So I just passed my Technician exam last week (finally) and I want to pick up my first handheld. I figured it would be simple, just go buy a radio, but man there is SO much out there and everyone seems to have a strong opinion about it.

Right now I'm kind of torn between just grabbing one of those cheap Baofeng UV-5R type things to start out since they're like $25 and if I break it or lose it whatever, but then I also see people talking about Yaesu and Kenwood handhelds and how the audio is way better and they're built to last. My main use case is going to be hitting the local 2m repeater and maybe some simplex, eventually APRS if I figure that out. Probably take it hiking too so durability matters I guess.

Is it worth spending more right out of the gate or should I just get the cheap one first to make sure I actually stick with the hobby? I dont want to drop $200 on something and then it sits in a drawer. But I also dont want a radio thats going to frustrate me with bad menus and weird audio.

Congrats on the ticket! So this is actually a really common question and honestly the answer kind of depends on the person. I've seen people start with baofengs and love the hobby, and I've seen people get frustrated because those radios can be a pain to program without the software and cable, and the receive audio is pretty mediocre. That said $25 is hard to argue with as a learning tool.

My personal take after years of watching new hams come through the club — if you're serious about hiking and actually using the thing regularly, spend a little more. The Yaesu FT-65 is usually around $80-90 and it's night and day better build quality, real audio, and the menus actually make sense without a manual in front of you. It's also IP rated for weather which matters if you're going outdoors. The Kenwood TH-D74 is amazing but that's probably overkill and pricey for a first radio. The sweet spot for most new folks is probably that FT-65 or maybe the FT-4XR which is even cheaper but still a real radio if that makes sense.

Either way just get on the repeater and talk to people, that's the important part.

i started with a baofeng about two years ago and it was fine for getting started but i will say the menus drove me absolutely crazy at first and i had to program everything through CHIRP which took me a while to figure out. once i got it programmed it worked okay for the repeater but i eventually upgraded to a Yaesu FT-70DR and honestly it felt like going from a junky car to a real car lol. just clearer audio, easier to use, feels solid in the hand.

if you think you're gonna stick with it i'd probably skip the baofeng step personally, but i know some people love them and swear by them so whatever works