Watch this before you buy the Yaesu FT5D Ham Radio

Is the Yaesu FT5D worth the price of admission? This time I'll do the math on whether or not the latest Yaesu Handheld is the right ham radio for you. I'll break it down in plain english. If your considering the Yaesu FT5D don't miss this video.

[@azav8raa]

Bob, welcome back. Lighting and audio from the new shack are top notch.

[@otrdriver6767]

This is the 1st time I've watched one of your videos. I think it's great that you always ask people people what they're looking for or thinking about buying a radio. You don't jam things down the throat to make them feel like they have to buy something. I have subscribed and will get get your videos automatically. Thank you for a very good video and your time.

[@sigweiss5258]

After your initial review of the FT3D back in 2019 I went out and purchased one Im very happy with it, I will not be upgrading...... Glad to see you back on KZbin.

[@K6UDA]

Thanks.

[@lalu225]

Absolutely loved this video. Natural, straight to the point, and feels genuine. Thank you sir!

[@kg2c]

Thanks for the good, concise presentation of the changes and updates since the previous model. The FT2D was my first more expensive HT and I was very happy about some aspects (ease of programming in the field, easy of use of System Fusion) but unhappy about others (APRS usability, TNC features, desensing from strong nearby transmitters). I am sticking to my TH-D74 as my daily radio and keeping the FT2D in the drawer for now. I'm hoping the next FT6D will be a worthy upgrade, not just a product refresh.

[@andrewmagnet-k4qy35]

Welcome back! Thanks for this video - first one of many that I’ve seen with a real comparison with recommendations.

[@trevorputterill]

Still got my FT2 keep it in a pouch very happy with it. Always enjoy your videos.😀

[@JudgeD-hc9vw]

Well timed video. I had just started looking at the FT5. Appreciate the helpful information.

[@threadripper979]

Good stuff as always, Bob. Keep it up!

[@cobia6686]

Glad to see u back on KZbin! This is a really good breakdown on the FT-5. I’ve had the FT-70 for little over a year and I passed on the FT-3 due to reports of the lower audio quality. When the FT 5 came out with the audio issues resolved, I bought one from HRO. Its a really cool radio with some great features and the audio is fantastic. However, I’m just not sure I’m actually going to use all of the features offered from the FT-5. I hate to admit it, but I think this is just more radio than I need.

[@K6UDA]

You buy a Lamborghini knowing you'll rarely if ever use it to it full potential, its just nice to know it there.

[@SuperAbel17]

Y qué tal con el Ft70?. Estás pensando en volver a él?. Si compro una batería extra y el cargador rápido, crees que estaré contento con él?. Ahora mismo tengo un Quansheng TGuv2 plus, pero quiero un Yaesu y algo más de calidad, está claro, jeje! En recepción y transmisión analógica estoy más que servido y satisfecho. Saludos!

[@KevinW8BRY]

Thanks for the video Bob. Glad to see you back. Kevin

[@motor47dab]

Brand new to Ham Radio and I just ordered an FT5 on black Friday for just a little over $350.00 . This content was just what I was looking for after my purchase. Thank 😊

[@peades5896]

Thanks for the review and good luck with your channel!

[@nickc242]

Getting into Amateur Radio... this'll be my first transceiver. Liked your concise no nonsense video. As this will be my first handheld I'm seriously considering it. I like the forward and backward compatibility with Yaesu models which means accessories are out there and that makes it appealing to me. Despite it's niggles as all handhelds no doubt have, being a newbie I like that I can grow into this hobby knowing that this handheld has plenty of features to last me. Thank you for the review Bob. Edinburgh Scotland.

[@Sean-AI7EQ]

Good overview of the differences between FT-5D and FT-3D. Glad to see Bob is back making videos too! 73

[@K6UDA]

Thanks.

[@FM-us3rd]

Thanks Bob...Your videos are always entertaining and informative

[@K6UDA]

Thanks.

[@maxtheverybaddog]

Thanks Bob, really enjoyed the video. Sat at breakfast watching it with my FT3D on the table monitoring. I still have an FT2D, which I’m more inclined to take outdoors and if I upgraded I’d become reluctant to take that radio out of doors given the investment and the risk of dropping it. 73s from Scotland MM6USS.

