, and besides being American made, there's no justification for the price, even that alone, to me, isn't justification. Maybe $5-700 for it up to maybe $1k but, not $3k+. That's overpriced hype. When you can get the same radio in a <$500 radio with just as good of quality and durability out of a Icom with more than 1 band capability.

[SteveShannon]

1 hour ago, CyborgAlienWRYG738 said:

As I mentioned, I was asking about their quality. I wouldn't waste my money on a Bugatti due to the fact they're not reliable and are gas guzzlers. Sure they're nice to look at and have some features not found in many other cars, and can zoom around at ungodly speeds but, they aren't economical, can't be tweaked nearly as much to do whatever with, (mostly because it's already been done,) and aren't as durable. Tell me the last time you've seen a Bugatti with over 1 million miles on it? You won't, they're not driven long or much at all. That has nothing to do with what I'm talking about or wanting to know. I know what peoples perception of the brands are, what I'm wanting to know is how they compare in actual use, not perception.

 

Don't get me wrong, your point has merit, just not what I needed to know. We're not comparing one Vehicle manufacturer to another, we're comparing radios brands one to another. Just because the Baofeng isn't expensive, doesn't necessarily make it a bad unit, it's quality does. Will it too handle a drop from the waist of a 6' tall man in the rain and still work?!? How easy is it to program?!? How many hours will it run before it fails?!? Can it take everyday abuse by a farmer day in and day out and still work, for how long?!? These are the kinds of things I'm talking about. I don't see a Bugatti taking the abuse that is afforded Honda's and still work either.

Motorola is a supposedly good quality radio, depending upon which officer/EMT/Fire person you ask. I know many that would rather have a Kenwood, even more with other opinions. When I say quality, I mean will it get out as well, (no popcorn or bacon frying while transmitting,) does it make it down the road more than a few blocks, does it manage to perform well with all it's features. That's the quality I want to know, are they being sent back for repairs all the time like Ford's or broke down all the time like Chevy's beyond repair, just duct'd?

This is my point, just because you own a Maserati, BMW, or Bugatti doesn't mean they're quality vehicles, especially when they either stay parked in your driveway or the repairmans, if it's being used as a daily driver, it's worthless. If I want to pick it up and use it daily, and can't because it's in the shop or has issues, it's not QUALITY, it's just overpriced and over hyped.

 

For an example, Motorola makes great radios, most will do a lot well, they can't do it on multiple bands, and in some instances, can't do it at all, (maybe due to American restrictions,) that other radios can. Maybe they do it better but, only on one band.  I've personally not been impressed enough to fork out $3k on a Motorola, and besides being American made, there's no justification for the price, even that alone, to me, isn't justification. Maybe $5-700 for it up to maybe $1k but, not $3k+. That's overpriced hype. When you can get the same radio in a <$500 radio with just as good of quality and durability out of a Icom with more than 1 band capability.

Lately it seems like a few people are asking loosely worded questions and then snapping at people who give a knowledgeable answer. 
My ignore list has gained another. 

[marcspaz]

 

Okay, car analogies aside for a bit, I think I get where you are coming from on the radio front.

On the commercial side, I have almost zero experience with anything civilians can buy for private use, except for owning 4 Moto mobiles.  That said, in my opinion commercial gear (like from Moto and assuming Kenwood based on other experience) will absolutely be a much better quality radio than non-commercial radios, such as radios designed for GMRS or Amateur use. 

 

Typical Commercial Radios Pros:

• Will typically have more physical durability.
• Better weather/waterproofing (in most, not all cases).
• Better/improved receive sensitivity.
• Better transmit frequency and power stability.
• Better protection circuits to prevent accidental damage (antenna shorts and thermal protection, for example).
• Higher power output options.
• Higher duty cycles.
• Something that me and my friends have experienced... you can more commonly run these radios for decades without needing repair and without noticeable degradation in performance.  I have purchased 10+ YO commercial gear that ran just as good as it did on day 1 and still have them years later.

 

There is no such thing as a commercial radio not being able to do what a purpose built GMRS or Amateur radio can do.  You just need to purchase a model that will do what you want it to do.  There are plenty things that commercial radios can do that non-commercial / private use radios can do, such as encryption, multiple heads, multiple mics, high volume ambient noise reduction on transmit, for some examples.

 

As for as longevity of non-commercial radios go, we are in a disposable world.  New non-commercial radios simply don't work as well or last as long as commercial radios.  Once you abandon the commercial v. private/amateur gear categories, pretty much all non-commercial gear is the same.  Just a question on if the price and features are there for you. 

 

Everything else is going to be opinion, anecdotal, and personal preference.

 

16 minutes ago, Sshannon said:

Lately it seems like a few people are asking loosely worded questions and then snapping at people who give a knowledgeable answer. 
My ignore list has gained another. 

 

I have noticed that, too.  New troll technique? 

