I don't really write articles about new radios BUT, THIS IS AN EXCEPTION !!!
i will keep this short...IF you are looking for an inexpensive QRP radio that you can easily haul on our militia (oops, I mean Portable Ops) safari's to POTAS and SOTAS, seriously look at this radio.
I have had both Yaesu 817 and 818 QRP radios and there is no comparison at this $600 price point.
Xiegu vs. Yaesu
10w/5w. 5w
larger batt. AA battery
Ant.Tuner. No tuner
large screen. Tiny screen
bandscope. No bandscope
Easy menus. So-so menus
firmware upgrades No firmware upgrades
Reliability is to be determined but so far, so good.
Please be clear, this IS NOT an Icom 705 or Elecraft KX2/KX3 but is a nice easy HF unit to field that doesn't cost $1300 or over $2K.
This is my opinion and I'm standing by it. 😊 Randy. KØTNG
I saw a new X6100 at WFD. Nice radio - I may have to try one. But don't be so down on the FT-817/818's. The 817 was designed 20 years ago and is quite good for small compact QRP rig. And they have 2m/440 all-mode which is quite handy when mountain topping - especially back east where there are a lot of guys on 2m SSB. I find myself taking my FT817 backpacking more than my KX2 because it has 2m/440.
73 Dave kx3dx
I carry an ht for 2m/70cm.
It's a great little radio. I've made voice contacts with Japan, Spain, Italy and South America on 5 W battery only. Conditions have been great.
73. KØTNG Randy
