I've made 12 QSO’s, at 5w with just this handheld and the SRJ77CA antenna by Diamond, I've received numerous compliments and shocked contacts on the clarity, seems to always come in very clear and readable, the power might not be at full quieting but they can hear me, and can confirm my call sign and carry a conversation at nearly any frequency or repeater I've attempted. The guys using 50w at the same distance from the repeater always say “wow make sure you hang on to that HT don’t let that one go”. Easy to use, and I used the programming lead on my m1 mac book pro with the latest OS.
Tons of fun, very useful, powerful, clear and accessories are plenty available. If you're still on the fence, Buy it!!!!!
— June 01, 2023
FT-65R
Great handheld for the money. Easy to program , loud audio and very good for a first time or new ham. I love it.
— April 22, 2023
Great little handheld
Great little radio. Easy to program and use. Lots of YouTube videos with tutorials and tips
— April 11, 2023
Excellent!
Great little piece for EDC. Easy to program, a nice companion for the FT-65.
— July 05, 2021
Great hand held
This is a rock solid Dual-Band Analog hand held, Great range, Feels solid and comfortable, feels like quality all the way! Do not buy the programming software, it is free on the Yaesu website, and the programming cable from Yaesu is much less expensive ... Small enough to drop in your shirt or pants pocket. Very loud and clear for noisy environments. Comes with the charge stand and belt clip kit. for just around a hundred bucks, this is a fantastic quality, dual band radio. Great for Field Day, has programmable buttons, DTMF, Great battery life, Great range, Repeater support, If you want a great little analog VHF/UHF portable, consider this puppy!
VE9DW — August 03, 2020
Amazing!
Originally ordered as a hold over until another radio arrived. I end up using this more than any other HT I have. Great radio. Easy to program and use. Very durable.
Larry — July 14, 2018
VE3OEI
Great little radio. Easy to program and has lots of audio.
Also the Yaesu SSM-16B speaker mic fit this radio