The BEST Back Country Radio ...

[Kibbels]

I know there is probably a 100 posts on this but what is the better radio & why? Is there any new ones that have advantages over current?

 

[RXN]

I have both the BCA and the Baofeng 82.
Both work great. However the BCA is nothing more then an expensive walkie talkie. The Baofeng can be used on logging roads for calling out mile markers.

I also have the Garmin Rhino GPS/Radio. Again works decent but limited (older 120 model).

 

[Caper11]

Transmit and receive wattage makes the best backcountry radio, along with a good antenna, and a mic that doesnt ice up.

 

[JungleJim]

I really like my BCA radios as long as you get the Frogskin mic filter on it. Otherwise the mic can ice up but this can be solved by tucking it in a pocket for your body warmth to thaw it just a bit of a pain. The support from BCA if you do have any issues is absolutely great as Dwayne and Deb really take care of BCA customers. Also have a Baofeng but never did figure out how to program it as I ran out of patience with the crappy instructions... sitting on a shelf in my office now.

 

[tex78]

I really like my BCA radios as long as you get the Frogskin mic filter on it. Otherwise the mic can ice up but this can be solved by tucking it in a pocket for your body warmth to thaw it just a bit of a pain. The support from BCA if you do have any issues is absolutely great as Dwayne and Deb really take care of BCA customers. Also have a Baofeng but never did figure out how to program it as I ran out of patience with the crappy instructions... sitting on a shelf in my office now.

Get it done, only way to go

 

[jhurkot]

Any radio less than a Garmin rino 650 is unacceptable.

 

[tex78]

I use a beo 82 (from Ray) and a rino 120

Rino for finding all my buddy's and GPS

Beo to talk long ways, search and rescue, logging roads, highways on trips ( Ladd 1-2) and can do both frs-bca-uhf if need be

 

[tex78]

Any radio less than a Garmin rino 650 is unacceptable.

120's work just fine, actually I prefer it over the newer ones

Don't need roads and sh! T on it, just confused easy in the heat of the moment if needed I find

Simple is where is truck, cabins, and our route of the day, and Mabe past route

 

[skegpro]

I have tried them all.

Boefeng UV-82HP is the best imo.

Or Boefeng 8W equivalent.

No replacement for wattage.

 

[jhurkot]

8 watts is great and all but you still have to verbally describe to someone where you are. In a snow storm that is not an easy thing to do.

Not to mention the navigating capabilities of the rino.

 

[Chrisco]

650 rino.

 

[gunner3006]

I run a set of boefangs and an in-reach. Really like this set up.

 

[Caper11]

8 watts is great and all but you still have to verbally describe to someone where you are. In a snow storm that is not an easy thing to do.

Not to mention the navigating capabilities of the rino.

If both guys have a gps than calling out coordinates is just as easy.
At the end of the day it’s tough to get coordinated with a group. Everyone either has to have Rinos in the group, or a HP radio with a small gps in your pocket.
Imo Something is better than nothing, its very frustrating knowing a riding buddy has a BCA radio in his gear bag but refuses to wear it, or the battery is dead, than I waste my time trying to find him cause he’s stuck somewhere.

 

[tex78]

8 watts is great and all but you still have to verbally describe to someone where you are. In a snow storm that is not an easy thing to do.

Not to mention the navigating capabilities of the rino.

Yup right there is the key

 

[Tchetek]

I have had 5 baufengs for years. A mic that can be used and heard and clipped to your shoulder is the only way. Radios in packs or on sleds are useless if the person doesn’t hear or answer. Then more confusion and drama occurs.

Group Got a rino 650’s also. In my opinion they are over rated and over priced. And with good group management we rarely loose each other anyway. Maybe we got something wrong but I have had issues trying to poll a buddies location and it doesn’t load up as reliably as I am expecting. The GPS is the same as the unit I had 10 years ago. And the radio is marginal. Kinda expected more of a real time update for buddies locations. And like I said, the poll feature has been intermittent.

Good battery life though!

 

[Bnorth]

Baofeng or equivalent with a really loud mic. If someone is calling on the radio while I'm riding I can't make out what they're saying all the time but I can hear enough to know I need to stop and listen. I also carry a GPS and an Inreach. They all have their purpose.

 

[Invalid Zero]

I run an Inreach for GPS/emergency, a Baofeng UV82 for long distance chat/finding each other with helmets off, and Sena SMH10 helmet coms so we can shoot the **** while we ride. Great for bluetooth music in your helmet too.

 

[JustinMan43]

Me and My old man run Rino 610s (wanted the ability to replace the AAs on the hill). Any of you guys running external mics on them to create a setup similar to the BCAs? If so what mic? Want to get one that can handle the elements.

 

[fnDan]

Baofeng with an upgraded antenna. We've never had an issue with 5w. The radios are used for keeping track riding buddies. We have Rinos but only a few of know how to use them. I used Spot Messenger for a few years but switched to InReach. Same cost but better features and 2 way communication.

 

[skegpro]

How many km away does the positioning feature on the RINO work?

Few km or do you have to be standing looking at eachother?

How about in the trees?