HAM Radio Buying Guide

In case anyone is interested in a Yaesu handheld here are Derek Haynie's top HAM radio picks:

Good:  Yaesu FT-60R $200.00

Better:  Yaesu VX-7R $300.00

Best:  Yaesu VX-8DR $429.00

For starters I'm partial to Yaesu because they’re higher end models are compact, rugged and waterproof, perfect for adventure.  Also, by having a few common models we'll be better able to help each other learn and operate.

YaesuFT-60R ($200.00): is a solid 5-watt radio with both 2M and 440.  

YaesuVX-7R ($300.00): 2M/440/6M and more importantly, for me at least, it is ruggedized, waterproof, compact and dual receive which means you can monitor two frequencies at once. For example you could have the stake simplex frequency 145.770 on one and at the same time be monitoring the repeater 146.80 on the other which I think is invaluable in an emergency. 

YaesuVX-8DR ($429.00) is the top of the line that's even more bomb proof with the most important additional feature, for me at least, of AM/FM receive.  Now you can monitor both HAM and the news channels on one radio.  The VX-8DR also has optional satellite for navigation and position tracking. 

There is also a Yaesu VX-8GR ($389.00) with a built in satellite receiver.  I'm not as jazzed about this one yet for two main reasons.  One, it is NOT waterproof or as ruggedized and two, it does NOT receive AM/FM.  If a future update would include those two features it would likely become my favorite radio.  I've spoken to the engineers at Yaesu and was told you can only pack so much into a radio so this update may not happen anytime soon.  As for being limited to only 2M/440, not 6M, isn't a big deal for me since most if not all of the emergency action is on 2M/440.

The best prices are online at places like Ham Radio Outlet.  A quick internet search may pull up even better prices.

Hope this helps!

Derek Haynie (K2KOA)

derek@haynie.us

(801) 491-1111

Life's an Adventure . . Are You Ready?®