Most Expensive Ham Radio Handhelds TESTED!

We're back at the park to test the most expensive ham radio handheld radios available today. Which radio will have the strongest transmit signal, best receive audio quality and best transmitted audio quality?
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#HRCC #hamradio #amateurradio
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - My testing methodology
00:53 - Kenwood TH-D74
02:46 - Yaesu FT-5DR
04:30 - ICOM IC-52
05:36 - Yaesu VX-6R
07:19 - The value of mic gain
09:48 - The results!
12:02 - My thoughts

[@racerveza4904]

I’d love to see you include the Anytone AT-D878II in tests like this.

[@MrBracey1970]

The FT70 is one of the best value HT’s available,great bang for your buck!

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Thanks for an interesting and very fair appraisal of these HTs. Some good confirmation in the figures and one or two surprises. Good to see a review that has actual figures included!

[@mrjikey]

Love these ‘park bench’ comparison videos. I’m always curious to see how well radios perform with tough RFI environments, and how well they receive weak signals. It’d be especially interesting when comparing high end HTs against each other (and even cheaper Chinese radios). Keep ‘em coming!

[@TintagelEmrys]

These are some of my favorite videos on KZbin, especially Ham themed ones

[@karlmadsen3179]

It's also good to know that the tree behind you isn't going anywhere. It is firmly chained to the table you were using and that table looks to be too heavy to carry. It's important to protect against tree theft by chaining them to heavy tables. I also love my FT-5DR and will not consider chaining it to anything as of right now. But I'll keep and open mind.

[@electriceyeslide5959]

It’s a little strange because the ICOM had the 3rd highest SNR @2 meters but sounded better than the Yaesu and Kenwood to my ears. So clearly it’s not all SNR, it’s protocol, transceiver, gain, etc… Awesome test!

[@person12307]

the 6r is the first radio i bought when i first got licensed 12 yrs and its still going strong

[@winstonsmiths2449]

2:52, I see you have my favorite key chain flashlights! Love that thing. About to order one of the signal sticks you used on this video.

[@bruceforster3709]

I think overall, the Kenwood had the best audio. I own a VX-6 I bought new in Early August of this year. I think the VX-6 is the best Handheld for the price currently on the Market. I bought it to replace my VX-8 that was stolen out of my vehicle in June. Then in Early October I found a MARS Modded VX-8 at The San Diego HRO Store with some nice extras for $200.00. I JUMPED on that deal! I would LOVE to see you do this Bench Test on a VX-8. My VX-6 is my Everyday Radio. I keep my VX-8 for Special Event use, and Search and Rescue deployments. I MIGHT loan my VX-6 out in an emergency, but NOBODY but me touches my Beloved VX-8, LOL!

[@LU7HQW]

Add a Tiger Tail (counterpoise) when use the Signal Stick. Increases the signal levels on your transmission.

[@Ammed_KN6STX]

Great Video Josh!!!

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Great experiment Josh!

[@WaveTalkers]

Nice review and love your experimental design to put everything on even ground. StrongWork Josh.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!!

[@Raziel_SSJ]

Thanks for this interesting bench. As you alluded in the Baofeng test video, recording a test message then play it back with a speaker always at the same volume setting and distance from the radio for every TX tests would be a good methodology upgrade. So you/we can be assured that there is no bias (ie: speaking in the radio at different loudness).

[@gchengrpt]

Josh! Love the videos thank you for doing them. These are great because we never get to hear what we sound like and this test is awesome. I have only been a ham for little over a year and early on I was told to speak across the mic, holding the radio or speaker/mic roughly 90deg to my mouth, nice and close. I noticed you speak directly into the mic. What are your thoughts and would you be interested in showing the difference? Many thank for all you do. 73!

