TIDRadio H8 Honest Review: Is It Worth Your Money?

The TIDRADIO H8 is catching the eye of ham radio operators and GMRS operators alike. But it is that much better than radios like the Baofeng UV-5R?
#HamRadio #GMRS #K0LWC

[@mark12.31]

Appreciate the honest review. I'm sure someone will come along in the comments and talk about how great theirs is but the reality is all of the CCRs are pretty much the same, like you said. There are some 'budget' models from reputable brands that are available for just a little more and so much better results.

[@K0LWC]

Yes! All these radios suffer the same issues. Why don’t you see boatloads of reviews on the reputable radios? There is no financial incentive for the KZbinr. If they want $60 for the H8 - it doesn’t take much to get the FT4XR from Yaesu; so the “it’s an affordable radio,” argument disappears. Got to call a spade a spade!

[@davidschmidt5848]

So I got this radio I got apparently I got the new version because I can adjust the mic gain on the radio itself the push-to-talk button is solid and when it comes to the LED I don't know what you're talking about mine looks like it's actually built in to the case I'm quite impressed with the radio

[@K2MBL-Mike]

You are correct that there have been a lot of issues on this radio's journey to market. Just wanted to mention that you might not have the latest firmware. The latest firmware, version 230911, has mic gain at menu 45.

[@stuartlent2645]

Your review is less than honest, hate Chinese made equipment, or you tested either a counterfeit or pre production radio. The push to talk switch on the side is a rubber waterproof cover. Not the actual switch. My light cap is actually part of the radio case not attached or removable. So it can't fall off. Second was no howling noise on VHF. My H8 was on the original version of software and no problems. Easily programmed by your smart phone using bluetooth built in. The build quality is excellent and they even attached the rubber grommet on the right side of the radio with a metal screw. When you tested your radio did you even contact Tidradio? Did you actually hook it up to test equipment? I doubt it. I even ran a spectral purity test with my TinySA and the H8 passed with flying colors. So I am questioning the accuracy of your other reviews if any. If I can't trust this one I sure can't trust your others.

[@appalachianamerican7171]

Yea, he had me at the mic gain. Mine has mic gain on menu number 45. I don't believe he opened up the menu to check. So maybe not so honest is my thinking. But the flashlight gimmick is already dead at week 1. But the cover isn't coming off. It seems to be a nice radio. Time will tell, I suppose. But they seem to stand behind their products.

[@arupian666]

Completely agree with your sentiment. There are plenty of videos from channels covering this radio, that are older than this video that state and demonstrate that Tidradio have listened to user issues and fixed a majority of the problems (including the mic gain being added right there in the menu). But, allow me to don my well-fitting Devils Advocate hat for a moment, and posit that I don't think this "review" is necessarily dishonest, I just think he doesn't know how to update firmware, therefore his "review" is massively misinformed and should be summarily dismissed.

[@ChrisRJ]

It's an overpriced Baofeng but built even cheaper. It's flagship feature is that it will burn your brain and your hand simultaneously, lol.

[@lmrad5750]

Falling apart right out of the box only because the flashlight covering came off? Did anything else fall apart to justify your statement? I plan on purchasing a pair of these radios and have been reading reviews and watching videos. So far all have been positive. Many described the Tidradio gen 2 as a solid radio with many features for the buck.

[@keathrhymer5449]

it is solid no issues after 4months questions i sent to support got answered overnight every time

[@K0LWC]

The fact the flashlight housing came apart is the justification. You’d think when you get a new radio it wouldn’t be falling apart. I’m sure many who are given the radio for free and earn money from pushing it have said positive things - doesn’t make them right.

