Top 3 Ham Radios for Beginners

In this video, we take a look at the top 3 ham radios that I typically recommend to folks who are just starting out in the hobby. That's right, I said hobby...
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[@TheSmokinApe]

🔥🔥🔥 Get your Ham Radio License using Ham Radio Prep: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1254200&u=3392350&m=83272&urllink=&afftrack= USE CODE "SmokinApe" for 20% OFF

[@HOAHamRadio]

A must watch for anyone thinking about getting into amateur radio! You have shown a budget friendly, safe way to enter the ham way of life, without breaking the bank--there will be plenty of time for that later!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Bob, that was my goal!

[@davidp73]

I’ve had the Retevis RT 95 now for about 6 months. It’s been great. I’m using it with a 19 inch Nagoya mag mount on my wife’s car. Easily hitting repeaters over 40 miles away. Awesome info… great video

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome man, thanks for watching David 👍

[@tkflanagan4449]

I'm Brand new, I'm a retired RN from GLOUCESTER I just bought the WOUXUN kg 1000

[@TheSmokinApe]

Nice! Welcome to the hobby 👍

[@hpbear101]

Bought the G90 several weeks ago for portable use. I like it so much the Icom hasn't been powered up since I got the G90. I use a 130sh foot random wire with a 9:1 and the G90 tuner handles it perfectly.

[@TheSmokinApe]

The g90 has an impressive tuner for sure 👍

[@Blaculo]

Solid recommendations. I followed this exact path back in 2021, and while I have since upgraded the HT and Mobile to Yaesu radios, I still use the Baofeng and Anytone in secondary roles. The G90 just plain rocks and I keep it in a backpack with a long wire end fed and battery for portable use.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome man, Yaesu makes great HT’s 👍

[@charlesloscocco5533]

Thank you for the great information!

[@bobkopf227]

Thanks for another great video and awesome information, my first two radios were the GT-5R and the G90

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Bob, sounds like you got off to a good start 👍

[@hamradiobasics]

These are some great recommendations for new hams. Well done Ape !

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Bill, glad you liked it 👍

[@KO4VNX]

Great video! I think you covered all the angles I would have thought of, plus more!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome DeWayne, glad you liked it 👍

[@seanwood8043]

Very straight forward information great job as always

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Sean, glad you liked it 👍

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Another great video Ape, gets right to the point and just good info!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Chuck 👍

[@AlvinMcManus]

Great video. I am just starting out in HF and I have the G90 with the DE 19 interface that I have yet to setup as the shack is still a work in progress. I also customized the knobs as I saw in a video on the radio. I am happy with it so far.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Alvin, welcome to the world of HF! I did the knob upgrade on the G90 VFO and it was a big help, good luck with the shack buildout 👍

[@kellingc]

I short history lesson if you're interested/ "Handie-Ta;lkie" was coined by Motorola to name a class of radio held radios in the military back in 1953. This, like other Motorola's contributions like "Private Line" or PL) came to be associated with hand held radios. The name eventually got shortened to HT.

[@jaym1301]

Nowadays HT means handheld transceiver not handie- (or handy-) talkie but you're probably right about i being a Motorola term first.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the info Kelingc!

[@MountainMan7.62x39]

Thanks for another good and informative video.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks MountainMan 👍

[@Swamp-Fox]

Solid advice and good choices for beginners!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks SF!

[@Hank_W6IR]

Great video Ape. New hams today have so many choices. When I started, the first "rice box" hadn't come out yet. My 2 meter rig was a Heathkit Two'er on AM. My first dabble into the new world of FM was an old taxi radio and dynamotor that took up a good portion of the trunk. While there were transceivers on the market most of us had a separate transmitter and receiver. A lot of the equipment was WWII and Korean War vintage. $25 seems a small price to pay for entry into a great hobby.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the insight Hank, in the old days it seems that hams had to put in the work.

[@MENSA.lady2]

I started with an RCA AR88 receiver that started life in a WWII Sherman tank.

[@Hank_W6IR]

@@MENSA.lady2 I had a couple of ARC-15 I think they were that I played around with.

[@Hank_W6IR]

@@TheSmokinApe You mean like know code? It was a lot easier to mod tube equipment than today's SMD circuit boards.

[@MENSA.lady2]

So right. My first RX was an RCA AR88D that came from a scrapped Sherman tank. TX was a KW Viceroy, 100 watts from a pair of CV3523s (Mil spec 6146B) My luck was a fabulous club with a site about 6000 feet ASL and an exotic callsign. ZC4MO.