[@cotharyus]

Stoked to see this, Josh. I can't wait for the "radio picks" followup. I promised my son I'd give him an HT if he passed his tech (he's low key into radio, in the way the 20 year olds are about stuff their father does) so I'm thinking about upgrading mine. It's nice to see what the expensive toys do, especially in comparison to the Alinco you previously tested, since that's what I have now. I love the fact the icom does its magic thing with repeaters based on where you are, given that I travel so much, but the price is ...wow! Still.....could there be one in my future? Might depend on your next video!

[@RonanCantwell]

Your son might appreciate something like an Anytone 878. Good performance on VHF/UHF and DMR too. It's a lot of radio for the money and great battery life too.

[@tmo7734]

Great video, Josh. One thing to note: the antenna is guaranteed for life. If it ever breaks, you get a new one.

[@christopherperez8843]

Thanks for the live tests. I'm just getting into Ham radios and this content is helping me to make a wise "buy-once, cry-once" purchase.

[@K4SRF]

Dang. I have each one of these radios and am especially fond of my Kenwood D-75 and ICOM ID-52.

[@TheOutdoorFun]

Thanks for the videos. I have the Yaesu FT5DR, I set my mic gain to 8. Love to see how any radio would compare to the legendary Yaesu FT-60 receiver

[@ericthemidget9685]

This video makes me happy I chose the FT5dr on preorder.Sight unseen and dropping $550, it better score near the top. IMO the waterproofing is the reason it doesn’t sound as loud or clear as the ICOM. Using a Diamond antenna for now. Much better than the stock rubber ducky. Have a Signal Stick for my BaoFeng. I wonder would the SS be much better than the Diamond across all bands. Look forward to a FT5dr antenna comparison test.

[@n1lx892]

Nice, I have all the same radios myself and agreed that each has their purpose.

[@stevest.martin3940]

I won the Kenwood TH 74 2 years ago at Quartzfest Az I love this radio

[@montanascuba]

Great video Josh I have an HT issue I own all but the ID-52A and I would love to have one and now your video made me crave it again. Not sure if the resale market on my Anytone andBaofen is enough to fund the project. Might have to ad a pi-star to get close.

[@timking2194]

Great video I own 2 of them . I love the yaesu ease of use .

[@ItsEverythingElse]

The VX-6R is a cool HT. The CW trainer is a neat feature to just play with.

[@Odin412z]

Very interesting test! Cool to hear the audio differences on the receive end. To my ears the Kenwood sounded the best by a good margin - although at a premium price.

[@N0SSC]

The VX-6R TX sounded like it was super wideband, almost like a wireless mic, while the rest of the lot sound crunchy, like I’d expect VHF/UHF radio to sound. Interesting

[@jameski5oeb668]

Great comparison of ALL THE THINGS HT. Funny the GT-5R did so well.

[@pale_2111]

I got a ID-52 and the FT3D. On receive, even both have a 750mw speaker, the Icom blows it out of the water. Not to mention that they sound great on D-STAR, probably better than the IC-705.

[@Dusty_Ham]

Fun video! It will definitely be helpful for someone looking to buy a high end hand held.

[@joeframo3347]

Love your videos brother 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💕💕

[@MTimWeaver]

I had an Icom W32a for years...dual band, dual VFO, could do cross-band repeat. No idea why, but it bricked one day back around 2010. Now I've got an old Yaesu VX-170 2m I was gifted, so I'm not totally off VHF. I do need a better antenna for it, though.

[@ocavant]

The auto focus on your new Sony is working really good. Good picture quality too, but I’m viewing on a phone. BF-F8HP scored better combined than the VX6-R. Add in price and it’s even a better score for the Bao. Now, build quality, ease of use/programming and I’d take the VX for sure.

