Uniden BC72XLT Handheld Scanner (Black)

We bought the scanners specifically to use at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR races. Unfortunately we did not get much use out of them. After purchasing the codes needed at the track we found the reception to be terrible. We were told half way through the Sprint race by a person using a Radio shack brand scanner that we needed the shorter antennae for them. We were told that would eliminate that frequent static interruptions, and loss of the channel we were experiencing. It seems that since these are sold as 'NASCAR' scanners they would be equipped for NASCAR races. The instruction book could also be a little more 'understandable' then it is.

This was my first scanner to purchase for myself. I've played with them before, having a friend in a voluntary fire dept. I have had some experience with two way handhelds, CBs, and even company radios. My main interest is the aircraft band as I'm an aviation enthusiast so I wanted a scanner that picked up that band but wasn't too complicated. After reading reviews of many products, I chose this one. Of scanners that are equipped to pickup the aircraft band, this one was the most affordable. It is made for NASCAR fans, so its ease of use is superb. If you've used radios before, you'll figure this thing out pretty quickly. A quick read of the manual about channels, banks, functions, and tuning and you'll be looking for nearby broadcasts. Anyone who's had a scanner before probably won't even need to read anything.

For the price, it picks up quite a few bands and I am very satisfied with what I can hear on it. If you're into police and emergency radio, it's not for you though. It does not get 800Mhz frequencies or trunked systems. For that, it's bigger brother, the BC92XLT is the answer. But for an amateur wave surfer like myself, or a particular enthusiast of something, this is a perfect first scanner. It gets all major bands (citizens, company, air, marine, etc) and service bands (WX, HAM, etc), and can provide you with plenty of listening entertainment.

The only downside, as with most scanners, is the tiny mobile antenna that comes with it gets pretty poor reception. If you really want good range, I recommend you hook it up to a CB mobile antenna, or if you're really hardcore, a custom mounted outdoor antenna. Most likely you will need a "PL259 to BNC" converter for that, so keep that in mind.

I got this for my 11 year-old son who absolutely loves it. He monitors local fire, police and ambulance dispatches mostly.

Easy to program after reading the instructions, but not exactly intuitive to program if you haven't done it for a bit. Good local reception or from any strong base station, though some distant mobile broadcasts don't pick up.

The batteries recharge in the unit which is very convenient.

THIS IS NOT OUR FIRST EXCURSION INTO HANDHELD SCANNERS.....I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THIS PRODUCT, VENDOR AND HOW QUICKLY IT WAS SHIPPED.

I never owned a scanner and wanted to try it out. I received my Uniden BC72XLT scanner just yesterday and I was well pleased.
It is small in size but picks up m any channels in my area (I'm up to about 30 channels so far).
With help of instructions I was able to program scanner easily.
I've been able to listen in on Police, Fire, Air, and Ham frequencies so far.
For the price I paid for this item I am pleased. I am glad item came with A/C adapter also.
A good start for anyone.