comms ?

[Live to Ski]

Ok gals y guys, what is the latest club position on ham vs gmrs?

 

[prwillard2]

I have no dog in this fight.

GMRS is easy to get a license, no test required.

HAM requires a license, test, etc.

 

[Hetsekr]

Use whatever your wheelin' buds use.
I've got both.
If you're going more remote,HAM has further reach if you ever need help.

 

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

Is there a good portable version with both that isn't stupid expensive?

 

[Hetsekr]

Is there a good portable version with both that isn't stupid expensive?

Decent handhelds can be gotten for less than $50. HAM handi-talkies seem to be a little cheaper than GMRS. Baofeng brand is popular (particularly the UV5) and I have a TYT TH-UV88 that works fine. There's plenty of YouTube reviews and tutorials.
There are also many accessories available for boosting your signal and powering your device.

I'm very new to this radio stuff, so take it all with a grain of salt. I'm sure there are others with better information than I.

 

[Live to Ski]

also....the uv5 (unlocked version) can run gmrs besides ham. A trail lead programed mine so not sure how to accomplish this.

 

[Otis]

@Big Wave Dave put on a presentation on Ham radios at a club meeting several months ago. See this link to his meeting handout:
Overlanding Radio Discussion. It does not really answer @Live to Ski's question but there is a lot of good info in there...

 

[Brentbba]

Ok gals y guys, what is the latest club position on ham vs gmrs?

IMHO, club position is not relevant.

Ham requires a license. Technician level test is very easy. My personal opinion is that if you're going to operate on ham bands, get the license! It's unfortunate that the Amazon's of the world sell ham radios without proof of a license. When I bought my first ham radio at HRO, I had to provide my call sign that they verified before selling me a radio.

GMRS 'requires' a license too. FCC only requires $35 for a lifetime license and no test.