[@johnk8091]

The audio for both RX and TX was clearly won by the Icom. However, as you pointed out, the SNR results are not entirely conclusive - SNR is dependent on ERP. And ERP between the units will not be 100 % the same, age of battery, state of charge of each battery will give different ERP levels and different results. Interesting though, thanks Josh

[@raymondmartin6737]

Thanks 😊 glad to see the Yaesu and Icom, which I have are so good. 73 de W2CH Ray N(H, (1962-2022)

[@dmitrymelnik8296]

Thanks for the video. Out of curiosity, did you have a chance to measure the output power from the VX-6R on high setting? I recently bought one and it gives only 4 Watt on 2 meter band (and 1 Watt on 1.25m). I am wondering if this is a reason to send it back or for the repair. Thanks.

[@MrBracey1970]

I’ve been waiting for you to do something like this,I’m a little conflicted ,I’m hoping Kenwood bring out a new HT soon and not sure if I should wait for that,or should I go for the FT5 as I do want to play on APRS? The ID52 is an amazing ,but expensive piece of kit,that doesn’t have true APRS-which ever one I go for I will be running with the new Open Spot 4 pro,any advice gratefully recived 😊

[@bibicreationsCH]

Hey great video, thanks! What's your thoughts about the Alinco 1226 DJ-MD-5-GPS DMR VHF/UHF ! Range, features, worth it or not outside an urban area, do we need to change the antenna? Thanks a lot for you feedback from 🇨🇭

[@BryanDaniel42]

i'd like to see the results on an FT70DR sometime if you ever have time to do that

[@sporeviking]

Pretty sure you can turn up the mic gain on all Yaesu HTs, but it's a little tricky with the mid/low range ones. Take A Bath Productions made a video on how to turn up mic gain for the FT-60r.

[@awdtw]

This channel is invaluable to me, thank you! Too many HAM enthusiasts on other platforms get too worked up about flawless lab condition comparisons. I have yet to see them really translate equally to the wild.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Happy to help!

[@joeframo3347]

Josh you're awesome love your videos 🤠

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks Joe!

[@ChatGPT1111]

Glad I got one of the KW's before the factory burned down as it is my favorite by far. I do like my Yaesu 5dr quite a bit as well. I would like to see the RFinder upgraded to the newest 5G Tech and I will buy one.

[@be5718]

What would you recommend for a sturdy outdoor ham ht radio?

[@thebnbaldwin]

How about the Anytone D878 UVII Pro?

[@BBaldwin]

I’ve got the VX-6R and love it, but can’t pull in the shortwave stations. Does anyone have antenna suggestions that might improve accessing shortwave?

[@Mxyzptlk21]

Curious about the Anytone 878???

[@joeframo3347]

Hey Josh another great video you're an amazing 😍 guy ❤️

[@MarvinParnell]

So I have the VX6 and I love it. with that said, it is used as my EDC radio. needless to say it shows signs of wear, Anyone know a good place to get replacement parts like, the rubber cover for the DC jack and maybe even the keypad? I'd like to have a couple spares on hand for when it finally needs them. Great video all of those are great in their own way. I've really been lookin at the 5D but that Icom looks nice too.

[@jctedsap]

I just bought a second VX6R to have a spare. Didn’t know that the FT5D was submersible or might have got it instead of the second VX6R.

[@markdoyle8713]

Great vid. Well done I was surprised how good the id52 was. I have the ft5. 😮. So I will have to save my $ and get an id 52. 😢

[@VE9ASN]

Glad I bought the FTD5R!!!

[@yuriys.6352]

thanks!

[@mabutler83]

Love the Rovy Von Cameo!

[@t.m2933]

Kenwood just came out with the TH-D75A. It is supposed to be the upgrade of TH-74. The only place I found that has it is DX Engineering. KN6PWH... 73

[@dosnglenn]

Great video, I love to see the numbers like that. You should also cover features of each radio that add to its value.

[@davepickering997]

Still waiting for iCom ID-52 to be available in UK. I have FT5DE and TH-D74 (after months of searching)

[@DonaldChapman]

Josh, you need a few Crown Royal bags my friend! Great for HT storage...

