Initial Impressions

This tiny radio is surprisingly capable. It's essentially a UV-5R that has been shrunk down and locked to GMRS frequencies, but with some modern quality-of-life improvements.

The Good

  • USB-C Charging: This is a game changer for EDC (Everyday Carry). No more bulky cradles.
  • Screen: The color screen is much sharper than the old dot-matrix LCDs.
  • Size: It disappears in a pocket.

The Bad

  • Buttons: The buttons are very small. If you have large hands, you might struggle.
  • Power: 5W is optimistic. It's closer to 4W in reality, but that's negligible for practical use.

Programming

Using the "OLA Radio" app via Bluetooth is actually... decent? It's not as powerful as CHIRP on a desktop, but for changing a privacy code in the field, it works perfectly.

Field Test

Tested range in an urban environment:

  • Simplex: 0.8 miles solid, patchy at 1.2 miles.
  • Repeater: Hit the local repeater from 5 miles away with a clear line of sight.

Verdict: For the price, you can't beat it as a backup or a loaner radio.