[@joeframo3347]

Bob I want to wish you a Merry Christmas I'm so happy you're back I just got back in the radio so timing is good 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jasonritchey8610]

I’ll be keeping my FT3D. Thanks for the review Bob!

[@Thomas-ZET]

Nice review, just ordered the FT5 to replace an old yaesu FT50r, it’s still a solid radio, the 5 will be a long overdue great upgrade

[@johnqpublic3803]

Nice video. You're very good at this. Please keep doing these videos!

[@fred4820]

Tks for sharing. I am preparing to buy FT5 recently. The video gives me a lot of useful tips. Tks again.

[@havok4103]

I just got my tech license last week... I got the ft5 as soon as i past the test. Im happy with it.

[@jmollo55]

Great show glad your back

[@stephanhersey1186]

Bought the FT3 for it's APRS abilities. Haven't felt the audio problem so many have complained about to be a problem. Do like the FT3. Won't be upgrading. But if someone doesn't have a 3 and is looking to upgrade and want's APRS, go for the 5. Looks good. Glad you're back. Steve, k70fg

[@asystole_]

How do you find the APRS performance on the FT3? I've seen people complain about it.

[@johnsavage8778]

I am just getting started myself and love that you are in Idaho as I am thank you for all the great information

[@joeframo3347]

Hey Bob I'm glad you're back on I've always enjoyed your videos Man I think you're a great guy thank you so much and Merry Christmas to you 💕💕💕💕

[@delopez1966]

Thank you for the info that you provided on this insightful video!

[@carln6ckv8]

Hi Bob Great that you are back to doing videos again. Bought the FT-3 after playing with yours, I am going to stick with it. Don't see any reason to upgrade.

[@georgewashington7444]

FT60R is a tank. 160 SOTAs with mine. Save up and get a ICOM 705. With those two radios you can cover 90% of what ham radio can be!

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

Thanks for this video, I’ve been debating between which one to buy. Looks like the FT3 will be what I purchase

[@frankalvernas6628]

Like that you are back and producing great videos, so keep them coming. As far as the FT5 I don’t think there is that much of an improvement, I probably will hold off until the price drops. Still waiting to see if anyone will make a radio that does all the digital modes...thanks ! 73 de N6LPV

[@bradskis81]

Don’t hold your breath

[@GraemeKoch]

I don’t find a problem with the FT3, the volume is fine and am very happy with it, I will not be upgrading.

[@billrympalski1712]

I agree.

[@johnpeterson7264]

Great review as always.

[@K6UDA]

I appreciate that

[@JamesJ7851]

Thanks for the information. Upgraded from a FT-70DR to the FT5D, Dayton special pricing over the weekend.

[@karlzinnack4821]

Welcome back... We've missed you!

[@desimonevd]

The FT3D has banks and I have all my frequencies separated out by band and county. I love the new features of the FT5D but they aren’t enough for me to upgrade. Love your channel!

[@KLHintz]

Happy FT3 user here. I use the Banks feature just about every day depending on where I happen to be. I would love an FT5 but its a bit pricey for me. Enjoy the vids. Thx.

[@jaycountyamatuerradioclub5682]

Just bought one of these at the 2023 Hamvention...watching your video right now! Looks promising.

[@kenocon1]

Thanks Bob good honest opinion on both.👏👏

[@Irenaeus-von-Lyon]

I just ordered a a Yaesu FT-5DE, which is the version of the FT-5 for the european market. I own two Yaesu FT-70D handhelds and I will give you my impressions about the new Yaesu soon.

[@SuperAbel17]

Mereció la pena el salto del ft70 al ft5?. O es innecesario para alguien que no haga demasiada radio?. Saludos!

[@steve-nc5076]

Nice review on the FT5D. I have the FT3D and like it so I'm going to just stay with it.

[@douglasarmey6444]

Keep up the strong work!

[@Bohica..36]

Hi Bob, I love your videos. Glad your back. I actually heard you on DSTAR once and I couldn't believe it. Keep up the good work. Octavio KC1NSI Rochester, MA

[@K6UDA]

If You hear me say hi.

