Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Everyone... We are *not* getting what we pay for with these radios. I used to be a huge fan of these radios: • I enjoyed the fact that these radios were so cheap. • I enjoyed the fact that these radios were so easily programmable. • I enjoyed the fact that these radios could be used on so many bands other than HAM radio. (FRS/GMRS/MURS) But I recently bought a Bird 43 wattmeter, and when i tested all my BaoFengs, the results were just shocking. We are not getting what we thought we were getting. I own 8 of these radios and I just found out that none of them come close to delivering on the output they claim. I have four 5-watt versions, and four 8-watt versions of these Baofeng radios. On average, I am getting less than half of the wattage claimed. On top of that, I am getting a huge mismatch with the antennas. Here is my data: Model, Watts (Claimed), Actual Watts Tx, Reflected Watts, VSWR BF-F8HP 8w 3.2w 2.8w 29.96 BF-F8HP 8w 3.3w 2.8w 24.35 BF-F9 V2+ 8w 3.6w 3.0w 21.95 BF-F9 V2+ 8w 3.2w 2.8w 29.96 UV-5R 5w 2.8w 1.9w 10.34 UV-5R 5w 3.5w 2.3w 9.56 UV-5R 5w 3.5w 2.5w 11.91 UV-5R 5w 1.8w 1.6w 33.97 As you can see, these are horrible numbers. The real shame of it is this: *There are 8 listed here*. So this is not a one-off problem. Look, nobody was more of a fan-boy of these things was me. I actually own several more of these. (Given as gifts…) But now that I am looking at my own meter readings, I would *never* suggest anyone buy these radios with the thought that they are anything more than backup radios, or just receivers. My BaoFeng radios will now be relegated to listening devices. I will build out my real kit using real HTs and mobile radios.