Yaesu FT3 vs Kenwood D74 Which one should you buy? | K6UDA Radio

Direct viewer request video. Which one should you buy? The Kenwood TH-D74 or the Yaesu FT3D? I'm comparing these two gladiators head to head.

[@NathanChilton]

I'm glad you made this! I've had this exact question on my mind for months. I'm still torn. I like the answer of "both". If only.

[@emsmikes]

Thanks again for a good comparison of radios! Since specs are always hard to compare real usability, these videos help.

[@josem.4312]

Thanks! Studying for my Technician license, researching rails and and have been asking myself this same question.Thanks again!

[@jasontremblay1713]

Thank you for the look. I have been looking at both radios. Hard choice.

[@tomisham9900]

Great video! I watched this and many other videos before purchasing a new HT which I ending up with the FT3 and I love it. It replaces my Yaesu VX-8 as my main HT.

[@elguinolo7358]

The D74 allows to listen to anything on the spectrum, which makes it a clear winner.

[@kb9oak749]

I give a thumbs up before the video starts. I have that level of confidence in your work.

[@K6UDA]

You rock dude. Thanks.

[@PrecisionGroupYT]

As I am already invested into D-star with my first D-star radio the Kenwood D-74 ( The reason I went with the Kenwood is because it had true HF receive capabilities) . I had no prior experience with D-star, Fusion or DMR prior to my D74 Purchase But after using D-star I love it and I also now have the Icom 9700 (another D-star capable radio). So I am quite invested in D-star and now that Icom announced the IC-705 All Band All Mode QRP rig plus being also D-star capable on all bands with many of the same features and screen size as my 9700 and 7300 (The IC-705 will be my next rig as the many uses It will have is still adding up in my head and growing) I will be sticking with D-star for the far foreseeable future!!! Great video!!! Thanks Chris K4BBC

[@streetchicken5738]

Nice review. I've watched your review and each and the head-to-head is a good summary.

[@Gribilo]

Tnks you for speaken slowly english. I'm French in Spain and i appreciate all your Videos.

[@rickpinelli9268]

You cannot beat the audio from the Kenwood D74A! The Kenwood is also a TRI-BAND radio. Our 220 repeater is the busiest repeater in town. As far as using it with hot spots, there are plenty of TG's, Rooms and Reflectors where you can cross mode between D-Star, DMR and Fusion so that is a non-issue. 73' KA2BSM

[@CrittendenIV]

Been grappling with this same conundrum. You made me laugh, so hard. Thanks so much!

[@AmishSpecialForces]

Can't wait for the IC-705 video Bob!

[@kb9oak749]

Getting ready to buy later this coming week. Had to watch this again.

[@KY4BDP-TinyFangorn]

Great comparison on the radios Bob. I have the FT2-DR now and am keeping my eye on both of these radios. Thanks for the time and efforts! LCARA KY4BDP

[@walteredwards544]

Great video. You answered all my questions. I'd have to buy both of them because of the different digital modes

[@denisemcjunkins4391]

I received my D74 Saturday. Excellent quality. Impressive radio. Still studying for my license.

[@Fireguy-]

OK BOB! You just cost me more $$$$. First the KX3, now the TH-D74. Working through the manual. Don Arnold's videos are a huge help. Thanks to you and Cal PERS. Cheers, Jeff, KK6CUG

[@K6UDA]

Awesome.

[@allanmacuser]

Hi l have enjoyed your videos l myself have been off the radio for over 35 year OMG what a shock l had getting back on to find out all these new modes but thanks you to yourself and other l am now more informed (oh yes l have now bought a id-52 plus 2) regards allan G6TMO UK

[@thuff3207]

Thank you for your funny videos. The sideband multimode receive is important to me.

[@W6MDE]

Thanks for the video I was looking into both the 74 and ft2d. But got interested in the ft3. Battery life is huge to me because I’m out backpacking a lot so the ft3 it is for me.

[@forgetyourlife]

Hotfootedhiker Adventures if battery is king don’t backpack with a digital radio at all. They all suck more juice.

