Best HF Ham Radio for 2023 - Best Ham Radio Base Station for 2023

[@stephen1711]

You, or somebody has already done one of these best ofs for Hf equipment. There's gotta be something more constructive or inspiring to talk about than just pushing product on all these ham youtuber channels. It's clearly time to stop selling and start doing. Just so you know, my favorite channels are those that elmer, those that help, not sell. That do things, that inspire, troubleshoot, or connect us to other cultures . Sure hope these help in redirecting youtubers in a better direction than just selling product and all the consumerism on youtube. Most folks can see right through the monetization of this stuff. Good luck!

[@ChatGPT1111]

So what if he makes a little money, as he deserves some for his valuable time most of us are too busy to either produce or to fully investigate, and also includes plenty of other subjects and visits to things like ham conventions and other events. Some of us like seeing various products that are currently available and he has a good presentation style of doing so.

[@HamRadio2]

Explain to me where the monetization is in this video. I posted and shared no links in my description. You're right about one thing... someone did do a "Best Of HF" video. I did. 1-2 years ago. If you noticed the title, I clearly said this one was for 2023. I'm assuming that you aren't actually paying attention so I'll also explain that I make videos about building and teaching too. This channel is for people who want to learn, not who want to complain, so if I'm not one of your favorite channels, it won't surprise me. 73

[@nc4tn]

Another sad ham bitching……😆

[@sleeve8651]

@@HamRadio2 Why cave to the haters ? Just keep on marching ! It reminds me of Hams that come on a frequency, and Bitching about what they think, they are hearing, instead of turning the VFO, or changing the channel ! Amazing with everything available, this guy wanted your attention ! You should be proud ! But I personally would not justify their position by answering them ! You don't owe anyone anything ! IMHO ! 👍😉 '73 !

[@HamRadio2]

@@sleeve8651 I'm not caving in any way, lol. I do like the respond to comments, though - all of them. I don't actually get to all of them, but I try. Thanks for the positive words.

[@samscement]

I’m currently using both the Yaesu FT DX 5000MP Limited,and the Yaesu FT DX 101 MP, and they both perform solidly ! Love the physical buttons and dials which can be easily customised, and most of the important features are right there to access quickly without delving into complicated menus ! We all have different tastes and preferences, that’s why there are so many radios to choose from for our individual tastes and uses !

[@davidp73]

I just bought the ftdx10… the noise reduction and notch filters are awesome. Loving it so far

[@HamRadio2]

Still one of my favorites

[@arthurpaton3540]

I have had the FTDX10 for about 4 weeks. I used it in the NAQP cw contest and the NAQP SSB contest this month. I am also very impressed with the sharp filtering, the attenuation button, and the multicolor waterfall that warns you of noise and signal level. What impressed me most in both contests was how the pure signal transmit signal punched through pileups like my 7300 never did. With both running barefoot to a fan dipole. Lastly, the ability to hear an S-0 station clearly with louder stations nearby speaks volumes about the higher ability to hear and separate signals. I highly recommend it.

[@smoki2515]

I have the Kenwood 590S and it is a fantastic radio. It is so easy to use. I use it on two different antennas and just use an antenna switch not the AB antenna inside the Kenwood 590S. I bought this used on HRO as consignment and paid half the price of a new radio. It came with HRO's warranty and a return if I didn't like it because it was purchased on their web site. The radio just didn't come in its original box but came with everything else that came with it brand new. It looked brand new and worked as brand new. Previous owner had installed an additional filter. If you look around, you can find good used radios at good prices. I like Kenwood radios and own 7 other Kenwood Radios, so I wanted the 590S or 590SG and stay with Kenwood.

[@clwatts]

I just bought an IC-718. Still trying to get the hang of it, but have been monitoring US stations and a couple of Japan stations (faintly). Lots to learn.

