I started with a Baofeng UV-5R EX to hit my local repeaters. I still down’t own what I would call my “reliable go-to handheld” but this one is in close second next to my Radioddity GS-5B which is what I usually take with me.

The mic quality is not the best and has low audio output unless I have my face on the unit and talking loudly, but it gets me on the air and has gotten communications done during Skywarn in 2020 and during public service events. I have since starting using a Radioddity GS-5B I got a while back with a longer antenna and have had great results. Water resistant and has two separate VFOs that I can monitor and address/key independently of each other (though not at the same time).

It has been in storage for a while, but it still works great. I may be purchasing a Mobilinkd TNC4 to use it as a small portable APRS/packet node with my phone and/or laptop when on the go as it is a very handy and convenient handheld that sips on the battery instead of just gorging itself with electrons like most other hand held radios.