[@lmrad5750]

I agree, some people will do anything for freebies. The reviews I read were from paying customers. I also spoke to a few Ham radio operators and all agreed that the H8 gen 2 was a better upgrade from the first. All positive feedback. One person here wrote a comment saying he had no issues with his PTT. Your response to his comment was negative. Apparently you are assuming his PTT will fall off in 2024😂 Seems like the majority of the people here have had no issues with the H8. Sounds like you just got a bad radio and/or you don't like this company. In your video you pointed to the flashlight part of the radio and said the plastic covering fell off. Now you are saying it was the flashlight housing. So now your radio has a hole where the flashlight once existed? I'm not too sure how accurate this review is but thanks anyway.

[@arupian666]

@@lmrad5750 and there's the point: "many who are given the radio for free". He didn't. He's upset.

[@FjHenderson]

Wow, such negativity torwards a hand held radio de AC8GF

[@SUNDROPINN]

I was actually able to adjust the mic gain on the actual radio right there in the menu settings

[@K0LWC]

Wasn’t in the settings on this firmware.

[@arupian666]

@@K0LWC which is why you should always flash the latest. There are videos older than this one that shows clearly, menu -> 45 -> mic gain.

[@coreysarthur]

Sad Ham... 😂

[@Scott0220]

Thanks for the honest review. But one thing I have to say, I've had my H8 for a year now and its PTT button is going well

[@K0LWC]

That’s an accomplishment! Let’s check back in 2024! 😉

[@arupian666]

Scott... we're almost 3 months into 2024. How's that PTT holding up ? We're dying to know.

[@freddyeandujar7512]

You telling me from hundred people they love the radio only one didn’t like it. It’s a bad radio?. I’ve been watching all over about this radio and people love this radio.

[@Define2000]

Thanks 🙏🏽 bro

[@keathrhymer5449]

3 months in no issues mic gain is in the menu never any problem with tx on 2m or 70 cm.10 watts no problem if your worried about the power use a speaker mic the one they have is excellent quality

[@cityonthelakes]

Do more research before you make a video. Your info is way outdated.

[@K0LWC]

This is the way their coming from vendors. This is the experience users will have. Another negative to this radio. 🤷

[@arupian666]

To be fair, in the video he goes from "strike 3" to "strike 5267" for some unknown reason, also in his response to you, doesn't know the difference between "their" and "they're"... so I don't think he's exactly the brightest light in the harbor, actual research may be asking too much.

[@arupian666]

@@K0LWC My Icom 9700 needed a firmware update when it arrived. So did my 7300. So did my ID-52. So did my Yaesu FT-991A. So did my Yaesu FT3DR. So did my Ailunce HD-1. Vendors ship what they have. The assumption being that users understand, and know, how to update firmware.

[@yukoncornelius8669]

With my GMRS version I talked 30 miles with this radio today with crystal clarity. Simply talking directly to another 5w handheld radio both equipped with better antennas... im impressed with how far these handhelds can go. Of course i was standing on top of a mountain but still.

[@Mitchpdx123]

I’ve been playing with radios for over 40 years and it seems like pretty much every manufacture has their problems when they first release their radios. Not exactly familiar with this one in particular. But all radios have problems when they’re new. The best thing to keep your eye on is to see how the company that sells the radio keeps up with the customers demands! Most of these problems are easily fixed. Just like all the other Radio companies I’ve used. They eventually always have to fix their software.

[@bluenetmarketing]

What is the link for the RF absorption calculator mentioned at 3:18?

[@arupian666]

Showing off my world class skills on a search engine called Google, I put my superpowers to work and entered "arrl rf absorption calculator" and whadya know ? First result. You can do it too. I believe in you !

[@bryanjenks4991]

I was wondering the same thing. Searched around but I can’t exactly understand what to look for.

[@levisorenson7873]

www.arrl.org/rf-exposure-calculator

[@robs4517]

I stopped listening at " Bluetooth programming". No way in hell.

[@matthew.tamasco]

For the thousands of fire and emt that cant afford an expensive radio for volunteer duty, the H8 unlocked is a great option.

