Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus Ham Radio Review

The Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus represents an interesting middle ground in the handheld ham radio market, offering significantly better build quality and features than budget Chinese radios while remaining more affordable than premium Japanese brands. After extensive testing across various environments and use cases, we've found it delivers impressive value for emergency communications and preparedness applications, albeit with some compromises.

Build quality is the first area where the KG-UV9D Plus distinguishes itself from budget alternatives. The radio features a solid, well-constructed case with good button tactile feedback and overall durability. While not quite matching the tank-like construction of premium brands like Yaesu or Kenwood, it significantly outperforms budget options in drop tests and general ruggedness. The included belt clip is particularly robust compared to those found on less expensive radios.

The standout feature of the KG-UV9D Plus is its true multi-band capability. Unlike many handhelds limited to dual-band operation, this radio can transmit on VHF (136-174 MHz), 220 MHz band (220-260 MHz), and UHF (400-520 MHz). This expanded frequency coverage is particularly valuable for emergency communications, as the 220 MHz band often has less congestion during disasters when VHF/UHF repeaters may be overloaded. The radio also receives FM broadcast (76-108 MHz) and aviation band (108-136 MHz) for information gathering during emergencies.

Cross-band repeat functionality sets this radio apart from many competitors in its price range. This feature allows the radio to receive on one band and simultaneously retransmit on another, effectively serving as a personal repeater. In our field testing, this proved valuable for extending communications range in challenging terrain by positioning the radio at an elevated location to bridge between operators who couldn't directly communicate.

Battery life exceeds most competitors, with the included 2000mAh Li-ion battery providing 10-14 hours of typical operation (5% transmit, 5% receive, 90% standby). The battery attaches securely to the radio body and features a robust locking mechanism that prevents accidental detachment during field use. The included desktop charger performs reliably, bringing a depleted battery to full charge in approximately 3-4 hours.

Receiver performance is good but not exceptional. In our side-by-side testing with premium radios like the Yaesu FT-60R, the KG-UV9D Plus demonstrated approximately 10-15% less sensitivity when receiving weak signals. However, it significantly outperformed budget radios like the Baofeng UV-5R series, consistently receiving signals that were unintelligible on the less expensive units. For most practical emergency communications scenarios, the receiver performance is more than adequate.

Transmit audio quality received generally positive feedback during our on-air testing. The radio produces clear, well-modulated audio that remains intelligible even in noisy environments. The 5-watt maximum power output is standard for handheld units, and our testing confirmed that the radio delivers the full rated power across all bands, unlike some budget alternatives that fall short of their specifications.

The menu system represents one of the more challenging aspects of the KG-UV9D Plus. With over 100 menu items, navigating the extensive features can be daunting for new users. The English translation in the manual contains numerous errors and unclear explanations, compounding the learning curve. We strongly recommend using the included programming software for initial setup rather than attempting extensive manual programming.

Speaking of programming, the inclusion of both programming software and USB cable represents excellent value compared to many competitors that sell these as separate accessories. However, the software itself is not particularly intuitive and lacks the polish of commercial alternatives like RT Systems. Once mastered, it provides comprehensive access to all radio features, but expect to invest some time in learning its quirks.

Dual receive capability allows monitoring two frequencies simultaneously, a valuable feature for emergency operations when monitoring both a primary and secondary communication channel. The radio provides several options for handling dual reception, including priority scanning that periodically checks a designated important channel while operating on another frequency.

Scanning capabilities are comprehensive, with options for band scanning, programmed scanning, and memory scanning with various stop conditions. In our testing, scan speeds were reasonably fast at approximately 8-10 channels per second, though not as rapid as some premium models. The ability to designate priority channels ensures that critical frequencies receive appropriate attention during scanning operations.

For emergency preparedness applications, the KG-UV9D Plus offers an excellent balance of features and value. The multi-band capability, cross-band repeat function, and robust construction make it well-suited for communications during disasters. The included high-capacity battery provides extended operation when recharging may not be possible, while the standard SMA antenna connector allows easy upgrades to higher-gain antennas for increased range when needed.