About My Gear Recommendations
As an active ham radio operator, I've tested dozens of radios, antennas, and accessories over the years. The equipment on this page represents gear I personally use, have used extensively, or have thoroughly researched and trust to recommend.
How I Choose What to Recommend
- Personal Experience: I prioritize gear I've actually used in the field - on POTA activations, SOTA summits, and in my home shack.
- Value for Money: I recommend equipment that offers the best performance for its price point.
- Reliability: Amateur radio gear needs to work when you need it. I only recommend proven, reliable equipment.
- Community Feedback: I consider what other hams are saying in forums, reviews, and on the air.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links, primarily to Amazon. When you click these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the Ham Radio Dude website and YouTube channel, allowing me to continue creating content and testing new equipment.
My recommendations are based on my genuine opinions and experience. I never recommend products solely for affiliate commissions - your trust is more important than any commission.
Best Ham Radio for Different Uses
For POTA (Parks on the Air): Portable QRP radios with built-in batteries and antenna tuners are ideal. Look for the Icom IC-705, Xiegu G90, or Elecraft KX2.
For SOTA (Summits on the Air): Ultra-lightweight gear is essential. Consider the Elecraft KX2 or Mountain Topper for minimal weight.
For FT8 and Digital Modes: Any modern HF transceiver with USB connectivity works great. The Icom IC-7300 is a popular choice.
For Beginners: Start with a quality VHF/UHF handheld, then expand to HF with an entry-level radio like the Xiegu G90 or Yaesu FT-891.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Parks on the Air (POTA), I recommend portable QRP radios like the Icom IC-705, Xiegu G90, or Elecraft KX2. These offer excellent performance, built-in features like antenna tuners and batteries, and are designed for field operations. The IC-705 is particularly popular due to its all-band capability and built-in battery.
Beginners should start with a quality VHF/UHF handheld for local repeaters and conversations. Once comfortable, expand to HF with an entry-level radio like the Xiegu G90 (budget-friendly with ATU), Yaesu FT-891 (rugged and reliable), or save up for an Icom IC-7300 (excellent SDR with waterfall display). Join a local club for hands-on help!
For FT8 digital mode, you need: (1) An HF transceiver with USB audio or CAT control, (2) A computer running WSJT-X software, (3) A sound card interface if your radio doesn't have USB (many modern radios like the IC-7300 have this built-in). You'll also need an HF antenna appropriate for your target bands.
Popular portable HF antennas include: End-fed half-wave (EFHW) antennas for multi-band operation, linked dipoles for specific bands, vertical antennas like the Packtenna or Super Antenna for quick deployment. The best choice depends on your operating style - EFHW antennas are great for trees, verticals work well in open areas.