A Review of the Talkpod A36plus MAX: A Feature-Packed Budget GMRS Radio

Ty, a reviewer on Vine, recently shared his experience with the Talkpod A36plus, highlighting its affordability and extensive features.

Perfect for Beginners:

Ty believes the Talkpod A36plus MAX is a great choice for those getting started with GMRS. It comes pre-programmed with all the necessary frequencies and repeater channels, eliminating setup headaches.

Competitive Value:

The price point makes it attractive compared to other brands like Baofeng. The easy-to-read screen even in sunlight makes it a standout among budget options.

Extensive Memory:

With 999 channels, there's ample space to store additional GMRS repeaters if needed.

Ready to Use:

The radio comes with everything you need, including a fully charged battery, desktop charger, USB Type-C cable, and a USB wall adapter.

Modern and Reliable Programming:

Ty commends the included programming cable for its updated straight K1 connector and genuine 314 chipset. This ensures compatibility with most Chinese radios and avoids compatibility issues with future Windows security updates.

CHIRP Compatibility:

The A36plus MAX seamlessly integrates with CHIRP software for programming, allowing easy customization and compatibility with other radios Ty owns.

Antenna Upgrade Recommended:

While the included antenna functions adequately, Ty suggests upgrading to a higher-quality brand like Nagoya, Diamond, or Comet for better performance.

Sturdy Build with Room for Improvement:

The build quality feels good, but Ty believes it could be more robust.

Impressive Performance:

Despite the budget price point, Ty achieved clear communication on GMRS repeaters over 40 miles away. Other users couldn't distinguish the A36plus MAX from a more expensive radio.

Kudos for Improvement:

Ty acknowledges and appreciates Talkpod's efforts to fix the issue of spurious emissions during transmission, a problem users reported in earlier versions.

Overall, Ty gives the Talkpod A36plus 4 out of 5 stars. He recommends it as a feature-rich budget radio, especially for those new to GMRS and seeking an alternative to older models like the Baofeng UV-5R series. While the antenna could be better, the overall value and capabilities make it a great choice in its price range.