Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I own a UV-5R+ and run a Nagoya NA-701 Antennae on top. After reading several reviews, I decided to give the UV-82 a shot. First and foremost, in my opinion and based on my first impressions of the radio - it does have better reception with it's own stock antennae than the UV-5R+ does with even the Nagoya. Our local repeater is 10 miles away and I was able to hear the net check tonight without having to go outside. The reception's sound was amazing, the guys came in loud and clear. As the other gentleman said, the radio fits better in your hand as is larger than the UV-5R and UV-B5/6 series. This radio is solid & well built - it's made for work and everyday use. The squelch actually works on this model. Both of my radios are set to 5. The UV-82 doesn't pick up as much key check and static from guys hitting the repeaters, not so with the UV-5R. The manual is 'now more better', but the Chinese would do well to hire an American or Brit to proofread the copy first. For first time radio operators, it actually explains what the radio functions in the menu do (ex. actual explains the BCL utility). This bit of detail was lacking in the UV-5R product line (though more support sites exist for that model.) Also, this UV-82 series has two PTT buttons, so you can set it up to monitor two repeaters on A/B, selectively scan those stations and unlike the UV-5R, don't have to hit the A/B button switch between frequencies. Moving on, there are some issues I have with the UV-82 radio; As stated, the reception is very good, but it's super sensitive on some FM frequencies (especially on FM Radio RX, I live right down the mountain from a FM station and it picks up a frequency click, while the UV-5R does not). One reviewer rightly tagged it for having some harmonics issues. 1) You lose the VFO/M button. With this system, you have to hold the menu button and turn the unit on and off to switch between frequency and memory. While a bit annoying, it wasn't hard to get used to. 2) Unlike the UV-5R series, the UV-82 doesn't sit well on a flat surface. The radio's own base could be better. 3) The charging base is a bit lacking, you almost have to angle the radio right to fit it in the slot so that it starts to charge. Han'sHam site has a fix here for the base: [...] Product experts abound on the internet: but the UV-82 has a fairly small knowledge base compared to the tried and true UV-5R and it's steady cousin the B5. Before you buy, contact Martyn at Radio Mart to see if this is a good fit for you, he knows more about these radios than most and you can call him on the phone. He also sponsors the UV-82 Yahoo support group. All and all - I wouldn't give up the UV-5R yet if you plan on switching it out for a UV-82, it's done right by me and it suits most of my needs. I do like this UV-82 though and most likely will get another antennae for it soon. However: all and all, it's a performer, significantly more noticeable power than the previous series, very good sound and excellent reception.