[@ivandubinsky1857]

My personal favourite is the Kenwood TS-590SG. It's a bit old school in that it doesn't include a waterfall display but I actually prefer that. The ergonomics are great with most functions being readily available via knobs or buttons on the front panel. It's rated at 100% duty cycle in all modes at full power output, has two antenna connectors, a separate receive antenna jack, built-in soundcard for digital modes, a drive output for transverters etc. The rig does it all. The Icom IC-718 is a solid rig as well. A friend of mine had one on his boat for years and never had an issue with it. It just worked. I had an FT-891 but didn't really care for it so I sold it to a friend. It had a good receiver and filtering but the ergonomics sucked, in my opinion. Way too much menu diving for my liking. Ivan VE7IVN

[@Siskiyous6]

I am using my Icom 707 these days for SSB work, it has always given me solid performance, and I am going to make it a dedicated APRS HF station this winter, so I will always know when I am afield that there is an HF APRS station I can reach. The 718 is the newer version of these workhorse Icoms. I have the IC-700PRo also which is an ICOM Marine HF/Ham band model, and again a great radio. I am glad you showcased it.

[@wd8ejc]

Nice seeing you at the Hamfest

[@will6051]

Thanks for the up to date radios available. And good description and your comments.

[@HamRadio2]

Very welcome

[@kyroha]

Despite it being a mobile, I use the FT-891 as a base station that I can still take out for POTA. Great radio.

[@heelrod]

Same here! It does everything I need at 100 watts and fits nicely in my shack and in my backpack

[@davenewmyer3735]

I have both the FT-891 and the TS-590SG. The 891 is my POTA activation rig, and the 590SG is my primary FT-8 home station rig. Only wish that the 891 had an internal sound-card chip. I would suggest that once a person has a primary rig they are confident in, consider some used equipment sources, MTC, HRO, Gigaparts, etc.

[@tomph7087]

Question: what is the best radio for me to keep in touch with my parents should we get hit with a bad hurricane or snow storm and the phone network goes down? We live 5 miles apart in rural town. Can this be accomplished with hand held? Or maybe the FT891 100w vehicle radio you mention in this video? Thank you for all your videos!

[@HamRadio2]

Something VHF/UHF would be best, with each of you having an outside antenna that is as high in the air as you can put it.

[@alvintarrer6914]

Studying for Gen license at the moment,but take a while,thanks for info, I understand your from Tx.,I'm in east Tx. area longview, 73 brother 👍☕️☕️✌️

[@tomsteuverkb8dxn132]

Great video. I currently use the IC-718 in the shack, FT-891 in my go box and another in my truck with the chassis and tuner under the passenger seat. I am looking at the FT-710 and IC-7300 and might wait until Hamvention to buy.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@hamradiocomms]

Excellent job on this video! Your videos have gotten so much better over the years. I’m so surprised how good this was. So many details on each radio, and the best features of each highlighted. Keep up the good work!! I really enjoyed this video. Thank you!

[@davidjohnson497]

This was an interesting video! I do not want to spend thousands of dollars on a radio, so I always like to learn the options. Thanks! Flex is good, and there are used flex radios to be had for good deal, especially earlier models. I was a Kenwood fan since my TS-440SAT lasted more than 30 years! Now I have IC-7300, it is good but has some quirks. Keep up the good work!

[@bassangler73]

Dude, that Flex is awesome!!! I see the money in it now...I am saving for a 7300 right now but if I could i would definitely buy the Flex !!!

[@HamRadio2]

Yep

[@tonyd6884]

Good info now I want all of them.

[@louisfmattajr6158]

Is there FCC protocol for general class operators to follow, who have been inactive for several years? THANK YOU, WB6SSR/5

[@pastorlugo121]

Thank you, sir...for such an outstanding video. I really needed her this input and advice. WB4R

[@HamRadio2]

Glad it was helpful

[@Cactus1857]

DC to daylight commonly means 100khz to 1-2 ghz. The Kenwood would be more classified as a general coverage receiver ending at 30meg. Thanks for covering some of the low tier radios that people are afraid to go after. IC718 is an awesome beginner radio. Not much it won’t do.