[Radioguy7268]

6 hours ago, CyborgAlienWRYG738 said:

Kenwood quit making radios when JVC purchased them in 2014. You'll only find used equipment now, not saying they're not still good but, I am more interested in equipment I can still get readily available on the shelves over the junk on eBay. That being said, it's good information to know.

Whoever gave you that information is flat out wrong. JVC Kenwood is still making new radios. Just delivered 25 new units the other day, and they all worked quite well.

 

 

[wrci350]

2 hours ago, Sshannon said:

Lately it seems like a few people are asking loosely worded questions and then snapping at people who give a knowledgeable answer. 
My ignore list has gained another. 

You're way behind on that one.  I think it was the second or third post for me.

[CyborgAlienWRYG738]

7 hours ago, marcspaz said:

 

Okay, car analogies aside for a bit, I think I get where you are coming from on the radio front.

On the commercial side, I have almost zero experience with anything civilians can buy for private use, except for owning 4 Moto mobiles.  That said, in my opinion commercial gear (like from Moto and assuming Kenwood based on other experience) will absolutely be a much better quality radio than non-commercial radios, such as radios designed for GMRS or Amateur use. 

 

Typical Commercial Radios Pros:

• Will typically have more physical durability.
• Better weather/waterproofing (in most, not all cases).
• Better/improved receive sensitivity.
• Better transmit frequency and power stability.
• Better protection circuits to prevent accidental damage (antenna shorts and thermal protection, for example).
• Higher power output options.
• Higher duty cycles.
• Something that me and my friends have experienced... you can more commonly run these radios for decades without needing repair and without noticeable degradation in performance.  I have purchased 10+ YO commercial gear that ran just as good as it did on day 1 and still have them years later.

 

There is no such thing as a commercial radio not being able to do what a purpose built GMRS or Amateur radio can do.  You just need to purchase a model that will do what you want it to do.  There are plenty things that commercial radios can do that non-commercial / private use radios can do, such as encryption, multiple heads, multiple mics, high volume ambient noise reduction on transmit, for some examples.

 

As for as longevity of non-commercial radios go, we are in a disposable world.  New non-commercial radios simply don't work as well or last as long as commercial radios.  Once you abandon the commercial v. private/amateur gear categories, pretty much all non-commercial gear is the same.  Just a question on if the price and features are there for you. 

 

Everything else is going to be opinion, anecdotal, and personal preference.

 

 

I have noticed that, too.  New troll technique? 

Thing is I have seen supposed "commercial radios" sold and represented as "Amateur" and visa versa. Take the Anytone AT-578UV III for example, is it commercial or amateur? (It can be made to be either or, wether it will survive is my query, is it quality enough.) The Motorola CM200d/300d is another that I have found sold as an amateur radio that's supposed to be a commercial radio. Point is, I don't see where outside of cost, and leaving that totally out of the equation, what makes the Motorola any better, or Wouxun, or Anytone, or anything else for that matter.

That's why I asked my question. Given the same specs, aside from spurious transmissions, what makes one brand more quality than another? Where do they generally stack up? Getting off the Motorola bandwagon, since your obviously convinced there's nothing better, given all but, your last bullet point, how do the rest stack up? How about their support, is it any good? Do the companies support their products? Like I have read stories about Wouxun not supporting theirs, that's part of the quality issue, if they're not going to back their products, why should I? 

I'm not trying to sound like a brat, I'm just not interested in this brand is better because it costs more or has been around forever or just because it's made in a certain country. I am all about American Made, I'm also a realist, in that I know those devices are way beyond my reach and I also know there's a difference between their classifications but, I'm also aware that just because they're of a cheaper class, it doesn't mean they're junk. I've been around long enough to know that not everything not made in the USA is junk, that there's quality products out there from other countries, like I would much rather have a Swiss Army Knife or Japanese steak knife set then most others. I would own a Japanese vehicle before an American or European as well, depending upon what I was needing it for. Brute force Tow vehicle, I'm partial to Dodge's older Cummins models, pre-fiat, short of a Kenworth.

I'm not about throwing away money and know you get what you pay for but, in electronics is this really true anymore? Does spending $1,000's on a radio really bring that much piece of mind or just bragging rights? Can one get the same radio as the TYT MD-5600 in a Yaesu or Alinco and will that one last longer, be better, etc? If there's a Motorola equivalent, will it? 

These are the things I'm trying to get at, not trying to sound like I'm "snapping at people", just trying to get a straight answer without all the nonsense. 

[CyborgAlienWRYG738]

6 hours ago, Radioguy7268 said:

Whoever gave you that information is flat out wrong. JVC Kenwood is still making new radios. Just delivered 25 new units the other day, and they all worked quite well.

 

 

I got it from Kenwood's website. When I was researching their radios. Or maybe it wasn't, just misinformation I came across...