I NEED ADVICE

[KE1VIN]

I Would Like Recommendations On New 2M Radios Please Tell Me The Model And Why You Recommend It Thanks For The Help- KE7LSS

[KC9GLD]

I've owned Alincos, Yeasus, Kenwoods,Icoms, and have found them to be about the same.

I think I would be more concerned about the antenna system. A better antenna makes your radio appear to perform better.

But back to the origional question, Icom V-8000 would be my choice because of more sensitivity, user friendlyness, and overall performance.

Welcome to the hobby and have fun!

'73 de kc9gld

[KE1VIN]

i would recommend the v-8000 its great

[KB3NDN]

I have a Kenwood an older one (TM-231A) and i think its great, granted the only radio ive ever used so far.

[NE3R]

Yep, they are all pretty much the same. I own an Icom IC-V8000, it is pretty good, it has the 75 watt feature, I got it because I use simplex a lot. Trouble is, some folks have had their rigs fail when using 75 watts a lot, so, what good is it if you can't use it. I use 75 occasionally, basically when I start getting rough at 25 watts, I'll kick it up to 75 for another round or two. That said, I still like the rig, especially for its mic that has all of the functions you can do to the radio right on the mic. The Icom IC-2200H has the nifty mic.

Also on the V8000 is a front firing speaker, great if you can mount it somewhere under your dash, no need for an extra speaker with that rig. Another rig with a front firing speaker is the Kenwood TM-271A, a fellow ham has one of those in his truck, it seems to work quite well. The 271A sure does seem a lot sturdier than the V8000, but it doesn't come with all the nifty features on the mic.

I haven't seen one but folks seem to like the Yaesu FT-1802M. I have its big brother, the Yaesu FT-8800R dual band, it works well, but again, back to the mic, it certainly isn't as good as the one that comes with the Icom rigs.

Lets see, I hope you are talking about mobiles the last 2M only HT I've used was the HTX-202.

73
Joe
NE3R

[K0CMH]

If you want to avoid complexity, I would stay away for the dual band Yaesu 8800 and 8900. They have layered menues and little buttons that if the wrong one is pushed, you have to read the manual to try to figure out whay function you turned on or turned off.

I have an 8800 and like it very much, but must admit the menue intensive operation is duanting at times.

[WA7KKP]

I'd buy a used radio first -- learn how to operate, and THEN decided what you need in features.

Most radios now have features you really don't need, nor do you need to pay for them . . . .

Gary WA7KKP

[W3FIS]

I have a Yaesu VX-170 HT. I also put a J pole in the attic (we have deed restrictions here), and I can easily hit 3-4 different repeaters within a 30 mile radius. The VX-170 is VERY easy to use, can use in the car, and I have a small storage battery for emergency use, as I am located on the Atlantic Ocean, and have storm problems here from time to time.

I'll probably upgrade to some sort of larger (50watt) mobile unit, but use it as a base station with the battery box and charger.

[KB3OAD]

Quote[/b] (WA7KKP @ July 12 2007,15:10)]I'd buy a used radio first -- learn how to operate, and THEN decided what you need in features.

Most radios now have features you really don't need, nor do you need to pay for them . . . .

Gary WA7KKP

I agree for the most part. As for me starting out, I picked up the Yaesu VX-7R ht. I specifically got something rugged (it's waterproof too, but that's not important) and dual/tri band so I could get my feet wet in different bands. I would definitely say get something with dual band, like the ones mentioned, or a tri band if you really have cash. Mono band may not immerse you enough unless you plan to buy another rig quickly after your first purchase.

I hope this helps!

Jimmy KB3OAD

[KI4WEJ]

The VX-7R and you'll never look back. Plus it's easy to setup in the the shack to use as a 2m / 440 rig.