Choosing a Scanner

I know scanners have been discussed on the forums before, but i still have some questions. I would like to ask for your help in making a choice in a scanner. I'm am looking for a good one for around $100. I looked at ones like Icom which i hear were good, but the IC-A6 selling for around $240 is too much.
I would like to know from people who used them, what they like, dislike, if there is one to avoid, pros and cons...; what are the differences between the scanners. Which are good a picking up a signal form a distance, like form the mounds or firestone? I am not an expert in this field. I like the Uniden because they are smaller, so better for travel, but i don't really like the Nascar logo on them. However, right now i'm leaning towards the Pro-135

I have narrowed my choices down to three:
(but if you know another good one please tell me)

Pro-135
$100
- http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... ab=summary
From the radio shack pro series scanners, I head about older Pro- models and they sound good. I can find the older ones like the Pro-82 but this one seems to be part of that line, just a newer version?

Uniden BC72XTL
$80-$90
- http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC72XLT-Ha ... 56KTC1A7P5
- http://www.uniden.com/products/productd ... lter=Sport
Lowest price.

Uniden BC92XTL
$110
- http://www.uniden.com/products/productd ... lter=Sport
Better version of the BC72?


Thanks for you help,
Mat

If you can find one, get a Pro-97.

I have a Pro-82 and it does the trick just fine for what I need (air, wx, ham, etc). The only thing I noticed is that the maritime frequencies don't come in well for whatever reason. It may just be my model though.

I purchased this one:http://www.amazon.com/Grundig-G6-Avi.../dp/B0014T5UM4 and its perfect

Avoid Uniden handhelds. They make great base scanners (I own a BC780XLT which is one of the best scanners Uniden ever made), but their handhelds stink. I have the 92XLT and hate it.

Try to find a cheap Pro series from radio shack. eBay is the best place to spot them usually.

Best,
Jason

I've used Uniden handhelds for 12+ years, and have never had any problems. I used an old Sportcat for 10+ years, for aviation, auto racing, and local PD/FD scanning. I would take it to Pocono a couple of times a year, where it would get rained on, dropped in the grandstands, you name it. I only upgraded because I broke the antenna (my fault), and while looking for a replacement antenna, ended up "treating" myself to a new digital model about 2 years ago. Again, nothing by good things to say about it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by moose135

I've used Uniden handhelds for 12+ years, and have never had any problems. I used an old Sportcat for 10+ years, for aviation, auto racing, and local PD/FD scanning. I would take it to Pocono a couple of times a year, where it would get rained on, dropped in the grandstands, you name it. I only upgraded because I broke the antenna (my fault), and while looking for a replacement antenna, ended up "treating" myself to a new digital model about 2 years ago. Again, nothing by good things to say about it.

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New Uniden handhelds that is. The old ones worked great. The newer models are not nearly as durable and reliable as the older models, built in the late 90's.

Thanks for everyone's help. I ended up getting the Pro-135 on sale for $90. Can't wait to test it out.