[@EricFullwood]

FTDx10 is amazing, very easy to use

[@DominicMazoch]

I have an Italian 5:100 W Amp. And love it. Has better SWR protection than ICOM. Run it with the IC 703 Plus. Combo works OK: wish the 703 had better noise filtering. That said, I would be looking for a QRP rig with great filtering. A QRP/amp combo is a bit challenging for operations. But during Ice Storm URI, the 0.6W draw of the 703 was nice. With 40m antenna and LDG Icom based tuner, I could get into Texas Traffic and 7290 nets. And I like the smaller footprint. And can shut off the amp if needed I am waiting for the best >20w rigs for 2023.

[@RESISTAGE]

I just got me a second ic7100. yes I now have 2.

[@NeedleBender785]

My favorite base radio is still the FTDx-10 and FT891 for the mobile. 2WR785

[@dannydivine7699]

Still waiting to test for General, but I have a dumb newb question, I've seen some videos showing guys making some seemingly extraordinarily long distance contacts with a 10 watt radio, Can you point me at a video explaining HF in regards to HIGH power HF vs Low power HF. I assume the high power radios can be turned down for low power use, so what would the advantage of a low power only radio??? Or is there any advantage?

[@sinisterpisces]

Back watching this again, as I'm planning to try to get my general or at least my tech so I can start on 10m by the end of summer. This is a great video, and probably saved me hours of googling trying to compare specs that, as a newbie to the hobby, I don't always easily understand. I'm curious re: the FT-710 and FT-DX10. Are there any factors/conditions/use cases that would lead to recommend going straight to the FT-DX10 as a first HF rig for a General (or a Tech who wants to get on 10/6 while waiting to get their general license for whatever reason)? My impression from your video is that a newbie HF operator would probably be more than fine with FT-710, as they're not yet experienced/skilled enough to take advantage of the FT-DX10's more advanced features.

[@patriot7734]

I haven't bought a thing yet, just retired,,,so much stuff to choose...I've never been a "budget" type of guy..so I will look for a middle ground set up..I really don't know much about this stuff at all...is there like a list of things I need? antenna tuner..power supply..etc?

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah you will need a few things for an HF station setup

[@MrLewis-lk8us]

Great review

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@robjanusch2874]

Hey two dot!! Great info! I've used the 7300 for quite a while, and I LOVE it! Request: I would like to up my power, at times, but, I don't want gazillion watts amp, nor do I have the coinage to pay for it. How about doing a blurb about the lower power amps, say 300 watts. Keep up the good work!! Rob W8REJ How about doing

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@andrealaraneta2853]

HELP! 🙏🏻 I hope you see this … brand new to this subject … have so many questions. Reason for wanting one …emergency, just incase scenario etc. can you guide me in the right direction? Needs - base station with necessary accessories that I can grab and go if need to … Appreciate any help your willing to give.

[@sinisterpisces]

Awesome video. :) I'm a little confused about Kenwood at this point. I thought they were out of the game, but you mentioned that particular radio is still in production?

[@mphaan]

Once you get used to a Kenwood radio you will never downgrade to another brand radio. So beware of your first Kenwood experience, its like entering a whole new realm.

[@AlvinMcManus]

These evals are all well and good if you have funds at your disposal. For those on a fixed income we must find ways to economize on gear. Hand-built and second-hand come readily to mind. How about an unsponsored look at the secondary market as it currently exist and solve for true bargains. Now I still enjoy these reviews of new or recent gear, but I see them more in the realm of "if I won the lottery" stuff.

[@HamRadio2]

I've done videos in the past about used gear, where to get it, what my favorite rigs are, etc. It is probably time to do another one, but this isn't a new idea on my channel. Also these videos all include prices from low to high so that you can decide which one you want or can afford. Some people can't afford any of them, and while I understand that, it isn't the norm. The term "fixed income" seems to get thrown around alot these days, and it is a term that I generally don't understand. If I work for a company that pays me $90,000/year to do a job, I am on a fixed income - I can't buy a $1.2M home because my income won't justify it. So I buy a home more in my price range. The same can be said about a radio, car or just about any other hobby/item/purchase that you can make. Ham Radio can be a very useful tool in an emergency or grid-down situation, but on a normal day, it is still just a hobby. And spending any money on a hobby might be considered irresponsible if you can't afford it. Everyone is different, everyone chooses to spend their money wherever they want, and I think these videos give a wide variety of choices you can make for various reasons. Thanks for commenting.

