I've had mine for a few months now, I really like it. It's serving as the mobile in my truck right at the moment untill I get a proper mobile, because I just got the truck. The battery lasts for so long its crazy. Woah... I diddnt realize it did air band! I'm going out to the truck right now to check it out.
Couple of points, one there's a reason they ship a folding antenna with it, the bendy hose antenna sucks. Two, the buttons are much larger, people with fat fingers will really like this radio.
What about the Tidradio H8 which is a 10 watt radio and it is only $39.00. Have you heard of this one? Great videos I enjoy all of the content you have have in them thank you.
At last a decent physical sized radio similar happened to phones back in the day the trend was smaller smaller then- now THANKFULLY phones are bigger and sure hope radios besides this one (good size the Motorola) also go that way. Maybe in my case fat fingers and bad eyesight might be why this is my preference. The fact that its 10w is a bit of a worry next to a head but be careful and hold it away a bit or drop the power lower. Anyway that's my thoughts -good review thanks.73 de VK3DET.
@@vhfgamer I’ll put a video up Sunday - the extra mass causes more issues with my engineer brain switched on - these really aren’t very tough at all, they’re a LARP gadget.
The UV-25 series is available in L and M versions. The M version SUPPORTS AM 108-136Mhz RX, 350- 390MHz RX and Voice Scrambling Functions (not for use on ham bands).
Any idea if chirp will work on it? I just went to look at the specs on this, and they say it also works on 220MHz?!?!?!?! Can you check that and let us know if it really does.
BACK in the 80s a midland handheld was around £ 120 pounds ? So to get all this technology for less than £ 40 ... a bargain ... A £120 back in 80s was a months wages ....
That’s why I test rather than read specs’ mate. I can only speak as to my instruments and procedure, initial models were labelled as 2800mA/h and the cells are (conjecture) probably B-grade. You should have noticed the thermometer for the battery pack also is NC so this pack has been cobbled together. There’s a vid’ about it on my channel. There are four average quality 18650 cells inside the battery pack with a dog-shit charging circuit hence the horrendous recharge time.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Josh, The Radioddity website and the Amazon description state that the battery is 5200. Also, I don't think 10 W out just inches from the skull is a good idea. As you mentioned in your video, I like these inexpensive Baofengs as receiving radios only for both mobile and around the house - an inexpensive airband monitor, fm radio, scan local repeaters, weather band monitor, etc. Even if you never transmit with it I think its a bargain for monitoring and general listening. I look for battery life and memory capacity, so this one will probably be in my collection soon. Thanks for all you do, and enjoy your channel.
@@audiodaze yep. As I’ve termed it - _it’s an RF [something] _ and yeah; do you really want a 10W RF shower inches from your face? I’m glad my testing matches with others’ specs at least! Trust but verify, all that 😂
First glance was 'i hate it'... But then... It does remind me of what I used to think walkie-talkies should look like when I was 10 or 12, and it brings back memories XD For that reason alone, I kinda want one now XD
I’m re-watching stranger things and really enjoying those radio shack HTs they are using. I remember mine and was about their age when we lived by them. I’m sure that’s what did me in.
I know that you may never even see this, but maybe some else will. Studied for the extra exam and was doing ok. 80's on practice tests. Then totally got busy with life and forgot about it for a year. I took some practice and got high 60's😂. So I thought I would study up and take the teat. Now I just saw that there are new questions. How different are they? Do I have to relearn everything? Is it kind of the same but added some new stuff?? I already checked my area, (no tests at a time I can take them. I work too much.
Bought it 3 months ago from that famous China website and paid about $35 delivered. I was shocked by how big it is. It's too big to carry. The funny thing is it comes with a belt clip that would yank your shorts down.
There's a reason hams didn't bother with HT's with more than 3 or 4 watts output for decades. It's pointless and cuts the functional time down per charge, and also puts higher RF power close to your head, increasing the cancer danger. Paying twice as much for the privilege of a heavier, larger radio that really offers no more performance but does improve your likelihood of cancer doesn't seem like much of a deal.
I've had one for a month or so, I love it. Not something I'd take out anywhere, but the mad battery means it's always gonna have a charge. The bendy antenna is pretty good for picking up airband - I put a RH-770 on it and it's even better. Loved the video, do some more on this (or other Chinese radios) as it's fun seeing your take on something affordable.
