MIRKITBaofeng Radio UV-5R MK3X Legal Power Tri-Band Radio 2025 VHF/UHF 144-148/222-225/420-450 MHz - Walkie Talkie with 2100mAh Li-ion Baofeng Battery, Neck Strap Lanyard Mirkit Ham Radio Operator

This is my second UV-5R. I opted for the UV-5R MK3X tri-band model so I could use more of the Technician class frequency range. I really like this model!In the photos I've attached, you can see this model on the left and the older base UV-5R model on the right.Noticeable differences in the build quality:1. The buttons are much better. They have a more positive click v.s. the mush of the older base model.2. The flatter face plate feels better in the hand, like it's a more expensive plastic, and a better shape.3. The metal mesh speaker looks cooler. I'm not sure if it's functionally better.4. The larger battery makes the unit easier to hold in the hand. the soft of ledge that protrudes is perfect for the index finger to grab onto.5. The "Upgraded" antenna looks fancier, and does seem to work better.6. The tiny little faceplate screws are cool looking. Not sure if it's functionally better, but it's a nice touch.7. The "Moni" and "Call" buttons are larger and easier to push.So overall, the unit feels better in the hand, and the button presses are much nicer.Functionally:1. The 220/1.25m band works great. I can get these frequencies with the dual band (70cm/2m) antenna as well as the included 1.25m antenna.2. The larger battery makes the unit slide into the charger easier.3. The battery included with this UV-5R MK3X model is a 2100 mAh battery. It's physically larger than the standard battery, and 300 mAh more energy capacity.4. The more powerful speaker (1w v.s. .5w of the base UV-5R) is noticeable at high volumes.5. I've been able to hit all the local repeaters with this unit, both with the stock antenna, and an upgraded antenna.Negatives:1. Its more expensive than the $20-25 UV-5R (base) models floating around from other sellers. I'm happy to spend the extra dollars for the tri-band functionality, and better build. Although, next time I might opt for one of the other Mirkit UV-5R's (8 watt, or just the base) because of negative #2, although I don't have one to tell if they don't also suffer from this observation in #2.2. For some reason, with upgraded antennas (SignalStick / Nagoya NA-771) the receiver seems to struggle at times where the base UV-5R doesn't. I'm new to HAM tech, and from my brief searching, it sounds like this is common to see on these units (UV-5R variants) - the receiver being overloaded by too much signal. I think this is an issue with "selectivity". The fix for this is to use the "Narrow" setting (menu option 5) in cases where the signal isn't coming through as you'd hope. My guess is that the tri-band receiver might sacrifice some selectivity to get the third band? Maybe, but I don't have any real knowledge about this.Lastly: Customer supportRegarding the selectivity, I contacted customer support because i was not happy with the reception, and they were very responsive, gave me things to try and ultimately followed through until it was resolved to my satisfaction. I applaud the seller - Mirkit for this.Bottom line: worth it for the extra band, more premium build, and great customer support.

When buying uv-5r type radios all depends on luck, so far this UV-5R MK3 works good for me, it has good range (3miles), It has a larger capacity battery, battery fits perfectly, speaker sounds good, radio looks really nice, feels solid in hand, very quality compare to 2X expensive junk BF-F8HP.

I originally purchased a UV-5R for like 30 bucks shipped, was entire kit with 2 antennas, 1 normal battery, 1 extended battery - charger etc.. was nice little radio kit - however it was only dual band radio. I upgraded to this triple band radio mostly based on the way the build quality looks better - Once I got the radio in hand I used my existing extended battery with it and it felt solid - buttons was not as mushy to press and volume knob was a nice stiffness (not super loose/easy to bump up or down, like cheaper UV-5R )Supposedly they say this version is waterproof - however I doubt that - water resistant maybe - proof not so much considering how battery connects thats an entry point for water easily.something I found out after owning - pressing the orange call button with single press enables FM radio for listening to FM music radio stations - so could be listening to tunes while having the radio and it auto switches to UHF or VHF channel when someone transmits - so can listen to music while listening for someone to talk to you or in my case listen in on Ambulance runs and local fire department.. (only reason is because they use non-trunked radio's - unlike police/etc)My only complaint is I bought the normal UV-5R first instead of this version..

Good radio. Upon Arrival it was packaged well. The radio has some issues along with the hand held mic . Sellers rectified problem by sending out new mic and radio . It's worth getting if there is an issue just email the seller as they will fix it. Or at least they did for me. I'd advise to get an improved antenna but for short range the one that comes is fine . Remember to get your ham license and you'll be good togo great product and support. 2 meter and 70 cm bands can be unlocked for gmrs and frs , instructions on YouTube just be aware that may or may not be entirely legal to transmit on those frequencies with or without a license do your research. Worth the cost IMO. Good luck!

These are some pretty decent radios for easy access 2 way short range communication, for the price they are well worth the investment, if they get damaged or broken, they're definitely easier to replace than a more expensive radio