[@W6MDE]

forgetyourlife not going to be on digital. Mainly analog and use APRS. Currently I have a Yaesu VX6R and the battery life is amazing. I always hike with 2 batteries. When I get the ft3 I’ll have 2 batteries also

[@emin9788]

Bob,you are good man.Great You Tube shows.Bring's a smile and laughter, too.Thank you.Best Wishes.

[@K6UDA]

Emin Izyaguyev thank you

[@emin9788]

BOB,you are one of the best.Love your shows,too.Thank you for your presentations. Best Wishes.

[@K6UDA]

Thanks. Look for new videos to drop in a few weeks.

[@alphonsorivera1111]

Always a great review!!! I can not wait for the 705...... I own the 74 but like the audio of my 51 better.

[@markdoyle8713]

Attention radio manufactures these videos influence my purchase. Might get both. Love your work thanks.

[@CordyteActual]

Thanks for the comparison, I have been wondering about this since they announced the FT3. 73 W6KMP

[@K6UDA]

Thanks. You weren't the only one.

[@patthegunsmith]

And my choice is...............both! Thanks for a great and...humorous review.

[@TheRadiogeek]

I like radios too but dang man you licked your radio! Nice run down and comparisons on the radios. 👍❤️📻

[@donh5794]

It's a GF radio

[@lyncchoo]

Great Video. I have a technician license. I'm coming back to radio after a 20 year hiatus. Still a noob. I want something nice but not too costly. I have an amazon gift card for a few bucks so that'll help. All I wanted was a dual band but the extra features on these two are great. No clear winner ... Thanks for the review!

[@indecentseas-]

love your videos, thank you

[@iotadx7614]

Thanks for the comparison,Bob! Dale BA4TB

[@miketel01]

Great review I really enjoyed the honesty and everybody else’s opinion as well he did help me make a choice it’s called Polo a credit card and get both

[@tecnocyborg]

I really liked your analysis on both radios, I did not know you but I subscribe to your channel for your simple but great way of explaining it, thanks 73's of XE1ZKC

[@scottwillis9806]

Loved the review!!!

[@K6UDA]

Thanks.

[@JK-ug7rm]

The usability of the GPS info on the Kenwood is scoring major points.

[@aw7425]

Fantastic review Bob and the added humor was lol great too. 73 w1nga

[@peredavi]

I ordered the Yaesu FT3 before watching this. I’m satisfied with my decision. Good review. Strange, but good. The licking the radio put it over the top.

[@1polonium210]

My Kenwood TH-D74 arrived today. I'll chime in when I get it figured out.

[@tallmike6598]

Thanks again for another great video Bob. I ordered a FT-3dr last night from HRO should have it hopefully tomorrow morning or Tuesday morning. For what I am doing within the hobby its "good enough for who its for" !! 73 Mike N2MWL

[@brianhill2488]

Another awesome K6UDA video. 73's KM4MQC

[@K6UDA]

Thanks.

[@EarlGray_kd7sjt]

I got the D74 at Pacificon. I love it but it's gonna take me a year to learn how to use it.

[@Megan-hf7uh]

Great video I got the 3dr

[@K4SRF]

Since Kenwood took the D74 off the market back in December 2020, I had to purchase mine off of eBay. Looking forward to playing with it.

[@davequick3373]

Great video.... especially the girlfriend part! 😍

[@ifollowyou4254]

Hello from Grermany, I total follow you. I have them both too and it`s sometime hard to decide which I should take with me when I go travelling.

[@aulii11]

WHOA - both out of my price range, but thanks!

[@rickvetfrommissouri7950]

LEARNING A LOT FROM YOU

[@K6UDA]

Thanks.

[@darylnd]

I just came back to this video. People complained the D74 was expensive at, what, $475? Now used ones go for twice that! The new Icom ID52 is $649 (and how can I forget the wonderful 9.25% sales tax I'd have to pay here in California?) but is crippled in comparison with the D74. I have an IC-705 but haven't tried it yet with D-Star because getting a D-Star ID isn't quick. I have the FT3. I'm happy enough with it that I don't feel the need to upgrade to the FT5, though I do like the rubber corners on the bottom of the FT5. Yaesu just replaced the case on mine, and were kind enough to do it under warranty, after the bottom plastic cracked from a 14" drop onto my kitchen floor. Glad you're enjoying your new home, Bob. 73 de Daryl. QTH San Jose, Peoples Republic of California.