[@SinfulZin]

As much as I want to upgrade, it seems every time I make a purchase a better version of the same radio comes out. I have the 857 (not the D) the 991 (not the A) and the FTM-100. But thanks Josh, I really appreciate the work you do to compare the options! Any chance Yaesu is currently working on the FT-5DRX, or whatever the next best version will be?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It just recently came out, so I don't think they are at this time.

[@jokeeffe007]

I'm always looking forward to your next video, but, especially now. Thanks for the great videos! Jim KB3SYK

[@ShaminMike]

awesome video brother. have you done this test with the wouxun kg-uv9d Mate? it would be cool to see where it lines up with the others.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I have not. But it’s a radio I do enjoy!

[@bigjpferry]

I own the Kenwood d74 It’s a great radio but I rarely use any of the advanced features. Seeing what they are going for I am very tempted to sell it and buy a cheaper radio

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

But how do they compare: On 220? Air band receive? W1AW code practice receive? APRS? (Nice video.)

[@chrissmart9761]

Nobody seems able to make a small speaker that doesn't break up horribly at higher volumes. As for transmit audio, the Yaesu had some actual lows and some nice highs. :) Too bad the 70CM monitor was so much louder than the SDR on 2M.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

Laptops and higher end cell phones have great speakers! Seems like they could use those types?

[@LordGryllwotth]

My VX-8DR is also submersible, but doesn't sound the same as the skinny voice the FT5DR shows here. It just sound normal.

[@k1edc]

Glove your videos and channel and I. Also have a vape juice recommendation. I would recommend that you try juice head. I've tried over a 100 different vape. Juices and this is the best

[@ErikN1]

This is interesting. Thank you! I'm getting complains about low modulation on analog repeaters with my FT5D even though mic gain is maxed out. Signal strength into the repeater is 100%. Not sure if my unit is defective.

[@plemieux84]

Could be your antenna.

[@ErikN1]

@@plemieux84It wasn't but it fixed itself. No idea what it was but the antenna is untouched

[@kabish0603]

I had the Kenwood D74 and really did not care for it all that much. Its a great radio, I just did not like the form factor, is basically a brick lol. I got it for a hell of a deal from HRO, forget how much I paid, but it was well below MSRP. Sold it to a friend, wish I held onto it now and sold it for WAY more lol. On the up site, the guy still has the radio so he's not sold it off yet.

[@bradl2636]

First timer HT… pick one for SHTF/bug out/road trip with walking/hiking…? I prefer Made in Japan. Yaesu VX-6R seems the sweet spot. But will I miss ID-52A features with another year of experience?

[@SixOFord]

Looking for my first radio, should I go yaesu ft-6 or vx-6?

[@Choppus13]

Appreciate the 940

[@ColeDedhand]

It would also be interesting to see a test of these high-end HTs with their stock antennas. Everybody knows the stock antennas on cheap HTs are crap but stock antennas on high-end HTs can be quite good.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I've tested rubber duck antennas before in the park. They all do pretty poorly, some don't even make it back to my shack a mile away.

[@Porco_Utah]

I think most of those Handhelds are made for Japanese domestic market mainly. because, in Japan, even amateur radio have to pass equivalent of FCC spectrum purity certification. so , those cheaper Chinese made handheld can not be sold legally. in US, under part 97 , there is no requirement for certification for transmitter. that is probably why those radio are priced higher compare to Chinese counterparts AG6JU

[@mikeblaszczak5346]

A balanced antenna has elements symmetrical around the feed point. It might or might not work well on two bands.

[@arnoldschmidt2753]

I'm wondering why you didn't include the Kenwood NX5900,NX5400. That is what I need data on. It's either A Kenwood or a ICOM

[@TomSP9TL]

The biggest downside of Yaesu HTs is its speaker. So quiet compared to many other radios, especially the Chinese ones, whether it's a Bao or Wouxun, TYT, AnyTone etc. I think the speaker in FT5D is a little bit better than all previous Yaesu models. I've had the VX6 and built-wise I think was the best out of all HTs on the market. Its speaker was so tiny, but the audio was very clear. From your video I can clearly see that the mic gain on the FT5D is way behind the ID52. Thank you for the test!