[@garysoutham8746]

Hi , this is the information i was looking for. I was concidering the FT3DR but will probably purchase the FT5DR. Thanks for the information.

[@scottkn4vvj216]

Bob, great to see you’re back. I don’t see the upgrades worth the price. I’m staying with FT3 and FT2.

[@joe-kb9rcr]

Bob, welcome back! Great video. Thank you, and 73..

[@JoseMorales-vi9sj]

After the Orlando 2024 HamCation, I’m in the process of upgrading my HT. I’ve looked at your video and it has help in my decision making of what radio to buy. !73

[@robmcclure5313]

Nice to have you back on KZbin sir. When my Kenwood TH-72D gives up the ghost, I may buy an FT5 replace it

[@UABFWSS]

Had ft3 since they were available, use daily all day. The changes aren't that big of a deal. The extra volume is nice, but only rarely lacked on the ft3 with like the windows down in truck, wind noise. Still find myself turning the ft5 down when in the truck, as I'm used to having it 3/4 volume and in the cup holder it boosts the audio a good amount. I do miss seeing the scan, especially when I wanted to stop in a certain bank or channel range. The volume pitch adjust on the ft5, I find pointless and if anything I prefer the high pitch boost better than low boost, but kinda prefer just flat. I do think this ft5 has better receive, at least compared to my ft3 did (with same antennas, getting previously unheard repeaters etc, one fusion wiresx I could never hear prior :) ). Tried the belt clip holster thing for a few days, but found the extra step of removing the cradle and then the battery to drop in the charger was just a hassle at end of shift or whenever, switched to the ft3 style clips for both batteries (bought extra clip for batt #2). Mars mod was just as simple on the ft5 (do prior to programming, lol, cuz it resets to factory new afterwards). RTsystems said this week or next for Mac prog software, anxiously waiting. The improved water rating is nice to have in the back of the mind. Getting used to the changed button locations quickly. Glad I got it at the end of the day, even though it's not big changes really.

[@blankreganon5395]

Thanks for the review.

[@ActivityPhoto]

You are correct $500 for a dual band FM handheld is ridiculous. I am currently in active advanced class operator licensed since 1974. Am considering getting involved again, but just don't know about activity in this area, SW Washington State.

[@greggbenshoof2626]

Glad you are back. Not planning on upgrading yet.

[@K6UDA]

Love to hear from the happy FT3 guys. Thanks.

[@sp5mjb]

I like this video very much! Actually I like all your videos! Not only the beginning ;) Your videos helped me to decide on my ham radio shopping! Thank you and take care! 73!

[@jtderby]

Thanks for the review

[@ko4mkp]

Great video. I may wait for a while and see if the price drops or they put out a rebate. It is a lot of $$$ for an HT. But I get it. They changed the scan process to save battery life. That is why the scan frequencies don't show up. That would be helpful to let the other know WHY they changed it. I heard that direct from the Yaesu rep on an interview.

[@AlxJrz401]

Appreciate the review

[@2e0txe]

FT3 has memory banks.

[@Daniel-lm5ry]

I’m glad someone else noticed that.

[@jameski5oeb668]

Team FT-60R for now.

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

I don’t have one of those anymore but, I’m my opinion, that’s the best HT ever

[@bradhansen4312]

Ft60 and VX6r on the motorbike 👍🏻

[@jameski5oeb668]

@@bradhansen4312 I own a used FT3DR now and dont regret it.

[@falcorthewonderdog2758]

I love my FT-60R

[@zachcagley9519]

I do love my ft-60, but I usually grab my vx-7

[@tubbysailor]

Bob, sorry lose you to the wild wild west, but know you're much happier. So glad to see you back. Love how entertaining you make your channel.

[@wiresalot]

Good Job Bob! keep Up the good work!

[@Firefox131]

Thanks for an honest review!

[@K6UDA]

Thank you for the comment.

[@AmazingSteelers1933]

Good review Bob. Thanks

[@joeframo3347]

Hey buddy love your video just getting back in the ham radio this one looks like a winner thanks for sharing it 👍🙏🙏🙏

[@martinshaw2385]

Thanks for the review, I think I'll stick with the ft3 for now.

