Yaesu FT70D vs Yaesu FT2D Review

[@MattCoversTech]

Your review helped me pull the trigger on buying an FT70DR tonight. Thanks!

[@scotthill6807]

I'm just starting out and I purchased the FT-70DR. I'm very happy with it. It's fairly easy to program through the front panel. Great for a beginner like me. Thanks for the review.

[@geoffreypak8131]

Thank you for the comprehensive review. After watching your video I have purchased FT-70D.

[@spakkajack]

i spent 2 days without reading the manual. well worth the effort. love it.

[@TingILi]

Both of them are excellent handheld radios. FT2D is quite easy to set up everything and upgrade its firmware, of cause as especially for the digi mode beginner. The touch screen is good enough as I feel which compete with TH-D74. Anyway, Yaesu still keeping his style for the new generation of the radio in my opinion, since I own FT-728, FT-729, VX-1, VX-2, VX-3, FT-8R and FT2DR. Yes, I will buy a FT-70D for my collection list.

[@RateMyRadio]

Yes add a FT-70D to your collection - you will love its value for money and classic Yaesu style! 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

Using FT 70 have you tried linking a local RF repeater by pressing the function and AMS. Some work some don’t. It’s perfect if you have a hotspot but awkward if you go through a repeater. Do you agree?

[@RateMyRadio]

I have linked it to my node and another I am sysop for about 5 miles away with no issues. That said, I can imagine sometimes it would fail as even the FTM-400XDR in my car does at distance - there are no retries from the node/repeater so if you miss the reply packet you do need to try again. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

Ft70 is a great radio. It’s superheterodyne

[@ItsEverythingElse]

The main reason I want the FT2D is all the bands that are not available in the 70D.

[@ghostmandka5498]

Very honest and concise review. Thanks! Just found your site and look forward to seeing your other videos. Question....what antennas are you using on the two HT's? Thanks. 73 de KD4CHW

[@vaamorais]

Interesting comparison. Sometimes less is more. Btw I alike the antennas you have on the radios. What brand / model ? Thanks

[@charlie12590]

As always. Great 👍 review

[@RateMyRadio]

Thanks Charlie! The only thing that has come up since is that the FT-70DR battery life isn't the best, but if I am being honest I can't name a handheld I've ever owned that has had great battery life! Another thing worth noting is Yaesu have dropped the price of the FT-2DR significantly, at least here in Australia. Still, pretty much everyone who has used both prefers the RX audio of the FT-70DR. Thanks for the kind words, 73 Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@michaelbradley8508]

Great video.... I own the Yaesu FT-70D and it seems to be a good little rig. One question though - can you recommend an upgrade antenna for it? Michael VA6XMB

[@RateMyRadio]

Thanks for the kind words Michael :). The Diamond SRH771 is my 'go to' antenna for a reliably performing upgrade on stock antennas, however being 40cm long (~ 1 and 1/3 feet) it sometimes. gets a little unwieldy. The Diamond SRH770 is likely as extreme as you can go, being 70cm long!!! but it IS better than its shorter cousins. Be wary of cheaper 'knock off' antennas; the quality control is all over the place and on a static (no human nearby) SWR test setup I found they varied considerably despite test conditions being equal. A good question, but hard to answer :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@dimitrissapountzakis6285]

Excellent review and very reasonable points. Thanks!

[@juniorharris9545]

Thanks for the review. I am looking for another handheld I am a new Ham. I got my ticket 2 months ago. I bought a FTM-400XDR because I wanted to have a good radio that I would use for a long time without me feeling like I need to upgrade. Having said that, my first handheld was a beofeng uv5r. Now I was looking for a C4FM HT. Once again I wanted to get a decent one and the 2dr and 3dr look like the better choice with the eye. But I’m not gonna spend $300-$400. So the 70dr sounds like the best bang for the buck

[@okhamradio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@marshallgraham4708]

I don't know why Yaesu stopped making the FT-1. It does almost everything the FT-2 does without the shortcomings of the touchscreen and is by far the best handheld I've owned.

[@RateMyRadio]

I actually wanted to get an FT-1D when I setup my Digital Wires-X node, but alas, they were no more and I had to buy the FT-2D. Thought I'd really love it given the looks and specs but the fact of the matter is I ended up with a touch of buyers' remorse. Still, if you lived near a Fusion Node/Repeater with Wires-X and could use a handheld indoors without worry, it would be the best way to go. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@marshallgraham4708]

Noted there Jarrad but when all said and done I'd still purchase a FT-2D as a replacement because the batteries and accessories are all the same. If you do decide to let go of your FT-2D, give me a shout. At least I know it's been in good hands! Best 73, vk3mrg

[@RateMyRadio]

So it is you Marshall “Mr Radio Guy” ;). Yes I am definitely considering selling it as I have to downsize the shack for an impending move and need some funds to review this year’s hottest releases! I don’t think I have your number but send it to me via my QRZ email and I’ll send you a great price for an as new FT-2D with everything and a charging cradle too! 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@pedrotavares4952]

Hello! What antenna are you using in the video? Thanks in advance.

