Motorola makes a good product though even they have so many different models that it becomes difficult to know which one to choose. I own several different brands/models and have also done some research into the issue. Let me start off by recommending this website....
www.popularwireless.com
They have a bulletin/message board similar to this one and it is loaded with good info on this very subject. General consensus over there is that Kenwood and Motorola are probably the two best manufacturers though it varies from model to model.
A couple things to think about....
1. Wattage does not determine transmitting distance significantly in UHF (FRS/GMRS) radios regardless of what the manufacturers tell you. A 1 watt GMRS/FRS hybrid radio will not transmit farther in most terrain scenarios than a .5 watt FRS only radio. That is because of the type of radio wave that they use to operate.
2. Anything over .5 watts is a GMRS radio or at best a GMRS/FRS radio hybrid and therefore requires an operating license from the FCC. Cost of the license is $75 but it covers everyone in your immediate family (and then some) and lasts for 5 years. You can find the application for this license at ....
www.fcc.gov
3. Determine which features you think you are going to need and which you are not as there are tons of bells and whistles on the market that have no practical value to the average person in the market for a new radio.
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any more specific questions.
what kind of radio?