[@borneofile260]

Very interesting information, thank you.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Borneo 👍

[@Cr0cket20]

Solid video and great information presented.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Cr0cket 👍

[@pnowikow]

I really appreciate your format of the videos. Eat to understand

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Pete, glad you like them 👍

[@Bill-HRT]

Hey Ape! Extremely thorough and understandable video. Thanks. I'm sending this one straight to a co-worker who is very interested in getting started; he's studying now for this Tech. 73 de K0WHW Bill

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Bill, glad you liked it. Good luck to the co-worker, tell him to start saving up now!

[@gaptastic]

Excellent video and agree with all ur choices. Of which I have (to some degree) all. Love the G90. I use my G90 more than my IC-705 and FT-891. I'm a big FT8 guy, so if peeps are interested in the G90 I highly recommend the fan bundle. Thanks again!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the comment Gap 👍

[@norrinradd8952]

Great choices. I think if you start out with any handheld, it will eventually lead to the mobile which will lead to the shack radio. HT is the gateway radio. Thank you Ape.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Totally agree, the HT is the first taste , lol

[@terryshackelford712]

Very interesting video thank you!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Terry 👍

[@kcender3771]

Thank you for the video!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@southjersey10]

Wow, very nicely presented. When I entered into the hobby four years ago I didn’t have a clue about the costly rabbit hole 🕳️ when it came to radios, equipment and supplies. It would have been good if I thought about what I wanted to do; how I planned on operating. That would have saved me $1,000 in expenses 😢. Keep the content coming 😊

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey SJ. We've all bought stuff that turned out to be not quite what we wanted or expected. Glad you liked the video and thanks for watching 👍

[@Tailfeatherz]

I have 5 HF radios but have been having a ball with a recently purchased Xiegu G90.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I always thought the g90 was a fun radio for some reason 👍

[@HamRadioDX]

Great summary Ape. Three good radios for beginners

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Hayden!

[@KS0JD]

Great video Ape! I'd recommend it for viewing for all new hams. I would also recommend a club or an Elmer to help all new hams. different people learn in different ways. There is nothing bad about recommending a virtual Elmer via youtube or some other online source! 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Jeff! I agree, if you can get in with a good club, do it… 👍

[@ohaya1]

Great comment on the terminology (HF) being confusing. At first I was particularly confused by the fact that HF was sometimes referred to as shortwave. Why 'short' when the waves are actually quite long. It was later I found out that they named it back in the day. Also, fair point about dealers wanting to sell stuff, although a few are probably using a hybrid model, wanting to also give you sound advice to build long-term trust/loyalty and get you buy additional stuff only from them. It's a very competitive market as it's a rather niche market. 73, Alex 2E0LUP

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the feedback Ohaya!

[@AndyAAzeroAM]

Turns out I didn't need an HT cause I ain't got no friends near me.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Lol

[@beetlebailey]

HT could be used while traveling maybe to another state by air on vacation or something in that form.

[@dream_chaser7569]

😂😂😂 me and you both

[@BakerStudiosIndy]

I was so impressed with the Retevis RT-95 for my go box that I now have a second sitting on my desk as a shack radio for VHF/UHF. Great little radios that punch above their weight class in the +/- 25 watt category. Good call. As for the GT-5R, I have one as a backup. It's clean and has good TX audio. It's not my EDC because it shares the same weak speaker volume that plagues the entire UV-5R series. I do recommend it for beginners.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Baker. You’re spot on with the 95, for the price it’s the pound for pound champ 💪

[@cadd9511]

What power supply do you use for the RT-95?

[@Thump2030]

The G90 is a killer radio, I love it. there is only 1 S unit difference between 25w and 100w

[@TheSmokinApe]

But it’s a heck of an s unit 👀

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@youtubeaccount931 those two are definitely favorites, that 100w on the 891 is nice 👍

[@franciscolopez3229]

Very well said. I am new to the hobby and all I have for now is an HR2510. Tuned it to only do 20 watts ssb, using a rotatable dipole at 18 feet and with good propagation, I've been making contacts all over Europe with hams having 600 to 1,000 watts and I am from Asia. Pure fun. 73.

[@jjsemperfi]

Well I still has not been able to make a contact on 20W on my G90. Running an 84’ EFDP. Heard Italy today (I’m in Montana currently) and heard Hawaii the other night. The receiver is really good (although a bit noisy) but I think I’m having a transmit issue with it. I also have not been able to transmit on WSJT-X either. I can decide and receive just fine but I’m pulling my hair out trying to figure out what is going on.