Whenever I hear talk about harmonics these lyrics pop in my head: It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth The minor falls, the major lifts The baffled king composing Hallelujah That feng is a major lift for sure
Good God, Josh. I thought you just had small hands. That thing really is pretty big. Good point, too. I really don't wanna be chewing on 10 watts as I use my ht. Maybe during an emergency. If I didn't have anything around to warm my head. Inductive baofeng warmer. 🤣🤙🏾
What an absolute CHONKER of a radio! I might be interested myself to see what it can do. I have some UV-5R Pros that I use, and this thing is twice the size of mine. Nice review! - KF0QNM
I really have no reason to buy this, but I'm going to anyway. Gotta get one before it gets prominently displayed on any new streaming military/tactical movie/show and they will be unobtanium. "Look at me, Chris Pratt! I got one too!"
I'd buy this, just for the silly factor. And have it sitting next to my Yaesu FT2DR, FT3DR, Kenwood TH75, Icom ID-51, 52 and IC-31 and 91AD to make it feel bad about itself.
It is a very intriguing device! Seems better than a regular Baofeng... I want a Farsometer 200 as well! Where can I get one of those... I know Randy had that market cornered for a while. ;)
I just got two of these UV25 radios at the same time. I noticed in the settings one radio shows Firmware V0.03 Hardware V01. The other shows Firmware V0.06 and Hardware V01. Just curious if anyone know the differences?
My good old TYT TH-UV8000D has same power, more battery, smaller size, way less harmonics on emission and is similarly prized than this Baofeng UV-25. I can say the same about my Quansheng TG-UV2+. To me, the UV-25 will seduce just hype lovers. I like Baofeng brand for its affordable and rugged handhelds, but I don't see the interest of this particular model.
Interestingly, it also doubles as a Weapon of Mass Destruction. Beat the brakes off someone with it if necessary. Plus the fancy antenna adds a +10 modifier to damage.
I have got one with firmware version V0.10 and Hardware V01, but this one is missing the scramble option. and the menu only goes to 45. There also seems to be a UV-24 Pro max version. I think you have that version.
This radio has had a bit of bad press but when i first reviewed it i was knocked out by the build quality and how it performed for such little money. I have used it quite a lot with incredible results. Thanks for the thorough video. M3VWN
Just received this thing from Radioddity a couple days ago. Not sure if this thing is worth the money. The receive audio is spotty. I don’t know if it is the radio or the antennas but on 2 meters I couldn’t get consistent reception from a nearby repeater even in my back yard. If I did get a signal I could move my hand and the signal would cut out. When it did decide to receive the audio was fairly clear. My 10 year old 2 watt Baofeng UV-5R is better.
I'll stick to my 3 GT-5R's (2-boxed backups) with 3800mah packs. Light and fit the hand well, plus around here HT's are used mostly for group events (like hamfests) where even 5 watts is more than enough. YMMV! 73 mike 🍺🍻
Please note that if you order the Baofeng programming cable from Radioddity for this radio it WILL NOT work with the UV-25. It was built with too much material around the plug-in and WILL NOT seat into the UV-25 programming receptacle. They have zero clue that this is an issue and sent me a replacement that was exactly like the first even though I clearly explained the issue.
Nobody should be buying any cheap chinese radios without flashable firmware in 2024. Just look at the quansheng uv k5 (8). Loads of different firmware actively being developed daily. 18-1800mhz rx, among many many other features
I am a straight up greenhorn rookie getting into comms…I was wondering if there is a radio unit that you can recommend that I can purchase and turn it into a manpack to be compatible with this radio and/or my UV-5R’s. Just need one for comms within the family and small prepper community and may further than that for now.🙏
I've had mine for a few months now, I really like it. It's serving as the mobile in my truck right at the moment untill I get a proper mobile, because I just got the truck. The battery lasts for so long its crazy. Woah... I diddnt realize it did air band! I'm going out to the truck right now to check it out.
Two of these and a wrist strap. Fengchucks.
looks like a good radio to have around, can't wait for a further review
The boat anchor of baofang
12:38 “Chungus Facts” 🤣
I got asked to test one today. I may do it just to compare the QC between them... also to test the battery out, interesting
Yes please do. More data is always good!
Sounds like a plan! thanks for the video and information. @@HamRadioCrashCourse
I would like to see someone make a radio like this.... but have it be HF.
Hopefully, they will come up with a baofeng helmet with an integrated 2000w linear amplifier to pair with this.
But did they up their scan speed?
I was wondering that too
Couple of points, one there's a reason they ship a folding antenna with it, the bendy hose antenna sucks. Two, the buttons are much larger, people with fat fingers will really like this radio.
