suggestions for first handheld

[lbpd16]

hello all. i'm new to the forum and have been looking into gear for SHTF situations. I've been looking at communications recently and it looks like HAM is the best choice over CD, FRS, etc. I've been researching handheld radios and i've seen 2 camps. One suggests spending the money on a Yaesu FT-60r as its very reliable. Another camp suggests that for beginners and for a bugout bag that a Baofeng UV-5r is a good choice.

I found some older threads on this forum but they are a few years old. I thought maybe things have changed since then.

thanks for any suggestions.

 

[AK9R]

There's this thread from last summer: Getting first HT 2m/70cm

And, there's an on-going thread that covers this topic: Amateur Radio Options

 

[timhir25]

hello all. i'm new to the forum and have been looking into gear for SHTF situations. I've been looking at communications recently and it looks like HAM is the best choice over CD, FRS, etc. I've been researching handheld radios and i've seen 2 camps. One suggests spending the money on a Yaesu FT-60r as its very reliable. Another camp suggests that for beginners and for a bugout bag that a Baofeng UV-5r is a good choice.

I found some older threads on this forum but they are a few years old. I thought maybe things have changed since then.

thanks for any suggestions.

Welcome to the RR. There are alot of smart people in the RR who can answer any of your questions

 

[k6cpo]

Apparently the price point of the Baofeng is an over-riding consideration when purchasing a radio, despite all the threads in the various forums about all the problems people have with them. Go with the FT-60R. You can't go wrong with it even though it's a little more costly.

 

[lbpd16]

where is the best or recommended place to get a FT-60R?

 

[sloop]

I personally prefer the Yaesu VX-6R because of the extra features such as expanded receive and the size. In picking a HT decide on 1. how much are you able to spend, 2. what bands do you want to operate, 3. extra features wanted, 4. how durable do you want the radio, and 5. accessories available such as 'AA' battery case. Good luck in hunting.

 

[lbpd16]

its gonna be a end of times / natural disaster type radio in case all other communications go down

 

[AK9R]

where is the best or recommended place to get a FT-60R?

Ham Radio Outlet https://www.hamradio.com/
DX Engineering Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at DX Engineering
R&L Electronics R&L Electronics
Gigaparts GigaParts - Amateur Radio, Computers and More! GigaParts.com

 

[N4GIX]

its gonna be a end of times / natural disaster type radio in case all other communications go down

Keep in mind that you really will need to USE the HT so that if things get dire, you will know how to use the gear! In addition, you will need to keep the batteries exercised so they don't go bad.

 

[mrweather]

I thought the FT-60R was discontinued?

 

[sloop]

Gigaparts has them for $154.00.

 

[AK9R]

All four of the stores I listed in post #8 said they have them in stock, but DX Engineering says they won't be able to ship until April 20. That tells me that they really don't have them in stock, but Yaesu has promised them a shipment this month.

 

[jaspence]

There is no comparison between the FT-60R and any CCR. If I had to only have one radio, it would be the FT-60R. One advantage it has over almost all current HTs is the availability of a battery case that can use AA batteries. In a real lights out situation, a handful of good alkaline batteries can keep you going when you don't have power to run your charger.

 

[robertmac]

Are you a licensed amateur or going to obtain your license?

 

[TailGator911]

The FT-60R is a solid radio, built like a tank, reliable and easy to operate. Great choice for a beginner ham. Should work well with your area repeaters on 2m/440. I second the motion to getting your ham ticket and familiarizing yourself with the radio before storing it for emergency situations. Get involved with your local Field Day which is right up your alley, preparing for communications in the event of an emergency (in the field). I have done Field Day probably 20 times and I learn something new each time. We used to camp in remote areas to test our equipment. You'll mix with folks doing all kinds of DIY stuff, solar power, portable batteries and generators, etc. You'll have a blast.

 

[lbpd16]

Sorry for not knowing the lingo but what is “HT”?

and yes, I plan to get some licenses when I have a chance

may plan is for using this for longer Range communications and info

do you have any recommendations for a closer person to person radio. I was looking into FRS and GMRS type radios but most people say they are junk and shouting may be better than using those

 

[lbpd16]

Or should I just get at least 2 yaeau’s?

 

[k6cpo]

where is the best or recommended place to get a FT-60R?

I recommend Ham Radio Outlet, but they seem to have been out of stock for a while. Whatever you do, DON'T buy from Amazon. The prices are horribly inflated there.

 

[AK9R]

Whatever you do, DON'T buy from Amazon. The prices are horribly inflated there.

I looked at three FT-60s listed on Amazon. All three of them were offered by an Amazon seller who just happens to be one of the amateur radio dealers I listed in post #8. Worth noting that they charge reasonable prices on their own website, but when they sell on Amazon, they bundle the radio with low-cost accessories and jack up the price.

 

[AK9R]

Sorry for not knowing the lingo but what is “HT”?

Acronym for "handie-transciever" or "handie-talkie" which was a term used by Motorola, I believe, for their early portable, handheld radios.