[@503Nick]

VCG VR-N7500, Radioddity GD-88 and a Xiegu G90. All very affordable and competent while being feature rich

[@TheSmokinApe]

I would agree, nice radios 👍

[@fredfloyd34]

Thats what we need to know.Ha. is a bit difficult.Great video....

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Fred, glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching 👍

[@KD9ZHF]

I appreciate this video and the other video about “beginner radios.” I am a beginner. I had a mindset I need to break the bank to buy one that is going to last me forever. I’m still studying for my technicians license (hopefully will pass in the next few weeks). I’m going to research, but I’m not going to go nuts, and I’m not going to find THE ONE radio for the rest of my life. I’m going to learn and grow, and so will my equipment. Thanks - this made refocus on what is important!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck on the test. And you are right, your first radio almost certainly won’t be your last 👍

[@DominicMazoch]

My recommendation for mobile home 2/.70 dual bandet is the FTM6000. Heorge Jetson simple, but had a port in the nack for packet/VARA.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I like that 6000, good suggestion 👍

[@fm71450]

Thank you, Ape. New hams need straight info, not influenced by the possibility of a sale. I am one.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks FM, glad you liked it 👍

[@pauls8456]

I am not a new ham (25yrs +) but I have the the Retris 2/70 mobile and it is as reviewed in the video, I have the other Xeigu the X6100 and it’s a very good portable. I just bought a Yaesu 2m rig the 3100 it’s on special worth a look for a radio with a decent warranty. That said it is probably best for beginners to buy second radios - way more radio for $.

[@TheSmokinApe]

The problem is you have to buy from someone you can trust, a lot of folks out there selling problematic radios...

[@drocles]

Im a new ham, finally saved up and bought a ft891, i love it, but i do miss having a waterfall display

[@TheSmokinApe]

That 891 is a pretty sweet radio though!

[@ChoppingtonOtter]

I have been looking at forums and vids for a couple of years now, thinking about an HF set, and just like my other hobbies (hunting and buidling my own house) I have noticed that the "best" radio, antenna, drill, sawbench, building method , rifle, ammunition, telescopic sight.... is the one the person posting or replying currently owns 😁

[@TheSmokinApe]

That certainly is something people do. Thanks for watching 👍

[@MikeN2MAK]

Some good suggestions, Ape.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks 🍻

[@citicolina]

Great video, thanks for putting it together. I’m considering the FT-891 as my first HF radio, but I totally understand why the G90 is also a great choice for us beginners considering the tuner and waterfall that might make a difference for many people.

[@TheSmokinApe]

the 891 is a fantastic choice as well.

[@PhantomWoIf]

891 is the worst, the dynamic range is low, so weaker ssb speech signals sound less intelligible.

[@shimbo79]

Thanks for all your vids. Im new to Ham and looking through them all for info. Just bought a RT95 to get me going. Would you recomend running it from a car bat or is there a mains option you can sugest? Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Car batteries are for cold cranking amps or delivering a large surge of current for starting as the alternator with charge the battery back up. We use deep cycle batteries which are designed to deliver a continuous current. I’d suggest a LiFePO4 battery or a power supply the delivers at least 10A 👍

[@pasjeihobby]

G90 crew here. There are days when I dream about 100W like FT-891 but tbh I'll try to stick to 20W for year or two just to refine my antenna build skills. At the beginning of my ham journey I was told that antenna is The Best amplifier and I still trust my Elmer 💪 Anyway. I'm getting 891 next year just to have amazing piece of gear waiting for me to be ready when I'm ready. 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sounds like a plan to me, thanks for watching Pasje 👍

[@greggould4275]

I appreciate this video! I live in a mountain town in Cali, studying and want to soon take a HAM Technician license. I'd gotten a 'president Washington' CB Base station and was about to get a solarcon a99, but, I know that HAM is way more widespread in useage - so I thought maybe I'd include a CB and HAM basic setup. Of course, like most people starting out and definitely on budget, I have been interested in building a HAM base station that is powerful enough but doesn't break the bank o create (maybe somewhere in the $700ish range if not lower? Gonna finish watching this and the antenna video, but, I really appreciciate your take on this. Seems a lot of HAM peopl have been in it so long, and there IS a flood of info that gets thrown at you to consider, and I know I want a s=olid home base station that I can communicate very far with - we get wild storms and ven fires on occassion, and I know there are alot of HAMs here (and beyond) I'd like to have a steady contact with once I get up and running.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Greg, thanks for watching. Good luck with the test and the station!

