As a ham radio operator myself I did a little digging into these radios. Yes, they are a re-branded baofeng UV-5r, but they come with the authorization and programming to use Rugged Race Products, Inc's business license (callsign WRCL361) so it looks like they are legal to use out of the box (ignoring the spurious emission issue).
I like most of the components of the kit except for the radio. Since I ride rain or shine I personally prefer water proof radios. One less thing to worry about. Rugged Radio recommends to keep it inside your backpack / water pack. Something I never use. I need to visit their site to see if they sell the components individually and if they’ll work with my radios.
You seem to have forgot to mention that is radio is the same as a baofeng uv5r ($25 on amazon) and requires a ham radio license to use legaly. (though it is unlikely to be an issue if you are in the middle of no where vs in/near town)
@@TheMontaseri Oversimplified explaination, It is how you tune the radio to stations like a radio in a car. (Would suggest looking up user guides for better explainations)
@@rmatvmc That makes sense, well at least I alerted you to the dead link anyhow. Say, since I've got you for a moment. Is the GMRS licensing pretty much pay the fees, take an easy test and your good to go or is there more to it?
That's pretty much it. You actually don't even need to take a test, just pay for the license and register, then you're good to go for 10 years. Rugged Radios actually has a really helpful page going over everything you need to know with links to register for your license. You can check that out here: www.ruggedradios.com/blogs/news/how-to-get-your-gmrs-license
Just curious, with the push to talk wires making it so your connected to your bike and your moto or your bike pretty hard what happens in the event of a crash? Will the wires and connections break or be destroyed?
Range is always described as "line of sight". What we'd like to know is in a typical single track application, will this out perform a Sena in range? We're planning some rides up in the mountains this summer, is this a better system?
The 5 watt radio from Rugged will have better range that a Bluetooth coms unit. Is it night and day better? Ii'm not sure. But I use a 5 watt radio when I hunt and it does pretty good when communicating with other 5 watt radios. Better than what I would expect if I was using Bluetooth. - Chase
Chase, did the other riders blackball you on the Blue tooth radios perhaps? Great vid guys, I've been looking at some of these radios and enjoy the review of this product.
Rugged is an overpriced, massively overpriced version of the Bao UV5R HAM radio (license required), nothing more! And as always, you can find the same or better solutions for much less! So even though your content is legit, it is biased and held back lots of vital info.
You can get waterproof bags for these. All the extra wiring is making things very complicated. Just keep it high on your chest like the police do and use it sparingly for essential communication only. The baofeng radios are cheap on ebay.
@@timhauser1377 You can program the UV-5R via Chirp. However, i have tried it and it wont communicate on the Rugged Radio channel list. I believe it is because the UV-5R has a range of 144-148 / 420-450mhz and one of the frequencies on the RR channel list for example is WTHRMN 151.625. I am going to try and purchase the Baofeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) which has a range of 136-174mhz. I'm new to the radio world but I think that is the problem. If this solves "loading the RR channel list issue i am having, the BF-F8HP runs the same price as this V3.
@@rmatvmc You don't know what you are talking about. The RH5R is a Boafeng UV-5R that is not freq locked. If you transmit you will need a license for GMRS/MURS. Most VHF and UHF frequencies need a TECHNICIAN HAM license. If you are listening no license required, just to transmit. FCC fine is up too $25,000 a day for unauthorized transmission on unlicensed frequencies. The V3 may be different but unlikely.
@@rmatvmc From Rugged Radios website: "Under this FCC license, Rugged Radios' customers are authorized to transmit on Rugged brand mobile and handheld radios only, on the pre-programmed channels, in the locations designated by its license."
Don’t buy rugged radios they sell it on eBay or amazon for 20 dollars the rugged radio is just a rebranded baofeng uv-5r and you need a ham license to operate that radio
Love the videos guys, but this one is a bit of a fail. Great radios for sure (just a rebranded baofeng uv5r that they've kitted out with some great accessories). I use these radios while hunting with great success. Now why the fail? No mention that to use these radios legally your required to have your amateur (ham) radio licence anywhere in the video, and that unless these radios come pre programed differently than the standard baofeng uv5r they definitely shouldn't be used on the frequencies that have been pre programed since these radios can be programmed out of the amateur band (such as emergency frequencies). Don't mean to come across as a ham snob, but think it should be mentioned that these radios aren't nearly as plug and play as your making them out to be to be used legally and you need to be careful on what frequencies you operate on.
To ensure customers are in compliance with the FCC, Rugged Radios has licensed 10 nation-wide commercial band frequencies and 60 area-specific commercial band frequencies. These frequencies/channels are available to transmit for business, recreational, or race use. Under this FCC license, Rugged Radios' customers are authorized to transmit on Rugged brand mobile and handheld radios only, on the pre-programmed channels, in the locations designated by its license.
