With the weather cooling off, off-road enthusiasts around the world are excited to begin their expeditions. But, every veteran off-roader will tell you that a lot of preparation is needed before you actually begin — like finding the best CB radio. Off-road vehicles are generally equipped with multiple features to ensure the vehicle and its passengers can traverse through different terrain without facing too many problems. Apart from off-road equipment that will aid your rig, there are a few essential tools that ensure the safety of passengers — and no, we’re not just talking about a first aid kit.
What is a UHF Radio?
Imagine this: you command your off-roader from tarmac to dirt, splashing through the mud, grinding through sand, and crawling up steep, boulder-covered mountains. A couple of kilometres in, and you’ve faced a technical error, forcing your adventure to come to an end. Just as you reach for your mobile, something dreadful catches the corner of your eye. You have no reception. So now, here you are, miles away from the closest trail, with no way to contact anyone for help.
Sounds dreadful, doesn’t it? Luckily for you, people have faced this problem before, and there is now a readily available solution. One of the most essential tools that you can have in an off-road vehicle is a UHF radio. Let us explain what exactly that is. A UHF (Ultra High Frequency) is used to distinguish radios that operate between 300 MHz and 3 GHz. It will ensure that you have connectivity even if you decide to go off the grid, and it’s one of the most essential tools you can have on your vehicle. If you already know this, great! You’re one step ahead.
Now, for the hard part. You go online to get an idea of some 4X4 UHF radios, only to be bombarded with a seemingly never-ending list of UHF brands. This is where we come in. We’ve done all the homework, and in this article, we will take you through the Best UHF radios for your 4WD vehicle in 2022.
The Best UHF Radios in 2022
GME XRS-370C
-Pros: OLED Screen, Bluetooth screen
-Cons: Can be pricy depending on your budget
The XRS-370C is a member of the XRS Connect range and is one of the highest quality radios in the market. Made with a diecast metal chassis, this radio includes a professional-grade microphone, a two-watt speaker, an anti-glare OLED screen, and customizable buttons. What’s more, the XRS 370c is enabled via Bluetooth connectivity and can be managed via an app. The XRS-370 is rated at around 477MHz, weighs about 450g, and its dimensions stand at 29 (H) x 128 (L) x 117 (D) mm.
You can also buy this radio in a kit with an antenna included.
GME XRS-390C
-Pros: IP67-rated, app control, built-in GPS
-Cons: Other, cheaper GME options are available if advanced features aren’t required
You’ve probably noticed by now that there are quite a few XRS models on our list, and there’s a good reason why. While GME UHF radios fall on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of pricing, their groundbreaking technology and rugged build quality make them one of the best brands in the segment, and the perfect example of this is the XRS-390C. While having exceptional features like Bluetooth connectivity, XRS connect, and app control that we talk about in other models, the XRS-390C has built-in GPS and features IP67 Ingress Protection, with a MIL STD-810G rating. GME calls the XRS-390C their toughest product yet, built for the extreme off-roader.
Oricom DTX 4200X
-Pros: Tough construction and loud speaker
-Cons: Needs a standalone UHF Antenna
Oricom is an established communications brand and is known to produce some of the best UHF radios in Australia. The Oricom DTX 4200X is one of them, and according to the Oricom website, this radio is built louder, built larger, and built to last. The DTX 4200X is also offered in three value packs, the 4X4 Ultimate Touring Pack, the Outback Value Pack, and the Off-road Adventure Pack, each built with its own unique features that customers can choose based on their requirements. One thing to keep in mind is that the device requires a UHF CB Antenna that needs to be purchased separately. The power output is almost the same as the XRS 370C, although this one weighs in at 548 grams.
GME TX3350
-Pros: Compact and lightweight, five-year warranty
-Cons: Small dimensions not to everyone’s tastes
If compact and lightweight is your thing, then the GME TX3350 is the UHF radio for you. The Australian-made radio has a super compact design, with a weight of just 158g. But don’t underestimate the TX3350; it comes with an LCD speaker microphone, dynamic volume control, and a 5-year warranty if bought off the shelf. All of that in a device that fits in the palm of your hand. Impressive, Isn’t it? The dimensions for the GME TX3350 are 102 (W) x 87 (D) x 23 (H) mm.
You can also buy this radio in a kit with an antenna included.
Uniden UH8060
-Pros: Dynamic switching, can be mounted anywhere
-Cons: Standard speaker reported to be quiet
Uniden built the 8060 to compete in the super-lightweight division, just like the TX3350. Coming in at just 196 grams, Uniden claims that the UH 8060 can be mounted practically anywhere. The unit comes with Master Scan, which guarantees uninterrupted service, and has an ability called dynamic switching, allowing users to connect on unused channels. The UH 8060 provides a range of over 18km between vehicles and comes with seven colours for the LCD backlight, as well as a power output of 5 watts.