[@1originaloutlaw675]

Great video! I need to buy a G90.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it 1OO, thanks for watching!

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Fair choices the only one I would choose differently is the BAOFENG the newer UV17 gives you alot more for the same price .

[@TheSmokinApe]

Not sure how clean the 17 is, but the RO in the video is clean...

[@CharlesHarpolek4vud]

The yazoo FT-1000 it's still sold out carry on deactivation needs to be fully crystal inside.

[@grymn01]

Great information about the RT95. Can you recommend a programming cable for Mac OS (Chirp) ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I think I replied to your comment on Twitter. The problem is that most cables have fake Prolific chipsets and on MAC you need to install Prolific drivers not generic. The Prolific drivers will not work with counterfeit chipsets. I'd suggest looking for FTDI chipset cables 👍

[@don_n5skt]

A great accessory for most Hand Helds is the AIOC.

[@TheSmokinApe]

If it has the chip!

[@don_n5skt]

@@TheSmokinApe Mine do ;)

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@don_n5skt whew

[@outdoorman808]

Thanks for the video it was helpful. I,m a new Ham I Have a question? What battery would you use for the RTEV95 as a mobil unit or base station. Are they volt & amp sensitive I don't know that much yet about batteries. Thank you

[@TheSmokinApe]

I would look at a LiFePO4 with a minimum of 10A.

[@Kens1966]

I prefer older HD rigs. I have a Kenwood 570D. I had several hf rigs. Kenwood for its simplicity is why I like it the most

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, It’s awesome when you get to use a well working older rig. Thanks for watching Ken 👍

[@MENSA.lady2]

Assuming your budget is limited then the Yaesu FT 857D, Shack in a box, is tough to beat. Add an antenna and a PSU and your ready to go.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@MENSA.lady2 I’d agree

[@MENSA.lady2]

@@TheSmokinApe an idea for a future video.

[@Fraksional]

How far can the head be remote of the body? Wondering about possibility to use the HF body at the antenna, not far from the shack. Would need to go out and dis/connect the antenna all the time. But, lightning would stay outdoors where it belongs!

[@TheSmokinApe]

The furthest I went was 6 feet, I didn’t have a longer cable. A db9 that long might set you back a few bucks 👍

[@Ezzell_]

I would like to see what you recomend for a HF base with digital/pc control built in.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Off the top of my head I’m going with the ic-7300 😳

[@Ezzell_]

@@TheSmokinApe thanks

[@raywhitehead730]

Advice. As a high school student in Guam (1968) I could get radio Moscow with a radio kit from radio shack. I am Only interested in getting reception outside the US. What should I get?

[@LoftechUK]

What meter is good for hand helds. I’m in the UK near London and just starting out

[@TheSmokinApe]

SWR / Power Meter? I'd check amazon and see what fits the budget.

[@KE0RGP]

How about we start calling HT's "Handheld Transceivers"? KE0RGP

[@TheSmokinApe]

I can’t live with Handheld Transceivers 👍

[@N2YTA]

I use the term handheld transceiver, I agree that "handy talky" is goofy sounding. I believe the term "walkie talky" is trademarked by Motorola.

[@brandonboyd1]

Question: How much distance do you need to leave between frequencies on the 20M band? For example, if someone is transmitting 14.300 where is the next frequencies that would not cause interference?

[@seanb2273]

Pretty sure it's 3khz if everyone running a clean signal. At least 3khz though. 14.303

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sean is correct.

[@uzaiyaro]

What about an Abbree AR-2520? I’m looking to pick one of these up for the car. Or should I just stick to the Retevis?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I haven't had a chance to try that antenna, sorry man

[@youtubeaccount931]

Ok i'm saying handheld from now on, it's settled. I always thought handie talkie was a bit.... amateurish. I will notify the ARRL of our decision.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Lol!

[@user-jm2ni6pp6x]

How do you feel about the Baofeng GT-5R verses the GT-3WP?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry, I’ve never used the 3wp

[@barrygnu1070]

What power supply do you recommend for the Xiegu G90?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’d look at the MFJs or Samlex. Because the g90 is only 20w you could go low on power like 10A

[@pkonneker]

Where's a good place to buy the Retevis RT95? I need to actually start using my poor neglected HT first, but I'd love to upgrade at some point

[@TheSmokinApe]

I put links in the description 👍

[@pkonneker]

Ah, I see now. Thanks, that is helpful. Sorry for missing it. Obvious in hindsight.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@pkonneker no worries 👍

[@hacklabdesign]

New Operatior- thoughts on Yaesu FT-991 for $800 without power.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I assume you mean no power supply, that's not a bad prices if its good condition.