[@GordLamb]

Same. I've got the VX8DR and I adore it, except for the quiet speaker and lack of GPS. I can't stand touch screens and flashy interfaces, and the VX8DR is to compact and fast to navigate... but man I wish it was louder.

[@RonanCantwell]

If you lift up the rubber flap on the charging port of the VX6, the audio gets even better.

[@TomSP9TL]

@@RonanCantwell similarly with the FT-3D. But it's a bit silly to use the radio and walk around with the flap open :) , I rather not have it ripped off.

[@bw7061l0]

Love the VX6R, but not for the speaker fidelity 😂

[@Davidjb37721]

Thanks I like my yaesu viz 6r

[@bruceforster3709]

I lost bought an FT-5. Not just this idea, but I've heard a few on local repeaters where I live. I think the FT-5 sounds AWFUL! I'm glad I waited for my used VX-8 to show up! I've had some NICE HT's over the Years. I had an FT-530 which was very, and an Income IC-W2A that I absolutely loved. The VX-8 is my all time FAVORITE HT, and I have been a licensed Ham for 32 Years. Yes, I think THAT HIGHLY of the VX-8!

[@bruceforster3709]

I ALMOST bought an FT-5-Sorry about the typo!

[@AlphaCharlieFour]

They do serve different rolls Josh. Some of them send dinner rolls and some of them server sushi rolls! Thanks, great video. 73

[@the1spyderryder]

The most expensive HT that I have ever seen was the Icom IC Z1A. It would do cross-band repeat.

[@OGxBUCCWEET]

Hey Hoshnasi, as popular as the Anytone 878 is, just curious how it didn't make the cut for the test.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I don't really like it or DMR.

[@rkelly5803]

I have the Kenwood and almost never use it. I pick up my baofeng uv82 or my icom id51 plus 2 the most. Now I see these prices and I might sell the Kenwood.

[@mertklck]

Hello, which one is the best?

[@DonzLockz]

I can only afford burrito's, not any of these radios. 🌯 😆👍

[@WillLeingang]

😂

[@MadHatter11371]

Gassy

[@DARTHDANSAN]

UV5R for life !!! They all have same range anyways lol

[@phnxpunx]

If shit hits the fan you could probably trade a few burritos for a nice radio.

[@DonzLockz]

@@phnxpunx haha, so true! I'll keep that in mind!😆📻

[@chublez]

That one you can't anymore. Last ebay auction I took a swing at closed at $860. Yea I don't need a BT tnc built in that bad right this second.

[@k6nvg541]

I had a D74 and reluctantly sold it. Battery life was meh. And I had read of some charging issues when the radio is on. It was also more fragile than I would like. But no one does audio and TNCs like KW.

[@N4DJC]

Same here, loved my KW for the audio and TNC, but the internal charger had issues to the point I only charged batteries off radio with the desk charger. The battery fit to the radio was so bad sometimes I’d lose the ISS on some passes due to it powering off and on. KW give us a more robust design with full duplex next time. The 52A is a solid radio and the audio is excellent. The firmware update is a breeze compared to the Yaesu.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Wow Joshua fantastic job this is real very real radios for Ham radio community best quality and real radios thanks you numeri 0ne Chinese radios is piece a trash quality is first thanks 73

[@CAphotos]

Under normal circumstances, like those depicted in the video, the use of an SMA to BNC adapter won't likely make a noticeable difference, it could make the difference in a contact at the limits of the radio's capabilities. The adapter adds 3/4 inch to the length of an antenna, thereby changing its resonant length AND introduces more loss into the RF path. YMMV...

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Unless you have actual evidence of this testing, I think the point is moot.