[@hbryant1971]

So both of us were cops in Cali. You moved to Idaho. I moved 7,337 miles away to the Southern Part of the Philippines. That alone should make a statement. In the Amateur Radio world, the FT5DR is not perfect, but quite cool. It works quite excellent in YSF2DMR through the "Hotspot". Unfortunately there are no digital repeaters in my part of the Philippines.

[@K6UDA]

Congrats on making it out in one piece. Both the job and the state.

[@markmccauley152]

Thank you Great review

[@johnk8091]

Here is my comment to fool the KZbin algorithm Bob LOL. Good to see another video from you, it's been a while. Great comparison, highlighting the differences BTW. I will stick with my FT3 a while longer, and wait to see if Kenwood will come out with a good replacement for the TH-D74

[@joeframo3347]

Yes BobI agree with you my friend you're absolutely right on the other two radios but this one I think yaesu really looked at the problems and made some big changes coming out with this new radio this is a beautiful radio man looking at the pictures I got to have one in my hand I got to get one thank you for sharing this video and you are number one I'm glad you're back I'm really glad you're back 👍👍👍👍

[@kk7aagradio631]

Great review. Greetings from Heber City UT!

[@chrismcculley5629]

Great review!

[@Swoop180]

I'm very pleased with the FT3D, i've never had an issue with the volume. Just had to chime in for the algorithm.

[@RickRByrd]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@chrisjct]

I have this ran down to HRO last weekend and didn't go for getting this radio but they sold me on it it's nice my first yarsu radio

[@chuckbock9875]

Great Review, Thanks!

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Great review - The reality is once you have heard the ft3 and ft5 side by side you won't want the FT3 , also the used Market for the FT5 in the few months will be a very good value choice.

[@dovetomarc]

Banks are on the FT-3

[@colddeadhands429]

This guy is good ! Just sold me on the FT-5. Just subscribed too.

[@browntroy101]

Thanks for the great video!!!500 is a little bit too much for a starter! Great review 👍

[@MrIDAHORICK]

good info. keep up the good work

[@garystrout1679]

Very informative. thanks !

[@williamburgner]

Welcome back, Bob.

[@troylabrum8715]

Thanks, gonna get one for Christmas!

[@terrygraham4555]

You always do agrate job

[@ricklepe7314]

I am going to order one. Thanks for the info

[@jeffholladay]

Thanks for the great vid!

[@martykm6pra114]

Bob love the videos! 👍

[@K6UDA]

Thanks my friend.

[@dougdaniels]

Real happy with my FT-70, I see no reason to upgrade. Thanks for the review.

[@SuperAbel17]

Y la escasa duración de batería?. No es un problema?. Lo tengo en mente, pero me echa para atrás ese punto débil. Saludos!

[@dougdaniels]

@@SuperAbel17 If you adjust the battery settings, there's no problem. Plenty of videos on how to reduce battery draw.

[@chrisd8715]

Great info keep it coming...

[@WFTL14]

Loved it, thanks!

[@andybonneau9209]

Welcome back! 🙂

[@douggalt]

Hi Bob. Sal has the FT 5DR and I am thinking of making the jump. Especially now since he added a WIRESX site that covers part of Nevada. Nice to see your back. Took me a year, but i here now.

[@K6UDA]

Doug!!

[@DD-gd3fr]

Missed ya Bob welcome back

[@PocPark]

Thanks for your video. Thank you!

[@diorama999]

Bob, been waiting patiently for you to return after the big move…

[@perseverenllc2659]

Thanks for a quick comparison!

[@tombaffa9374]

Thanks for the info!

[@Andrew-yx7sf]

I just subscribed. I have been a ham for over 25 years but just trying to learn about the digital world.

[@ErnestGWilsonII]

It is certainly a nice HT. Sadly, this radio is priced out of the range of many new operators just getting started in radio. Additionally, I personally would like to have seen the addition of the 1.25 m 220 MHz band. Thanks for making another video and sharing it with all of us. I am of course subscribed with notifications turned on and thumbs up. 73 W3GUY

[@sire24657]

As always awesome stuff (and thanks for helping me save money!). What is your go to aftermarket antenna for the UHF/VHF radios you use? Nagoya??

[@howardkuo]

Hi Bob, what antenna are you using on your FT3D and FT5D?