Which 2m HT?

webley445 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 09:33 AM

Looking for my first HT in 2m. I'm on a very limited budget so have it narrowed down to 2 models. Figured I'd ask for opinions.
Yaesu VX150 or Icom V8 Sport?
Both priced the same and at near peak for my budget. Remember I'm new at this.

And who should I get it from? I'm leaning towards AES as they are very close to where I live, but what about Universal Radio or Ham Radio outlet?

W7RA · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 09:35 AM

Why not look at eham.net for a good used unit?

They also have product ratings based on members' experiences.

webley445 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 09:51 AM

Trust me, I've been to eham looking at LOTS of reviews. Just wondering what some here would say.
just finished looking at Gigaparts site, their pricing is competative too.

W7RA · #4 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 10:13 AM

Other resellers are Texas Towers, The Online Ham Radio Store and AARS

blinddog50 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 11:13 AM

Take a look at a VX-170.
About the same price.
Drive your car over it, go swimming with it, jump out of an airplane with it.
This one rugged bastard.
Plus it has more memory.

soncorn · #6 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 06:54 PM

I have a VX-170 and a VX-177. They have both been great. I highly recommend either one.

DDan · #7 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 08:00 PM

Another vote for the vx-170. Feels like a brick and takes about the same abuse with no ill effects.

kb0nly · #8 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 10:38 PM

Can't go wrong with the Yaesu's... If you want to spend a bit more and get a dual bander than get the FT-60R, otherwise the 170's are great radios.

ranger821 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 10:00 AM

Just ordered a VX 150 from Universal Radio. 99 dollars plus shipping cost of $9.95. The 170 is a very good radio as well if the budget can take the few extra bucks. The 150 they are selling now VX150/64B has a wall wart charger and a drop in charger also. higher Mah battery. They are on back order as a lot of folks have been buying them at that price. The person I talked to said they would have more in about a week.

jwilkers · #10 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 02:00 PM

Both the V8 and VX150 are good radios. I have a V8, and a V82. The V82 has more features. I got my V8 the day i passed my Tech exam. I used it daily very extensively. I heated it up quite a lot. It has taken a beating and still comes back for more. A friend has a VX150. He can't say enough good things about it. Built like a tank too.

You won't go wrong with either.

ki4rvh · #11 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 02:11 PM

Funny u should ask I just talked to someone on a VX-150. It sounds fine on the air. I know several people that have them and like them. A new ham here found GigaParts, Inc. to be the cheapest when he got his recently so check them out when comparing prices. Good Luck and Welcome to ham radio!