So ive been using my old Baofeng UV-5R for like three years now and yeah it works but i keep running into little annoyances with it - the menu system drives me crazy, the receive audio is kind of muddy, and i dropped it last month and now the battery door doesnt quite click shut all the way. Think its time to move on.

Im mostly doing local 2m/70cm stuff, hitting repeaters around town, occasional APRS if i get the cable set up, and sometimes i take it hiking. Nothing super exotic. Budget is probably somewhere around 150-250 bucks but i could stretch a little if something is really worth it.

Been looking at the Yaesu FT-65 which seems pretty solid and simple, and also the Kenwood TH-D74 but thats way more money than i was planning. Somebody at the club mentioned the Radioddity GA-510 but i dunno, feels like its just a fancier Baofeng almost. Anyone have strong feelings either way? whats actually good in that price range right now

Honestly the FT-65 is probably exactly what you're describing needing. It's not flashy but the receive is noticeably cleaner than the UV-5R and Yaesu's build quality is just better - the buttons actually feel like buttons. I've had mine for a couple years and it's taken some abuse without complaint. Only real downside is no APRS built in but you mentioned you're doing that externally anyway so probably not a big deal.

If you want to stay in that range and do want APRS native, the Kenwood TH-D72 shows up used pretty regularly and that might scratch the itch without going full TH-D74 money. Just keep an eye on the battery condition when buying used, those packs get tired.

i went from a uv5r to a VX-6R a while back and honestly it was kind of a revelation lol. submersible, way better audio, the whole thing just feels more solid in your hand. its a little older design but they still hold up great. might be in your budget used. just a thought