FYI - They are $10 cheaper on Amazon + free shipping.
So, would these handhelds be able to communicate with everyone else on their traditional CB radios? I know nothing about cb/ham radios other than I need one.
These radios will not TX (transmit) or RX (receive) on CB frequencies.
It isn't difficult to get the basic license that will cover you on these radios. IMHO it is a nice little bit of communication kit for when some major disaster happens. The radios are stand alone and need no 3rd party infrastructure to operate. However if you're using them away from the trails, you'll probably connect to a repeater which will boost the 5/8watts of power to hundreds or more.
When hurricane Sandy hit the east coast, cell phones were down, power was out, phones were out. But those with Ham radios were able to communicate. If you need emergency help, no one is going to come unless you can tell someone you need it.
Can also be a nice way to know what is happening in the area. When I'm in Death Valley, I monitor (listen only) the frequency for the National Parks service. While the reception can be hit or miss in a lot of the remote areas, you do get to listen in on some interesting reports.
Getting the license is a great way to help understand the capability and limits of the gear, as well as putting you in a position to know how to fully operate things. Ham isn't like CB, there are hundreds (thousands?) of frequencies to use, unless you know where to go, chances of finding someone on a frequency (especially in the back country) is limited.
