The Best UHF for 4WD Touring and Bush Bashing – Choosing the Ideal Two Way Radio
Whether you’re doing remote touring in your 4WD and relying upon communication, or just hitting some of the local tracks with your mates while wanting to talk a big game while driving, we’ve got the right UHF/two-way set up for you.
We look at the best brands and models available in Australia, and use our experience at overland four wheel driving, to tell you which is best for each type of adventure.
GME vs Uniden vs Oricom – Battle of the Best-Known UHFs Available in Australia
GME is great.
Uniden is decent.
Oricom – I’m not a fan.
These days, most brands can offer the same features. If a manufacturer pioneers a new technology or feature, it’s usually not long before the others are doing it too. With this in mind, we’re looking at build quality and reliability across these brands.
GME
GME is Autralian owned and they’re the only manufacturer that are Australian made (not all of their products are Australian made).
It’s probably no coincidence that they’re also the best, but it’s nice to know you can support local without breaking an arm and a leg, while also getting the best quality.
I’ve owned Uniden, GME and Oricom two way radios and I’ve never had an issue with the GME products while I’ve had issues with the other two. I’ve still got working GME radios that are more than 20 years old and the only reason they’ve been taken out of service is that newer channel frequencies have been introduced in Australia.
GME make quality products that last.
Uniden
Older Uniden products were good and reliable. With their newer range, they’re decent if you get one that works properly, but the amount that show up with problems is alarmingly high. It seems as though their quality control just isn’t there and while I’ve never dealt with their customer service personally, I know people that have been pulling their hair out after trying to get some sort of remediation from Uniden.
Oricom
Oricom are a bit better than Uniden, in my opinion, but not by much. They’re more of a consumer electronics brand that also make UHFs, compared to someone like GME who specialize. You wouldn’t think that would make a crazy difference, but it seems to.
Apart from reliability issues that I’ve experienced with them, they also seem to use a lot of non-industry-standard cables and plugs, so that if you need anything you have to get it directly from them instead of being able to buy generic.
When I briefly worked at a 4WD accessory retailer while I started Rough As Guts, we sold some models of Oricom UHFs. I saw a high number of returns and complaints, including products that were dead on arrival.
The Best Two Way Radios for Touring, Hard-core Bush Bashing and Everything in Between
I hope you can see why the only models of UHF that we recommend are GME. If budget is a limiting factor, it’s better to go for a more basic model of GME with less features, than trying to match the same features with a cheaper brand. We recommend a budget friendly option below.
Best Two Way Radio Unit for All Uses
Our recommendations for touring, hard wheeling through dense bush and our in between option all use the XRS-330C or the XRS-370C base unit which is the same except for it’s slightly larger size to incorporate a speaker in the unit as well as the hand-piece, and that its outer case is metal instead of plastic. I’ve never had an issue with the plastic casing on my unit.
The XRS range are all controlled by the speaker-microphone/handpiece instead of having any controls on the radio unit itself. This allows it to be tucked away out of sight and all the kits come with an extension wire so you can have the unit wherever you want, regardless of where the handpiece is.
The XRS range have Bluetooth as well as GPS in some models.
XRS-330CTPG (Touring Pack) – Best for Long Distance Touring
The XRS Connect Touring Pack utilises the 330C radio, but gets it’s “touring” designation because it uses a taller, elevated-feed antenna to help get a longer range.
It’s designed for those who are covering longer distances and aren’t expecting to be travelling through dense scrub, where the taller aerial will be a problem.
The antenna is 6.6dBi.
XRS-370C4P (4WD Pack) – Best for Bush Bashing & Hard Wheeling
The XRS Connect 4WD Pack, utilises the 370C radio, which for all intents and purposes is the same as the 330 used in the other packs. The key difference here is that it uses a heavy-duty radome antenna. A fat, short, stubby thing designed not to get caught up in tree branches.
The antenna is 2.1dBi.
XRS-330COBG (Outback Pack) – Best of Both Worlds
The XRS Connect Outback Pack, utilises the 330C radio.