[@joekrepps]

Glad to see some love for Kenwood. They’re half of my stable although they’re the older “hybrid” (solid state except for the tube finals). Just decent well made rigs. It’s a shame Kenwood doesn’t make a nice starter rig like the 718. As an old codger, I prefer having buttons and knobs at hand versus my 891…thinking about swapping it for a TS-480. Grateful for the video. I think you’re right on target! 73!!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching

[@ShaneKA5GSS]

Opinion on Kenwood Ts-890s compared to this list

[@HamRadio2]

Never used one but they're supposed to be great radios

[@MMOOOOSSEE]

Hey. I stumbled on your channel as I begin my journey in ham radio. I don’t have my license yet but am studying for it. I know just about nothing yet but very eager to learn. I did the typical baofeng/chirp thing as a shtf set up since I’m a prepper but I’m loving this so far. I recent came into a lil cash and I wanted to treat myself to a portable ham radio that can do hd/vhf/uhf/fm etc… I understand I cannot communicate until I’m licensed but if I don’t buy the gear now I will never be able to again. My goal is to have an excellent means of communication. Preferably world wide and for shtf comms. I want to enjoy connecting with people and learning much more. I like fancy gear with nice tech. Color screens etc. What would you recommend. I’m hearing nice things about yaesu but I’m overwhelmed with features and options I think I want vs I think I need. Any guidance from anyone would be great. I live in nyc but can set up a decent antenna if I need to. But I will also need a mobile antenna as this will be my main purpose. Something I can hang or telescopic or even collapsible via thread or base mounted. Basically I’m open to any options. I would love to find a unit in the 700$-1,000 range as I will also need other gear. Battery, antenna and anything you tell me I’ll need lol. All in 1,500 ish I can go a bit higher if I will gain that much more. I know I shouldn’t start with expensive unit but this is just how I do things. I learn backwards. It usually works out for me. I love the channel. Been marathoning your videos. Keep up the awesomeness. Sorry for novel text and appreciate the time you took to read this (if you got this far)

[@arupian666]

Wait... 6:57 $1049.95, or $20 MORE for a used/open box ? How does that work ?

[@kevlarnegative]

Is Kenwood TS-590 still a valid choice in 2023 at that price or 2000€? I am quite attracted to a simpler, button rich design.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes

[@MicroOutdoors]

Why did you not include the 991a? I almost got one today but still on the fence. Thoughts?

[@spacemedic545]

Great radio, easy to operate, great receive, I own one. KS4QF

[@texasfrontiersman8245]

Get a 7300 and a dual receive vhf/uhf mobile. Same price more capability.

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

Awesome video I'm so conflicted... I wanted true all mode reciver for my shack but then I rethought maybe just keep usuing my ftm500 as my dual band home base and the ft710.... I really wanted that 991a but I don't need vhf already have it

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah you mentioned that in several comments

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

@@HamRadio2 yeah just really conflicted man

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

@@HamRadio2 I’m wondering if a mega mini 203” from wolf creek coils would work me some nice hf dx? I already close to 3k above sea level and the deck is 22 feet high where I’m gonna sit the antenna

[@jbeester1938]

I didn’t see the ft991a in your vid. It is a “shack in a box” type radio. A lot of noobs seem to be trying to decide between it and the IC7300. What’s your take, and why was it not included?

[@georgegiffen-nz4ec]

i use a ic7851 and i love it

[@Ei2iP]

Sold ftdx101 as it was a disappointment, went full SDR , SunSDR2 DX and what a difference 👏 Looking forward to the ICOM IC905. Yeasu just stick with HF radios 📻

[@kevinokeefe7796]

I have ordered a flex 6400 still waiting for its arrival. Wishing you would do more flex videos. 73

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks, I plan to

[@davidhaywood9071]

I am looking at the Icom IC 7300 and the Yeasu Ft-991A, any suggestions from people who know?

