Outdoor Adventure USA

I went on a long hike yesterday, with had no way to communicate with the group back at camp. Cell phones were worthless, as were the FRS radios we had.

I have decided to buy a 2m HT for times like this. I am still regretting selling my VX-6R.

My needs are pretty simple: ruggedized 2m HT radio with good performance and long battery life - and ~$150 or less.

I'm pretty impressed with the Yaesu VX-170 so far, but wanted to get people's opinions on it. And perhaps there is another radio I haven't considered. I would like the ability to use the 440 band, but it's not critical.

I'm happy as pig in... well you know, with my VX-170! I can put it in the FJ with an external antennae and hit Keller Peak from Escondido. I can even pick up Keller Peak with it in the house with the stock rubber duck if I'm in the right room!

sdnative wrote:I went on a long hike yesterday, with had no way to communicate with the group back at camp. Cell phones were worthless, as were the FRS radios we had.

I have decided to buy a 2m HT for times like this. I am still regretting selling my VX-6R.

My needs are pretty simple: ruggedized 2m HT radio with good performance and long battery life - and ~$150 or less.

I'm pretty impressed with the Yaesu VX-170 so far, but wanted to get people's opinions on it. And perhaps there is another radio I haven't considered. I would like the ability to use the 440 band, but it's not critical.

Tough to beat the Yaesu FT 60. Rugged, dual band and quite reasonably priced. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the other models but it gets the job done. I have been lending it out on many of the trips I have been on and it has not failed me yet, despite hard use, butter fingers and a ton of dust.

sdnative wrote:I went on a long hike yesterday, with had no way to communicate with the group back at camp. Cell phones were worthless, as were the FRS radios we had.

I have decided to buy a 2m HT for times like this. I am still regretting selling my VX-6R.

My needs are pretty simple: ruggedized 2m HT radio with good performance and long battery life - and ~$150 or less.

I'm pretty impressed with the Yaesu VX-170 so far, but wanted to get people's opinions on it. And perhaps there is another radio I haven't considered. I would like the ability to use the 440 band, but it's not critical.

I use a VX-170 as a backup radio, and it works great. It is mil-spec for vibration / dust / moisture, so it's rugged, too. Very simple to use, big display, the only negative might be is its' weight / size. And you can usually find them for under $130.00 new... (www.hamcity.com - tell them OAUSA / Larry referred you)

huh? I thought I sold you a VX6r at an excellent price too!

sdnative wrote:I am still regretting selling my VX-6R.

You did. At the time I wasn't using it at all and had a few dollars tied up in it. I'm just looking for something inexpensive for times like these.

Went in to HRO today to look at a few models. I think I will go with the VX-170.

Ya an HT is a nice thing to have. I'll end up buying another one down the line.

Anyone used the Yaesu VX-150?

Seems like a decent radio and HRO has it for $95 right now. Is the VX-170 worth an extra $40?

sdnative wrote:Anyone used the Yaesu VX-150?

Seems like a decent radio and HRO has it for $95 right now. Is the VX-170 worth an extra $40?

It's a great radio, tough, time tested, and ,mil spec. But, its just a single band, 2M. It does not have all of the extras that some of the other radios have, but it sounds like it is just what you are looking for from price to features. At e-ham it gets a 4.7/5 rating. AND, it's Yaesu month at HRO.

Thanks Dave. Both the 150 and 170 are 2m only, but the 170 has the nicer screen and it has more water resistance (completely submergable). I will probably just go with the 150 unless there is a convincing reason to pay $40 more for the 170.