[@ubik372]

Own both (and many others beside, you can never own too many radios and I can't bear to part with some of them!) and like them both, although just getting to know the FT3DR. The FT3DR has a very solid feel to it and seems very robust, slightly more so than the TH-D74. Also, on my TH-D74 the battery has a very slight "give" on the main body whereas on the FT3DR the battery is very firmly held in place. The RX range on the FT3DR goes all the way up to almost 1GHZ whereas receive tops out at 524 MHz on the TH-D74. You can receive the HF bands on the FT3DR, I was listening last night, althought there's no SSB mode. Love the FT3DR's touch screen (just a color screen on the TH-D74, no touch screen function) but it lacks the audio shaping options the TH-D74 has. You can get the FT3DR for $440 while the TH-D74's best price seems to be $510 so it's a little on the pricey side compared to the FT3DR. Have to ask, what antennas were you using in the video on both handhelds? Now, with the IC-705 announcement, Icom has competitively priced "state-of-the-art" equipment in the station receiver (IC-8600) and station/mobile transceiver (IC-7300, IC-9700, IC-7610, IC-705) departments, it only lacks a new handheld to go head to head with the above two new radios (it''s IC-51 line is getting a little long in the tooth).

[@K6UDA]

Nice analysis. I'm using Nagoya 701 antennas on both radios.

[@chrism5428]

Thanks, I think I'll get the FT3D. I like the battery life. Which will allow me to carry less batteries. The super wide band features of the D74 seem nice but with half the battery life of the FT3D...ehh, I think I'm leaning to the FT3D more. Good video. Thanks.

[@gwr2243]

i pick both! because d-star is stand alone and ysf with a hot spot can access all other digital modes.

[@michalblaskovic293]

Perfect review

[@ajdrewjp]

Bob, thanks for the video. I'm right at this buyer's junction right now. Any chance you could compare the FT3 against the Icom ID-51a? Thanks again!

[@juanjorda2443]

Congratulations from Panamá Rep. PANAMÁ

[@thomasmanson1119]

Hey thanks for this great video! I already have the ft-3dr, so I’m gonna go buy the Kenwood! You always have some great info and I appreciate that. Thanks again, 73s de Tom KC3QAC

[@dewhalin]

Great video

[@BurgmanChile]

awesome review, best comment ever at 11:10

[@andyabbo9000]

I too have a Kenwood Wife & My Yaesu Girlfriend i feel very lucky and they live together in harmony.

[@williambouchard4480]

LOL! I agree, like Bob said, my Kenwood wife stays at home because I am afraid of breaking it. I first bought the FT-2 and like a new girlfriend I took her everywhere. I then bought the D-74 but she stays at home. I also just bought the FT-3 and I have to agree with Bob, the D-74 is a much better radio and I am still trying to get use to the FT-3 so I don't want to be too harsh, but I think I still like the FT-2 better. The screen is definitely bigger on the 2 than it is on the 3 and too me it's not really a color screen. I call it enhanced grey scale. I know the pictures that can be taken or received are in color but how many hams are going to use that feature. I probably am stupider than K6UDA because I have all THREE radios! Bill N3EDO.

[@mattlord2906]

You convinced me, The Kenwood. It has held its value longer, it has more capabilities. Has excellent track record

[@MWDAdventures]

what is your favorite antenna to pair with the ft3?

[@ftlaud911]

Was looking at both. Leaning towards Kenwood. Just saw video on the Icom 705. Looks like a portable 7300. Not exactly a handheld though. Right now I just do HF and enjoying making DX contacts. Yet to ever use a local repeater. Waited for my General to start getting into ham radio.

[@tonymiller3417]

Very good review are the antennas stock or after market and where did you get them

[@hemitj]

Not stupid. I totally get it! Makes sense. Had me laughing! Thank you. Subscribed!

