Hi RC--
The handi-talkies do put out a typically stronger signal(usually up to 7 watts) and given they usually have a superior antenna, they usually perform well....however...to talk on ham frequencies everyone using them is supposed to have a ham license. Which means the folks you are talking to and hearing from would need to have licenses as well.
Do recommend getting the ham license. It can be a comfort when in the back country, to hit a repeater with a landline connection, and be able to call home,etc, when your cell phone can't hit a tower.