[@richardwatsonjr.5067]

I just made that decision! 991A for UHF/VHF/Fusion!

[@texasfrontiersman8245]

Had a 991a sold it, and I got a 7300 and dual bander. No c4fm repeaters round here. Better tuner, display, lower power consumption, better menus, swr plotter, cq recorder, better dsp etc etc etc. I'm a yaesu guy, (2) 857's, (1) 897 (2) ft8800r's. First Icom love it!

[@rayslinky]

Hoping Icom replaces the IC-7100 with another all band all mode radio this year.

[@Wayde-VA3NCA]

agree; ic-7100 with hf and uhf/vhf and built in sound cards in a mobile form factor... nice rig. An updated version with a colour touch screen would be great!

[@tonyd6884]

An all mode all band 100 watt 891 style radio would be very nice

[@HamRadio2]

I would like to see a rebirth of the ic-7000. I think they should do a 20 or 25 year anniversary, add some more bells and whistles to it, and make it the same form factor as the original model

[@rayslinky]

@@tonyd6884 I'm still salty that the 891 doesn't include an audio interface over the USB. I'd own one otherwise.

[@soupdragon12345]

Hi Jason , I’m a tech holder and studying for my General. I’m also on a major budget ! So was thinking on a video on no longer available HF radios that maybe could be picked up from hamfests , ebay etc . Just a thought . Thanks . kJ7 ZTI .

[@markrobinson7831]

Would like to see the mid tier and Top tier radios list

[@gahvno]

I've been fighting with Icom for that $100 mail-in rebate for almost 2 years. I absolutely love the 7300, but never again will I purchase gear expecting the manufacturer to actually follow through on a rebate offer. This isn't the first time it's happened.

[@PhinAI]

Don't know jack about radios, but my best stereo equipment is from Kenwood. I'm very curious about how their radios compare to everything else.

[@HamRadio2]

Yep, one of the greats

[@josephtotter7484]

It's like shoes. Find what fits best and is comfy. They are all good. Just depends on what fits you.

[@richardwatsonjr.5067]

NAD rules!!! But they don't do Ham.

[@c.j.deyoungiii2704]

What do you mean Kenwood “is making a comeback”? I’m not really active much, but Kenwood was huge when I was. What happened?

[@HamRadio2]

COVID and global chip shortages happened

[@gabrielnagy5032]

Hola Jonson un saludo desde Barcelona 😉

[@KO4TDA]

I’ve been debating what to go for for my first HF rig… I am the more buy once cry once. So I’ve been looking & drooling at Flex 6600. Or was thinking the Icom 7610. Leaning more Flex.

[@HamRadio2]

Both are great choices but I'd choose the Flex also

[@DominicMazoch]

Will Anytone get into HF!

[@HamRadio2]

It would be nice if they did, but I am not aware of any plans

Could happen. But I think Xiegu already has that niche well occupied.

[@kevinnickelson244]

You left out the Anan 7000. NR2 and diversity reception. You might want to check one out.

[@HamRadio2]

That one's a higher price than the ones in this video. I did mention that I might do another video for higher-end rigs

[@_igf]

Hi, You use an 100 Watt Radio in mobile Environment? What's about the Power supply to work with 100 Watt HF Out far away from 110 Volt Line? Regards from Germany, dc0al

[@HamRadio2]

Yes you can. You probably want the largest battery you can carry to operate for as long as possible, but I can run my 100w radio on a 12AH battery, or anything larger.

[@_igf]

@@HamRadio2 hey, thank You, i thought the Power consumption squezzes the batterie top fast down. I will try in the next 10 Meter band event, 73👍

[@Rusted_Link]

It's not Christmas that makes them out of stock. I ordered my FT-991A on October 6th and received it on December 20th.

[@ItsEverythingElse]

Please do a similar video for back pack/POTA HF (unless you already have :)

[@HamRadio2]

I did a video about Best QRP radios but it's probably time for an update

[@alienwarex51i3]

ICOM IC-7300s going for $900 brand new shipped from Japan on Ebay.