[@timk7749]

Thanks for this vid. I have been looking at both radios. I don't have any digital repeaters in my area so I was set on the 70d with a zumspot until Yaesu changed the software of the 2d which now allows it to be setup and get onto wiresX without the HRI-200. So now the price of the 70d with a zumspot is close to the 2d which makes the decision a little tougher. Still deciding..thanks again for the vids. 73 KF7VUT

[@the_kingd0m]

how do the battery lives compare between the two models? I believe the FT70D has a battery life issues. Hopefully the FT2D doesn't?

[@RateMyRadio]

We haven’t heard owners of the FT2D complaining about battery life but it really depends on how you use your handheld radio. For us the FT70DR has been fine as we only really use it for accessing our local Wires-X node at low power. Certainly, we have found the battery much better than our older VX-7R. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@GhostRider1974]

Jarrad: Nice video sir! I don't think the FT2D is hard to program. I never owned another handheld, but I did have several Yaesu mobile radios for VHF / UHF. I found the programming intuitive and very similar to the programming method on other Yaesu radios. You just have to know the right soft key to start with. Have you found the battery life on the FT70D to be comparable to the FT2D? I have found the battery life on the FT2D to be very good. I use (3) batteries and charge / rotate them out sequentially.

[@sergiofernandezpelayo]

Hi, what team do you think is best? Yaesu FT-2DR or Icom IC-51D? Thank you

[@RateMyRadio]

The Icom I would go for on quality, but C4FM/Fusion is a better digital mode, and thats what the choice comes down to: C4FM or DSTAR. 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@sergiofernandezpelayo]

@@RateMyRadio Thanks

[@RateMyRadio]

You’re most welcome Sergio! :). We in the process of setting up a new shack so stay tuned for RMR “Season 2” hihi! 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@jsimpson8018]

What is the model number on the FT2D charging cradle?

[@waynethebarber1095]

What about the battery life of each radio, and what about the extended receive? Doesn't the Ft2d shortwave receive and more?

[@banihex]

How does it compare to the 3DR? I’m SO conflicted! Anytone 878 (now sold out), the 70dr or the 3DR!

[@richardcorfield9926]

For me it's APRS or not APRS. I do safety comms in mountainous regions, but not many of us use APRS.

[@gregdelgado812]

Finally somebody calls out the hiss on this damn radio... sounds very cheap!! I regret buying.. i really dislike the sound.. specially on Analog.. hissy hissy .. sounds like a cheap police scanner.. good ears on picking the problem with that radio.. looking to sell mine..

[@scottmiller5859]

Rate My Radio - Do you have a video on how you set up your node? I have been thinking about my own node, but just haven’t looked into it too much at this point. Thanks.

[@sklegg]

Excellent video as usual. I think touch screen radios will get better as manufacturers become more adept at designing for a new interface.

[@Kylesfd]

i really dont think its reasonable to excuse a company for not be able to figure out how to properly implement technology that came about over 50 years ago...

[@brianaraluce3203]

Great video

[@brianrose2487]

Is the Yaesu FT70D easier to program than a UV-82? Thanks

[@jgaffney6]

Agree with you on the 70 Thank You

[@TomSP9TL]

Have you ever compared FT-70D's battery (1800mAh) with VX-6 (1250mAh)? FT70 should work longer than VX6, but then again they're slightly different radios. When it comes to FT2D, its 2VFOs might come in handy, especially when it comes to working with SAT. What I am worried with FT70 is the need to press 2nd button to adjust VOL. Currently I have a VX6, and thinking of either FT70 or FT2. FT3 is way too expensive.

[@RateMyRadio]

Dear Tom, I just picked up an FT3D, so hopefully I'll have my thoughts up here soon. I've never directly compared battery life as my VX-6R is quite old (a gift from my Elmer) and I've never had a new genuine battery. In my experience, they both seem to go flat when not used, so I personally think removing the battery during storage may be of assistance. When its all said and done though, they're nowhere near as long lasting as a modern cell phone. 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@TomSP9TL]

@@RateMyRadio I've decided to go for the FT-3D, it has arrived yesterday, so I'm playing around with it. There were 2-3 dots on the battery icon left, and I've messed around with the radio all evening. Fully charged overnight, 9hrs. Will get the rapid charger anyways. The radio is NICE! 73!