[@hacklabdesign]

@@TheSmokinApe sounds like you buy power supplies separately , I'm buying a new GT-991A. Start certification. I wish there was a 2024 video for completer beginners for 100 watt setups.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Class is in session!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Darn toot’in! Do people still say that?

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@TheSmokinApe No. No, they don't.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’m gonna bring it back

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@TheSmokinApe imma hold ya to it.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@temporarilyoffline I know

[@DominicMazoch]

ICOM neefd to put the 705 guts in a 703 sixed box with tuner.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That would be awesome 👍

[@alanbrockmeier6871]

Well presented! NM5SP

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Alan!

[@jamesknotts1546]

What is a higher end ht that you recommend?

[@TheSmokinApe]

The Yaesu ft-70 it’s pretty nice but has battery life issues. For high end, the Yaesu Ft5d and really high end I’d like the new Kenwood D75 👍

[@jamesknotts1546]

@TheSmokinApe I have the uv-54 hate programming it I would like to just buy one good HT rather than 30 cheap ones also have the explorer 1 from gigaparts just would like a nice HT and yes the new kenwood looks like a nice radio for sure

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, I get it because I was in that boat too. One nice one beats a bunch of not so nice...

[@dream_chaser7569]

Is there any Vhf/uhf that connects with a computer interface.. my comrade has this radio.. And use it as his base station.. I want to use ultra high frequency as mine! But I would like to connect it to my computer

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’m sorry, which radio?

[@dream_chaser7569]

@@TheSmokinApe I am asking you if you know of a Casio with those features? My friend has the Xeigu G90 but it’s HF I want a radio that’s Uhf/VhF but with the same digital capabilities or similar.. and I’m asking You if you know of any?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Have you looked at the Icom IC 705

[@dream_chaser7569]

@@TheSmokinApe no I haven’t, but I will do some research on that particular device thank you

[@kurttuttle1817]

I don't think an HT is a good first radio, now a good mobile that can be used in the house and in a vehicle makes a better choice (my opinion) but the cost an HT might be worth it. On HF I have a G90 and a nice small radio. I have one but is for sale since I now have a IC-7300, and I do not do portable/mobile anymore. There are a lot of good older radios that would make a great beginner rig.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Kurt. I don't disagree about used gear but I also don't recommend it unless they know the person. I have seen new hams get burned many times by hams passing on problematic equipment.

[@kurttuttle1817]

@@TheSmokinApe I totally agree about the used equipment, had a friend buy an Atlas years ago, and got burnt even after I said don't do it. 73

[@jeffallen3372]

I was here for guidance until at 1:17 you said "Expecsially"......when I turned it off

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome bro 👍

[@TechEndeavor]

I thought HT stood for Handheld Transceiver

[@TheSmokinApe]

It might

[@paulsylvester1394]

People seek advice because the information you need is never provided in the specs. You will never see specs on how poor the harmonics are on some cheap radios. You will never see specs relating to the audio quality. Some of us use ham radios as part of volunteer work where we operate under a special license under only with the organization and do not have our own ham license. We still need quality products that we can program. So advice is a real lifeline.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Totally agree Paul, thanks for the comment!

[@jeffallen3372]

Exspecially????

[@Siskiyous6]

Now, let us all admit it is confusing for those of us with some seasoning too.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Fair point 👀

[@PhantomWoIf]

Icom IC-7300 is best.

[@TheSmokinApe]

They are pretty sweet 👍

[@503Nick]

Kruk is going to be angry since you said fusion is proprietary

[@TheSmokinApe]

He has my number 👍

[@503Nick]

@@TheSmokinApe he’s been on a tare lately about that. Great vid as usual

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@503Nick lol, thanks Nick

[@Niner9er]

I always thought HT stood for 'Handheld Transceiver" and not "Handy Talky." Thanks for the advice, great vid!

[@TheSmokinApe]

You know, it just might stand for that 🤔

[@kingdick4508]

Come on Ape, the audio output has a pot, crank it to the right a bit…

[@TheSmokinApe]

lol, I should have

[@nealbeach4947]

Just stay away from the Chi-Com crap. Cheap is not your friend.

[@Zif-the-Old-Herring]

Some advice is not worth a pair of dimes.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Some comments too…

[@ramonbennett8416]

Awesome Bro!!! Thank you, KN6JHC

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking it out Ramon!