It has a medium duty radome antenna that’s shorter than the touring pack and longer than the 4WD pack. This gives you a decent range, but a strong and short enough aerial for occasional use in dense bush. This is the setup I use personally.
The antenna is 2.1dBi.
The Best Budget Friendly Two Way Radio
The TX3500S from GME is a great unit and a fair bit cheaper than the XRS range, but it’s old school with all the controls on the radio itself and none of this fandangled Bluetooth and GPS stuff.
I have one of these in my wife’s car and it’s a great unit. As I never really use any of the advanced features of my XRS radio, I’d probably opt for one of these if I had to buy again, but that’s just me.
The TX3500SVP pairs the radio unit with an elevated feed 6.6dBi antenna, making one of the best two way radio systems available.
has broken down after 9 years
That’s pretty good going.
I have a Uniden 7740 ,2nd o e now that the screen goes blank and won’t come back. I just want something reliable, high way and scrub. Cheers and stay safe 👍.
We literally just took delivery of a oricomUHF310 but have also just stumbled across your site.
Can you recommend all details and bits and pieces required (for absolute novices) a GME unit suitable for 4WD 99% on-road touring plus for assistance with reversing van (handheld?) and can you recommend any reversing cameras?
Many thanks
Hi Jacinta,
I wouldn’t worry about swapping over to a GME if you’ve already purchased an Oricom. Just use what you’ve got and see how it goes. If it does one day fail, then it would be worth looking to GME for the replacement.
I’m sorry, I don’t have any experience with aftermarket reversing cameras. Although I should really start looking into it, as I can’t see backwards out of my Cruiser with the canopies on it.
Want a hand held and an in car unit for travel. Hand held for a spotter to use when backing caravan into tight spaces.
They’re so handy for spotting. Far less flailing of arms and couples yelling at each other just before taking out a tree branch.
Hello, I’m currently using a Uniden 850 handheld with a stick on windscreen mounted antenna.
Main usage is car touring around the countryside and coast and some interstate hwy conveying.
I find the windscreen mount far better than the OEM short stubby one but would an external antenna work better and which one?
I’m seriously considering the tx3500s with the short fat antenna you mention and wonder how much better this setup will be.
Are we talking chalk and cheese or only a mild improvement?
G’day Rob,
My preference for GME over Uniden is for reliability, but I’m not sure I could quantify too much of a difference in performance.
I have seen some pretty good performance out of 5W hand-helds, as long as the antenna is oriented correctly, and it sounds like yours must be if you’re using a windscreen mounted antenna.
I do think you’d see a performance boost with a TX3500, but it would probably be moderate. I’ve always been impressed by their performance with elevated feed antennas, so I’d only suggest using one of the shorter radomes if you’re going to be passing through a lot of scrub that would be battering a taller antenna. You should be able to get good performance for cheaper from elevated feed. I can’t recall which model it is specifically, but it’s the one that comes in the kit if you get a TX3500SVP, that I’m thinking of.
The main benefit from moving away from the hand-held, would just be the ergonomics/clutter on the dash. But, that can be quite a nice change if you’re doing a lot of driving.
Cheers,
Toby
Cheers, it’s mostly just driving around hills etc, no 4wd or off road but not always line of sight. I might suss out a radome antenna for the Uniden at this stage. Is there a specific size or model you’d recommend???
Really appreciate your input.
G’day Rob,
If you’re going to be doing a decent amount of hills, then it’s a good idea to go for a lower relative gain/dBi, as it’ll give you better performance when you’re not aligned on the same plane as other radios.
I wrote about that here: https://roughasguts.com.au/guides/uhf-radio-complete-guide/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-8
I’m not all that familiar with model specifics for Uniden, but having a quick look at their range maybe something like the ATS950S could be worth a look at: https://uniden.com.au/product/ats950s/
Seems pretty expensive though. Maybe give them a buzz and explain what you’re using it for, but definitely consider going lower gain for hills driving.
Cheers,
Toby
I’m doing a lap of our great country towing a van which will include some remote areas what should I be getting ?
As I’ve got no idea.