I think I would need a lot more functions for a radio that size to be attractive.
At that size, it should be at least 40 watts
What about the Tidradio H8 which is a 10 watt radio and it is only $39.00. Have you heard of this one? Great videos I enjoy all of the content you have have in them thank you.
I sense this thing has HamGeek APX-8000 DNA. Similar large size and form factor to US public service radios?
Chungas Feng has more of a Genghis Khan ring to it.😂
I like that. Might swap the name. 😅
Reminds me of carrying my old Icom brick back in the day,
now how do you unlock/jailbreak it lol
BAOFEUNG and decent radio in the same sentence.......OMG!!
Concrete destroyer
Hmm that or another Abbree. Need another SHTF radio
That size, they should of included SSB, that would make it useful.
Your choice... Wouxun KG-UV9D Mte, or BF UV-25?
At last a decent physical sized radio similar happened to phones back in the day the trend was smaller smaller then- now THANKFULLY phones are bigger and sure hope radios besides this one (good size the Motorola) also go that way. Maybe in my case fat fingers and bad eyesight might be why this is my preference. The fact that its 10w is a bit of a worry next to a head but be careful and hold it away a bit or drop the power lower. Anyway that's my thoughts -good review thanks.73 de VK3DET.
What's the gag about putting a label that says "farsometer" on a surecom?
It measures fars.
I like mine, I can finally program it through the keypad.
Maybe they are aiming this for the SHTF crew.
I think so.
Trust me, it’s not very robust 😂
@@robustreviews The original baofeng was pretty robust. Why not this one?
@@vhfgamer I’ll put a video up Sunday - the extra mass causes more issues with my engineer brain switched on - these really aren’t very tough at all, they’re a LARP gadget.
It looks like it fits in an MBITR sized pouch.
At first, i thought this was a workout video, and then i noticed the radio. Thank goodness im lazy.
The UV-25 series is available in L and M versions. The M version SUPPORTS AM 108-136Mhz RX, 350- 390MHz RX and Voice Scrambling Functions (not for use on ham bands).
Cool vid big radio to talk on
I just got the Tidradio H8 10 watt not, 9 watts VHF, 7 Watts UHF 4 Watts GMRS. Looking for a high watt GMRS.
Em.....I remember the dirtiest Talkpod is unavailable in Amazon....
Any idea if chirp will work on it? I just went to look at the specs on this, and they say it also works on 220MHz?!?!?!?! Can you check that and let us know if it really does.
It works with chirp with firmware set to uv-17l
The antenna looks like a sat radio.
I think putting the antenna under your chin would start issues with your thyroid first. I would know, I watched a lot of ER back in the day. 😉
BACK in the 80s a midland handheld was around £ 120 pounds ? So to get all this technology for less than £ 40 ... a bargain ... A £120 back in 80s was a months wages ....
If I get a 2m that does ten watts and it is that large, it will be $1400 IC-705.
Agreed! That looks like a brick!
Be sure to get a air band radio to tell air traffic where your nose is. Or at least get ADSB on it.
ICOM airband doesn’t do 2m. I missed something in this reply, please explain.
@@jameski5oeb668 his nose is so turned up in the air.........
My first radio was an IC-2Gat. I know that it is a bit snob ish, but I really want an IC-705.
Beast-Feng! Yeah, naaaah. I'll bet my 5 watt Yaesu will equal or outperform it using my homebrew counterpoise wire with 1/4 wave whip.
Get a 1/2 wave whip and you’ll really do well!
@@HamRadioCrashCourse A 1/4 wave whip with a 1/4 wave counterpoise is a 1/2 wave vertical dipole, which is more efficient than a 1/2 wave end-fed.
After testing five batteries after three charge cycles, 5150mA/h is the capacity.
Hmmmm isn’t the sticker saying 5600? Not happy about that.
That’s why I test rather than read specs’ mate. I can only speak as to my instruments and procedure, initial models were labelled as 2800mA/h and the cells are (conjecture) probably B-grade. You should have noticed the thermometer for the battery pack also is NC so this pack has been cobbled together.
There’s a vid’ about it on my channel.
There are four average quality 18650 cells inside the battery pack with a dog-shit charging circuit hence the horrendous recharge time.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Josh, The Radioddity website and the Amazon description state that the battery is 5200. Also, I don't think 10 W out just inches from the skull is a good idea. As you mentioned in your video, I like these inexpensive Baofengs as receiving radios only for both mobile and around the house - an inexpensive airband monitor, fm radio, scan local repeaters, weather band monitor, etc. Even if you never transmit with it I think its a bargain for monitoring and general listening. I look for battery life and memory capacity, so this one will probably be in my collection soon. Thanks for all you do, and enjoy your channel.