[@3qdx]

Good point about the sketchy PTT but No Problem. I use a Speaker/Mic so no need to fuss with the PTT at all. As for any squealing....whisper quiet and great audio reports with this 2nd Gen Model. And yes, I'll go with 5w to save my noggin. This H8 has a nice solid feel to it, has BlueTooth, 10w, Clean harmonics (NOT so with other Chinese Radios), Mic Gain and other nifty features. Give a 2nd Generation H8 a 2nd try!

[@len5499]

It’s $34…

[@PTTDUDE]

Agree 100 % !!!

[@johncorg]

Love mine! Works great for those of us living in the 21st century 🤣

[@levisorenson7873]

He actually really hit the nail on the head in this video. Tidradio has very serious quality control issues. I've seen people who've gotten ones the work very well, no spurs, no battery RF burns, etc. I've also seen just as many, if not more, people who have one of or all the issues I've just mentioned. And that's really the problem with that company. You might get lucky and get a decent one,, but it seems more often than not people get unlucky and get one of the bad ones.

[@markhahn3899]

Terrible review

[@K0LWC]

Honesty can be tough for some.

[@markhahn3899]

​@@K0LWCI know it's tough for you to hear, just giving you an honest review of this terrible video

[@tom7073]

This is obviously one of the first gens..

[@3qdx]

Yep. Just got the 2nd Generation H8 and it's WORTH KEEPING!

[@zevr2000]

thx for the review, very helpful! which Yaesu radio do you recommend for 5k-10k range?

[@arupian666]

You're going to struggle with that distance in line-of-sight comms. But if you want a Yaesu, the FT5DR. Or the 3D, if you can find it cheap(er). Don't forget to throw the rubber duck antenna out the window and put something like a Signal Stick on the radio.

[@dudeski934]

100 percent Agree

[@NateBoyce1789]

Im glad i came across your channel/review of this radio as i was about to purchase it. Can you give me a suggestion(s) of GMRS radio brand(s) and model(s)? Im brand new to this and want it for offroading with the family and/or long road trips where we are rolling 2 or 3 cars deep, and possibly even a camping/hunting trip.

[@arupian666]

You can get this radio. Don't worry. Get the radio, flash the latest firmware (if necessary) and enjoy it. It's a great little radio for the $$. Read the comment section, our boy barely gets anything right in this video.

[@arupian666]

1:32 There's your problem. Those of us experienced in ham radio, the first thing WE do with a new radio is update the firmware. EVERY radio I've ever bought, and I have many, I have the latest firmware downloaded and ready to update, even before the radio has arrived. User error = a negative "review". Fun comment section though.

[@K0LWC]

Those who are actually experienced aren’t buying this radio. 😏

[@hamradiox-ez8bp]

That's funny. the H8 has FCC certification. And car radios are far higher than 10W. You'd have to put the antenna against your head to be sure it would be bad for your brain, but you're just holding it in your hand and speaking. lol

[@hamradiox-ez8bp]

Also, you can use a handheld mic or headphones to maintain distance from the radio. Just my opinion

[@K0LWC]

Where do you think the antenna is when using it?

[@arupian666]

I thought that whole segment was hilarious. Proper ham channels, Jason over at Ham Radio 2.0, Dave Cassler, Josh at Ham Radio Crash Course to name just a few, have all reviewed 10w handhelds and not one of them screamed "duck when you push the PTT or you'll DIE !!!" hahah

[@nickcountycomm]

Get a Yaesu FT-60 simple not fancy best radio in my book and I used to work on commercial radio for a living this is built better than typical ham quality ..The Ft 60 one day will be gone.. Survives RF overloading on commercial Repeater sites better than any other ham radio ...Made from Cast Aluminum and polycarbonate just built great. Has a real RF front end I can go on and on ....If I had only one radio to grab in and emergency I would take this ....N6VOA.

[@K0LWC]

I recommend that very radio to new hams and tell them to avoid the junk. 👍🏻

[@nickcountycomm]

Exactly its still Yaesu's best selling HT after 14 years or so....:} @@K0LWC