[@Step-n-Wolf]

Just purchased the Kenwood TH-D74 for $200. Don't have my license yet to try it out, at least not in transmit mode.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

KILLER deal!

[@pmolczan]

Discontinued Kenwood TH-D74 is the oldest of the $$$ bunch. However it has KISS & TNC modem via bluetooth. The FT5D has the worst UI experience for texting/APRS along with terrible touch screen. ID-52a had great UI experience but lacking TNC modem. If the Kenwood had a ID-52 scope band it would be most-wanted radio on the internet....I believe.

[@lqqkout8214]

Currently on a flight to LA, any ham radio must-see places in the area?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Ham radio outlet in Anaheim 😅

[@k9kj]

Lots of opportunity for SOTA activations. Lot of folks monitor simplex frequencies locally on 2m

[@aaronakiyama]

Wow. The VHF TX audio on the Kenwood blew everything else away. That was impressive. It's a huge bummer that they discontinued those.

[@QRPadventures]

I pre-ordered my D74 like 6 years ago when they were first released. I still have it today and it works perfectly... and no, It is not for sale. haha.

[@aaronakiyama]

@@QRPadventures I wish I would have bought one back then. I refuse to pay the arbitrary mark ups they're going for used now

[@Step-n-Wolf]

Just mentioned that used deals can be had like the $200 I paid last week for one.

[@urs915]

Kenwoods are known for being very for very high end, I continually see them being used for business for their 6.25KhZ narrow band digital mode

[@Porty1119]

@@urs915 I use Kenwood Viking (formerly EFJ) portables for the underground gold mine I run; they're phenomenally durable and very easy to program. I've used other Kenwood radios at other industrial sites and been pleased with them too.

[@davidwilcox9110]

I think you should have held the Yaesu FT5 closer to your mouth. I have 3 Yaesu handhelds, VX7, VX8 and FT3, but have always held them closer to my mouth and was told I had good audio. Same with the speaker mic. Away from my mouth I was much weaker. Dave K8WPE

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Well we did test the different mic gains. That’s what it’s for.

[@so7na]

IMHO comparing SNR is a bad idea because it is totally relative to the local, current, noise level at the QTH. I think that the correct way is to to compare received signal strength in dBm (and ignore local variable noise floor). Then, for 70cm, VX-6R and "first baofeng" we have the same signal level -133.4dBm at the receiver site. Also Kenwood D74, FT5DR, GT-5R have stronger signals than BF-F8HP (currently number one on the list). On 2m for VX-6R we have -98.1dBm and it should be much higher on the list.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

All radio are are tested against a potentially bad environment.

[@bassangler73]

The Kenwood is definitely the best

[@wp4rkf]

What was the distance to the receiving station?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

About a mile.

[@realtyrocks1969]

Id like to see how the harmonics of these high end radios compare to sub $100 radios. Alot of reviewers love to show how baofengs suck on harmonics but never show how the high end ones perform. Audio of these are ok but a few i couldn't understand the noaa broadcast. I can understand noaa all the time with my Radioddity ga510 or uv21 pro gps etc. Honestly not seeing $800 difference in performance by this video. Id love to see some range tests of say an 8 watt Uv5r, A36 plus vs one of these high end models.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’ve done it for the expensive ones. They’re all clean transmitters.

[@realtyrocks1969]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse do unclean transmitters transmit less distance?

[@TwitchRadio]

I like the 6r..lol

[@stefanw4191]

Like your test setup. But I’m curious why you don’t make a test with the stock antenna’s. Maybe next time. I see, one might think, who buys such a radio can afford another antenna. But maybe one bought it to get the best out of the box. 73 de stefan

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I have tested stock antennas before. Most can’t even make it back to my home. So we written off most rubber duck antennas.

[@Brian-WR1W]

So is it worth upgrading a FT3DR to a FT5DR?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Not specifically. But I like the 5 more. More rugged from my pov.