[@HamRadio2]

I'd be suspect of that, and the Japanese models aren't the same as our models. The Japanese don't have 6 m. But, to each his own. Yesterday gig of parts announced $100 off rebate on that radio, and it's actually cheaper now than stated in my video

[@alienwarex51i3]

@@HamRadio2 Thanks for the info, I thought there might be some difference they aren't specifying in the listings.

[@DominicMazoch]

@@HamRadio2 And they offer rigs in Japan in three power levels paralleling their three types of licences?

[@3henry214]

@@HamRadio2 HRO is showing an instant $300 rebate from ICOM... bringing it down to about the same as Gigaparts and DXE before the $100 mail in rebate. But what people need to realize is that retailers like... HRO, DX Egineering, Gigaparts, etc. can't sell below a certain price set by ICOM, so customer service from the retailer and/or free shipping is the only thing that distinguishes one retailer from another. With the mail in $100 rebate, it drops the 7300 down to a screaming $999.99!!

[@mrjones6770]

@@HamRadio2 thay are the same..i have one..just have to remove 2 diodes for us band plan and english menu as default also same diode for mars mod...already has full recieve 30 to 74.8mhz so dont need that mod....got the 100watt version off ebay..Japan version

[@DominicMazoch]

Now, when are these companies going to use Anderson PP for the 13.8 DC power line?

[@DishNetworkDealerNEO]

I am happy with my ICOM IC 7300 and the Ukrainian Transverter that converts either the 2 meter band or the 70 CM Band to The 28 MHZ 10 meter band . With that, I can pretty much do it all!

[@stevemazz3121]

IC 7300 is a good entry level radio... lacks the better filters the sadly, more expensive ICOM radio's come with... but good enough for many.

[@DominicMazoch]

I am looking for a 100w HF rig. I did listen to the new Yeasu rigs. They sound great But what I cannot figure out is why one of the big 4 make a good all round under 20w rig, then can fit into a docking station for an amp! Or like below, a 706/7000 neo

The closest thing to a modern 706 equivalent is the IC-7100, which offers all the band coverage but is a bit dated at this point, or the FT-991A, which is more modern-looking but still lacks some current features (not an SDR, no build-in sound card). For a long time, FCC regulations made it impossible to see a QRP (or QRP-adjacent, as I like to call 20W rigs) + docking station solution in the US. (It was all due to a rule that was intended to cut off the sale of CB amplifiers.) It may be a limited market in any case. One reason that Japanese companies produce QRP rigs is because the country has an entry-level license that is limited to 10W, and unlike the US the operators can only use rigs that are limited to that power level. Back in the 90s the major Japanese rig makers tried selling the 10W versions of their main transceiver lines in the US, but they weren't enough cheaper for anybody here to bother buying them, especially since they didn't address other issues that made them less than ideal for QRP operation like high receive power consumption.

[@andreatavano7534]

But why ft 991A is not in the list ?

[@Rusted_Link]

Mike has a good ATAS video.

[@HamRadio2]

Yep

[@unknownunknown3547]

How about a review on the Ten-Tec Omni+ ??? Made in USA

[@HamRadio2]

If I could get my hands on one

[@edcozart9916]

I had a 6400M that darn thing would just shut of when it wanted to 2 tickets later still done the same thing so i traded it for a 7610 best decision ever de W9US

[@HamRadio2]

That's odd. I have 2 of them and neither have ever done that. The 7610 is a higher grade of radio, better compared to the FlexRadio 6600.

[@AKUMARI0]

Can we get a video about small FM LP Radio Station, what's best for small towns, why they are so overpriced?

[@metheme2032]

No yeasu ft991a?

[@Jahzwolf1955]

These prices are above my pay grade wow forget that

[@janioboechat3281]

Top d+

[@thedoobie1]

Do any of these also do VHF/UHF?

[@HamRadio2]

No, none of these models do. The flex will take an inverter that you can add on after the fact

[@wf2v]

I hear Yaesu is having all kind of troubles with the new firmware for their radios. Some really pissed off hams on the bands dont hold back on Yaesu engineering.