Really, guys, I love your reviews but please don't make a fool of us by selling cheap china 20$ radio with different body color and brand on it, not even waterproof - for 260$. I understand - it's a good business, you can make some money by doing this, but you'll ruin your reputation. This setup equipped with 20$ cheap radio, 1$ cheap wires w/o waterproof connection, 3$ mic and speakers, and a 0.5$ big red dummy PTT button, and all of this - wired, bulky, and ugly. After vids like this people will think you are selling other stuff in the same way - just to sell and earn. Customers won't trust you anymore. Please don't advertise poor quality china staff as a PRO solution, people are not stupid. Cheers
The FCC recently issued them a violation for advertising these since they use unlicensed frequencies. Customer beware that you are using HAM and if you do not have a license and authorization to use the frequency in the area you are committing a crime.
As a ham radio operator myself I did a little digging into these radios. Yes, they are a re-branded baofeng UV-5r, but they come with the authorization and programming to use Rugged Race Products, Inc's business license (callsign WRCL361) so it looks like they are legal to use out of the box (ignoring the spurious emission issue).
I like most of the components of the kit except for the radio. Since I ride rain or shine I personally prefer water proof radios. One less thing to worry about. Rugged Radio recommends to keep it inside your backpack / water pack. Something I never use. I need to visit their site to see if they sell the components individually and if they’ll work with my radios.
wanted a video like this forever
it may be worth mentioning that some of the radios have a bluetooth module, so that you can pair it with your headset wirelessly
can you identify which ones have bluetooth? TIA
@@tontonn9995 the UV-5R like most radios has no Bluetooth. You need a plugin module that uses the twin side plug in the radio that this kit uses.
Do you have to program all the channels in like the Baofeng UV-5R that its is based on?
You seem to have forgot to mention that is radio is the same as a baofeng uv5r ($25 on amazon) and requires a ham radio license to use legaly. (though it is unlikely to be an issue if you are in the middle of no where vs in/near town)
I was looking at Baofeng UV5R, what is the keyboard for?
@@TheMontaseri Oversimplified explaination, It is how you tune the radio to stations like a radio in a car. (Would suggest looking up user guides for better explainations)
It’s expensive, but in Baja I was able to talk to everyone. Especially in the middle of nowhere with no cell service . I recommend it for sure .
Thank you for checking out the video and giving us your feedback!
The baofeng uv5r is the same. It much cheaper
Isn't that just a blue $39 bowfang UV5R?
I have the RH5R, what is the difference between the RH5R and the "new" V3 - TIA
A rebranded UV-5R for 5 times the cost. UV-5G, GMRS version is $25. Extended battery $18; Good speaker Mike $20.
A baofeng uv-5r is many things, rugged is not one of them. They break if you sneeze within 5 feet, but they're so cheap you aren't sad when they do.
Hmmm. Did the same for about 30 bucks. Now swapped to Sena, but have the availability for all frequencies allowed by my ham extra license.
What does the top left red button do? It is called a Call button. Thanks
The call button will transmit a tone across the channel you're on. Almost like calling on a phone.
Ok thanks. I tried it again and it works. You just have to hold the button down for longer than a second
the Radio Kit page states it's no longer available. 😞
Sorry about that! Rugged Radios has come out with a new version, the GMR2 that we're still waiting to get in but they should be available soon.
@@rmatvmc That makes sense, well at least I alerted you to the dead link anyhow. Say, since I've got you for a moment. Is the GMRS licensing pretty much pay the fees, take an easy test and your good to go or is there more to it?
That's pretty much it. You actually don't even need to take a test, just pay for the license and register, then you're good to go for 10 years. Rugged Radios actually has a really helpful page going over everything you need to know with links to register for your license. You can check that out here: www.ruggedradios.com/blogs/news/how-to-get-your-gmrs-license
Just curious, with the push to talk wires making it so your connected to your bike and your moto or your bike pretty hard what happens in the event of a crash? Will the wires and connections break or be destroyed?
The connector from the radio to the PTT button and headphones is designed to disconnect if you crash. - Chase
in the video the bikes are on rocks in the desert where?
Moab utah
Range is always described as "line of sight". What we'd like to know is in a typical single track application, will this out perform a Sena in range? We're planning some rides up in the mountains this summer, is this a better system?
The 5 watt radio from Rugged will have better range that a Bluetooth coms unit. Is it night and day better? Ii'm not sure. But I use a 5 watt radio when I hunt and it does pretty good when communicating with other 5 watt radios. Better than what I would expect if I was using Bluetooth. - Chase
Is there anyway we can get the cables and stuff without the radio
Rugged Radios has accessories and cables available separately on their website.
www.ruggedradios.com/
I had installed these but I can only hear from one side when I’m receiving, am I doing something wrong?