Cheers
Chris
G’day Chris,
I reckon your best bet would be the GME XRS-330CTPG (Touring Pack), which will come with everything you need and is perfectly suited for what you’ll be getting up to.
If you’re planning on taking the van off and going through tight canopy fairly often, then maybe the Outback pack with the shorter antenna might be the go.
Cheers,
Toby
Planning long term bush and highway trip to the west coast, Esperance. UHF needed fir safety
Sounds like a ripper trip Peter – good on ya! Have fun when you hit the road.
Hi Toby,
Love the discussion here on 2way radios. We have had issues with our Uniden 2way on our last trip to Fraser Island, so I’m ready to replace it. I’d also like to have a base station back at camp, as I’m often waiting on the men to return from fishing. Obviously sand dunes and distance are a bit of an issue.
What would be your recommendation?
Thanks,
Esther (wife to a keen fisherman and mum of 4 teen boys)
G’day Esther,
I think maybe your best option would be to have an elevated feed antenna for the UHF in the car. If you go for a lower dBi, you’ll have probably have better results with the terrain.
As for back at camp, maybe a 5W hand held such as GMEs TX6160.
Those should give you the best options for when terrain is an issue.
However, if they’re out on the boat and you’re close to shore, then you’d probably be better off going with a high gain antenna on the boat, because there’s no obstacles and they should be fairly level.
Ga,day my name is Richo and lam just after a little advice , l am 63 years old and l do the occasional trip from country Vic to the west for a bit of r&r , l have a new vehicle so l am not to keen on drilling any holes to mount a radio , just wondering which would be the best hand held to buy( Aus made ) not keen on Chinese made at all , Thanks very much any advice would be greatly appreciated.
G’day Richo,
I believe if you want Australian made, then the GME TX6600S might be the only option. I can wholeheartedly recommend any of the 5 Watt options from GME TX range of hand-helds in terms of performance, but I believe that the 6600S is the only hand-held that’s made in Australia. I’ve got a set of TX6165 hand-helds and lend them to people on tours if they don’t have anything installed in their cars. I find they generally outperform a poorly installed fixed-mount setup.
However, you could also try one of their XRS range for vehicle mounted options, all of which are Australian made. Because all the controls are in the hand-piece, you can mount the main unit well out of the way, where you don’t need to drill anything. There’s also some pretty good options for self-adhesive handpiece holders.
I hope that helps.
Cheers,
Toby
Hi Toby, I took your advice and got a GME UHF radio (hand held 5w) – very happy as a first step. For GPS map App’s for the outback (Simpson Desert etc.) what are your recommendations and is just using your mobile phone for GPS tracking ok or is it worth upgrading my GME radio (to vehicle mounted) to be GPS equipped (can this still work through my MUX 2022 screen?). I’m new to the GPS mapping App’s so not 100% sure how it all works. Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks Iain
G’day Iain,
It depends on what mobile phone you’re using. I believe some new models may be coming out with true GPS (not assisted GPS which requires some mobile connectivity), but I have no personal experience with any of these.
Getting the GME XRS with GPS is a great option.
I personally use a Garmin inReach Mini satellite tracker, and use that to provide a true GPS fix to my phone. I then use the ExplorOz app with the paid upgrade to the high resolution topo maps. If you’re planning on going remote, then it’s likely worth looking at something like an inReach for emergency and communication purposes anyway.
I find ExplorOz to be a lot more reliable than Hema. Sometimes ExplorOz will show a track that’s no longer there, which can be annoying, but Hema just as often will not show a track that is there.
I don’t know if Exploroz works through anything like Apple Car Play to show it on your screen, but I believe Hema does (don’t quote me on that).
Thanks Toby,
I really appreciate the advice.
Merry Christmas
Hi my son bought GME on my advice but only the base model pack ,not made in Australia when you get to read the box . Made in China. Major disappointment. Had GME, Uniden and Oricom over the years, Never had a problem with GME or Uniden, a few problems with Oricom reception and speaker volume and will not go there again. Needed some spare parts for a Uniden handheld years ago after it was dropped, rang Uniden and they sent me the parts for free.
G’day Mark,
Thanks for letting me know that the base model isn’t Australian made.
