Looking for an HF rig

[WX2CIB]

Hello all,
I am looking to get my General in the new year. Now I'm asking everyone's opinion in a good but inexpensive HF rig. I'm looking for one that does all bands this way when I decide to get my Extra. Thanks in advance. All opinions will be excepted.

 

[AK9R]

Most HF transceivers that include the 160m through 10m bands cover the entire portion of those bands, so having a radio that will work for you now and in the future shouldn't be a problem.

Are looking for new or used?

A lot of of hams have gravitated to the small, mobile HF radios like the Icom IC-7000 or Yaesu FT-857/897. They are capable radios, but they do sacrifice ergonomics for small size. And, their ability to hear weak signals in a crowded band is suspect. I remember sitting in front of an FT-897 during Field Day and getting very frustrated with its inability to sort out the stations I was hearing.

If you can afford a Kenwood TS-590, it's receiver gets very good reviews. The Yaesu FT-450 is less than a grand and gets good reviews, too. I have an Icom IC-746Pro that I'm pretty happy with, but it's been discontinued for several years.