[@josephbarreira2551]

Hey Bob: loved the video. Unfortunately I’m helplessly new to this ham radio stuff, can you get shortwave on this kenwood radio, or any handheld transceiver? Thanks, Joe in CT.

[@2e0btx]

brilliant and your Hilarious ! just subscribed to the channel love your sense of humor 2E0BTX

[@johnbonvillian4417]

Thank you Bob KI5FRK 73

[@Irenaeus-von-Lyon]

Very handsome and full of informations!

[@kd2kvz]

Your a strange bird, Bob, but I still love ya buddy! Lmao

[@K6UDA]

Thanks.

[@AcuraJ32]

I agree

[@rickbattle5706]

I got the FT3. Very happy with it. Hands down the best HT I have ever had. Works like a charm, easy to program, display is great. CW or SSB on 40 isn't real useful on a HT. Rick KB3NG.

[@dermucki3384]

Crazy Dog, thank you ! 73 from Germany

[@boogeymanlockandkey362]

great comparison....What antenna are you using on the ft3?

[@khalidien35]

Very nice. I am confined due to the cov19 curfew of the like and I would never have thought of having one of those transmitter. I have a TECSUN PL 380 receiver which is a nice device. These are not just transmitter, they push the experience to a all new level and you can interact, licensed wise of course. I am in France, in Europe, and those devices are not very welcomed. I can only get them from US or Chinese websites ??. You convinced me about the Ken D74. Cheers

[@LancasterWannaBe]

duuude this is a good review. like really really good haha. You really got into it, and bringing people in from your club to get THEIR evals ... nice. I think that the real killer to the Yaesu is the data transfer abilities, or lack thereof. You can't access the APRS TNC, C4FM can't send serialized data. the D74 and DSTAR will do BOTH! And it's EASY!!! Awesome vid! 73, KE0SBF.

[@CalSextons]

Thanks for the excellent comparisons, what was the antenna on your FT3DR for this video? Thansk

[@K6UDA]

A Nagoya 701.

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Most Honest Radio Review Ever!😏📡🌎🌍🌏📶👍

[@K7AGE]

Great review Bob. Does the Yaesu do duplex for satellite operation? Also, please don't lick my radios!

[@JayN4GO]

K7AGE no

[@vonzigle]

Hi Bob, I appreciated the work you put in to generate these reviews! I have a Kenwood D74, but notice they now have a D74A. Do you know the difference between the two? Thanks!

[@K6UDA]

If you live in the America’s you most likely have an A model.

[@vonzigle]

Got it... and the E version is for European!

[@AdamSWL]

Great comparison Bob! But the choice is already made for me. Kenwood won't release the radio in VK land, so the FT3D is the only choice here. And the FT3D uses the same batteries as the VX-8R and FT-1DR which is perfect. Yeah you could probably get a D74 shipped over, but it would be stupid expensive.

[@TheKiltedHam]

It's the icom ic-705. Just announced in Tokyo

[@MyTube4Utoo]

@Chris Bone I do too, but I just ordered the XIEGU G90. It'll do 20 watts, has a built-in tuner, and is $439.99 at 'Radioddity.com.' Of course I may end-up with the 705 too, depending on the price. You should check-out the reviews on the G90 at www.eham.net/reviews/detail/14255?page=1

[@nateneww]

Thanks 🙏🏽

[@garysiuco7834]

Hi Bob, what antenna are you using on the Yaesu FT3? I find a few don't fit with the "bulge" of the GP. Thanks

[@AJAcevedo]

5 minutes into the video and he’s still rambling.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

If he didn't like to talk, he would not be a ham. Lol

[@johnpeterson7264]

It seems the D74 sounds better , but I’m having trouble figuring out if the D74 is the better receiver or if it simply has the best speaker. I’d love to see a Sherwood like comparison of the two radios. I’m guessing the kenwood will come out on top.

