Radioddity GA-5S

GA-5S Dual Band, Tri-Power Radio

Operation wise the GA-5S appears to be identical to the Baofeng BF-F8HP. It functions exactly the same and is programmable via CHIRP. It came with all the standard accessories and uses the same programming cable as the UV-5R, BF-F8HP and many other HTs. I like this one a little more however and I'll explain why.

For this review I'll be comparing the GA-5S to the BF-F8HP

What I like:

• Smaller more compact
• More of a solid feel
• Nicer backlit buttons
• Better sound
• Headset connection cover
• LED torch lens
• Decent stock antenna

It's a bit smaller and more of a sleek design. The battery is slightly smaller and may not last as long but should be plenty for a full day of use. It is an all plastic body but seems well built and feels more solid in the hand than other radios. The buttons are larger and have a better feel. The backlight is also brighter and numbers are more clear. The GA-5S sounds better than my Baofeng radios. I've tested these with my daughter and the first thing she said was that they sound clearer than the others. Other things I like are that the side cover folds down instead of back and is easier to keep out of the way when using a headset or hand mic. The LED torch on top is recessed with a lens instead of just a bare bulb like many other radios. The stock antenna is very flexible and good quality.

The only thing I really don't like is the PTT button. With the sleek design the side buttons do not stick out very far. The PTT and CALL button are actually one large button. The bottom half is PTT and the top half is CALL but they are not separated very well. 

Even with the difficult PTT button I still prefer this radio.

SPECS:

• 128 Memory Channels
• Dual Band, Dual Display, Dual Standby 
• High/Mid/Low Power Model (7W/5W/1W )
• FM Radio
• Frequency Range: VHF: 136-174mHz(TX/RX), UHF: 400-520mHz (TX/RX), 65-108mHz(commercial FM radio reception only) 
• 1800mAh, 7.4v, Li-ion Battery 
• Broadband (Wide) 25kHz, Narrowband (Narrow) 12.5kHz Selectable
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 2.17" x 1.18" x 4.53" (without antenna) 
• Weight: 190g 

If you're trying to decide between this and other tri-power radios I hope this has helped you.

73s K9NPX