Just about to start dipping my toes into the world of comms. Was wondering what comms you guys may be running and if you have any input. I know a lot of people run the Bapfeng for the price point but in a shtf situation would it be too limited?

Step one is to define your intended use.  Who are you planning to talk to in a SHTF situation, and for what purpose?  That will help narrow down your equipment choices quite a bit.

HAM or GMRS?

Should identify your specific needs/purposes first.
• Who are you trying to communicate with and where are they located (can you even have line of sight radio contact)

 Then it’s important to understand several things:
• difference between VHF and UHF
• difference between Simplex and Duplex
• look at the band plan and assigned frequencies (FRS, GMRS, HAM, etc)
• legalities and licensing requirements

Remember 99% of people their go to primary comms is a $1000+ smart phone. If cell phones don’t work, are you willing to have a $20 radio as a back up? Baofengs are definitely a good entry point with front face programming and being dual band (vhf/uhf) but you get what you pay for (think $20 phone vs $1000 phone).

Should identify your specific needs/purposes first.
• Who are you trying to communicate with and where are they located (can you even have line of sight radio contact)

 Then it’s important to understand several things:
• difference between VHF and UHF
• difference between Simplex and Duplex
• look at the band plan and assigned frequencies (FRS, GMRS, HAM, etc)
• legalities and licensing requirements

Remember 99% of people their go to primary comms is a $1000+ smart phone. If cell phones don’t work, are you willing to have a $20 radio as a back up? Baofengs are definitely a good entry point with front face programming and being dual band (vhf/uhf) but you get what you pay for (think $20 phone vs $1000 phone).

The flip side of that discussion is, do you want to drop a grand on something that you may never use for real?  Or, on something you might regret when you discover what it can and can't do?

In this case, I'd first set a budget, then learn and do as much as is possible with a device in that price range.  Once mastered, you have the option to sell it and put the money toward an upgrade.  Don't sink a grand into something now when you might decide on going a different direction once you've learned the capabilities and limitations of that first purchase.

Remember:  electronics depreciate in value, life span and technology.  I'd bet if you decide to continue down this comms path, your first purchase will not be your last.

JMHO

All good points!

Would add to that in addition to setting a budget is that it is important to actually use your gear. Integrate it into general usage. Definitely don’t buy a $1000 radio and never use it and think you’re set.

If you get the $20 baofeng, use the crap out of it. If/when you upgrade to a better radio then you have handout radios should you need


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