[@Bob814u]

Two years later the price on the Kenwood has gone up $200. I love mine except for the short battery life. I do love the record function for working Satellites. I record the contacts then can go back and log them. DStar is great for talking around the world with the 74. I don't own the Yaesu handitalkie so I can't talk about it. Thanks for the videos. 73 de KE5ES

[@ojjenkins7110]

It boils down to this, do you want D-STAR or FUSION. The IC-705 was presented on ham college Friday evening. It has D-STAR. I have the D74.

[@NathanChilton]

That's actually the least important part of the decision for me. I've never used either. It would help if I really cared about either D-STAR or Fusion/C4FM, because I could use that to help make the decision. The Yaesu looks way better, and it's cheaper, but the Kenwood has 1.25m, practical HF reception capabilities (SSB/CW), and its TNC can be used by a computer for packet radio (particularly Winlink)! Hmm....

[@la7dfa]

Dstar and Fusion sounds bad compared to FM. Only when signals are weak, you get some digital benefit (less noise). Besides it also depends on what you local repeaters use.

[@williambouchard4480]

The Icom IC-705 is also on the HRO website as a prebuy. The specifications are there as well. I like the concept.

[@N4EJM]

I had no idea the Kenwood could receive HF. However that FT3 would be such an addition to my FTM-400.

[@K6UDA]

Perfect companion radio. I agree.

[@N4EJM]

Just missed you the other day on Wires. I’ll try you again after this storm blows by this week. de N4EJM

[@TheChico868]

I like your channel

[@K6UDA]

Thanks

[@Martin-hq1if]

hi, Thanks vor your‘s helpfully Video’s. 73 😉👍🏻

[@K6UDA]

Your welcome

[@pmolczan]

I think overall this is a great review. My issue with the FT3D is if you need to really go through the menus or use a APRS messaging the touchscreen really lacks a good user experience.

[@andresta2you]

you are the best!! thank you

[@K6UDA]

Thanks

[@bev8200]

I can tell I'm going to fall deep down this rabbit hole

[@K6UDA]

It’s almost bottomless.

[@jptucsonaz8503]

Hi Bob, I agree, the Kenwood is the better overall RADIO! The FT3 has the better display (though I like that the K has a full keyboard too!) Solution; the Kenwood/Yaesu mashup FT3D74 - it's blender time! Btw; 11:34 ick! Please don't lick the radio gear... kiss fine, but I'd rather not have to down half a bottle of tums. Thank you for the side by side! 73 John

[@rickmcconville4015]

The Yaesu wears a tight dress and like to go dancing. the Kenwood looks nice in shorts and a sweat shirt and she can cook. You date one and marry the other.

[@cjtaylor5917]

I agree.

[@spaceshipdev]

Same for the IC-7300 and the FT-991a. Brilliant comment 💯

[@BenDover-wm7wf]

Um, meaning?

[@denisemcjunkins4391]

I did change the brightness setting of the screen and turned gps off when I first turned the radio on.

[@davejacobsen3014]

Kenwood is my first choice in-spite of cost. Usually I am YAESU person but I like the D-Star data mode, but I want a second choice from Icom. Since the IC-7300 Icom has taken first choice.

[@gotammo9148]

The Kenwood is holding it's price the ft3d is now $349

[@wesell4corners]

Good take. DSTAR and audio along with receiver capabilities make Kenwood my choice of the two. I like the more industrial look of the Kenwood. Maybe my dissatisfaction with the Wires X set up using the FT2D had me already favoring the Kenwood. Your ham radio videos are the most entertaining I’ve seen. KK4TBJ

[@K6UDA]

Thanks.

[@herbgarciakm6jbi542]

Sounds like I will be getting another radio as well

[@K6UDA]

You can aways drive around the corner and try mine. Just remember to bring your disinfectant wipes.

[@ilovemusic68]

What antenna are you using on those ? 73 de HB9GVJ

[@rtrjmk5]

Right now, my dilemma is Kenwood or wait for the Icom that is just being sold. I am in line for one. I have a Kenwood TH 22 AT that is 20 years old and still works great. Having. 7300 and a 9700 in my shack, and love them both, I think I may just go Icom. Decisions decisions. Thanks for the review. 73.