The Simple Secret to Choosing the Best HT

  In one video you might see me grab the Kenwood D75, and in the next, I’m raving about the Icom ID50 — while yet another clip has me touting the Baofeng Mini. 📻 I get it — seeing all those different radios can be confusing — especially for a new ham. But in reality, it’s super simple: I pick the radio that best fits my needs for that particular day or outing.

Some days I’m in the truck most of the time, and since it’s already equipped with an APRS setup, there’s really no need to carry an additional APRS radio on my belt. On that kind of day, the Icom ID50 is perfect. 🚗

Other days, I might need access to the 220 band, which means reaching for either the VX6 or D74/75. But if the day calls for running System Fusion, neither of those will cut it — that’s when I reach for the trusty Yaesu FT5. While I don’t love the APRS interface on the FT5 and it doesn't give us access to the TNC, it’s the only HT I own that handles System Fusion, and it gets the job done. 💪

The main takeaway? 🎯 Pick what you need based on the situation. If you’re just planning to chat on 146.52 FM or the local repeater, almost any handheld will do. The key is to analyze your needs so you can choose the right HT for the day.

And remember — don’t let YouTube or anyone else decide for you. Only you know what works best for your setup, your activities, and your budget. 👍