KN4YZY

If you just passed your General, the big question is: “Which HF radio should I buy first?” I’ve got four in my shack, the Xiegu G90, the Icom IC-7300, the Yaesu FT-991A and the Yaesu FTX-1 Optima, so here’s how I’d think about it. Every one of them will make contacts. The right one depends on where you’ll operate and what you want to spend.

Level: Beginner  |  Time: About 5 minutes to read  |  Note: I’m not listing prices because they change all the time. Check current prices before you buy.

Xiegu G90: Best on a Budget

The G90 is a 20-watt HF radio with one of the best built-in tuners around. It’s small, it sips power, and it’s great for parks, camping and portable operating. The trade-offs: 20 watts instead of 100, HF only, and you’ll need the DE-19 add-on for digital modes. See all my G90 how-tos.

Icom IC-7300: Best Home HF Station

The IC-7300 gives you 100 watts on HF and 6 meters, a built-in tuner, a built-in sound card for FT8 over one USB cable, and that big touchscreen spectrum scope. If you want one radio that sits on the desk and does HF really well, this is a great pick. See all my IC-7300 how-tos.

Yaesu FT-991A: One Box for Everything

The FT-991A does HF and 6 meters at 100 watts, plus 2 meters and 70 centimeters for your local repeaters and nets. If you only have room for one radio and you want both HF and the repeaters, the FT-991A covers it all. See all my FT-991A how-tos.

Yaesu FTX-1 Optima: Home and Portable in One

My newest radio, the FTX-1 Optima. 100 watts on HF and 6 meters and 50 watts on 2 meters and 70 centimeters with the amplifier pack, and the field head comes off to use as a low-power portable radio. It’s the newest design of the four. See all my FTX-1 how-tos.

So Which One?

• Tight budget or mostly portable: G90
• A solid HF station at home: IC-7300
• HF plus local repeaters in one box: FT-991A
• One radio for the shack and the field: FTX-1 Optima

Gotchas

• Your license matters. Technicians have only limited HF privileges. Most of HF opens up with a General license.
• Budget for the extras. A 100-watt radio needs a power supply that can handle about 20 amps or more, plus an antenna and coax.
• The antenna matters more than the radio. A good antenna on a 20-watt radio beats a poor one on 100 watts.

Your Turn

What was your first HF radio, and would you buy it again? Tell me in the comments, and keep the questions coming. Yours might be next Friday’s post. More gear picks are in the Gear Shack, and every guide is on the Weekly How-To page.

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