Originally published January 22, 2016. The Rugged Radios RH5X has since been discontinued, but this article has been retained as part of UTVGuide.net’s off-road communications archive. Recreational riders looking for a current 5-watt handheld should see the Rugged Radios GMR5-X waterproof GMRS handheld radio.
The Rugged Radios RH5X was introduced in 2016 as a compact handheld radio designed for off-road racing, trail support and other demanding outdoor environments. It combined 5 watts of transmit power with dual-band VHF and UHF capability, a high-capacity battery and an IP57-rated housing.
Its IP57 rating provided protection against dust intrusion and allowed the radio to withstand temporary immersion in approximately three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. That made the RH5X better suited to rain, snow, dust and unexpected exposure to water than a typical consumer handheld radio.
Dual-Band Off-Road Communication
The RH5X could transmit on compatible VHF and UHF frequencies and included more than 40 preprogrammed off-road channels. Its 128-channel capacity also allowed the radio to be programmed for race teams, support crews and other authorized users.
A 1,800mAh lithium-ion battery supported longer operating periods, while selectable power settings allowed the user to reduce transmitter output when maximum range was unnecessary.
The radio also included a backlit LCD display, built-in LED flashlight, commercial FM receiver, scanning functions and voice-activated transmission.
Rugged Radios RH5X Features
- 5-watt maximum transmit power
- Dual-band VHF and UHF operation
- IP57 waterproof and dust-resistant construction
- More than 40 preprogrammed off-road channels
- 128 programmable channels
- 1,800mAh lithium-ion battery
- High- and low-power settings
- Backlit LCD display
- Built-in LED flashlight
- Commercial FM radio receiver
- DCS and CTCSS tone programming
- VOX voice-activated transmission
- Emergency alarm function
- Battery-saving mode
- Selectable scanning modes
From Race Radios to GMRS
The RH5X reflects an era when VHF and UHF business-band radios were the standard choice for off-road racers and many recreational UTV groups. These frequencies remain important in organized racing, but transmitting on them requires the appropriate FCC authorization.
GMRS has since become the more practical option for many recreational riders because it provides standardized channels, compatibility among numerous radio brands and access to GMRS repeaters. A GMRS license is still required for most users, but no examination is necessary and one license covers the holder’s immediate family.
Rugged Radios’ current handheld lineup includes models developed specifically for recreational GMRS communication. The GMR5-X is the closest modern successor in concept, combining 5-watt GMRS output with IP67 protection, Bluetooth connectivity, repeater channels and a 3,600mAh USB-C rechargeable battery.
See the current selection of Rugged Radios handheld radios for available models and accessories.