Good to hear that the service from Uniden was so good. That’s definitely a crucial aspect to choosing a product, aside from quality.
Hi Toby,
thanks for your great no-nonsense advice. I’ll follow up on it.
Just a word.. given we get out there and really cae about the place, I would suggest no longer using the term “bush bashing”. It’s easy not to think it’s so important, but if we want the new adventurers to treat the bush as we all should it woud make sense to send a more modern message. Len Beadell was of hos own time.. times have changed.
cheers,
Steve
Hi Steve,
I agree that times have changed and that treating the bush well is extremely important. In the words of John Williamson: “the bush must remain for our spirit to stay”.
We push this perspective when we run our tours and people are even told that if they litter, they’ll be finding their own way home.
However, I disagree that adding “bush bashing” to the long list of things we’re not supposed to say in 2024 would be helpful.
While perhaps a little childish, the alliterative double B sound makes it fun to say. Heading out into the bush and camping is ultimately all about fun, and one of the things that contributes to this is that we get to leave most rules and the pressure of conformity behind while we’re “away from the real world”. Adding restrictions around verbology, to me, seems antithetical to the spirit of camping. In my experience, it’s around the camp fire where most of these restrictions are forgotten and people talk a lot more freely. It’s important for our own sanity to be able to take breaks from self-censorship.
I don’t think bush bashing is the sort of term that is at risk of being taken literally. I’ve been told many times to “break a leg”, but have never taken that literally and have only ever broken my feet. This was on a motorbike though and it was a result of colliding with the natural environment, so maybe I was literally bush bashing?
When Carlo Petrini released his Slow Food Manifesto, his great achievement was realising that in order to stem something we don’t like (in this case it was fast food and the Americanisation of Italian culture), that a viable alternative needs to be presented. It’s not enough to simply try and stop something. So if you would like to see the term bush bashing become obsolete, then we would need a suitable replacement that’s short; to the point; invokes a sense of fun; and it probably also needs to be slightly mischievous.
If you can come up with something suitable, then count me in. But, until then, I’m going to continue opting for fun and a bit of poetic licence.
I agree totally Toby ????
Hi Toby
If the 4WD pack and the Outback pack were the same price would you still stick with the outback pack as your preferred setup?
Cheers
Ben
That probably would sway me to go with the 4WD pack instead. They’re both great though.
I am getting a radio, and you made the decision clear for me.
Just wanted to say thanks very much for your advice.
Glad we could help Shane. It’s a pretty basic bit of kit that doesn’t seem all that important, right up until it becomes crucial. Then it’s great to have the right radio.
Hi, I purchased a GME XRS 330 UHF Connect Touring Pack today, based on your recommendation and some feedback from other sources. Just one thing of interest – the salesman (at Anaconda) mentioned that the aerial (AE4018BK1 elevated-feed antenna) that comes with this pack does have a habit of coming loose on rougher roads and can also whip and break on (for example) corrugated roads. Nothing that should be an issue if proper care is taken but I thought it was worth a mention.
G’day Trevor,
Glad to hear you’re getting out and about enough to justify a good bit of gear like the touring pack.
Yeah, the aerials are all one unit, so it would be the bottom nut that would come loose. We loctite everything for the corrugations, but particularly anything ahead of the front axle (bull bar etc) which gets the brunt of the corrugations.
They’re a fairly rigid aerial but we’ve got three in the fleet and have never had a problem.
Hi Toby
Enjoyed your review and agree 100%. GME No1 I go onto minesites for work a lot. It is common that if you go in with a GME 100% Uniden they still tune to refine frequency. but if you arrive with Oricom IT just don’t want to see you. you will be given a site radio.
I was looking at GME for my personal 4×3 and liked your review and breakdown.
Is that you touring on your Morortbike in the photo?
Hey mate,
Yeah that’s me in the photo. Somewhere in the Andes in Peru, following the Dakar in 2019. Was about 14,000 feet and breathing was a bit of a struggle. Bloody freezing too.
You make a great point, I can’t think of the last time I saw a mine-spec fleet car that had anything but GME.
Cheers,
Toby