Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I'm a brand new ham. I wanted to get a radio that was just barely good enough without spending too much money. After lots of research, I rejected the UVR5, despite a just about perfect price. Too many indications of issues. I didn't want to spend $150 on a radio only to find I didn't like the hobby, plus, tons and tons of bells & whistles when I don't know what I'm doing are a waste. I finally arrived at this radio, very small & inexpensive, like the UVR5, but a little more power, a little more range, a little more function. Enough, but not too much. Perfectly satisfied with my choice. I've used it from the house and I'm able to hit a lot of local repeaters including some 15 miles away. I've made multiple contacts (and received one lecture on how Baofeng is all things evil... whatever). I've also used it on the road. I set up repeaters down the highway and was able to make contacts just fine. I've so far only made a single simplex contact, but I keep trying. I've found the radio very easy to learn and very easy to operate. It was also easy to program. I've used both Chirp and the Baofeng software. I prefer chirp. I did purchase a longer antenna for it, which radically changes the radio for the better, so you might want to do that as well. As a first step into the world of amateur radio, this is a great choice. Waiting now for my Yaesu 8900R to arrive so I can install it in the Jeep while I study for my General. KC1KCE