@@audiodaze yep. As I’ve termed it - _it’s an RF [something] _ and yeah; do you really want a 10W RF shower inches from your face?
I’m glad my testing matches with others’ specs at least! Trust but verify, all that 😂
It won't survive a 40 foot fall onto concrete unfortunately :(
All my baoefengs suck. I can't hit repeaters as far away with them as i can my good radios.
CCP approved.
Reminds me of the old MX Motorola police HTs from the 80s/90s.
That was my first thought I'm like it looks like my saber.
"Heavy is reliable, if it does not work you can always hit him with it"
Boris.....
Ze Germans?
@@ek12746 who took the jam out of your donut?
That’s what people say about Hi Points 😂
Haven't heard that in a long time
You hooked me with, "Do we really want ten watts to the dome?". 😮
True!, just like people holding mobile phones the 'dome'... 😂
(However, a Tin Foil Hat will deflect the RF and act as a ground plane!) 👍
Sure, China, Russia would like to fry our brain...
First glance was 'i hate it'... But then... It does remind me of what I used to think walkie-talkies should look like when I was 10 or 12, and it brings back memories XD
For that reason alone, I kinda want one now XD
Big throwback vibes.
I’m re-watching stranger things and really enjoying those radio shack HTs they are using. I remember mine and was about their age when we lived by them. I’m sure that’s what did me in.
Thats one of those radios at that price point makes it easy to say "Why not" 😂 can never have enough Bofangs! Lol
Good output for a small crossband repeater.
Baofeng "I'm not over-compensating, _you're_ over-compensating" UV-25, lol
I know that you may never even see this, but maybe some else will. Studied for the extra exam and was doing ok. 80's on practice tests. Then totally got busy with life and forgot about it for a year. I took some practice and got high 60's😂. So I thought I would study up and take the teat. Now I just saw that there are new questions. How different are they? Do I have to relearn everything? Is it kind of the same but added some new stuff?? I already checked my area, (no tests at a time I can take them. I work too much.
Bought it 3 months ago from that famous China website and paid about $35 delivered. I was shocked by how big it is. It's too big to carry. The funny thing is it comes with a belt clip that would yank your shorts down.
now you need the Leixen uv-25d. Thats the godzilla for handheld
There's a reason hams didn't bother with HT's with more than 3 or 4 watts output for decades. It's pointless and cuts the functional time down per charge, and also puts higher RF power close to your head, increasing the cancer danger. Paying twice as much for the privilege of a heavier, larger radio that really offers no more performance but does improve your likelihood of cancer doesn't seem like much of a deal.
I want a xts 8000 triband that can do p25 and phase 2 so I can use it as a scanner
I've had one for a month or so, I love it. Not something I'd take out anywhere, but the mad battery means it's always gonna have a charge. The bendy antenna is pretty good for picking up airband - I put a RH-770 on it and it's even better. Loved the video, do some more on this (or other Chinese radios) as it's fun seeing your take on something affordable.
Whenever I hear talk about harmonics these lyrics pop in my head:
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor falls, the major lifts
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
That feng is a major lift for sure
UV-Chungus
I would like to see whats inside.
YES YES YES
Good God, Josh. I thought you just had small hands. That thing really is pretty big. Good point, too. I really don't wanna be chewing on 10 watts as I use my ht. Maybe during an emergency. If I didn't have anything around to warm my head. Inductive baofeng warmer. 🤣🤙🏾
lol the belt clip and wrist strap for that chungus. I love it.
That is a huge radio. Even at the $60 price point I don't think many people would be too upset if they lost it or damaged it when out and about.
Plus it counts as another person in the carpool lane!
@@HamRadioCrashCourse that's a good one. As far as I am aware we don't have those in Michigan.
The comparison of this to the UV-5R reminds me of the "You Vs The Guy She Told You Not To Worry About" meme. Someone make that for the meme deck
What an absolute CHONKER of a radio! I might be interested myself to see what it can do. I have some UV-5R Pros that I use, and this thing is twice the size of mine.
Nice review! - KF0QNM
I really have no reason to buy this, but I'm going to anyway. Gotta get one before it gets prominently displayed on any new streaming military/tactical movie/show and they will be unobtanium. "Look at me, Chris Pratt! I got one too!"
