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Navigating the world of radios as a prepper can be quite overwhelming, with debates about which one is the best for SHTF scenarios: Ham, CB, or GMRS. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into why GMRS radios might just be the top choice for your preparedness needs. From superior benefits and extended range to considerations like transmitting, antenna usage, and licensing requirements, we’ll cover everything you need to know about GMRS radios.
Furthermore, we’ll present our top picks for the best SHTF radio, providing you with a clear comparison of features and an in-depth rundown of each radio. With this information at hand, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed and confident decision when it comes to choosing the perfect GMRS radio for your preparedness plan.
Quick Glane - Top 5 GMRS Radios Below:
- Midland – MXT575 Micromobile 50 Watt GMRS Radio – Overall Best SHTF Radio
- BTECH GMRS-V2 5W – Best handheld GMRS Radio
- Radiodity GM-30 GMRS Radio 5W Handheld – Best for Budget
- Baofeng G11S Long Range Handheld GMRS Radio – Best GMRS Radio For Beginners
- Midland MicroMobile 15w GMRS Two-Way Radio – Best For Quality
What is SHTF Radio And How to Use a GMRS Radio?
Alright, so something you want to know is what are GMRS radios and how to use them? If you don’t understand what they do, don’t worry we will discuss that right now.
Fear not, let’s explain it.
Picture this, a ham radio and a CB radio had “relations” and made a baby, the GMRS radio would be the result.
GMRS would be like a CB radio 2.0 or a ham radio for beginners, and it has a lot of great improvements that ham has, but it is more simple to use. So, no GMRS is not a ham radio. For some, a Ham radio is more favored but really it is debatable and mostly preference anyways, it is as easy to use as a walky-talky.
Choosing The Best GMRS Radio - [Guide]
Usage
Mostly in groups, off-roading, ATV-ing or hiking, and even working. We used to use them at a Christmas tree farm as our source of communication. I’ve even heard of paintballers using them or air softer. Some will use it simply for emergency situations.
License
You will need a license from the fcc to operate one of these types of radios. So, something to think about. Is a little different from a ham license, and which they are zero tests involved.
More like a hunting or fishing license, you will basically make a payment to the FCC for the rights to be able to operate a GMSR over their airwaves.
You can visit their website and make a payment. The cost is not much, it is less than a hundred dollars at the time of writing this. It will be good for a decade.
It has been rumored that the cost of these licenses will be a tad cheaper in the future, hard to say but hopefully! That would be great. Since they want a license to do so much nowadays.
Transmitting
You will have to identify with the call sign at the end of the transmission or every few minutes (15 minutes or so I believe it is). GMRS is basically a range of frequencies, as are the other radios.
The whole idea about these radios though, they are much simpler to use than the CB or Ham radios. You don’t need to go about fooling around with frequencies or offsets or anything that is not so easy for new users getting into those radios. GMRS is simple and straightforward.
Any GMRS radio is able to communicate with other radios that are GMRS, it doesn’t have to be the same brand, type, or kind of radio just that these are GMRS. Most of these radios will have a set of channels, some will have some set aside though for repeaters.
Antenna
You can install any UHF antenna if you are wanting to install it somewhere, say your vehicle for example. You are able to create your own but it will take some messing around or you can buy more specific antennas for GMRS radios.
Range
Well, when we are talking about the distance you are able to operate these types of radios, mostly about 1 to 5 miles for range. Depending on your landscape. Is there anything blocking you? If so then maybe not as far. In an open farm field, it would go 5 miles for sure. But if you are using a repeater with an antenna then this would extend your range up to many many miles.
But you will have to be in the range of whomever you are communicating with as this is the only thing when talking to someone.
Benefits of using GMRS Radio
One of the biggest advantages GMRS has over CB radios is that it is 10x the outputted power, as well as you can set up with your own repeaters with little to no problems the main benefit over the ham radio is that you do not need to test, no band plans and not having the handle of the set-up with repeaters. Anyone can operate the GMRS radio.
Is GMRS the best SHTF radio?
In some type of emergency situations or an all-out SHTF scenario breaks out maybe you will need a source of communication and you may be wondering what are the best SHTF radio, a Ham, CB, or GMRS.
With so many options, and not knowing what the benefits of each one are, it could be tough to pick just one for SHTF.
After using some of these types of radios, for me, it came down to the benefits of being able to replace the antenna, and the repeaters, in my opinion, it seems like the best of both worlds and I would recommend preppers to have this type of radio for there emergency radio.
1. Midland - MXT575 Micromobile 50 Watt GMRS Radio - Overall Best SHTF Radio
Features: 50 Watts, Two Way Radio, NOAA Weather, Scan and Alert, 15 High-Powered Channels, Integrated Microphone, 9 repeater channels
A powerful broadcasting radio, in fact, is the most powerful permitted by law. The Midland MXT 500 and the upgraded model MXT575 as displayed above are great options for a GMRS two-way radio.
