Gear
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Four-wheel drivers know the importance of in-vehicle communication, especially when travelling to remote areas. It allows communication within a group and with other road users such as truck drivers.
But what about out-of-vehicle communication? Think trailbikers, guiding another vehicle up a tough track, a part-time four wheel driver without the need for a vehicle-mounted unit, or maybe just someone who wants the versatility of a portable unit.
Handheld UHF radios offer a flexibility car-mounted units can’t match. They do present a downside in terms of range due to the lack of a fixed antenna, but for some, the versatility may well be worth this limitation. If you’re the type of 4WD tourer who will drive somewhere, jump out of the car and set off on a hike to a waterfall or mountain top, then a handheld UHF may be just what you need.
Typically, the performance of 0.5- or 1-watt units is only suitable for the kids around camp. So to make sure your hard-earned goes towards something that will do what it says on the box, we will avoid units with less than two watts of transmit power and will only be looking at Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) approved units that have been programmed with Australian channels and meet legal requirements.
So the “fully programmable” special won’t be considered here, but if you’re looking for a portable communication option for all outdoor activities, then read on. We've included both two- and five-watt units below.
JUMP AHEAD
Two-watt units
Five-watt units
Oricom UHF2500-1GR
This cheap and cheerful 2 Watt UHF CB radio is a basic, tough little unit that features a waterproof rating of IPX7 (waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes) and a super handy float-and-flash function when dropped in water.
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This means if it’s dropped in water it will float and an indicator light will flash, so it won’t be lost to the depths of a bottomless bog hole. This unit is ideal for fishing or kayaking, and it also includes a Micro USB jack for charging. It comes with a three-year warranty that excludes the battery, but it runs on AA batteries and can use disposable batteries in a pinch.
| Claimed range | 10km |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 16 hours |
| Waterproof | Yes (IPX7) |
Pros
- Great entry level price
- Flash-and-float function
- Simplicity
Cons
- Very basic with no significant user features
- Low battery life compared to competition
- Potential 12-hour charge time
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GME TX677
The TX677 is a two-watt UHF CB radio that is compact and lightweight.
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The radio features up to 14 hours of battery life, or up to 20 hours of battery life if utilising the switchable transmission power option (2/0.5 watt). The unit features USB charging and a rotary power/volume control for easy operation. It comes with a two-year warranty, with one-year on the battery, and is a very compact unit compared to the competition.
| Claimed range | 10km |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 20 hours (using low power option) |
| Waterproof | Yes |
Pros
- Price
- Extendable battery life via low power option
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- No value-adding additional features
- Battery life when using full transmission power
- No disposable battery as a back-up
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Uniden UH755
The UH755 UHF CB handheld radio is a Japanese-made unit, designed for those who need a rugged and heavy duty radio suitable for various conditions.
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The unit features an alloy body which is splashproof to IP54 (limited dust protection and splash-resistant from any angle). The radio may only offer fairly basic functionality, but it's ruggedly tough and reliable. It includes selectable power of 5- or 1-watt, a battery saver mode, and a three-year warranty.
| Claimed range | 17km |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 35 hours |
| Waterproof | Yes (IP54) |
Pros
- Good value
- Reliability and toughness
- Battery life
Cons
- Missing some features of other pro level units
- Charging limited to use of desktop station
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GME TX6160
This unit from GME features a full IP67 waterproof rating, a rugged metal chassis that comes in three colour options, and a handy LED torch.
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This combination makes this unit ideal for those who play in the mud or spend time on the water and in the elements. Boasting a lightning fast channel scan speed and a rotary power/volume knob, the unit is user-friendly and easy to operate. A three-year warranty will give confidence in your purchase.
| Claimed range | 17km |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 30 hours |
| Waterproof | Yes (IP67) |
Pros
- 12v DC cable available
- Waterproof rating
- Available in black, yellow and orange
Cons
- Price
- Battery life
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ICOM IC-41Pro
A heavy duty commercial-spec unit designed for farming and mining industries, which makes it well-suited to the abuse outdoor enthusiasts will put it through.
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It features a tough metal chassis with IP67 waterproof rating, and it comes with a class-leading five-year warranty. The unit comes programmed with the standard 80 channel for consumers, but as it’s a pro level unit sold all around the world, it is also fully programmable and includes additional 'private' channels. It also features either a stubby antenna for those who want to strap it to a belt, or a longer whip antenna for those seeking additional range. Plus, for those who play in mud, there are red and orange colour options.
| Claimed range | N/A |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 18 hours |
| Waterproof | Yes (IP67) |
Pros
- Warranty
- Built for purpose
- Easy-to-operate rotary knobs
Cons
- Quoted battery life isn't great
- Premium price
- Only comes standard with an AC charger
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Midland G18XT
Another rough-and-tumble UHF CB radio with an aluminium chassis and full IP67 waterproof rating, this unit suits those who want something simple and reliable.
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This no-frills unit has basically no add-on features. No battery life has been quoted by the manufacturer, but reports indicate good battery life that easily lasts more than a day of use. This radio comes with a two-year warranty and, though a European company, the radio has been built for Australasian conditions.
| Claimed range | 15km |
|---|---|
| Battery life | Not quoted |
| Waterproof | Yes (IP67) |
Pros
- Car charging possible with separate cable
- Tough and waterproof
- Simplicity of operation
Cons
- The price for what is a basic unit
- No battery life quoted
- Lack of any bells or whistles
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Uniden UH850S-DLX
This unit claims a battery life of a whopping 39 hours. It also features a car kit that transforms the unit into a mobile car-mounted unit.