We're not sure. Have you reached out to Rugged for that? As long as the speakers are plugged in you should be good.
Any way to record what you’re saying? Or that all has to be done through cameras?
With this specific kit, no. You would need a GoPro or action cam.
Rocky Mountain ATV MC can you do that through some of the Bluetooth com kits?
Chase, did the other riders blackball you on the Blue tooth radios perhaps?
Great vid guys, I've been looking at some of these radios and enjoy the review of this product.
Rugged is an overpriced, massively overpriced version of the Bao UV5R HAM radio (license required), nothing more! And as always, you can find the same or better solutions for much less! So even though your content is legit, it is biased and held back lots of vital info.
You can get waterproof bags for these.
All the extra wiring is making things very complicated.
Just keep it high on your chest like the police do and use it sparingly for essential communication only.
The baofeng radios are cheap on ebay.
I don't believe you informed us about cost. I guess I can just consult the website.
I would just get baofeng as they're the same but way way less...
Are the baofeng radios programmed?
@@timhauser1377 not from the factory. You program them (i use chirp, its free to download). Just need the cable in addition.
@@timhauser1377 You can program the UV-5R via Chirp. However, i have tried it and it wont communicate on the Rugged Radio channel list. I believe it is because the UV-5R has a range of 144-148 / 420-450mhz and one of the frequencies on the RR channel list for example is WTHRMN 151.625. I am going to try and purchase the Baofeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) which has a range of 136-174mhz. I'm new to the radio world but I think that is the problem. If this solves "loading the RR channel list issue i am having, the BF-F8HP runs the same price as this V3.
Do i need to get an operator license?
No. All their channels are licensed for use.
@@rmatvmc You don't know what you are talking about. The RH5R is a Boafeng UV-5R that is not freq locked. If you transmit you will need a license for GMRS/MURS. Most VHF and UHF frequencies need a TECHNICIAN HAM license. If you are listening no license required, just to transmit. FCC fine is up too $25,000 a day for unauthorized transmission on unlicensed frequencies. The V3 may be different but unlikely.
If you use this radio without a license you can be fined by the FCC.... Ham operators can and will search for you and you will be caught.
@@rmatvmc From Rugged Radios website: "Under this FCC license, Rugged Radios' customers are authorized to transmit on Rugged brand mobile and handheld radios only, on the pre-programmed channels, in the locations designated by its license."
Cuanto vale el radio rugged radio rh5rv2
I got the baofeng version for 25 US dollars
you guys should so a review on a crf150r
Don’t buy rugged radios they sell it on eBay or amazon for 20 dollars the rugged radio is just a rebranded baofeng uv-5r and you need a ham license to operate that radio
Love the videos guys, but this one is a bit of a fail. Great radios for sure (just a rebranded baofeng uv5r that they've kitted out with some great accessories). I use these radios while hunting with great success. Now why the fail? No mention that to use these radios legally your required to have your amateur (ham) radio licence anywhere in the video, and that unless these radios come pre programed differently than the standard baofeng uv5r they definitely shouldn't be used on the frequencies that have been pre programed since these radios can be programmed out of the amateur band (such as emergency frequencies). Don't mean to come across as a ham snob, but think it should be mentioned that these radios aren't nearly as plug and play as your making them out to be to be used legally and you need to be careful on what frequencies you operate on.
To ensure customers are in compliance with the FCC, Rugged Radios has licensed 10 nation-wide commercial band frequencies and 60 area-specific commercial band frequencies. These frequencies/channels are available to transmit for business, recreational, or race use. Under this FCC license, Rugged Radios' customers are authorized to transmit on Rugged brand mobile and handheld radios only, on the pre-programmed channels, in the locations designated by its license.
BURN!!
Really, guys, I love your reviews but please don't make a fool of us by selling cheap china 20$ radio with different body color and brand on it, not even waterproof - for 260$. I understand - it's a good business, you can make some money by doing this, but you'll ruin your reputation. This setup equipped with 20$ cheap radio, 1$ cheap wires w/o waterproof connection, 3$ mic and speakers, and a 0.5$ big red dummy PTT button, and all of this - wired, bulky, and ugly.
After vids like this people will think you are selling other stuff in the same way - just to sell and earn. Customers won't trust you anymore. Please don't advertise poor quality china staff as a PRO solution, people are not stupid. Cheers
Rugged but aren't water proof....
Tony Rides Dirtbikes dont worry. No one rides dirt bikes or atvs in the rain....,
A ham license is required to use that radio
The FCC recently issued them a violation for advertising these since they use unlicensed frequencies. Customer beware that you are using HAM and if you do not have a license and authorization to use the frequency in the area you are committing a crime.
So an overpriced baofeng
Overpriced Chinese junk