Yes, the QST review was positive. The QST review says the radio was built to Jetstream's specifications. However, some things about the radio, like the front-panel data jack, the theft alarm feature, and the microphone, appear to be copies of Alinco's design. On the other hand, the Jetstream radio is rated for 50 watts output while the Alinco is only rated at 25.
Of note, these statements in the QST review:
- "What makes this radio stand out is the JT220M’s image and IF rejection, both as good as we can measure."
- "At times I was slightly confused by the manual and its English translation from Chinese."
I generally take the "reviews" on eHam with a few grains of salt. They aren't complete equipment reviews with lab testing, like QST does, or even in-depth user reviews, like CQ Magazine does. eHam is just opinions posted by users who may not be as technically competent as they think they are. And their opinions may be based on anecdotal evidence that doesn't really indicate the real nature of the product. I'm not bashing eHam or their users, just pointing out that the "reviews" posted there are unfiltered and may have some bias. Of course, you can see some patterns. If there are 10 reviews on eHam for a product and 8 of them say the display is unreadable in direct sunlight, or something like that, then the product may have a serious problem.
My biggest concern with Jetstream products is long-term product support from the importer or manufacturer. Jetstream is the importer; some unknown company in China is the manufacturer. Who is going to service the radio 5 or 10 years from now? In comparing this 220 radio to the one from Alinco, don't forget that Alinco has been in the U.S. market for 20 years or so and GRE America is now distributing and servicing Alinco radios.
As an aside, I note in the QST review the following statement about the Jetstream radio's FM vs. Narrow FM adjustment: "Bandwidth should be adjusted to accommodate local repeater spacing, which can vary from 15 kHz to 60 kHz..." Uh, no. Repeater spacing is an administrative determination made by repeater coordinating bodies. Bandwidth is a technical specification for the receiver and transmitter used in the repeater. They are related, but the proper bandwidth is determined by the design bandwidth of the repeater you plan to use, not the frequency spacing between it and other repeaters.