GEN 1 Recommend Me A Decent VHF Radio

[votive]

What is everyone running for hard-mounted radios? I have been researching for 3 days and have come out more confused than when I started.

I have my eye on the Rugged Radio RDM-DB since it is on clearance, but I'm not sure if it will fit my needs. Rugged also offers a no-drill center console mount for Raptors which is appealing to me. However, I have heard some not-great things about Rugged.

Simply looking for something to communicate during my local off-roading events, with decent range. I have used a handheld in the past and couldn't hear the lead or chase truck if they were out of eyesight.

Trying to stay under ~$400 for radio, wire, and antenna.

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

Motorola MCS2000 VHF Model 2 110 Watts 146-174 HAM M01KLM9PW6AN

Used Radios has the world's largest inventory of used two way radios and infrastructure, used motorola radios and more. All tested by qualified technicians.

used-radios.com

both the wife and i have them. as well as various friends of mine

 

[Whoops]

I've run this Icom 2730 in my Toyota for several yrs and have been very happy with it. The base is mounted under the driver seat and the head is separately mounted to the dash.

Icom IC-2730A 50W VHF/UHF Dual-Band Mobile Transceiver with Bluetooth

Icom IC-2730A Dual-band Mobile Radio VHF/UHF Cross band repeater functionality HM-207 remote control microphone CS-2730 Free download PC programming software Versatile scanning capability Squelch delay and squelch attenuator Sub band auto mute function Sub band busy beep function Auto repeater...

www.gigaparts.com

 

[Scottdip]

I've run this Icom 2730 in my Toyota for several yrs and have been very happy with it. The base is mounted under the driver seat and the head is separately mounted to the dash.

Icom IC-2730A 50W VHF/UHF Dual-Band Mobile Transceiver with Bluetooth

Icom IC-2730A Dual-band Mobile Radio VHF/UHF Cross band repeater functionality HM-207 remote control microphone CS-2730 Free download PC programming software Versatile scanning capability Squelch delay and squelch attenuator Sub band auto mute function Sub band busy beep function Auto repeater...

www.gigaparts.com

Did you need to add an external speaker or could you hear it just fine from under your seat?

 

[pastorwug]

Rugged Radios in Arroyo Grande, CA
Race channels as well as Ham and other frequencies.
I have their 60w version, no longer legal - but if you can find one, get it. Easy to program and great power.

 

[arobertsmith]

I love Icoms. For a budget option, the Icom IC-F5021 is a great 50w radio and can be found for 100-150 on ebay if you are comfortable doing programming. Same radio PCI Race Radio sells if you want to go through them.

 

[arobertsmith]

Then you can grab one of these for a easy center console mount. https://www.pciraceradios.com/products/center-console-radio-mount

 

[Pikser]

Rugged Radios in Arroyo Grande, CA
Race channels as well as Ham and other frequencies.
I have their 60w version, no longer legal - but if you can find one, get it. Easy to program and great power.

Model # ?

 

[raptortrav001]

If you’re going to spend money on a radio, buy once and cry once. Rugged is entry level and often rebranded Chinese stuff. Hit up the guys at PCI Race Radios and get a nice Kenwood with 50 watts. They can also walk you through buying the right mount, cable, programming, and antenna. You will easily be able to hear and talk to trucks 20+ miles (depending on terrain). That radio will fit in the center console mount as well. Also get an external speaker and mount under the drivers seat. You’ll have worry free operation with huge transmit/receive ability.
This is a great package—> https://www.pciraceradios.com/products/kenwood-nx-1700

 

[Whoops]

Did you need to add an external speaker or could you hear it just fine from under your seat?

Definitely needed the external speaker.