[@HamRadio2]

Updating the firmware on their radios is difficult, but I'm not aware of any issues with it. I'll do some research

[@EricFullwood]

No issues with mine

[@Johnyrocket70]

Yaesu 991A shack in box

[@shropshireladoutdoors743]

7300 991a ftdx10 891 that's my choice

[@HamRadio2]

Good choice

[@EricFullwood]

I had an IC-7300. Not good at handling noise. Sold it.

[@robertrockwell7581]

why did you not include the 9991a less expensive than some of these. the only radio I would buy.

[@HamRadio2]

I included it last year. To me that radio is lackluster

[@CravenMoorhead_23]

I would like to see Yaesu upgrade this radio, and come out with a hybrid/SDR version, similar to what they have done with their other popular radios, like the FT-DX3000D.

[@robertkeller9828]

100 watts is the bare minimum "full feature". We need to have something like a 600 watt IC 718. Power over digital distractions. Digital isn't going to be there in a SHTF scenario. Horse Power over gagetry.

[@Johnyrocket70]

The best radio is the radio you have.

[@lesterwillison38]

i am thing hard about getting 891 and 991a

[@alienwarex51i3]

15:15 no audio?

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah I noticed that also. It wasn't like that when I uploaded it, I may have to just cut that part out

[@r.stanley1049]

@@HamRadio2i just figured you were demonstrating how incredibly quiet the excellent filtering is!😂

[@johnnydough5464]

I was disappointed in that you never mentioned the only HF rigs that are still made in the US...The Ten-Tec rigs. I have the Ten-Tec Eagle rig, and I feel that it's the best rig that you can buy. It has very few buttons and a very limited menu ( I hate menu driven ANYTHING), and their rigs also have 100 watts of power, except for their QRP rig. Yes, their radios are expensive, but if it's made in the US, then I am completely onboard, I mean, why support any Asian country over my own? My Eagle rig has an excellent receive capability, and it's 100 watts allows me to work all over the world....by only using a folded dipole, that is strung up between two trees. Also, my Tec-Tec Eagle has a built in antenna tuner that will tune a 10 to 1 mismatch...something that no other rig can do. Maybe try to include the Ten-Tec rigs in your next comparison.

[@HamRadio2]

Ten-Tec isn't the only rig made in the USA and when I interviewed the Ten-Tec guy at Hamvention last year, they weren't producing anything due to chip shortages. If that's changed, they haven't announced it

[@johnnydough5464]

@@HamRadio2 Okay, so what other rigs are made in the US?

[@HamRadio2]

FlexRadio and Elecraft.

[@nc4tn]

Rather than buying an overpriced ICOM IC-7600, I bought 2 (two) IC-7300’s and saved over $1400.

[@HamRadio2]

Well the 7600 is no longer in production, so it sounds like the used prices you were finding were just folks asking too much money for them. Now if you compare the IC-7300 to the upgraded IC-7610, then you can easily see the difference in performance and receiver/filter capabilities over the 7300

[@LionRoars918]

7300

[@romeo-sierra]

How many of these radios do you own or have used?

[@HamRadio2]

Used all of them. Own most.

[@johnmknox]

FT-DX10 and IC-7300 are not mobile/portable radios they weigh a tonne. Even the FT-891 weighs 2 kilos.

[@HamRadio2]

I know a guy who has a 7300 mounted in his vehicle and uses it everyday. Never underestimate ingenuity

[@DominicMazoch]

2 Kilos is about 4.5 pounds in standard units. Not bad ...

Mobile means car-mounted for most people; the IC-7300 and the Yaesu radios are fine for that if your car has enough space. They're also suitable for picnic table portable operations, where you're not going to carry the rig a long distance and can also handle bringing a substantial battery. What they are not is radios for backpacking and SOTA. For that you'll want something lighter and less power-hungry.

