Baofeng UV-5R Review 2026 I picked up a Baofeng UV-5R for $26 because every prepper forum on the internet says it is the first radio you should buy. After running it for about eight months — at the cabin in PA, on camping trips, and doing some basic comms testing with my brother-in-law — I mostly agree. With some big caveats. Editor’s Pick If you only have time to skim — this is the gear in question. Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio Check Price on Amazon → This is not a plug-and-play radio. If