Yaesu: Yaesu FT-1XDR Vs FT-2DR

[JASII]

I just bought a DMR portable and now I want to get a Yaesu System Fusion portable to give that a try. So, as posted above, do I want the Yaesu FT-1XDR or the FT-2DR?

 

[chief21]

Generally speaking... FT1 version is less expensive and has traditional shape and smaller orange LCD screen, while FT2 is more expensive and has wider form factor and larger black-on-white LCD touch screen. I'd say that both are similar for overall TX/RX function.

FWIW, I own both but prefer the FT2.

John AC4JK

 

[AK9R]

As I recall, the FT-1 will only decode System Fusion on one "side" of the radio while the FT-2 will decode Fusion on both "sides".

 

[Aero125]

The price difference between the 2 is usually around 30 bucks, sometimes less with specials. I picked up an FT2 for 269 after rebate during this past 'Hamcon special pricing.' The FT2 is definitely worth the extra few bucks.

 

[Otto]

As I recall, the FT-1 will only decode System Fusion on one "side" of the radio while the FT-2 will decode Fusion on both "sides".

What do you mean by "decode both sides"???

 

[WA0CBW]

The radios have two bands, A and B. The FT1 only does digital on the A band and the FT2 does digital on both the A and B band.
BB

 

[KR3LC]

Another important consideration for the sight impaired: The FT1 is a better choice for usability.

 

[JASII]

Yaesu FT-1XDR

A friend of mine tipped me that the Yaesu FT-1XDR is available from some retailers for about $239.95. I was going to wait for the Yaesu FT-70DR, but I have read that it has been delayed. Anyway, for those familiar with the Yaesu FT-1XDR, is this a good radio and is $239.95 a fair price for this? The Eham.net reviews seem pretty favorable.

Yaesu FT1D Product Reviews

 

[Aero125]

Its is being discontinued so hurry and get one while you can! Its a great radio and that is a good price.

 

[mrweather]

The FT-2DR does Fusion on both receivers? Wow, not even Yaesu's flagship mobile FTM-400DR does that.

 

[k6cpo]

The FT-2DR does Fusion on both receivers? Wow, not even Yaesu's flagship mobile FTM-400DR does that.

I'm curious about that too. I looked at the FT2 manual and I can't find anything that indicates it does Fusion on the B band.

I have an FT1DR, but if I had to go back and do it over again, I'd get the FT2. The biggest reason is the volume control. On the FT1 you have to press and hold a button on the side of the radio and then turn the knob the change the volume. It's a two-handed operation. On the FT2, there is a dedicate volume control knob. Much easier...