[@HamRadio2]

@ There is literally a mobile mounting bracket made for the IC-7300, and the radio itself has pre-drilled holes on either side for this bracket. You are correct on the space issue, but again, I know guys who use this radio in a mobile environment. www.gigaparts.com/icom-mb-118.html

@@HamRadio2 Indeed. All depends on what you drive. Shoehorning an IC-7300 or the like into a Chevy Bolt or a Honda Fit would be a challenge, but if you drive one of the big SUVs that many hams like it's easy-peasy.

[@stevemazz3121]

These are suppose to be the BEST HF Radio... really... what about the Yaesu FT DX 5000MP or the KENWOOD TS-990... the radio's in this video are low to middle priced radio's with some good features. BEST is top of the line stuff.... make another video... Would you want to purchase a computer running the i3 chipset when you know the i8 and i9 versions are on the market? This is why people purchase 3 or 4 radio's after a year or 18 months... Just put all that wasted money together and purchase Top of the Line available today even if you have no clue what half the buttons do... use the ones you know and learn how great the others are in the long run.... and save money instead of buying 4 or 5 radios to get the one you really want.

[@jimcaddis9417]

The IC-718 is no longer in production.

[@HamRadio2]

It's still showing as new for sale on several websites

[@DominicMazoch]

I think the 718 is going out of production. And no tuner.

[@HamRadio2]

That one's a little long in the tooth and it's probably not long for this world any longer, but at the time of this recording it was still in production and still available for new

[@BartVanAllen]

@@HamRadio2 that happened to the excellent FT450D - no longer available, but sold for about the same price as the ID 718. Love my 450D but looking for maybe a FTdx10

[@rtoledo2]

I get the purpose of this video, so excuse me for pooping on it, brother if you are not reviewing Apache Labs, you are not using the best. I know , it's not American , and made in India. but IMO it beats the Flex's

[@HamRadio2]

I've used one. They are good but not better than Flex, imo

[@williambarrett70]

Why do you look pissed-off on your cover screen?

[@HamRadio2]

What world do you live in?

[@007ExtremeCB]

Whats with the face?

[@HamRadio2]

I was born with it

[@johnq.public2621]

😃👍👏👏👏

[@feeatlastfeeatlast5283]

What's with the eyes? I am going to report you to the weirdo department.

[@the1spyderryder]

Why do you look so mean and hateful most of the time?

[@georgevickery3561]

nothing new here,kinda of boring

[@kenfloe3536]

Yaesu ft-891 8 left in stock on dxengineering. HRO have some in stock as well

[@HamRadio2]

HRO was out at the time of this recording. I didn't check DXE

[@radionutasmr4934]

YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND!!! A BLUE COLLAR WORKER CANNOT AFFORD TO SPEND THIS KIND OF MONEY ON A RADIO!!!!

Sadly, Elecraft does not currently make anything that addresses the market segment that the video is about. Their KX2 and KX3 are lovely portable QRP radios and not totally unaffordable, but the matching 100W amplifier sells for $1600 with the antenna tuner, which takes the KX pairing out of the price class looked at here. Their current base station rig is the K4, which starts at around $4000 and it's backordered. (The K3S was recently discontinued.) They still offer the classic K2 as a kit, but the 100W amplifier is no longer available, and its performance is not up to 2023 standards. I built one over 20 years ago and still like it, but it's hard to recommend buying a new one now. A used K2 might be worth a look, especially for CW operators; unlike most 20 year old rigs, the parts to repair it are still available. For a few years, me and everybody else was telling nearly everybody to just buy a IC-7300 and be happy. (Unless you were planning to backpack with your radio, you want a QRP radio, or you just can't afford it.) The FT-710 has now made it a two horse race. I still prefer the Icom because I like the UI better, but some people prefer Yaesu. I'd love to see Kenwood introduce something competitive because I've always liked their UI. And I'm hoping Elecraft reenters the moderately-priced category again, because their rigs are more CW-friendly than anything else you can buy now. (The only company that ever did the mode even better was Ten-Tec.)

[@HamRadio2]

I have a K3 and like it. Maybe one day I'll get a K4

[@MubarakNour]

Thank you indeed You R Great From 7Z1FA/ST2KI 🎉

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks