Top 5 ANALOG Handheld Ham Radios for 2022 | Best Handheld Ham Radio

[@gregsmith1116]

Cool. I have the Wouxan UV 9 and love it. They programmed all my local repeaters, weather, first responders, and GMRS frequencies for me! Wahoo!

[@RonanCantwell]

The little VX-6 is a fantastic radio. It's also completely submersible so can withstand pretty much any weather you care to throw at it.

[@falcorthewonderdog2758]

Yaesu FT60R will still go toe to toe with any of these newer chinese radios after all these years. It has an aluminum cast body unlike Chinese plastic blow molded body. That fact alone puts the FT60R in another class altogether.

[@1polonium210]

A couple of months ago, I bought a Yaesu VX-6R to go along with my other HTs (FT-5DR and TH-D74). It has become, very quickly, my daily go-to HT. Fantastic analog radio! I give is six stars out of five!!

[@K1STG-Fred]

I have an Alinco DJ-G7 that I like. It is 2M/70cm/23cm. They’ve been in production for a long time. Mine was a 1/2 off floor model from when the Sunnyvale HRO closed years ago.

[@kb5fhk]

I have one as well. It's full duplex, which makes it suitable to work FM satellites.

[@W4TRI]

Busied the lead on the FT-60. AM RX on Airband. And it does it well!

[@jayfinster3024]

Just received the uv9-gx. Still learning. Really nice ht. Thanks better safe radio.

[@irineojason]

Got the ft 60r. Your videos and comments here have helped me choose. Thanks.

[@HamRadio2]

Glad I could help

[@hamradiobasics]

Jason I so look forward to these videos. Clear, concise and to the point. Well done !

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@seaningram3285]

I still have an ADI AT-600 Dual band HT. Needs new battery pack, current one won't hold full charge, anymore. Still works. PL tones only. No DCS.

[@wolfmoon1228]

I have 2 of the wouxun kg-u9d mates, both transmit 136-174 and 400-512 😏 never had any mods done to them. It's all in the software. One radio was purchased form R and L and the other was from Buytwowayradios

[@joeframo3347]

Yes Jason the ft-60r you can now buy lithium ion batteries for this unit there is a company called batteries America and they sell the lithium-ion batteries for this and the charger it's an awesome radio aircraft works very well on it ❤️

[@HamRadio2]

Yep

[@braunwm]

Don't forget the VX-6R can be MARS unlocked and transmit on GMRS for SHTF situations (so I'm told). It is also supposed to be water proof.

[@HamRadio2]

Really any of them can be MARS modded.

[@jamieb9556]

I'm not sure if the vx6 is like this. but a lot of these older mobiles and or handhelds dropped power down when you go out of band to transmit.

[@twohandsandaradio]

Alinco DJ-VX50T and the Alinco DJ-G7T (tri band) from DX Engineering.

[@HamRadio2]

Those are decent radios too.

[@Bruce_W]

You mention the FT-60 comes with a Nickel-Cadmium battery. I bought one at least 5 years ago and it has a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery.

[@HamRadio2]

Originally, like 15+ years ago, the batteries were different. I also said I wasn't sure what they came with if you buy one today.

[@Bugkiller991]

I recently found an FT-60 in an estate sale. It still had the original battery. It was a NMH. I found a Lith ion on EBAY and use them both. Along with a AA battery case. Radio is the equivalent of the old Volvo 240.

[@Soladaddy]

Icom and Kenwood seem to have little desire to produce new ham HTs. At least Yaesu is trying to somewhat stay current. Wouxun makes a better radio every year, I have 3 of them and haven't had an issue yet.

[@alexgunawan98]

you need to mention Freq Stability and Power Output. most of them below manual spec.

[@radiohobbyist13]

The Icom T-10 is a direct conversion (not superheterodyne) radio that is overpriced for what it is. It looks nice but that's it. Can't find any spare batteries either.

[@PNWAffliction]

Was on the fence for a long time about Wouxan, felt like it hadn't been on the market long enough. I'm comfy with Beofeng, TYT, Anytone, and definitely Yaesu... but if Wouxan is standing the test of time, I might pick one up. Still mad at Yaesu ft60 for thought-policing some of their tx freqs tho >:[ wish I'd known that before I bought it. very rude. pro tip put your initials on your radios, hams are great at returning radios back to people. ;p

[@HamRadio2]

Wouxun was in the USA before Baofeng. When I got back into Ham Radio around 2012, I attended a local Hamfest and the most popular, lowest priced HTs were the Wouxun UVD1P. No one had ever heard of Baofeng at that point.

[@bettersaferadio]

To add to what Jason mentioned here (BTW, thanks for the mention Jason - You Rock!), the Wouxun UV9-Series line, starting with the original KG-UV9D, has been around since 2015, so while not as old as the FT60, it's no spring chicken and is holding up great. It was upgraded to the UV9D Plus, then the other flavors like the T, K, P and D Mate, and now the UV9PX, which absolutely maxes out the internal MCU memory and features. The only where to go from here is to a new IP67 version, but that's a ways off still. :) While not on this list, the KG-UV7D is the newest dual-band version of those original Wouxun radios like the D1P, offering more power and some other refinements, but built on basically the same tried and tested framework. :)

[@blankreganon5395]

My wife and I have a pair of Wouxun KG-UVD1P radios since 2011 and they are still going, including the original batteries.

[@jayanderson9068]

What frequencies can’t you transmit on for the ft60

[@radiohobbyist13]

Bring back the Kenwood TH-F6A!

[@2m0kiescotland]

KENWOOD TH-F7E is another fantastic 2/70 HT it also is a wideband 0.1~1300MHz receiver all modes !

[@HamRadio2]

Unfortunately, Kenwood doesn't have anything in production right now.

[@2m0kiescotland]

@@HamRadio2 true im.just saying what i think is still a great HT that has alot more in it than most other HT that are being made today

[@Ross13ful]

Great Video And Informative As Always

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@LightningSpeed64]

As far as the UV-9D mate is concerned… You said older ones may have full open transmit. If somebody was to buy one that is locked into the ham bands, is there a way to unlock it or MARS mod it to open up the GMRS frequencies? And if said person were to find themselves in an emergency situation, is it putting out roughly 10 watts on the GMRS frequencies as well? Asking for a friend. Does the Konami (Contra) Code work to unlock it? (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A) 🤔

[@pteppig]

Yes, same with baofeng, tytera, etc, there are button combinations that you can press during boot to remove restrictions on the firmware

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

@@pteppig that is true for the UV9PX as well? (unlock)

[@bettersaferadio]

@@1MinuteFlipDoc Yes, the same piece of software that does MARS/CAP, etc. on the UV9D Mate and all of the other 9-Series radios works on the UV9PX, for use by authorized personal only, of course.

[@PhillipMoita]

Midland CT-990EB is the winner for me!

[@paulwolf8510]

I don’t understand why anyone would buy the Icom in this segment. Yaesu ft-60 is cheaper and has wide band receive. You could buy two ft-65 or if you want a smaller form factor the ft-4x with the same feature set. Wouxan is a super het and had wide band for less money. And there are a ton of US dealers. I just don’t see the value. Especially if it’s just a converted commercial design, since they sell WAY more commercial radios and that would subsidize the cost.

[@tonys1210]

I'm undecided between the 65r or the kg uv9d mate for purchase what do you think Jason. Thanks Tony N3VZO

[@ascentfinanceconsultancy5240]

Hi Jason, I appreciate your videos, great content thank you! I am looking for a hand held radio that is both VHF/UHF, is able to receive and transmit on the Airplane Band I.e. 118 to 136mhz and has digital and Bluetooth capability? Is this radio available, would really appreciate your help! Much appreciated Marcus

[@g-whiz286]

Besides the Yeasu FT65R, are any of these these radios double conversion super heterodyne topologies? I'm am so sick and tired of these cheap SOC SDR radios with there lousy selectivity, easily overloaded (desensitized) front ends and almost useless squelches.

[@bettersaferadio]

Yes, the Wouxun UV9-Series radios are all double-conversion superhet radios, which is why they are such a value in the under $200 price range, especially when you consider the built-in cross-band repeater, 7-Band RX (including AM AIR Band), even 1.25m "220" RX on the new UV9PX (finally), dual-receiver and dual simultaneous scanning, etc. - many features that even much more expensive radios just don't have.

[@briantrask8173]

Hi, just curious on your thoughts of the Alinco DJ-VX50T Dual Band Handheld?

[@HamRadio2]

It is a good one too.

[@karlr4481]

How would the Radioddity GA-510 fit in this range? Dual band, 2 batteries & programming cable for $55 on Amazon at the moment.

[@ItsEverythingElse]

The VX-6R is really cool, though showing it's age.

[@Aloysius-73]

I really like my Wouxun UV8H and UV980P but they do not scan as fast as my Yaesu radios. That's my only dislike about the Wouxun radios

[@jayanderson9068]

Does the ft60r or ft65 transmit on all ham gmrs and frs , murs ? Or are they both locked to only ham ?

[@iliveoffroad]

Im curious why you recommend the KG-UV9D mate vs the KG-UV8H. I am considering buying one of those 2 radios and having a hard time deciding between the two.

[@HamRadio2]

Honestly either one is a good choice. The UV8H is 8w while the MATE is 10w but the difference is negligible. Also I like the orange color of the MATE.

[@iliveoffroad]

@@HamRadio2 do you notice any really difference between the two in screen quality? Especially outside in the sun?

[@HamRadio2]

@@iliveoffroad the 8H is easier to see outside since it has a black screen with white text

[@briantrask8173]

If you were going to purchase one now would you go with the UV9PX over the UV9D MATE and does it really put out the 8 watts? I am trying to decide between the UV9PX and the Alinco DJ-VX50T.

[@HamRadio2]

The UV9PX comes with all those channel pre-programmed. The UV9D MATE does about 10w - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH6vpqp8qMRqqac The Alinco is a good radio but I find them more difficult to program from the screen. But.... the receiver is probably better.

[@will6051]

Right the best coax cable…

[@legaleagleandpaws8198]

Can you get the UV9D radio pre-programed with all the same stuff as is in the new UV9XP ? Thanks and God Bless:)

[@9breakerboarding147]

I dont know about preprogramming but northman project has great programming videos. Made it really easy

[@legaleagleandpaws8198]

@@9breakerboarding147 Obviously I am a newbee with a lot to learn. Thanks for the reply. God Bless:)

[@bettersaferadio]

You can purchase my copyrighted UV9D Plus, UV9P, or UVPX HAM + SHTF codeplug (in Wouxun, or CSV format for CHIRP) and write that to the UV9D or UV9D Plus, with minimal tweaks perhaps for the original UV9D.

[@jayanderson9068]

I’m looking for a upgrade to the uv5r anolog that can transmit on ALL ham, gmrs, frs, murs channels . I like to have that feature for emergency purposes only . out of all these radios what one will do that ?

[@HamRadio2]

Most likely not. You'll need a Part 90 radio

[@budgetbasscovers]

My UV-5R will transmit on 2M, 1.25M, 70cm, MURS, and GMRS/FRS if needed for emergencies, courtesy of CHIRP and the unlock method.

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Jason, my UV9D screen is tough to read in bright sunlight. What is your experience?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes it can be

[@rogerNKWYNNVIDS]

Ni-MH batery on my yeasu ft 60

[@HamRadio2]

Yes, it's older technology

[@christophersmith1155]

analog is main street all the digital modes are quiet residential side streets.

[@HamRadio2]

Only if the residential side streets are where all the traffic is, and no one drives on main street anymore.

[@joeframo3347]

👍

[@DrivinwithJoe]

Analog 4life. 😂

[@robertalmario]

My FT65R was made in China.

[@RisingTidesAC]

Yes they are made in China.

[@HamRadio2]

Mine was too, but they changed that a while back

[@tonys1210]

They are now made in Japan.

[@HamRadio2]

@@tonys1210 yep

[@tonys1210]

@@HamRadio2 Great video I enjoyed it.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

UV5R!!!!🎉 lol

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

GT5R

[@amelvarupa3467]

Hello Im new in Your channel and I need help

[@stephen1711]

These "best of " chinese handheld videos are getting old. Can you please drop this and create constructive material for the active general class and above once in a while? "That would be great... yeeeeeah"

[@HamRadio2]

I've already done that. Figure out what you want to watch and search my channel, I bet you will find it

[@stephen1711]

@@HamRadio2 But I have to go backwards in time on your channel. I'm looking for current material in the youtube amateur radio community that isnt just selling at me. Something creative.. building or repairing like hams used to. Maybe more in depth current events, or Amateur Radio history. Maybe shack ergonomic/electronic design or improvements.. even if it's just what you've done lately to stop your cat from chewing your power cords. Everybody does reviews and they really have no value to anyone unless you're a long time and accomplished operator of that equipment. Anyway, just don't wanna see yours and a few other channels suffering the same challenge dry up and blow away.

[@HamRadio2]

Like, literally I have videos that cover all of those things. Current material doesn't stay current forever. I don't have a cat. I have some shack videos and I'm working on an update to that series. But the Best Of videos are what most folks are searching for. That's why I make them. It's a response to the audience.