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It suits those who are away from charging options for long periods or those who want a temporary car-mounted unit. The Deluxe package includes 12v charging and a magnetic antenna, to increase transmission range. This radio is IP67 waterproof with a tough chassis, and the included accessories have been built specifically for Australian conditions and come with a one-year warranty.
These radios include an innovation called Master Scan, which allows users to communicate on a group of channels. If your current channel is interrupted by outsiders, all radios in your group will automatically jump to a new clear channel.
| Claimed range | 17km |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 39 hours |
| Waterproof | Yes (IP67) |
Pros
- Car charging kit included
- Fully waterproof
- Magnetic antenna included
- Class-leading battery life
Cons
- Quality of accessories
- Minor drops could cause breakages
- Deluxe package may be overkill
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Uniden XTRAK 50
The latest UHF radios from Uniden now include features that were, until now, limited to vehicle-mounted units.
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The XTRAK range includes an instant replay function, and the XTRAK 50-PRO version also includes location sharing. The replay function allows you to record and replay up to four minutes of conversation. The radios are rugged, waterproof and built to IPX7 standards, and a 2W speaker ensures crystal clear communications. They come with a three-year warranty.
| Claimed range | 17km |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 30 hours |
| Waterproof | Yes (IPX7) |
Pros
- Class-leading innovation
- Fully waterproof
- Included car charging
Cons
- Price
- Pro only available from limited resellers
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A buyers' guide to UHF handheld radios
Handheld UHF CB radios have massive scope for application across numerous outdoor pursuits.
The portability of handheld units makes them significantly more versatile than car-mounted units. Their application isn't limited to four-wheel drivers, but extends to trailbikers, mountain bikers, hikers, fishers, kayakers and anyone who spends time in the great outdoors.
A handheld UHF provides safety away from the vehicle, as well as communication around and at camp. However, they only provide all of this if they can be relied upon to work when you need them most. For this reason, a quality unit is far better value than a cheap and nasty product.
So, if you're any sort of outdoor enthusiast, then a reliable handheld UHF CB radio is essential for your kit bag.
Transmission power and range
The most important factor that determines the range of any UHF radio, be it handheld or vehicle-mounted, is the transmission power.
In Australia, our radios are limited to a maximum of 5 watts of transmission power. This means that 5-watt units are effectively the bees knees and can be expected to have a transmission range of at least 15km.
Lower transmission power units in the 2- or 3-watt range can still have a useful transmission range in the order of 10km line of sight. These units are typically cheaper than 5-watt units, and can be smaller and lighter.
Battery life
When looking at buying a handheld UHF radio you’re likely to see a battery life quoted in hours, but what does this mean?
The majority of these figures are based on a 5% receive, 5% transmit and 90% standby time. For a quoted 30 hours of battery life, this means 1.5 hours of receiving, 1.5 hours of transmission and 27 hours of standby time.
In addition to the estimated life, consideration should be given to the type of battery. While ‘built in’ lithium batteries are great, once they are flat there’s no backup option without charging. Units that use AA or AAA rechargeable batteries can utilise disposable batteries in a pinch, which is handy for those away from charging options for long periods.
The final piece of the battery puzzle is the charging method. Some units allow USB charging, which is super simple for in-vehicle charging. Others include in-cradle charging with AC power (240v) only. Some also include 12v leads for the cradle, while some have optional 12v leads or adaptors.
Toughness
Many higher quality units come with an alloy or aluminium chassis, which means they are extremely tough and can handle the rough and tumble of outdoors pursuits. Chances are, if the unit you’re looking at doesn’t specify the type of construction, then it’s plastic. Not that plastic is necessarily a bad thing, as it can be lighter and, in some cases, will even float.
Waterproof rating
When you’re using a handheld radio outdoors there’s a fair chance water will be involved. Be it mud holes, water bodies or rain, you don’t want a radio to fail when it gets wet.
The highest typical ratings are IP67 and IPX7, both of which mean waterproof up to 1m deep for up to 30 minutes. Various lower class ratings exist and are typically associated with dust-proofing and splash-resistance.
Price and value
A low price is great, but you will generally forget about the purchase price and remember the value of something that does its job time and time again. For this reason, we’ve excluded any ‘programmable’ units despite them typically being much cheaper. A good handheld UHF radio should be ready to go straight out of the box. We’ve also excluded 0.5- and 1-watt units, as these are more like toys than useable radios.
Where does value begin, then? A well-known manufacturer that designs and builds UHF radios for Australian conditions is a good start. Thoughtful features like floating units or proper waterproofing can add great value. A solid warranty ensures peace of mind and adds to that value, too.
What to look for
Searching the web for a handheld UHF radio might seem overwhelming, but the place to start is with your own requirements: what are you going to use the unit for?
Is it going to be thrown around and dropped frequently? Then something with a solid chassis is a good start.
Is it going to be used on open bodies of water? Then a floating unit is probably your pick.
What kind of range do you need? Hiking the Overland Track in Tassie and you might want something with the maximum range possible. Just using them around camp or to guide other vehicles? A lower power unit might be all you will ever need.
After-sales support
Always opt for a well-known and respected brand, with a good warranty and manufacturer support. Cheap-out and chances are you will be buying again in near future.
Be sure to check what the warranty covers, as many will have separate warranties on batteries or accessories.
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How we review products
4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles, aftermarket products and camping gear for more than 40 years. When looking for the best swags in Australia there are some things that are essential to ensure you sleep soundly under the stars.
When we compared each of the swags in the list with hundreds out there we looked at the size, weight, durability and price. We also searched for additional features that make these swags stand out from the rest.
We looked at hundreds of user reviews and drew on our own experience sleeping in swags to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.
Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.
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