Yaesu FT7800 vs 8800? Worth another $100?

[fj80toyman]

I'm looking at a new permanent mount radio for my Landcruiser and considering the Yaesu's above. I currently have a HT Yaesu VX-5 that has done very well for me, but I want to dedicate a rig for my rig.

I like Yaesu, they're built well and my experience of N=1, has been favorable.

I've heard about both the 7800 and 8800 a lot, many run the 8800, I looked at it but I'm not sure I need all the bells/whistles. Something simple will do me fine but as I improve my skill, I wonder if there's something I'll wish I would have gotten.

I think I'll only use the most simple features, but where is Ham going? What features are cool and does the simplicity of the 7800 meet that direction?

Also, does anyone have any experience with the durability of the 7800? I really like the remote mount feature of both and would take advantage of that.

And, if anyone is absolutely convinced that there's a better radio for the money, chime in there too. Simple or otherwise. Trying to narrow down the search.

The difference between the 7800 and 8800 is about $100 right now. I can afford an 8800, but I am really trying to buy what I'll use and not buy more thinking "I may need that some day" -trying to get out of that mentality really.

Any advice appreciated. Dan.

[DaveK]

If you can afford the difference, it is well worth the cost. The bells and whistles are something that you will grow into without much difficulty.

The two differences, for me, that make it worth the price are 1) the ability to monitor two bands at the same time and 2) the cross band repeater function. From the Yaesu website:

The FT-8800R operates as two radios in one, with either 144 MHz or 430 MHz as the “Main” TX/RX band, while simultaneously monitoring the other band. Each band has its own Volume and Squelch controls. And, if you like, you can configure your FT-8800R for VHF-VHF or UHF-UHF operation, too!

Interestingly, the 7800 has the same max power for 2m as the 8800, but has 40 watts on 440 as opposed to 35 for the 8800. While this difference may not be something that most will ever appreciate, it is a small point in favor of the 7800.

Many members here run the 8800. In all honesty, however, you really can't go wrong with either radio. They are both very well made, very rugged and time tested. In the long run, I believe that you will be best served with the 8800.

[sdnative]

The biggest plus for me is the dual receive capability. It's like having two radios in one.

Almost always during a run, I will use one side for simplex comms within the group and the other side to monitor local repeaters and other simplex frequencies.

Probably not a big deal in small groups, but get in a large organized run like BorregoFest, and it's almost necessary.

That being said, I do have a few issues with the 8800. Namely the positions of the dials. It just seems like the layout can be better. And the amber doesn't match my dash lighting. But I'm just nitpicking now.

If I had the money, I would definitely consider the kenwood 710 as well. But that one has even more bells and whistles.

[fj80toyman]

Dave and Eric, thanks for your feedback, sorry it took me awhile to get back.
I've looked into the dual radio feature a little, that's pretty interesting for the reasons that both of you mentioned, I can see myself taking it to that level. I do think it would be useful to designate a local repeater during a run and also be able to monitor simplex for car-to-car comm.

I don't know the first thing about cross-band repeaters, but it sounds like a basic concept that would be useful, more so than some of the wazoo stuff that I know I would never use (I say that now!).

Still looking, Jun's is a little more expensive than HRO right now, but I'm closer to Jun's so I'd probably save gas money by going there anyway. It might be my Christmas present to me.

Eric, I'll look up the Kenwood 710 as well, I'm open to any suggestions at this point.

Thanks, Dan.

[DaveK]

Dave and Eric, thanks for your feedback, sorry it took me awhile to get back.
I've looked into the dual radio feature a little, that's pretty interesting for the reasons that both of you mentioned, I can see myself taking it to that level. I do think it would be useful to designate a local repeater during a run and also be able to monitor simplex for car-to-car comm.

I don't know the first thing about cross-band repeaters, but it sounds like a basic concept that would be useful, more so than some of the wazoo stuff that I know I would never use (I say that now!).

Still looking, Jun's is a little more expensive than HRO right now, but I'm closer to Jun's so I'd probably save gas money by going there anyway. It might be my Christmas present to me.

Eric, I'll look up the Kenwood 710 as well, I'm open to any suggestions at this point.

Thanks, Dan.

Dan:

You're in my neighborhood. If you want to see and use the 8800 radio, let me know via PM. You may want to see if anyone else has the Kenwood, which, BTW, is also an excellent radio but a little more pricey than either Yaesu.

[brentbba]

Dan - another vote for the 8800. I to enjoy monitoring simplex on one side and scanning repeaters on the other side. I also use the 10 memory banks. I've got repeaters programmed in by county and have a county in it's own bank. For the most travelled counties, I also then use the 6 hyperkeys to access that bank with one touch. Very handy! All this can be done on one side while monitoring simplex or a single repeater on the other side. It's way, way worth the $100 difference.

The single largest advantage in my mind is the dual bands. I'm considering for a handheld either the VX-6 or VX-7. The 6 is easier to program intuatively according to my Elmer, but the 7 is dual band for an add'l $45 and I'm leaning that way even tho the 7 is supposed to be much more of a PITA to program.