the radio is solid,well made and preforms beautifly.i use this particolar radio as a base station,and i have one in my truck. very happy with this radio
this Unit mounts easy with the included bracket. the magnetic antenna mount works with the plate to mount on top of the fiberglass top of my jeep. The antenna is short enough yet seams to be more that adequate to reach out the signal. i have only used it for about 3 conversations and the most distance was about 6 miles some what in site of each other. but the voice was very clear. I am impressed and hope to use it in a longer distance conversation soon.
I now use this radio in my Jeep when offroading where I once used only handhelds. The transmit power is nice to talk to others. Unable to tell if handheld transmissions are more easily picked-up as we do not get that far apart. It is also nice to have it hardwired, and it is nice and compact. I bought mine and like it. Yes, you need a license. The FCC GMRS license is not too costly and makes for one license to cover eveyone in your family that lives at your license address. You do not need to study for the GMRS license like you would for a HAM, but you should educate yourself on the FCC regs just the same. I gave it 5 stars as it is better than my handhelds.