What’s the best handheld radio for distance when in the mountains trying to communicate to buddies through trees, hills, etc. Often no cell service. If price didn’t natter what would you get?
I’d like to get 4 of them.
Price has no impact on range, and oddly, power output doesn’t impact as much as you think. Hills and mountains between you can often be a barrier - at ANY price. In general terms hand held radios at mouth level give you as much range as you could see. Foliage, especially green foliage is a great absorber of RF energy. A few miles would be typical, but often, often could be less than half a mile. Mountain top to mountain top might be 20 miles and perfect. In other areas, just a few hundred yards. So - there is no ‘best’ radio for distance. Money gives you extra features, tougher cases, longer life battery packs, the ability to drop them onto hard ground, opr maybe waterproofing. Nothing more.
3 Likes
I have been looking after my hunting group’s radio needs for 20+ years. We have found the best combo is a decent all weatherish mobile in a box on your quad, side by side or pickup. Anything with a circuit board has a limited lifespan in the outdoors. And a buefung handheld. Bar none to get the best performance is a good antenna, as paulears said line of sight is the biggest challange. We generally all try and check in on zhe hour, so consider finding yourself on a point or a hill at checkin time or after a shot and youll have more success stayong in touch.
Good luck.