Best All Around HT?

[ctsrj1]

Which MARS branch of service are you looking at? Air Force or Army? Since the Navy MARS units were brought into the Air Force’s MARS wings, I suspect it’s only a matter of time before Air Force MARS and Army MARS are consolidated. I am with Air Force MARS and we do have VHF repeater activities. But as was already mentioned, the majority of operations occur on HF frequencies.

Was considering Air Force. Thank you.

 

[GlobalNorth]

Which MARS branch of service are you looking at? Air Force or Army? Since the Navy MARS units were brought into the Air Force’s MARS wings, I suspect it’s only a matter of time before Air Force MARS and Army MARS are consolidated. I am with Air Force MARS and we do have VHF repeater activities. But as was already mentioned, the majority of operations occur on HF frequencies.

USN/USMC MARS was decommissioned in 2015. Sadly, it no longer exists.

 

[KN6NPZ]

I had the 878UVII Plus. The channel selector knob is held to the shaft by a flimsy, molded-in plastic socket that fatigued and cracked within a few months of use. BridgeCom Systems did a terrific job of sending a replacement knob, but toy radio construction isn't something I look for in a $315 device.

I also had the FT-3D: like you, I had to sell my HTs (but I kept my IC-705).

 

[SigIntel8600]

My EDC HT radio is an Rfinder B1+ for VHF/UHF RF, DMR over IP, Zello, Echolink, and Broadcastify all one one device. The B1+ is also an Android cell phone so I can make phone calls and have access to the internet via sim card or WiFi. The downside to the B1+ is the software is buggy and it costs an arm and a leg. The B1+ lacks any kind of scanning ability, (that's where Broadcastify comes in handy). I also alternate with a Yaesu VX-6R and a Yaesu FT-5D. The VX6-R is waterproof, has 220 (at 1.5 watts), and includes wideband coverage. The FT-5D is also wideband, includes C4FM digital, as well as GPS and APRS. The FT-5D has dual receivers which is a plus.

 

[N4KVE]

What is the definition of the word “best” in the OP? Cheapest radio, most bands, easiest radio to program, largest screen, or loudest receive audio? I’m surprised no one has mentioned the APX8000. To me, that’s the McDaddy.

 

[mmckenna]

What is the definition of the word “best” in the OP? Cheapest radio, most bands, easiest radio to program, largest screen, or loudest receive audio? I’m surprised no one has mentioned the APX8000. To me, that’s the McDaddy.

Yeah, or an XL-200P, or an APX-Next, if they really wanted to show off.

I'm personally surprised that more hams haven't discovered Tait multiband radios. TP-9700 DMR multiband would probably make some happy. And there have been plans for a TP-9900 DMR/P25 multiband.

And let us not forget the Kenwood/EFJ VP8000…. DMR, P25 and maybe someday, NXDN.