With all the power you need, and all the features you want in the radio, it makes it a great fit for vehicles or off-road recreation vehicles, and its size does make it easy to store in such small places. Vehicle communication for farmers, RV owners, and off-roaders and preppers alike is a great tool to own.
Overall, for what is inside the box with this, I think it’s worth the money. If you are looking for something with less power and handheld or a lower price, then maybe check the next option below as it is also a really good pick for one of the best SHTF radios.
Pros
Easy to install
Best range possible
Sounds nice and clear
Cons
A tad pricey
2. BTECH GMRS-V2 5W
Features: 5w, IP54 Weatherproof, 200 channel, Two-Way Radio, GMRS Repeater Capability, Dual Band Scanning, Receiver VHF-UHF, Long-Range Walkie
Having over 200-custom channels, simple to adjust settings with the new GMRS-V2 radio. Modify any channel, or as a (VHF/UHF) scan channel to receive, it even will allow duplicate channels.
Being able to quickly add GMRS channels without having to manually select a frequency. Waterproofing-resistant casing, able to customize channel names, scan, and check for activity. Digital display, DTMF keypad, including 1800 mAh battery, strap for wrist, belt clip, v-85 dual antenna, and earpiece kit.
Though it doesn’t have the long-range capacity as the Midland, a clear talking range and a max of 36 miles is pretty decent for the money and in this range so it is something that is more handheld
Pros
Good battery life
These outperform GMRS/FRS radios that most stores will carry.
Great quality in the build
Easy to use out of the box & already set up
Good range
Cons
Customer service
You will have to get the cable for programming
3. Radiodity GM-30 GMRS Radio 5W Handheld
Features: 5w, Long-Range, Two-Way Radio, Repeater, NOAA Scanning and Receiving, Display Sync
Another high-end handheld GMRS radio, this one has 30 channels which include 22 for communication with more GMRS radios, and out-of-the-box it has 8 for repeaters. A total of 250 channels are available.
Also, supports dual-band, scanning, and receiving which this allows for either UHF or VHF channels in either mode. So, it is not limited to being operated in just a GMRS channel. Easily edit channels through the built-in menu. The screen is clear, with 2 displays and a standby option. Choosing to display the name and or the frequency, or both as you are monitoring.
On the lower-budget side of things, it’s not too bad. It is a 5w radio and has GMRS repeaters, about 5 miles in range so way less than the BTech model. But, the reception is good, clear talking with a crisp sound, and is good for most practical sources for communication.
Pros
Budget friendly
USB charging
Sounds nice and clear
Cons
Memory configuration lacking
4. Baofeng G11S Long Range Handheld GMRS Radio
Features: NOAA Weather, Long Range, Two Way Radio, Radio Walkie Talkie, Pair, GMRS, Repeaters
It is good quality for what it is. They come in a pair, for beginners. Designed to be a simple two-way radio for a group of people. A friend, co-worker, or family member. A GMRS radio can be used for FRS. Modify CTCSS and DCS for an extra layer of security to ensure conversations are protected. While having 30 preprogrammed GMRS frequency channels and 11 channels for the weather. Simple design, but not waterproof but will be able to run right out of the box.
Nice that it comes in a pair, but also that it does support repeater channels. Adjust bandwidth for better sound. Scan weather channels, and get informed on any disasters. A perfect pair to add to a prepping kit.
Beginner friendly, easy to use, works out of the box and has a budget GMRS handheld radio for SHTF situations. Seems like a pretty good deal as far as we can tell.
Pros
Beginner friendly
Budget-friendly
Easy to program and use
Cons
Not water-resistant
Lock feature is not great
5. Midland MicroMobile 15w GMRS Two-Way Radio
Features: 15W, GMRS, Two-Way Radio, Built-in Microphone
So, another high-powered GMRS radio by Midland. It is a 15w GMRS with 8 repeater channels and 15 normal GMRS channels. With a range of 50 miles, equipped with an antenna that has an external magnetic mount that extends the range.
This model has privacy codes that block others from interfering with your private conversations. An NOAA weather scan and alerts, will do this on its own through the available 10 WX band channels and go to the nearest weather alert indicating weather report in the area.
Pros
Highly rated
Good quality
Long range
Cons
Tad pricey
Conclusion
If you made it this far I hope you see why we chose a GMRS radio for being our favorite to use. Our top pick is a tie between the BTECH model and the Radiodity radio. These two handhelds are going to be good for starters getting into GMRS radios and by adding a good radio for emergencies to your prepping gear, you will know that you have a good source of communication for having one of the best SHTF radios!
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