The Baofeng she tells you not to worry about 😅
Josh: "Let me put an antenna on this so I don't blow it up." Me, chanting: "Blow it up! Blow it up! Blow it up!"
I'd buy this, just for the silly factor. And have it sitting next to my Yaesu FT2DR, FT3DR, Kenwood TH75, Icom ID-51, 52 and IC-31 and 91AD to make it feel bad about itself.
Feng gang
It is a very intriguing device! Seems better than a regular Baofeng... I want a Farsometer 200 as well! Where can I get one of those... I know Randy had that market cornered for a while. ;)
I just got two of these UV25 radios at the same time. I noticed in the settings one radio shows Firmware V0.03 Hardware V01. The other shows Firmware V0.06 and Hardware V01. Just curious if anyone know the differences?
My good old TYT TH-UV8000D has same power, more battery, smaller size, way less harmonics on emission and is similarly prized than this Baofeng UV-25. I can say the same about my Quansheng TG-UV2+. To me, the UV-25 will seduce just hype lovers. I like Baofeng brand for its affordable and rugged handhelds, but I don't see the interest of this particular model.
Interestingly, it also doubles as a Weapon of Mass Destruction. Beat the brakes off someone with it if necessary. Plus the fancy antenna adds a +10 modifier to damage.
I have got one with firmware version V0.10 and Hardware V01, but this one is missing the scramble option. and the menu only goes to 45. There also seems to be a UV-24 Pro max version. I think you have that version.
Looks like a UV-5R with a speaker box stuck on top! 😂
Still, nice addition to the Baofeng 'Family'
Pairing it with a rollup j-pole for using the high power 10 watt setting will keep the it fruther from your head.
You never used the wrist strap. It might break your wrist though. 😂
That Talkpod is probably the only radio allowed in prisons. Can't hide a shank in it, so it's good to go.
This radio has had a bit of bad press but when i first reviewed it i was knocked out by the build quality and how it performed for such little money. I have used it quite a lot with incredible results. Thanks for the thorough video. M3VWN
At least Talkpod can serve as a bad example! I'm sure they hate that! LOL!
Just received this thing from Radioddity a couple days ago. Not sure if this thing is worth the money. The receive audio is spotty. I don’t know if it is the radio or the antennas but on 2 meters I couldn’t get consistent reception from a nearby repeater even in my back yard. If I did get a signal I could move my hand and the signal would cut out. When it did decide to receive the audio was fairly clear. My 10 year old 2 watt Baofeng UV-5R is better.
A beast of a radio for sure! Quite an interesting thing!
I'll stick to my 3 GT-5R's (2-boxed backups) with 3800mah packs. Light and fit the hand well, plus around here HT's are used mostly for group events (like hamfests) where even 5 watts is more than enough. YMMV! 73 mike 🍺🍻
Please note that if you order the Baofeng programming cable from Radioddity for this radio it WILL NOT work with the UV-25. It was built with too much material around the plug-in and WILL NOT seat into the UV-25 programming receptacle. They have zero clue that this is an issue and sent me a replacement that was exactly like the first even though I clearly explained the issue.
Great opening, first thing I thought when I saw it, heavy.
Nobody should be buying any cheap chinese radios without flashable firmware in 2024. Just look at the quansheng uv k5 (8). Loads of different firmware actively being developed daily. 18-1800mhz rx, among many many other features
OK, we are not allowed to watch this video
I really want a ham phone
I just picture some guy calling in an airstrike somewhere in a Vietnamese jungle 😂
I bought a Baofeng AR-5RM. It seems to have the same menu and similar capabilities like air band, just lower power. Don't know what to do with it yet.
I am a straight up greenhorn rookie getting into comms…I was wondering if there is a radio unit that you can recommend that I can purchase and turn it into a manpack to be compatible with this radio and/or my UV-5R’s. Just need one for comms within the family and small prepper community and may further than that for now.🙏
Man that display is big. Can it display both frequency AND channel name/label at the same time?
bro where did you get that toph patch??
Mine came from Alibaba for $42
Love it and it's clean. What more does a man or woman need.lol 💯👍🇬🇧🇺🇲👍
I cannot seem to find the discount code for this...anyone know?
Some people say it transmit on gmrs and some say it dont why is that
I'd carry one just for self defense
i love the use of the guitar pick you did there
Mine wont let me transmit on GMRS. Is there a work around?
whats the water resistant rating?
What is scramble?