[@HamRadioPortableOperations]

@@RateMyRadio - How's the FT3 doing? I'm loving mine using an Openspot 3 hotspot and Wires-X. I have to admit all Yaesu menus are a bit wacky. My VX-7R still get me after all these years. 73's

[@zachbender7607]

Curious to what model antennas you are using on the radio?

[@davidroygodden]

I agree with you completely

[@waynethebarber1095]

I think your talking up the ft70 and talking down the ft2. You didn't really mention all the Futures each radio has. You did more bashing then comparing. Sorry, I had to say that but you asked...

[@ronedwards8239]

What happened to this guy? No posting for 2 years.

[@RadiosPlanesSpace]

i wont buy the ft2d because of the low / tinny audio output. waiting for the replacement!

[@RateMyRadio]

The audio was superior on the FT-70 in both Ben VK3HBN & my opinion; the FT-2D had a ~8KHz low pass hiss I didn't like especially that was not present on the FT-70.

[@donh5794]

That's not what I hear on the newer FT2DRs.

[@johnk8091]

I'm looking for a new handheld - but it must have FM broadcast receive, when the 2/70 bands are dead (99% of the time) then I can listen to broadcast stations. Also like to have AM air band RX. I think the TH-D74 might be the one.. Th FT-70D would be perfect if it had wide receive capability

[@wojciechpopiel9887]

I bought FT2D a year ago and watching your video now as I still have doubts how to use it! it's not what I hoped it would be .. good build quality but terrible user interface

[@terrygraham4555]

No I don't usually do that but your video said I could call you stupid, I was hoping you would write a letter to me and tell me what kind of problems you were having with the ft-2dr maybe I can help.

[@RateMyRadio]

Fair enough laughs well I did kind of mean in private ;). I’m just not that into handhelds so I’ve sold the FT-2D onto Marshall below who is loving it! He used ‘chirp’ the computer software to program it up and had no issues at all. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :). Ps he is big into ham radio outdoors so will get the most out of it :)

[@joeframo3347]

I agree with you on everything I'm disappointed in you FT818

[@t3fLoN77]

What antennas are those on your HT’s?

[@RateMyRadio]

They're just ebay bnc rubber stubs; I believe Diamond make a genuine version, but they do the job for accessing my local node. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@t3fLoN77]

Rate My Radio 73

[@gregdelgado812]

My comments were about the F2Dr radio

[@kerbsidemotors9249]

So is the ft3 a colourful screen and another world of disappointment

[@liviugabreanu-yo3fyo354]

The Yaesu FT70 battery is keke.

[@RateMyRadio]

There is a setting that turns the receiver off and on to conserve battery. The default interval is 0.2s try using a longer one for better battery life :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@donh5794]

Sounds a bit biased towards the FT70. In no way the FT70 is easier to program than the FT2D. If you don't want to understand a radio, you won't.

[@RateMyRadio]

I admit to being biased towards the FT-70D; the audio is nicer and its 1/3rd the price. Plus, it has the fantastic, simple yaesu ui we all know and love. For me, it was a keeper that simple. 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@donh5794]

@@RateMyRadio That's a fair comment. Maybe without knowing it, you actually made a good case for purchasing an FT-2DR, but discouraged it based on your preferences instead of being objective and let the viewers decide. By the way, the FT-2DR is around $160 more than the FT-70 (perhaps the FT-70 is around 1/2 the price, but not 1/3 the price of the FT-2DR). Most people I know that purchased the FT-70 just decided to settle for less functionality or just based the purchase on price. When they heard about the new FT-2DR firmware update and the nice things you can do, the same FT-70 owners say they really don't need the new features. I think you can make yourself believe that you don't need the better radio.

[@RateMyRadio]

I must say when I heard about the new firmware features from Marshall who I sold the FT-2D to I did consider I’d missed that in this review, which is unfortunate but you can’t be right 100% of the time I guess. For the record Marshall is exactly the kind of Ham I describe in the video as benefiting from the FT-2D. Things are probably a bit skewed in VK, as here the FT-2DR is 3x the cost of the FT-70DR. The FT-2D isn’t a bad radio, but in my opinion only a few Hams truely get the most out of it. My use case - talking on my existing home node via RF and never going mobile, the (subjectively) better audio of the FT-70DR won me over. It goes without saying if you love your FT-2DR, you DEFINITELY made the right choice. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@donh5794]

@@RateMyRadio I just noticed specs on the Yaesu website: it appears that the wide band receive coverage of the FT-70 is much narrower than the FT-2DR. I was surprised at the difference. Check it out. What's your thoughts on that?

[@oliverkorsch4243]

Look up good video then u can