GME XRS-330C
-Pros: Smaller and lighter than the XRS 370
-Cons: Not as feature-packed as its cousin
A close cousin of the XRS-370 found further up the list, the 330c is a compact UHF. Weighing only 158 grams compared to the 450g 370, one might think this little UHF might not be as practical, but that is far from true. The 330c is equipped with XRS Connect, making it a ‘smart and adaptable’ piece of equipment. The XRS Connect UHF radios are the first-ever UHF CB radios to be integrated with App control and have instigated features like creating and sharing scan lists, as well as providing instant access to the entire Australian and New Zealand registered analog frequency database.
You can also buy this radio in a kit with an antenna included.
Crystal DB477D
-Pros: Aluminium construction, feature-packed
-Cons: Heavy weight, can be complex for novices
On the heavier end of the spectrum, the Crystal DB477D is a powerful tool. With a full aluminium diecast chassis, duplex range extension, five watts of power, 80 band channels, and automatic squelch control are some of the many features on the list. The complete package for the DB477D includes 1x DB477D UHF Radio, 1x DB477D Remote Speaker/Microphone Handpiece, 1x Handpiece Mounting Bracket (with mounting hardware), 1x Mounting Bracket (with mounting hardware, 1.2M Power Cable (attached to the central unit) (with in-line fuse holder), 2x 2AMP AGC fuses (1 in fuse holder, 1 spare), 1x 2M Handpiece Extension Cable, 1x 2M Handpiece Extension Cable Joiner, 1x User Manual, all with three years off the shelf warranty.
GME TX3520S
-Pros: Included accessories, full-spectrum lighting
-Cons: Large dimensions make it impractical for some installations
With 29 (H) x 128 (L) x 117 (D) mm dimensions, the 3520S isn’t exactly ‘compact’ in comparison to some of the UHF CB radios on the list, but it does offer a great range of features. This 450g radio will offer you a shallow remote head with user controls, Advanced signal management, open and group scan mode, five-tone Sellcal, dynamic volume control, voice inversion scrambler, and full spectrum backlighting. You’ll also get some additional extras in the box like the mounting cradle, DC lead, microphone clip, and screw pack, allowing for a quick and easy installation.
Uniden UH6060
-Pros: Great features for all 4WD enthusiasts except the very advanced user. Rugged, trade-quality UHF and remote speaker microphone.
-Cons: No MasterScan function
The UH 6060 by Uniden is great mounted UHF radio for those looking for the absolute bang for your buck. The device is compact but still offers an array of features, such as dual speakers and a remote speaker mic. Like the UH 8060 further up the list, the UH 6060 has the ability to change the colour of its backlight, but is also not equipped with Uniden’s ‘MasterScan.’ Then again, that feature will only come into use if other vehicles are equipped with UHF radios with the same ability, so it’s not something to worry too much about.
Icom IC-410 PRO
-Pros: Active noise-cancelling mic, powerful speaker
-Cons: At 800 grams, it’s not light
Another heavyweight (if you consider 800 grams heavy, that is), the IC-410 by Icom is definitely not the leanest piece of equipment on the list, but for good reason. This Japanese-manufactured UHF focuses on offering the best user experience, integrating an 80 Channel UHF CB, an active noise cancelling Mic as standard, a powerful front-mounted speaker for clear sound, silent stand-by with CTCSS & Selcall, and an exclusive automatic repeater scan that helps you to easily locate a local repeater. The best part? Icom will back you up with a five-year warranty from the time of your purchase.
Ariels and Handheld UHFs?
By now, you’ve probably thought of hunting online for a UHF radio, and that’s great! But let us prepare you for your experience. Firstly, you are sure to come across a much cheaper option than any of the models we’ve mentioned on our list, that being handheld UHF. While handheld radios are a great tool, they do not offer most of the features and capabilities that mounted UHF radios do, and a seasoned off-roader will tell you that some of these features are of great importance during an expedition. Another thing to keep in mind is that while some do, not all of the above UHF radio models come with an antenna. Most of the time, antennas are sold separately, but a chat with one of our team or a quick bit of research online will give you a good idea of what type of ariel suits your device.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! Our pick of the top 10 UHF CB radios in the market for 2022. Each of the UHF radios compared on our list is exceptional, but like any other product, each will have its benefits and drawbacks. It’s always a great idea to do a little bit of extra research, ask our friendly team any questions you have, and visit our showroom in person to find out which model will fit your requirement perfectly. Still, the crux of the matter is that a UHF radio is an absolutely vital tool for any 4X4 adventure. Drive safe, and happy off-roading!