In need of a new rig..

[Longrange308]

So I got rid of my Xterra, though I did hold onto the Kenwood 281 out of it, I am looking to upgrade to something with cross-band repeat for the new rig and maybe keep the Kenwood for a base station setup in the garage with an antenna on the roof, something simple but effective.

I am looking at the Yaesu 8800 and similar, but I am also looking at the Chinese knock-offs that have many of the same functions, with 75% the quality and 75% the price.

I am not hard on my stuff, and as much as I do like the Yaesu and ICOM stuff, its just a bit too spendy at the moment, I have a new house with a payment, a new (to me) car with a payment as well as other life expenses. Its difficult to come up with the additional $200 for the yaesu right now. But at least I already have a Yaesu VX7r...

Does anyone have any experience with the TYT or Anytone on here? I know I should just buy once, cry once.. But sometimes that's more difficult than it sounds..

Thanks for the input!

 

[nckwltn]

I have a difficult time trying to justify the price of name brand rigs as well..... I started with a Baofeng HT, but was willing to spend a bit more and now have a Yaesu HT (FT1DR) as well.

I've found this website to be really helpful with review of ham gear: http://www.eham.net/reviews/

 

[uli2000]

Look at some of the reviews of these Chinese mobile rigs. Poor receivers with bad filtering and image rejection. No service depots in the US, if you need warranty work you will have to ship it to China, thats if it even comes with a warranty the manufacturer will honor. If it was a $30 Baofeng HT I'd say go for it, but these Chinese mobiles are nearly as much as a comparable Kenwood or Yaesu. Personally, I'd rather have the peace of mind knowing a manufacturer will back up their word with parts and service in the US, if needed.

 

[Robert Bills]

Does anyone have any experience with the TYT or Anytone on here? I know I should just buy once, cry once.. But sometimes that's more difficult than it sounds..

Don't do it. Buy reliable gear when you can afford it. Until then make do with what you have. It's worked so far, hasn't it?